Summer is in full force now and the lineup of cool events in Ottawa just keeps getting better!! From concerts to volleyball and rugby events, markets, outdoor movies, salsa classes… there is something for everybody this weekend!!
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16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Hope Volleyball
This is the world’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, and the vibe is amazingly contagious! It’s all about simultaneous volleyball competitions along with DJ music, food and drinks. FREE admission. Paid concerts from 12pm. Tickets: $25 and $30 at the gate. When: Saturday July 13 from 8am to 4:30pm. Where: Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Dr. Details: hopehelps.com
2. Bluesfest
This is Ottawa’s summer signature festival! The lineup this weekend includes Nas (Sunday July 14), Mötley Crüe (Saturday July 13) and Tyler Childers (Friday July 12) among other artists. Tickets from $75 before tax. When: July 4-14 from 5:40pm to 11pm. Where: Lebreton Flats Park Details: ottawabluesfest.ca
3. European Union Cultural Festival
Enjoy food and drink samples, performances, engaging games, informative booths, food trucks, and exciting giveaways. There will be plenty of soccer activities, including a chance to win tickets to the Euro Cup finals watch party. FREE. When: Saturday July 13 from 10am to 4pm. Where: Lansdowne Park, great lawn. Details: IG @euincanada
4. Salsa at City Hall
The popular Salsa classes at the City Hall are back! Join an enthusiastic team of instructors to learn how to dance Salsa and stay for fun social dancing afterwards. FREE. When: Wednesday July 10 from 6:30pm to 10pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W. Details: IG @outdoorsalsaott
5. Men’s Rugby Canada vs Romania
Cheer on Canada’s men rugby team in this thrilling match against Romania. Canada and Romania are next to each other in the World’s ranking and they will fight to advance. Big hits, big tries, big fun! Start your weekend off right!
When: Friday July 12 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Secure your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/31006090C7F4376D
6. Parkdale Market 100th Birthday Party
UPDATE: Event postponed due to weather. New date is July 17.
This iconic market is turning 100 years old and will celebrate with all the hallmarks of a birthday bash including over 60 vendors, DJ, photo booth, kids games, birthday cake, a magic show and balloons. FREE. Details: IG @parkdalepublicmarket
7. NACO Brass Ensemble
Experience the sounds of the NAC Orchestra as they provide a captivating soundtrack from aboard a showboat, as you walk, run, bike, or rollerblade along the scenic Rideau Canal. FREE When: Saturday July 13, 4:30 pm Where: Along the Rideau Canal Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36377
8. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Enjoy free outdoor movie screenings and experience a special evening this weekend in Westboro Village, one of the most unique neighborhoods in Ottawa. This weekend: The Truman Show. FREE When: Friday July 12 at dusk (Around 8:45 pm) Where: The lot beside the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Rd, Ottawa Details: https://www.capitalpopupcinema.com/schedule
9. Company of Fools: Macbeth
Immerse yourself in the spellbinding tale of ambition, power, and fate as the highly anticipated production of Macbeth bewitches parks across Ottawa this summer. Pay what you can. When: July 8 – August 24, 7pm–8:30 pm Where: Several parks around Ottawa. Details: https://fools.ca/macbeth/
10. Adidas & Herschell Ottawa Warehouse Sale
Get ready to score up to 80% off thousands of items for men, women & kids with the Adidas Warehouse Sale in Ottawa! These deals cannot be missed – get your closet ready! FREE. When: July 10-14; Wed-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-6pm Where: 4899 Uplands Drive, Hall 1 & 2, Ottawa Details: https://www.styledemocracy.com/
11. Ottawa Summer Tournaments
Experience the thrill of show jumping at the Ottawa Summer Tournaments! This event is hosted at Wesley Clover Parks and features hundreds of horses and riders. FREE admission for kids 12 and under! When: July 10-14, 9am to 5pm Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa. Details: https://www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/
12. The Big Bounce
Have fun with the world’s biggest bouncy castle and much more at Saunders Farm! Tickets from $ 30. When: July 13-14 Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa Details: https://thebigbouncecanada.ca/event/ottawa/
13. Ottawa Valley Roller Derby
Enjoy a season of full-contact roller derby games. Tickets $15 – available at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free. Limit 2 kids per adult. Saturday July 13. Doors open at 5:30pm – Game1: 6pm and Game2: 8pm. At St. Laurent Complex, 525 Côté Street.
14. From Colombia to the World
Celebrate Colombia’s Independence Day. Live music, a fair of Latin American businesses, games for children, cultural performances, and much more. FREE. Saturday July 13 from 12pm to 8pm. At Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Avenue, Ottawa.
15. Fanaticcon
Fanaticcon is the ultimate fan convention, featuring vintage toys, comics, retro games, stunning art, jaw-dropping costumes, special guests, entertainment galore and more. Sunday July 14, from 11am to 5pm. General Admission $20, VIP $23, Kids FREE. At Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Tuesday to Friday
16. Ottawa Titans vs Trois Rivieres
Come watch a baseball game where the Ottawa Titans face the Trois Rivieres. Admission: $12-20 (depending on seating area). Tuesday, July 9-11, at 6:30pm. At Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa.
17. Twilight Cinema
Enjoy an outdoor film screening in French under the stars with family and friends. “Les jours heureux”, a drama from a Montreal-based writer-director about a young orchestra conductor who finds herself at a crossroads in her life and career. Wednesday, July 10, 9pm Terrasse du Square, 248 Old Chelsea, Quebec. Tickets: $5 adult. Children 12 and under, free.
18. The Chef’s Table
A farm-to-table feast with menus curated by Canadian chefs; dining on a spacious patio; with live musical entertainment performed from a floating stage on the Rideau Canal. Admission:$139. Thursday, July 11-27, from 6-9pm. At 1 Elgin, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
19. Ottawa Comedy Cabaret Cruise
Get ready to laugh the night away with a comedy cabaret, set against breathtaking sunset views! Admission: $32.50. Thursday, July 11 and 25, from 7:30-8:30pm. At Pirate Life, 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa.
20. Womansplaining Show
Enjoy an evening of humorous discussions in French in a show hosted by Noémie Leduc Roy and Anne-Sarah Charbonneau. Artists Liliane Blanco-Binette and Tranna Wintour will talk about a topic of their choice, all from a feminist angle. Friday, July 12, 8pm. Terrasse du Square, 248 Old Chelsea, Quebec. Tickets: adult $27. Children 12 and under, free.
21. Lil et Misk
Lil et Misk is an original artistic creation by Walid Gharbi, a composer, musician, and creator who blends the arts and contemporary culture. Admission: FREE. Friday, July 12, from 7:30-9pm. At Parc Mousette, 361 Bd de Lucerne, Gatineau, Quebec.
Saturday
22. Swing on The Hill
Step into the 1920s-40s with music, dance, and laughter against Parliament’s stunning backdrop. Admission: FREE. Saturday, July 13, from 1-5:30 pm. At Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
23. Beach Tennis Festival
The beach tennis community is coming together from across Canada for this 2-day event! Admission: $50 (some activities are free). Saturday, July 13 and 14, at 9am and 11:30am. At Ottawa Tennis & Lawn Bowling Club,176 Cameron Ave, Ottawa.
24. Ottawa’s Creative Marketplace Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs
A day of creativity and community at Ottawa’s Creative Marketplace Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs. Saturday July 13, from 11am to 3pm. At Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Road, Ottawa. Ottawa Markets Collective will donate profits to a local youth charity.
25. St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
The Tempest by William Shakespeare, directed by James Wallis. This imaginative play will illuminate the amphitheatre each night, where the natural background of the St. Lawrence River will bring to life the dream-like world of this Shakespearean romance. Saturday July 13 at 7pm. Cost: Adults $38, Students $26, Children (14 and under) FREE. There will be a Pay What You Can Preview Performance July 12 at 7pm, tickets available at the door only. At Kinsmen Amphitheatre, Prescott, ON.
26. Mud Hero Ottawa
Take part in the largest all-Canadian obstacle event series with your family, friends and kids, get covered head-to-toe in mud, enjoy the outdoor wash station and finalize the experience with some food, drinks, and music. You can choose between 6 km and 12 km courses for adults and challenge the kids on a 1.5km race course. Don’t forget your ID card and some cash for parking, food and bevies. Saturday, July 13, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Commando Action Centre, 4565 Dunning Rd, Navan. Tickets: adult $89.99-$145.99, children $55, visitor pass $10.
27. All British Car Day
If you have a passion for British cars or even own one, visit a unique event that is dedicated to showcasing legendary classic cars from Great Britain, including Rolls Royce, Bentley, MG, Austin-Healey, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Sunbeam and Mini. See all the amazing vendors, find modern merchandise or a piece of nostalgia. FREE. Saturday, July 13, 10am-3pm. Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan Street, Ottawa.
Sunday
28. Vintage Vehicle Experience
Chat with car owners and see partially restored, restored, and un-restored vehicles from before 1940. Discover how Ford Model T and Model A cars transformed over the 20s and 30s. Become a Tin Can Tourist—learn about vehicle camping trends during the interwar years. Take a ride around the village in a vintage vehicle (weather and conditions permitting). Sunday, July 14 from 10am to 2pm. Cost: Family $22.49 (2 adults and accompanying children), Adult $8.88, Child $6.28, Student/Senior – $6.28. Free for children 5 and under. At Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
29. 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
30. 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
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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).
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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!!