Ready for the long weekend? There will be tons of things to do in Ottawa, including some amazing events such as the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Chinatown Night Market, the Serbian Festival, the Latin American festival and much more! Share this post with your family and friends!
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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Hot Air Balloon Festival
Look up and enjoy the view of a sky lit up with a thousand colours! Or book a ride on a hot air balloon! Two take offs a day: at 6:30am and 6:30pm. You can attend the morning take-offs for free. Day pass: $49,99. Children 10 and under free. Enjoy concerts, an amusement park, inflatable games, lawn games, silent disco, fireworks, and much more. When: Aug 29-Sept 2. Thu-Fri 5-11:30pm. Sat-Sun 10:30am-11:30pm. Mon 10:30am-5pm. Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 St-Louis St, Gatineau Details: montgolfieresgatineau.com
2. Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
It’s back for a second time this summer. Enjoy oriental culinary delights, live performances, and family friendly activities, all in a lively atmosphere. FREE. When: Aug 30- Sept 1. Fri 2-11pm. Sat 11am-11pm. Sun 11am-8pm. Where: Somerset St W between Bronson and Bell St. Details: ottawachinatown.ca
3. Ottawa Serbian Festival
Celebrate Serbian style with live music, Balkan dance performances, sport competitions, Serbian culinary delicacies and kids activities. FREE. When: Aug 31-Sept 2 Where: 1989 Prince of Wales Drive Details: https://serbianfest.svetistefan.ca/
4. Latin American Festival
Come celebrate the rich Latin American culture. Watch a colourful parade, enjoy dance and music performances, kids’ activities and cuisine from different Latin American countries. FREE. When: Sunday Sept 1, 11am-8pm. Parade: 1pm-3pm Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park. Details: https://latinamericanfestival-latino.org/
5. Spectrum Street Festival
An all-ages series of summer concerts, daytime activities, art, and community building. Enjoy live performances, sand box, video games truck, scavenger hunt, local vendors, bouncy castles, karaoke, silent rave, and much more. FREE. When: Aug 16- Sept 2; 10am-10pm. Where: Somerset St W between Bank and O’Connor. Details: indigenousmarkets.ca
6. Open Doors at Rideau Hall
Discover the State rooms of Rideau Hall at your own pace and tour the greenhouses and gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. FREE. When: Aug 31-Sept 2, 10am-4pm. Where: 1 Sussex Drive Details: gg.ca
7. Atletico Ottawa vs Vancouver FC
Atletico Ottawa is looking to spice things up in their match vs Vancouver FC, with La Fiesta Night. Come cheer on the team, while getting your Fiesta face on with vibrant music, dance and international cuisine. Tickets from $20 When: Saturday Aug 31 at 7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa Details: https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca/
8. 613 Flea
Discover your next find, treasure or masterpiece as 613 Flea makes it return to Lansdowne. Antiques, boutiques, vintage clothes, and more. And bring an appetite as there will be food too. FREE. When: Saturday Aug 31, from 10m to 4pm. Where: Aberdeen Square (Lansdowne Park), 1015 Bank St. Details: https://www.613flea.ca/
9. Capital Pop Up Cinema: Space Jam
What’s up Doc? Capital Pop Up Cinema sponsored by the Lowertown Community Resource Centre presents another film classic under the stars …Space Jam. Bring a chair, blanket and the whole family to watch Bugs and Michael Jordan shoot some hoops and create some laughs. FREE When: Saturday Aug 31 at 8pm (dusk) Where: Jules Morin Park, 400 Clarence St, Ottawa Details: https://www.capitalpopupcinema.com/spacejam
10. Lansdowne Park Movie Nights
Enjoy movie nights on Thursday or Friday evenings at sunset at Lansdowne Park. This Thursday: The Princess Bride. FREE.
When: Thursday Aug 29 at 7:45pm
Where: Lansdowne Park South Court.
