Summer starts officially this weekend! And it’s bringing all the action to Ottawa! Don’t miss the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival that is coming up packed with fun things to do, the Dragon Boat Fest, Escapade, Ottawa Jazz Festival, and much more! Share this post with your friends and start making plans for the weekend!
If you know of any other event, let us know in the comments!
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17 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Celebrate the arrival of summer during two days at this amazing festival featuring live entertainment (music, dance, puppet shows, magic, throat singing), competition pow wow (drummers and dancers), family fun activities (mechanical bull, axe throwing, bingo, bouncy castles, dog show), horse experiences (Learn about the rare and sacred Ojibwe Spirit Horses), a marketplace, workshops, a drone show, and more! FREE (the workshops are paid).
When: June 21-22, Sat 9:30am-11pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd.
Details: https://
2. Drone Show
Don’t miss a spectacular drone show illuminating the night with lights, movement, and meaning. This awe-inspiring performance tells the story of the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom—through synchronized drones painting powerful symbols in the air. Blending technology and tradition, this unforgettable experience is a tribute to Indigenous knowledge and storytelling. FREE
When: Saturday, June 21 at 10pm
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd.
3. Dragon Boat Fest
The largest dragon boat race in North America, bringing together 5,000 paddlers from 136 cities and countries abroad. Races every 10 minutes. Food vendors on site. FREE admission
When: June 20-22. Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 7am-4pm
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Drive.
4. Ottawa Jazz Festival
Celebrating its 45th anniversary with over 45 free concerts across five different distinct series. During the Festival, catch the free noon-hour concerts on the OLG Stage (June 20-22; 24-29), or Jazz at the Castle in the lobby at Château Laurier on June 21, 26, and 28 at 4pm. Or the Late Night Jamming at The Lord Elgin Hotel’s Forty One, from June 20 to 29 at 10:30pm. Day pass tickets to paid concerts from $33.94
When: June 20-29
Where: Confederation Park, City Hall, NAC.
5. Escapade
Canada’s biggest electronic music festival, featuring top EDM artists from around the world. In the lineup this year: Kygo, The Chainsmokers, Subtronics, DJ Snake, and others. 16+ event. Day pass tickets from $191.
When: June 20–22
Where: RA Centre Grounds, 2451 Riverside Drive.
Details: escapademf. com
6. Ottawa Fiesta Extravaganza
Celebrating Filipino Arts, Culture and Heritage at the Nations Capital. There will be Filipino food vendors, local amenities and crafts, clothes, and local Filipino celebrities and music artists that will serenade you throughout the day. Ticket Price: $10. When: June 21-22, 10am–10pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
7. Welcoming Ottawa Week
WOW is a week-long event full of cultural celebrations, guided tours, sports, documentaries, and more, all to give newcomers a warm Ottawa welcome. The Multiculturalism Day Celebration will bring live performances, cultural showcases, traditional foods, and interactive booths representing communities from around the world. FREE. Registration is required.
When: Saturday, June 21, 11am-5pm
Where: YMCA Taggart, RBC Room – 2nd Floor, 180 Argyle Street, Ottawa
Details: https://
8. Ottawa Fringe
Showcasing independent theatre and providing all performing artists with the opportunity to produce their work, regardless of content, form, or style. An open-access festival where 100% of ticket sales go to the artists. FREE and PAID shows. Tickets: $14. When: June 12–22. Where: Arts Court, La Nouvelle Scène and Café Alternatif in downtown Ottawa. Details: ottawafringe. com
9. Ottawa Rapid vs Calgary Wild FC
Ottawa’s inaugural professional women’s soccer team, competing in the Northern Super League (NSL) take on Calgary Wild FC. Ticket price $25 – $98. When: Saturday June 21 at 2pm. Where: TD Place – 1015 Bank Street.
10. 613 Flea
Shop a wide range of locally made goods from 150 local vendors including handcrafted items, art, jewelry, baked goods, and great food, plus awesome antique and vintage finds. FREE. When: Saturday June 21, 10am-4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St. Details: IG @613flea.
11. Festival L’Outaouais en Fête
A week-long celebration of Francophone culture on the scenic banks of the Ottawa River brings live music, parades, family activities, fireworks, food, artisan markets, hot-air balloons, and more. Tickets: from $26.23+tax per day.
