Summer is in full force and Ottawa is buzzing with activity! There are tons of things to do every weekend to suit all tastes, food, beer, music, sports, markets, theatre, you name it! Check out this post and share it with your friends!
Want a curated list of events sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our free newsletter! Elevate Your Weekends
Contents
16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Veg Ottawa Fest
Showcasing over 60 veg-friendly exhibitors from Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. Businesses will be selling prepared foods and delicious goodies to take home. There will be a cooking demonstration and a workshop on eating vegan on a shoestring budget. Plus, activities for families, local musicians, and dedicated spaces to connect with others. FREE
When: Saturday, July 5, 10am–6pm
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road
Details: vegottawa.org/vegottawa- blog
2. Music on the Canal
Enjoy vibrant live music by bands or artists as they float along the Rideau Canal on Thursdays and Saturdays in July. Pack a picnic or follow along while biking or running. FREE
When: July 3–26
Thursday, July 3: Miguel de Armas
Saturday, July 5: Primary Colours
Where: Starts at Paul’s Boat Line docks, Rideau Canal outside the NAC
Details: nac-cna.ca/en/series/music-on-
3. Ottawa On Tap Beerfest
You won’t want to miss this! Poppin’ up in Bells Corners is the Ottawa On Tap Beerfest presented by @bellscornersbia! They’ll be there ALL DAY enjoying the brews, bites, live entertainment, karaoke, and more! Tickets: $15 online, $20 at the door
When: Saturday, July 5, 1pm–7pm
Where: 2135 Robertson Road
Visit ottawaontapbeerfest.ca
4. Gatineau Comedy Festival
Enjoy three hilarious days with over 30 francophone comedians.
Tickets from $37.23
When: July 3–5
Where: Place de la Cité
Details: humourgatineau. com
5. 613 Flea
Shop from 150 local vendors featuring handcrafted items, art, jewelry, baked goods, and vintage finds. FREE
When: Saturday, July 5, 10am–4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St
Details: IG @613flea
6.Company of Fools: The Comedy of Errors
The Fools bring high-quality theatre to Ottawa parks, featuring Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. FREE
When & Where:
• July 3 – Alta Vista Park
• July 4 – Nault Park
• July 5 – Windsor Park
• July 7 – Strathcona Park
Time: 7pm
Details: fools .ca
7. Music and Beyond
A classical music and arts festival that began in July 2010. Each year, the festival offers a variety of programming to highlight exciting connections between classical music and other art forms. Plus, it also presents one of the most elegant cultural galas in all of Canada: the Viennese Winter Ball
Tickets from $10
When: July 4–17
Where: Various locations
8. Pirate Fest
A swashbuckling day of family fun! Enjoy sword fighting, puppet shows, crafts, face painting, a costume contest, and more. FREE.
When: Saturday, July 5, 10am–5pm
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hog’s Back Rd, Ottawa
9. RBC Summer Tournaments
Experience top show jumping, canine relay races, live music, local vendors, and family activities.
Tickets from $13.54 (Free for kids 12 & under)
When: July 3–13
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
10. Artisan’s Market by Minerva Ottawa
Explore over 30 local artisans featuring handmade decor, jewelry, cider, spices, and bath & body products. FREE
When: Sunday, July 6, 11am–5pm
Where: York Street (pedestrian section), ByWard Market
11. Avril Lavigne – The Greatest Hits Tour
A pop-punk night with Avril Lavigne at the grand opening of Hard Rock LIVE.
Tickets from $152
When: Saturday, July 5, 7pm
Where: Hard Rock LIVE, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
12. ByWard Night Market
A vibrant outdoor market for evening shopping, dining, and socializing. FREE
When: Thursday, July 3, 5pm–9pm
Where: ByWard Market (York & William Streets)
13. Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Experience nature’s wonder through acrobatics and stunning visuals.
Tickets: $62–$128
When: July 2–6, 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive
14. The Chef’s Table
A luxurious farm-to-table experience with top chefs and live music at the NAC.
