The summer isn’t over yet! We will have a beautiful summery weekend with an amazing line up of events and things to do in Ottawa! Check this out and share with your friends!
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Contents
15 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.The Viva México Festival
Enjoy music, dance, food, cultural experiences, and activities for the whole family. Experience a traditional Sonoran “Carnita Asada” lunch, the magnificent “Deer Dance” and the unique Grito (shout) ceremony. FREE. When: Sept 13-15. Fri-Sat 12-10pm. Sun 12-7:30pm. Where: Sparks St between Kent and Lyon. Details: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx
2. Byward Barket
Bring your puppy to the market for a day dedicated to our furry-babies. Make sure to visit @rideau.petvalu in George St Plaza for free samples. Dog fashion show at 1pm at 102 Clarence St. FREE. When: Sunday Sept 15, 11am-5pm. Where: George St Plaza, 55 Byward Market Square. Details: @bywardmarket
3. Open NCC
Get a behind-the-scenes peek into the day-to-day activities and projects happening in the National Capital Region. There will be walking, cycling and boat tours at many interesting spots. FREE. Some tours need registration in advance. When: Saturday Sept 14, 10am-3pm. Where: Different venues. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/open-ncc
4. Orleans Ribfest & Poutine
Featuring award-winning Ribbers from the US and Canada, Live Entertainment all weekend long, a new Bevvy Bar, Henna Art, Bouncy Castles, a new “Cookoff Competition”, and much more. FREE. When: Sept 13-15, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Sun 11am-7pm. Where: 255 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans. Details: On Facebook
5. Taste of Manotick
Enjoy a day of sipping and savouring delicious samples from local eateries, cafes, and shops as they line Manotick Main Street and the Mews. Live music, family friendly activities, and a car show. FREE. When: Saturday September 14, 2pm-7pm. Where: Manotick Main St. Details: manotickvillage.com
6. Cineplex Community Day 2024
Offering a morning of free movies and gaming with discounted concessions. This is a charitable event in support of BGC Canada. New this year, XSCAPE arcade gaming, located within select theatres, will be free for guests to enjoy before their movie. Concessions will cost $3. You can book free tickets in advance. When: Saturday September 14, 9am-11am. Where: Cineplex movie theatres Details: https://www.cineplex.com
7. City Folk
Come hear the music play at City Folk Ottawa, a multi-day festival of folk music and more with a variety of artists playing on multiple stages. Tickets from $58. When: Wednesday Sept 11 – Sunday Sept 15, 5pm onwards. Where: The Great Lawn, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://cityfolkfestival.com/
8. Sphere Festival
Experience the fusion of art, science and nature with the Sphere Festival. Explore Mother Earth and let the many varied performances fill your senses with Sphere’s sounds, shapes and movements. Some performances FREE, others from $34. When: Sept 10-20, various times. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/sphere
9. 613 Flea
Shop from over 150 vendors with a great variety of products: clothing, decor, art, jewelry, food, etc. Well-socialized dogs are allowed. FREE. When: Saturday Sept 14; 10am-3pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
10. Butter Tart Market Festival
Time to tempt your tastebuds at the Butter Tart Market Festival. Vote for your favourite tart and be sure to take some home for later taste testing. FREE. When: Saturday Sept 14, 10am-3pm. Where: Village Square Park, 6154 Abbott Street East, Stittsville. Details: https://stittsvillecentral.ca/events/butter-tart-festival-stittsville-market-at-the-barn/
11. Heating up the Capital Hot Sauce Expo
Can you handle the heat at the Heating up the Capital Hot Sauce Expo. Over 40 creators/mad scientists are offering up their sauces for tasting, with beverages and ice cream to soothe the fire. Tickets from $15, Kids 12 and under FREE. When: Saturday Sept 14, 10am-4pm. Where: Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. Details: https://heatingupthecapital.ca/
12. WOW Festival
Help end the stigma with the WOW festival bringing together organizations in the areas of Substance Abuse, Mental and Physical Health service fields. Join the sense of community, celebration and hope. FREE. When: Friday Sept 13, 8am-4pm. Where: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa. Details: https://capsa.ca/wow-festival
13. Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Enjoy a free outdoor movie night with Capital Pop-Up Cinema at Beechwood Cemetery. This weekend: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Bring a picnic, blanket, and folding chair for a cozy evening under the stars. FREE. When: Friday, Sept 13, at dusk (around 8pm). Where: Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa. Details: IG @capitalpopupcinema
14. Swing on the Hill
Experience Ottawa’s free summer swing dance event at Parliament Hill! A 1920s-’40s themed afternoon of music, dance, and fun. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy swing dance lessons, DJ sets, and dancing against the stunning Parliament backdrop. FREE. When: Saturday Sept 14, 5:30pm. Where: Parliament Hill. Details: On Facebook.
15. Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar
Explore the Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar and Support local vendors, find unique crafts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere. FREE. When: Sunday, Sept 15, 11am-5pm. Where: 687 Somerset Street West, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this wekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
16. Honduran Art Exhibition
Discover the vibrant world of Honduran art at an exclusive exhibition hosted by the Embassy of Honduras. Explore captivating works by renowned artists Dennis Cerrato, Omar Sánchez, Rubén Salgado, Fernando Venegas, and Jene Garay at Club SAW. When: Sept 11–14, 11am-4pm. Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa.
17. Best Kind Comedy Tour 2024
Get ready for a night of side-splitting laughter with three of the funniest comedians around—Mike Lynch, Brian Aylward, and Colin Hollett! The Best Kind Comedy Tour is back for 2024, delivering fresh material, hilarious insights, and nonstop comedy. Tickets: $34.95. When: Thursday, Sept 12 at 8pm. Where: 1394 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R8.