When: Friday, June 20, 1pm to Tuesday, June 24, 11pm
Where: Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau
12. Cirque de Paris
A dazzling one-ring circus spectacle featuring Europe’s top performers—acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, BMX trick riders, and clowns—with interactive pre-show activities and delicious treats during intermission. Tickets $30, $40. When: June 12-22 (except June 17). Where: Under the Big Top, Tanger Outlets Ottawa, 8555 Campeau Dr, Ottawa
13. Una Bulla: A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza
A vibrant three‑day festival featuring over 20 hours of dance workshops (Casino Salsa, Casino Rueda, Afro‑Cuban styles), electrifying live band performances, and nightly social dancing with DJs and guests from Cargo Rueda Ottawa. Tickets from $22.63 incl. tax.
When: Friday, June 20, 7pm to Sunday, June 22, 10pm
Where: Workshops and socials at various venues across the city
14. Metcalfe Night Market
Join the lively Metcalfe Night Market for an evening of shopping, live music, and delicious food! Featuring over 60 local artisans and producers, plus family-friendly entertainment—rain or shine. Dogs are welcome. FREE.
When: Thursday, June 19, 5pm–8pm
Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
15. The Original Navan Market
A community gem for farm-fresh finds, artisan treasures, and relaxed country charm with over 200 local vendors and live entertainment. FREE.
When: Sunday, June 22, 9:30am–2pm
Where: Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road, Navan
16. Salsa Sundays
Participate in a FREE open-level salsa lesson before diving into a vibrant social dance session—no partner or experience required! Each lesson is led by instructors from the University of Ottawa Salsa Club. FREE.
When: Sundays, June 22 through September, 3pm–5pm
Where: George Street Plaza (55 ByWard Market Square), Ottawa
17. Dance at Zibi
Bring your energy and let local instructors lead you through vibrant Latin-folk rhythms—like cumbia, salsa, and merengue—set against a scenic, industrial backdrop. Presented by Héritage Colombien in partnership with Dream Community Foundation and the National Arts Centre. No experience is required. FREE.
When: Thursday, June 19, 6pm–8pm
Where: Warehouse at Zibi, 28 Booth Street (Albert Island), Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday to Friday
18. High Tea in the Veranda
Laurier House National Historic Site and Working Title Kitchen invite you to enjoy decadent pastries, delightful desserts, and high tea on the verandah of this historic home. Admission: $68 (plus tax + 18% service charge).
When: Thursdays and Fridays from May 15 to Sep 26 at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
Where: Laurier House National Historic Site, 335 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa
19. Midsommer and Summer Solstice Market
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a spine-chilling screening of Midsommar (director’s cut) and a pre-show of iconic folk horror clips, kicking off with a local artisan market. Admission: $10–13.
When: Friday, June 20 at 6:30pm
Where: ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Saturday
20. Mud Hero
People of all fitness levels, conquer 6 km of epic obstacles, mud pits, and fun at Mud Hero! Admission: $90–130 (depending on ticket type). When: Saturday, June 21 at 9am. Where: Commando Paintball Action Centre, 4565 Dunning Road, Navan, Ottawa
21. Ninja Grill Jam
Ninja will set up multiple cooking stations—featuring Ninja’s grills, ovens, and outdoor coolers—where they’ll serve up delicious BBQ dishes to celebrate the start of summer. Visitors can also take part in fun games and have the chance to win Ninja prizes and giveaways. Plus, there is a chance to meet a PWHL Ottawa Charge player! When: Saturday, June 21, 11am–7pm. Where: Confederation Park, Elgin Street
22. Geek Hoard Haul
The geekiest pop up convention of the season. Over 65 vendors and activities for the whole family. FREE admission. Bring a donation for the local food bank or animal shelter. When: Saturday June 21, 11am-4pm. Where: Sensplex Kanata, 1565 Maple Grove Road.