Tickets: $143.88
When: July 3–5, 6pm–9pm
Where: 1 Elgin Restaurant, NAC, 1 Elgin St
15. Capital Trade Shows
Ottawa’s top comic book, collectibles, and sports card convention with 150+ vendors. FREE
When: Sunday, July 6, 10am–3pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave
16. Almonte Celtfest
Celebrate Celtic music and culture with local performers and vendors.
Tickets: $35
When: July 4–6, 6:30pm (Gates open at 5pm)
Where: Gemmill Park, Almonte, ON.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
17. Water Circus Cirque Italia
How better to beat the heat wave than to take in Cirque Italia’s Water Circus. From the magic of water stages to the thrills of the paranormal, the Cirque makes each performance an unforgettable aquatic experience. Tickets from $35
When: June 27–July 7, various times. Where: St Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa. Details: https://cirqueitalia. com/
18. Wood Terrace Series
Live outdoor concerts at NAC’s terrace celebrating tradition, culture, and identity. FREE
When: Every Wednesday, 7pm–9pm
Where: NAC Terrace, 1 Elgin St
19. Songs from the Shed
Enjoy free lunchtime performances by emerging artists in an open-air setting. FREE
When: Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12pm–1:30pm
Where: Sparks Street Shed, 190 Sparks St.
20. Speed Networking Evening
Connect with local professionals at this dynamic networking event hosted by Esprit Marketing.
Tickets: $15
When: Friday, July 4, 6pm–7:30pm
Where: 70 Bongard Ave, Ottawa.
21. Paul Taylor: F* Me, I’m French**
British comedian Paul Taylor brings his viral bilingual humour to Ottawa with this 100% English set.
Tickets from $27.25
When: Friday, July 4, 7pm
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON
Saturday
22. Fetch Local Markets
A dog-friendly event with 30+ local makers, music, and good vibes. FREE
When: Saturday, July 5, 4pm–9pm
Where: Ray Friel Recreation Centre, 1585 Tenth Line Road
23. Indigenous Walking Tours
Join artist and educator Jaime Morse for a guided tour of downtown Ottawa through an Indigenous lens. FREE (Register on Eventbrite)
When: Every other Saturday (May–October)
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
24. WolfGANG Sessions
A bold chamber music concert by NAC Orchestra musicians in a relaxed club setting.
Tickets from $26.75
When: Saturday, July 5, 9pm
Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St
Next Week
26. Summer Sounds at Andrew Haydon Park
Enjoy live music in a natural setting with the Nepean Concert Band. Bring a chair or blanket! FREE
When: July 9 & 23, August 6 & 20, 7:30pm–8:30pm
Where: 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON.
27. City Hall Salsa
Dance under the sun with two salsa workshops and social dancing. All levels welcome! FREE
When: July 9, 16, 30; August 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30pm–10pm
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
28. Full Moon Yoga
Flow under the full moon in Lansdowne with a free class for all levels. FREE
When: Thursday, July 10, 9pm–10pm
Where: ChargePoint, 1015 Bank St
Other recurring events in Ottawa
29. Live from the Booth
Sparks St is coming alive with the energy and sounds of Ottawa’s electronic music scene. Live from the Booth turns the Mall into a vibrant dance floor with local DJs and artists bringing a spark and a pulse to your weekend. FREE
When: Saturday June 28 (and every Saturday till Oct 11), from 7pm–9pm. Where: 56 Sparks St (Mall), between Elgin and Metcalfe, Ottawa
Details: https://www.sparkslive. com/
30. Fish Ontario License Free
Time to dip your toe into the fishing world, as Ontario is allowing licence-free fishing for a short time. Find a public event near you or head off to your local fishing spot and learn to love what could be a lifelong family pastime. FREE
When: June 28–July 6, various times. Where: Various locations. Details: https://www.
31. Summer Maze Days
Get outside and explore giant hedge mazes, splash pads, jumpy castles, wagon rides, puppet shows, and more at Saunders Farm—a summer favourite for families and kids of all ages. Tickets starting at $18.99. When: May 31 to August 31, 10am to 4pm. Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd, Ottawa.
32. 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
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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
40. 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
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. 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