Summer is an awesome time in Ottawa! The capital doesn’t get short of events and things to do! Here is your weekly roundup of weekend events. Find everything from musical events to food and cultural events, sports and much more!
Share this article with your friends and subscribe to the free newsletter if you want to receive all this in your inbox! Elevate Your Weekends
Contents
14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Bluesfest
Ottawa’s summer signature festival is here! The lineup this weekend includes Maroon 5 (Sunday July 7), 50 Cent (Saturday July 6) and Nickleback (Friday July 5) among other artists. Tickets from $87. When: July 4-14 from 5:40pm to 11pm Where: Lebreton Flats Details: ottawabluesfest.ca
2. Thai Street Food Festival
Savor Thai cuisine, enjoy traditional Thai dance, watch Muay Thai demonstrations, and unwind with a blissful Thai Massage. FREE admission. When: Sunday July 7 from 11am to 6pm. Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way. Details: thaifest.ca
3. Natsu Masuri
Enjoy Japanese food, activities, crafts, performances, and vendors. FREE admission. When: Saturday July 6 from 11am to 4pm. Where: Sandy Hill Community Centre and Annie Pootoogook Park. Details: ojca.ca
4. Capital Pou Up Cinema
Enjoy free outdoors movie screenings. This weekend: Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr Strangelove”. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. FREE. When: Friday July 5 at dusk. (Approx 8:45pm) Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave. Details: @capitalpopupcinema
5. Relief of the Sentries
Watch this ceremonial event in which four sentries are led by a bagpiper and two escorts to their posts at Sussex Gate and the front of the Governor General’s residence. They are dressed in full scarlet tunics and bearskin caps. FREE. When: Sat-Sun incl holiday Mondays; 10am-5pm on the hour. Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive Details: gg.ca
6. 613 Flea
Shop from over 150 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, food and much more. FREE. When: Saturday July 6 from 10am to 4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne park, 1015 Bank St. Details: @613flea
7. Atletico Ottawa vs Pacific FC
Soak in the tropical vibes at the Atletico Beach Party as they take on Pacific FC. A $1000 prize for the best beach inspired outfit, so bring your sand style to the stadium. Tickets from $20. When: Sunday July 7 at 1pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa Details: https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca/article/next-home-match-beach-party-on-july-7th-at-1pm
8. International Puppet Festival
Classic tales with strings attached. Be mesmerized at Ottawa’s International Puppet Festival featuring master puppeteers from Canada, Turkey and Kazakhstan. Tickets from $25. When: July 3-6, various times. Where: Academic Hall, University of Ottawa, 135 Seraphin-Marion Private Details: https://www.ottawaartscouncil.ca/events-news/international-ottawa-puppet-festival
9. Cirque Italia Water Circus
Run off and watch the circus, as Cirque Italia presents its unique fusion of high energy acts, death defying stunts, and a water stage designed to stream you to smile. Tickets from $35. When: July 3-7, various times Where: St Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa Details: https://cirqueitalia.com/Water-Circus-Gold
10. Miguel de Armas Along the Canal
Setting sail with spice. Famed Cuban pianist Miguel de Armas & friends perform on a travelling Showboat heading down the canal, bringing a Latin fiesta for your shoreside picnic. FREE When: Saturday July 6, at 4:30pm. Where: NAC start then, along the Rideau Canal. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36374
11. Music & Beyond – Opening Night GALA
Classing up the capital, the Music & Beyond Festival brings the best of classical music performances as their 12-day festival kicks off with the Opening Night Gala. Tickets from $20 When: Friday July 5, 7:30-9:30pm. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers, 290 Lisgar St, Ottawa Details: https://musicandbeyond.ca/
12. Canada Men’s Rugby vs Scotland
Try not to miss this event as Canada’s Men’s Rugby team kicks off their 2024 season against 6th ranked Scotland for the honour of the Douglas JL Horn Memorial Cup. Tickets from $40. When: Saturday July 6, at 5pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa Details: https://www.tdplace.ca/event/canadas-mens-rugby-team/
13. Afrosphere: An Afrobeat(s) Music Experience
Celebrate Afrobeat(s) in Canada’s capital with an immersive block party. Enjoy live music, interactive activities, local artisans, and delicious food. Featuring performances from a local Afrobeat(s) collective and a renowned DJ. When: Friday July 5, 2024, 5:30pm-10:30pm. Where: Baccanalle, 1805 Gaspé Avenue, Ottawa.
14. Gatineau Comedy Festival
Laugh out loud at the Gatineau Comedy Festival, featuring comedians like Laurent Paquin, Les Grandes Crues, Patrick Groulx, and Mehdi Bousaidan. Enjoy three days of hilarious French-language performances. When: July 4-6, 2024 Where: Place de la Cité, Gatineau, Québec More Info: https://www.humourgatineau.com/
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
15. A Summer Odysee Escape the summer heat and experience the NAC Orchestra with a musical world premiere, a renowned violin sensation, and Japanese sci-fi magic. Enjoy “Also sprach Zarathustra,” Kerson Leong’s rendition of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto, and the debut of “1Q84: Sinfonettia Metamoderna” by Ian Cusson. Thursday, July 4, 8 pm. At Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
16. Ottawa Summer Tournament
Experience the thrill of show jumping at the Ottawa Summer Tournaments! Hosted at Wesley Clover Parks, this event features hundreds of horses and riders from July 3-7 and July 10-14, 2024. FREE admission for kids 12 and under! Enjoy must-see classes, family activities, local vendors, and a kid’s zone. When: July 3-7 and July 10-14, 2024 Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa.