Details: https://oldottawasouth.ca/news/2024/07/26/lansdowne-park-movie-nights/
11. Ottawa Titans Baseball Club
The Titans take the diamond vs the Quebec Capitales, and bring a show to fans with a post game fireworks extravaganza. First 500 fans will receive the full 2024 Player Card Set. Tickets from $12. When: Friday Aug 30 at 6:30pm (Gates open at 5:30) Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa Details: https://www.ottawatitans.com
12. Twilight Cinema
A chance for some cinema under the stars in Chelsea with Twilight Cinema presenting “Le Temps d’un été”, a heart-warming story of friends, woven with laughter, silences and tears. Tickets $5 for adults, children FREE When: Thursday Aug 29 at 8pm (dusk) Where: Terrace du Square, 248 Old Chelsea, Chelsea, Quebec Details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/820465776874921
13. Merhaba Festival 2024
Join the Merhaba Festival 2024, hosted by the Anabs Eritrean Sports Club, to celebrate culture, mental health, and community spirit. This annual event features activities for all ages, promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering connections among Ottawa residents. When: Saturday Aug 31, 5pm to September 1, 7pm. Where: Terry Fox Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario Details: On Facebook
14. Perth Fair
Celebrate Labour Day weekend at the Perth Fair, an annual agricultural event packed with fun activities for all ages. Enjoy demolition derbies, tractor and truck pulls, lawn mower races, WoofJocks, and more, along with a variety of displays and competitions. Tickets: $5-$15, available at the door. When: Aug 30–Sept 2. Friday: Noon-10pm. Saturday: 9am-10pm. Sunday: 9am-9pm. Monday: 9am-4pm. Where: Perth FairGrounds, 50 Arthur St, Perth, ON.
More things to do this long weekend in Ottawa
15. Ottawa Craft Beer Week
Explore Ottawa’s vibrant craft beer scene with a diverse lineup of events, brewery tours, tastings, prizes, and more. For a full list of participating breweries and additional details, visit OCBW’s website or Instagram page! August 23-30.
Thursday
16. House of Paint T’s OG500 Poetry Slam
Join House of PainT for the city’s largest poetry slam, the OG500! This intense competition hosts some of the most talented poets facing off in a three-round competition with audience voting and a special panel of guest judges. Tickets: $25. When: Thursday, Aug 29, 7pm. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.
17. Milestones presented by Pieces of Us
Join Pieces of Us for “Milestones,” celebrating its second anniversary with an evening of performances by Luna Elle, NTHNSOLO, Miss Mcleod, Alaina Ravello, Naomi SV, Fokhus, and Jacqui Du Toit. This event provides a creative space to celebrate significant achievements and personal victories. Tickets: $49.26 + tax. When: Thursday, Aug 29, 7pm-10:30pm Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa.
18. Trillium Championship Shows
Annual championship show presented by the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association. The theme for Trillium Champs this year is the Olympics, so competitors can look forward to lots of activities and awards based on Zone spirit and friendly zone competition. FREE. When: Thursday, Aug 29, 8am- Sunday, Sept 1, 4pm. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road. Details: https://www.thja.ca/about-1
Friday
19. Stormont County Fair
Experience the excitement of the Stormont County Fair, a long-standing Labour Day weekend tradition in Newington. Explore agricultural displays, enjoy thrilling events like the Demolition Derby, and participate in a variety of shows, games, and entertainment. Tickets: $15 – $25. When: Aug 30-Sept 2, Where: 25 Fairground Dr, Newington, Ontario.
Saturday
20. Candlelights concerts
Discover music From Bach to The Beatles or enjoy “A Tribute to Pink Floyd” at The Gladstone Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tickets: $46.50 – $88.00. Saturday, Aug 31, 6:30 pm, 8:45 pm. Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave.
21. Fall Fun at Cannamore Orchards
Family Fun Weekends full of fall activities for the whole family at Cannamore Orchard farm. Pick your own apples from many varieties, visit the giant hedge mazes, ride on the famous cow-train or use the pedal cars to bring back what you’ve picked. Tickets: $15 per person. Kids under 3 – FREE. When: Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Where: Cannamore Orchards, 1480 County Road 32
22. Horse Lovers’ Weekend
Celebrate the integral role of horses in Canada’s history at Upper Canada Village’s Horse Lovers’ Weekend. This three-day festival highlights the Canadian Horse, with riding, driving, and working horse demonstrations, and engages with community partners. Tickets: $16 – $25; Children free. When: Aug 31–Sept 2, 9:30am–5pm. Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, Ontario.
Sunday
23. Le Burgers Week Ottawa
Toss the hotdogs aside as Le Burgers week comes to the Capital. Experience how various local restaurants put their own take on what a burger can be and vote on your favourite. Expect more than just a patty and a bun. Price varies per creation/restaurant. When: Sunday Sept 1–Sunday Sept 8. Where: Various restaurants, Ottawa Details:
https://leburgerweek.com/enOther recurring events in Ottawa
24. Cirque du Soleil Echo
World renowned Cirque de Soleil returns to the capital with ECHO, a story of the balance between people, animals and the world we share. Visuals and acrobatics galore. Tickets from $73. Premiere Night: Thursday Aug 22. Until Sunday Sept 22, various times. Where: The Big Top, Place des Festival ZIBI, 60 rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau. Details:
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
Fifteen-year-old Christopher is brilliant but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured beyond the end of his block, but now he is determined to uncover who killed his neighbour’s dog. His relentless detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down. Based on the best-selling novel, the play has won multiple Tony and Olivier Awards including Best Play in London and New York. Adults $30, 60+ $26, Students $14. August 21 to September 7, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30pm. Matinee Sundays at 2:30pm. At Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa.
26. “Sizzling Hot” Art Show
The Art Hub provides a place for art lovers to view unique pieces like paintings, photography, sculpture, fibre art, jewellery, pottery, and various art products for gifts. Admission: FREE. From Wednesday, August 21 to September 29 from 10am-7pm. At Arts Carleton Place Art Hub Gallery, 50 Bennett St., Unit 1, Carleton Place, Ottawa.
Experience the global phenomenon Come From Away, a heartwarming musical that tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them after 9/11. Tickets: Starting at $120 USD. Ages: 10+. When: August 16-Sept 1, 2pm, 7:30pm. Where: Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
28. U-pick flowers & sunflowers at Green Corners Farm
Visit a local farm and wander through the flower field and create your own freshly picked bouquet! You can choose from sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, marigolds and more. Come with your family, friends and pets, enjoy seasonal blooming and have a small picnic in a dedicated area. Friday through Monday, 9am-11:30am and 4pm-6:30pm. At 1259 Yorks Corners Road. Tickets: $4.42–$22.12, kids under 5 – FREE. Details:
https://greencorners.ca/shop/u-pick-bouquets/
29. Salsa Sundays
Join this free weekly dance class taught by instructors from the University of Ottawa’s Salsa Club. No partner needed. The instructors will have you feeling the Latin spirit in no time! Sundays from June 9 to September 1 from 3pm to 5pm. At George Street Plaza, 55 Byward Market Square.
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. Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition
Discover the basics of money and personal finance in a fun, play-based exhibition designed for kids. Explore interactive displays and activities that teach financial literacy in an engaging way. FREE. On now until November 24. 7 days a week. 10am-5pm. At Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa.
33. Salsa at City Hall
Join an enthusiastic team of instructors to learn how to dance Salsa and other Latin dance styles (bachata, kizomba, hustle, son cubano or zouk) and stay for fun social dancing afterwards. FREE. When: Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 10pm. Where: City Hall, 150 Laurier Ave W. Details: salsacityhall.com
34. 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).
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
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!
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