18. The Knitting Pilgrim
Enjoy a brilliant oneman show featuring actor and knitter Kirk Dunn. This performance recounts Kirk’s artistic and spiritual journey, reflecting on the meaning of art and the power of love to overcome life’s challenges. A freewill offering of $15 is suggested. When: Friday, Sep 13 at 7pm. Where: 82 Kent Street, Ottawa, K1P 5N9
Saturday
19. Ottawa Bonsai Society Annual Show
Come admire around 40 of the most beautiful bonsais in the region! Ottawa Bonsai Society members will be available to answer all your questions. Learn about courses and workshops in both French and English and other activities offered by the Ottawa Bonsai Society. FREE. When: Saturday, Sept 14, 10am-4pm; Sunday, Sept 15, 10am-3pm. Where: Embassy of Japan, 255 Sussex Dr.
20. Cheerfully Made Fall Market
The market is dedicated to supporting the Canadian craft community by offering makers and entrepreneurs quality opportunities to showcase their work, grow their businesses and make a life doing what they love. Tickets: $5, kids under 14 – free. When: Saturday, Sept 14, 10am-5pm. Where: Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maplegrove Road, Kanata.
21. SOS: The ABBA Experience
Here we go again! Don’t miss the return of the unforgettable ABBA experience for one night only. With powerful lead vocals, dazzling costumes, and rich instrumental backing, this show recreates ABBA’s music almost note for note from the original albums, with no backing tracks. Tickets are $53.50 (including tax). When: Saturday Sept 14 at 7:30pm Where: Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room E104, Nepean, ON K2G 1V8.
22. Memories of Childhood
Revisit your favourite childhood memories and pastimes with a special celebration of heritage, arts, and culture. Explore a recreated heritage village—see authentic trade demonstrations, visit with farm animals, experience a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and more. Don’t forget to pack a picnic or grab a treat from the canteen and enjoy the museum’s wonderful green spaces. Tickets: Adult $8.88; Child/Student $6.28; Child 5 or younger, and older adults 50+ FREE. Family pass: $22.49. When: Sept 14-15, 10am-4pm. Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montréal Rd, Cumberland.
23. Open Trails Day
The MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails Day. Take a hike through the trails and discover the biodiversity of this unique site, which is part of the Environment & Climate Change Canada’s Beckett Creek Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This is the only day of this school year when this 425-acre classroom will be open to the public for everyone to explore! Normally, this OCDSB facility is only open to attending students and classes. Dogs on leash allowed. FREE. When: Saturday, Sept 21 from 9am to 3pm. Plenty of parking at 3685 Wilhaven Drive and 3640 Ottawa Regional Road #174.
24. Black and Bluegrass Fest
A full day on the farm of the most Beautifully Baddest Bluegrass and Best Buncha Folkers. Two stages of music, performances from all over the country: Vancouver, Prince Edward Island, Montreal and right here in little old Ottawa. Feast your eyes and fill your bellies with some tacos, poutine and hotdogs. Tickets: $45.When: Saturday, Sept 14. Where: Rideau Pines Farm, 5714 Fourth Line Road. Details: https://blackandbluegrass.ca/festival
25. Perth Night Market
Embrace the night at the Perth Night Market. Wander the streets and encounter artisans, entertainers and experience delicious food and drink under the stars. FREE. When: Saturday Sept 14, 5pm-10pm. Where: Downtown Perth, PerthDetails: https://www.perth.ca/en/visit/perth-night-market.aspx
26. 1860s Fall Fair Weekend & Quilt Show
Step back in time to experience a traditional 1860s fair! Enjoy the best of dairy products, agriculture, vegetables, flowers, and fine arts. Join in on old-fashioned games, magic shows, and much more for family-friendly entertainment. Tickets start at $16 and can be purchased on the Upper Canada Village website. When: Sep 14 and 15, 9:30am to 5pm Where: 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, Ontario, K0C 1X0, Canada.
Sunday
27. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
As part of the SPHERE Festival, the NAC invites you to experience the magic of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This performance is ideal for both children and adults who enjoy iconic musical works that celebrate the sounds of nature and the world around us. FREE. When: Sunday Sept 15 at 3pm. Where: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8
28. Social Sundays
Enjoy Social Sundays filled with fun, community and discovering local gems. Experience interactive and engaging activations, demonstrations, sales and more. Last Sunday: Sept 15 from 1pm to 4pm. FREE. Where: Wellington West neighbourhood.
29. City Sounds Live
Travelling music festival presented in partnership with BIAs and co-curators in various neighbourhoods around Ottawa. Enjoy a family-friendly and inclusive outdoor live music experiences that foster community involvement, social cohesion, and increased spending in the surrounding areas. FREE. When: Sunday, Sept 15, 3pm-5pm. Where: The Shed – 190 Sparks Street
30. Pumpkin Fest
Join the 29th annual Halloween party at Pumpkin Fest! Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a spooky day with a petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, and more. Tickets are $21.45 and can be purchased at https://proulxfarm.com/pumpkinfest. When: Sunday, Sept 15, 10am to 5pm Where:1865 O’Toole Rd, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Next week
31. Full Moon Yoga
Experience a serene evening of yoga under the moonlight. Open to all levels, this FREE public class will be led by Katrina, featuring a Moon Salutations Flow for the Full Harvest Moon. Bring your mat, water bottle, and friends for a relaxing session. When: Tuesday Sept 17, 9pm. Where: The Great Lawn, Lansdowne, Ottawa.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
36. 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.38. 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.
39. Pirate Life Ottawa