17. Hollyrood Country Jamboree
Don’t miss out on the fun! Join the Hollyrood Country Jamboree, a camping country music event with a friendly atmosphere! Explore local vendors and share your love of country music with others. Tickets are $35.40 to $150.44. From Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6. At 901 Harmony Rd. Corbyville, ON.
18. Almonte Celtfest
Enjoy a weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment at Almonte Celtfest. Celebrate historical Celtic traditions with local performers and explore unique artisans and vendors offering specialty goods with a Celtic flair. When: July 5-7, 2024 Where: Gemmill Park, Almonte, Ontario.
Saturday
19. Urban Art Collective Saturday Themed Markets
Discover unique creations at the Urban Art Collective’s Saturday Themed Markets. The first market will feature local makers showcasing their crafts, When: Saturday July 6, 2024. Where: Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset Street West, Ottawa.
20. Alan Jackson Experience – Too Much of a Good Thing
Enjoy a night of country music with the Alan Jackson Experience. Aaron Halliday, the International Singer Songwriter Association Entertainer of the Year, will perform an incredible tribute to Alan Jackson, inviting the audience to sing along to his greatest hits. Tickets from $44 to $59. Saturday, July 6, at 7 pm. At Algonquin College, Ottawa.
21. Summer Dream Comedy Tour
A comedy show is coming to Ottawa featuring the renowned stand-up comedian Sai Kit Lo, who has millions of followers on social media. His shows are a huge success and are widely popular on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The event will include performances by Bidhur Walia, Aidan Long, and Luke Lynndale. Tickets from $17.31 to $22.63. Saturday, July 6, at 9 pm. At 291 Dalhousie St, Ottawa.
22. Carleton Place Kids Fishing Derby
The Kids Fishing Derby is returning this summer! Sign up for a boat launch on the same day and enjoy a family-friendly morning. Refreshments and hot dogs will also be provided. This is a FREE event. Saturday, July 6, from 9 am to 1 pm. At Riverside Park, Carleton Place, ON.
23. Salon des assoifés
Enjoy a premier tasting event at Salon des assoifés, featuring wine, cider, beer, mead, and spirits. Discover nearly 300 products from over 45 esteemed producers and importers, complemented by oyster pairings. Your ticket includes a wine glass with unlimited tastings for your chosen time slot. Tickets from $75 to $95. Saturday, July 6, from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. At Canevas, 425 Boulevard St-Joseph, Gatineau, QC.
24. Glebe Art & Garden Tour
Artists will exhibit their artworks in various studios or gardens in the Glebe neighborhood. Saturday July 6 and Sunday July 7 from 10am to 4pm. Details: glebearttour.ca
25. Arlington Art Market
Shop an array of local vendors. Saturday July 6 from 10am to 3pm. At Arlington Avenue between Bank and Kent St.
Sunday
26. Zumba on the Hill
Come, dance, and enjoy the Zumba Party at Parliament Hill with certified instructors. FREE. When: Sundays, 4pm-5:15pm Where: Parliament Hill Details: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaontheHill
27. Lansdowne Market
Shop from over 75 vendors offering the finest local produce, baked goods, pantry essentials, crafts, hot meals, and much more. Pets are allowed. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way. Ottawa.
28. Nepean Night Market
Bringing amazing vendors, food trucks, music and family fun. FREE. Every Sunday from 5pm-9pm. At Mr Lube Parking Lot, 1442 Baseline Rd, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook
Other recurring events in Ottawa
29. ByWard Night Market
Be serenaded by the Cinq a Sept ByWard Concert Series on select Thursdays nights at George St. Plaza while you shop, eat and discover some of Ottawa’s most awesome artisans and creators. June 27 – August 29, from 5pm to 9pm. At 55 Byward Market Square, William Street (between George and York).
30. Wellness in Westboro
Join the Wellness Community of Westboro and nurture your soul and body with a variety of fitness classes guided by professional instructors. From kickboxing and strength classes to restorative Pilates and mindfulness meditation, the Westboro Village encourages all participants to stay active while having fun! Cost: $10 minimum per class. All proceeds will go to the Churchill Alternative School playground renewal. When: every Saturday until August 31 from 10 am to 11 am. Where: Lions Park at 294 Elmgrove Ave. Ottawa.
31. 2nd annual Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest
Check out the second annual Ottawa BagelShop MusicFest this summer! Enjoy the performances of 40 local talented musicians while you shop. The show is FREE. The event will be taking place every Wednesday and Sunday at 2:30pm until August 11. At 1321 Wellington Street West. Ottawa.
32. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Spend a delightful day in nature at the Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park, where you can explore stunning sculptures in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-generational Canadian Institution. Tickets from $7 to $60, Kids under 10 years old free. The Sanctuary will be open every weekend until October. At 3468 Old Montreal Road Cumberland, Ottawa.
33. Hintonburg Night Market
You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W. Ottawa.
34. Pirate Life Ottawa
An immersive, family pirate adventure. Climb aboard a ship and sail in search of a treasure at Mooney’s Bay. From May to October. Tickets are $45, $40 or $35. Children 3 and under are free. At 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa.
35. NCC Weekend Bikedays
The NCC will close three parkways to vehicles on the weekends for the active use of the public whether it is biking, roller skating, walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. When: Weekends (including holiday Mondays) between May 11 and Oct 14. From 8am. Where: Kichi Sibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Ottawa. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays
36. Outdoor Public Market
Come explore the Market, filled with artisanal goods, food makers, and retailers. FREE. Open everyday. At Byward Market Square and George St, Ottawa.
37. Metcalfe Farmers Market
Over 45 vendors offering all products locally made, grown or created by the vendors. FREE. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
38. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Lots of FREE parking (but please stay out of the reserved Agriculture Canada spots).
Enjoy!!