Start your weekend with an energizing outdoor yoga class surrounded by art and nature! Led by Brittany Bryden on the charming patio at Tavern at the Gallery, this relaxed session is perfect for all levels. Ticket price is $25 per class, drop-in basis. When: Saturdays, June 21, and 28, from 9am to 10am. Where: Tavern at the Gallery, 380 Sussex Drive, K1A 0G8
25. Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour
The Ottawa Bicycle Club’s most demanding event attracts up to 1,500 riders in a two-day trip to Kingston and back. Admission: $182–346 (package dependent). When: Saturday, June 21–22, all day. Starting in Ottawa, all the way to Kingston and back
26. Dandelion Festival
Celebrate the season and community at the Dandelion Festival, where there will be live music by Bill & Casey, family-friendly fun like an obstacle course, petting zoo, and outdoor games, plus a guided craft beer tasting (19+). Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, June 21 from 12pm onwards. Where: Hammond Golf and Country Club, 600 Du Golf Road, Hammond, Ottawa
Sunday
27. Animal Helpers
From therapy dogs to border collies and alpacas, discover how animals support our communities through live demos, special guests, and hands-on fun for all ages. Admission: $9.14 (Adult). When: Sunday, June 29 from 10am–4pm. Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa.
28. Capital Sessions
Don’t miss this free, family-friendly house dance workshop with live DJ and instructor. FREE. When: Sunday, June 22, 1:30pm. Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
More recurring events in Ottawa
29. Parkdale Night Market
The Night Market welcomes new producers and growers offering unique products, creating an opportunity to connect with the community into the evening. Admission: FREE. When: Open every day from Wednesday, June 4 to Oct 8, 5-9pm. Where: 366 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa.
30. Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
Add some sparkle to your Thursday evenings at the Hintonburg Night Market, hosted by the Urban Art Collective. With rotating local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, and street food favourites, there’s something new every week. Enjoy live music and the buzzing creative energy of Hintonburg under the summer sky. FREE. When: Thursdays, 4pm–9pm. Where: Urban Art Collective Parking Lot, 1088 Somerset St W, Ottawa.
31. Orleans Farmers’ Market
Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts & more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it. Admission: FREE. When: Thursdays 11am-4pm. Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 1675 10th Line Rd, Ottawa.
32. Main St Farmers’ Market
Support the local farmers’ market every Saturday from May to October and discover the finest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, crafts, hot meals and more. Admission: FREE. When: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: Grande Allée Park, 185 Main Street, Ottawa.
33. Wakefield Market
Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Admission: FREE. When: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, Québec.
34. Westboro Farmers’ Market
This vibrant market offers a diverse selection of farm-fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, and handcrafted items—all sourced within 100 km of Ottawa. Visitors can enjoy live music, a variety of food options, and a welcoming community atmosphere. FREE. When: Saturdays, starting May 17, 9am-3pm. Where: Byron Linear Park, 579 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
35. Nepean Night Market
Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks, groove to live music, and soak in the community atmosphere. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes. Dogs are welcome and treats are available on site! FREE. When: Sundays, starting from May 18, 5pm-9pm. Where: Mr. Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Road, Ottawa
36. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market every Saturday from May to October! (No market on Oct 4) With over 45 friendly vendors to explore, you’ll find something special every time. Plus, there’s free parking and you can bring your furry friend along for the fun! Free Admission. From 9am to 1pm. At 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
37. Carp’s Farmers Market
Discover Eastern Ontario’s biggest producer-run farmers’ market, featuring 100+ vendors with farm-fresh produce, artisan crafts, and homemade baked goods. Free Admission. Every Saturday from May to the end of October from 8am to 1pm. At 790 Carp Rd, Ottawa.
38. NCC Weekend Bikedays
As of May 10 three Ottawa parkways will be closed to vehicular circulation so you can use them whether you’re biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller. FREE. When: May 10 to October 13. Where: Kichi Zibi Mikan: 8am-noon. George-Etienne Cartier Parkway: 8am-4pm. Queen Elizabeth Driveway: 8am-8pm.
39. Jukebox Lunch Concerts
Drop by the NAC this spring for the Jukebox Lunch Concerts, Season 3! Savour live tunes from top Canadian artists during your midday break in the vibrant Peter A. Herrndorf Place. Free Admission. Thursdays at 12:10pm. At National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
Back by popular demand! Enjoy a delightful exhibition of live tropical butterflies including the impressive large blue morpho. Tickets: $6 in addition to the cost of general museum admission. Until Dec 16, get a 10% discount reserving online. When; Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca