Another scorching weekend in Ottawa is coming! But instead of complaining, I’m going to feel thankful. Summer is good! What to do this weekend in Ottawa? Lots of things! Check out this post and share it with your friends!
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18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
- Casino Lac Leamy Grand Finale
This international fireworks competition comes to an end with a grand finale! Enjoy entertainment and food on the festival grounds. Tickets are $8.50 (child) and $20 (adult). The fireworks are visible from the downtown Ottawa shore like Major’s Hill Park, Kiweki Point, Supreme Court of Justice, and other spots.
When: Wednesday Aug 13 and Saturday Aug 16 at 9:15pm
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau
Details: feux.qc. ca
2. Ottawa Greek Fest
Celebrating Greek culture and heritage with live music, comedy shows, the Zorba show, Greek traditional dances, and delicious Greek food. Don’t miss the family-friendly activities on Saturdays, the church tours, and the Multicultural Night (Aug 16) with various multicultural performances. FREE.
When: Aug 14-17 and Aug 22-24
Where: 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa
Details: ottawagreekfest. ca
3. Salvadorean Festival of La Pupusa
A free event to enjoy a delicious plate of pupusas and other Latin delicacies, with family fun, artistic performances, a soccer tournament, activities for children, and more. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 9am-6pm
Where: Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook
4. Capital Fair
Enjoy thrill-seeking rides, live music, family-friendly shows like the Extreme Dogs Show, magic and science shows, Demolition Derby, arm wrestling championship, cornhole tournament, and much more! Tickets: $5, $10. Children 4 and under free.
When: Aug 15-24
Where: 4899 Albion Rd S (Corner of Albion Road and Rideau Road)
Details: capitalfair. ca
5. Master Indigenous Games
Bringing together thousands of Indigenous athletes from around the world to compete in athletics, basketball, volleyball, archery, golf, and Arctic sports. Tickets to the opening ceremony are $35.12. Headliner: KEHIW.
When: Aug 14-17
Where: Various venues
Details: masterindigenousgames. com
6. Capital Pride
A variety of paid and free events in Ottawa to celebrate inclusivity and diversity. Pride Family Picnic, Pride Night Market, Youth Clothing Swap (free, Aug 16).
When: Aug 16-24
Where: Various venues
Details: capitalpride. ca
7. 613 Flea
Shop from 150 local vendors featuring handcrafted items, art, jewelry, baked goods, and vintage finds. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 10am–4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St
Details: IG @613flea
8. Ottawa Rapid FC vs AFC Toronto
Cheer for the Rapid facing off against current league leaders AFC Toronto. Tickets: from $25.
When: Wednesday Aug 13, 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
9. Ottawa Junior Carnival
A joyful celebration of youth, heritage, and the vibrant spirit of Caribbean Carnival in Canada’s capital, perfect for all ages! Tickets: $10 to $15. When: Sunday Aug 17, 3pm-7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
10. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Bring your own blanket or lawn chair, snacks, and your favourite people for a nostalgic film experience. FREE. “Stand by Me” on Friday Aug 15, 8:30pm. Where: Churchill Senior Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Rd, Ottawa
11. Comedy of Errors
A family-friendly evening featuring Shakespeare’s farce with a video-game twist under the summer sky. Tickets: Pay What You Can, with a suggested donation of $20. Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Wednesday Aug 13, Laroche Park, 52 Bayview Rd, Ottawa
Thursday Aug 14, Owl Park, 215 Owl Dr, Ottawa
Friday Aug 15, Fairmont Park, 265 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa
Saturday Aug 16, Windsor Park, 1 Windsor Ave, Ottawa
12. Ottawa Titans vs Florence Y’alls
Cheer on Ottawa’s professional baseball team against Florence Y’alls. Tickets: from $14.69.
When: Wednesday Aug 13 and Thursday Aug 14 at 6:30pm. Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa
13. Barrhaven Classic Car Show in Support of CHEO
Browse over 120 vehicles on display, enjoy live music and local food vendors, test your car knowledge in a fun quiz, and enter a 50/50 draw for a chance to win exciting prizes. FREE for spectators. When: Sunday Aug 17, 9am-3pm. Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan Street, Ottawa.
14. Paranormal Cirque
A new show with breathtaking acts always poised between fun and fear that will transport you to a dark world inhabited by creatures with incredible circus art abilities. Admission: $35.00 to $80.00. When: Friday Aug 15-25 at either 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30pm. Where: 1200 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa.
15. Major League Show Jumping Ottawa – RBC Ottawa International CS15, CS12
Get ready for a week of world-class equestrian sport that promises unforgettable experiences for horse lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike! Admission: starting at $19.56. When: Thursday Aug 14-17 at 9am onwards. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa.
16. Carp Garlic Festival
Celebrating 35 years of bringing agriculture and community together, the Carp Garlic Festival returns with two days of garlic-themed food, live music, and family-friendly fun. FREE. When: Saturday Aug 16-17 at 8am-3pm and 10am-3pm. Where: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road, Carp, Ontario.
17. Russell Fair
The Russell Fair is a wonderful 4-day event that celebrates its community’s agricultural heritage while providing a diverse array of family entertainment. Admission: $15 (single day, adult) or $35 (weekend, adult). When: Aug 14-17. Thu 5-11pm; Fri and Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 8:30am-4pm. Where: 1076 Concession St, Russell, Ontario
18. Vankleek Hill Fair – Annual Agricultural Festival
Join the Vankleek Hill Fair, a vibrant community event celebrating rural life with livestock shows, thrilling rides, live music, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. Tickets: $20 per day in advance or $55 for a weekend pass; gate prices are $25 per day or $70 for the weekend. When: Aug 14-17, 9am-6pm. Where: Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds, 92 Main St W, Vankleek Hill, ON
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
19. Broadway Across Canada – Hamilton
Experience the revolutionary and award-winning musical Hamilton, telling the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a dynamic blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and traditional musical theatre. Tickets: $60 to $150.
When: Aug 13-17, at 7:30pm, with select matinees at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre Theatre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
20. Stage Series – Love You Wrong Time
A bold and hilarious song cycle and comedy cabaret exploring the realities of fetishization and anti-Asian hate through the stories of two Asian Canadian women. Combining true stories, stand-up, and interactive bar games, this award-winning performance delivers both catharsis and laughter. Tickets: $15.
When: Aug 13-16, at 8pm, with select matinees at 3pm and 4pm on Friday and Saturday
Where: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
21. The Girl With No Hands – Theatre Under the Stars
A captivating outdoor theatre show, a darkly comic fantasy retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale. Through inventive physical theatre, original music, and neo-goth masks and costumes, eight actors bring over 30 characters to life under the stars. Recommended for ages 12 and up due to mature themes. Tickets: from $22.63.
When: Aug 13-24, 8pm, with select matinees at 2pm on Sundays
Where: Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road, Ottawa, ON
22. Houseplant Propagation Workshop – Terra Flowers & Flavours
A hands-on workshop where you will learn various techniques for propagating houseplants. Create your own plant cuttings to take home and personalize your plant bases. Includes all necessary materials. Limited to 12 spots. Tickets: $45.
When: Friday Aug 15, 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Terra Flowers & Flavours, 220 Kennevale Dr, Unit 102-103, Ottawa, ON.
23. Greater North American TheatreSports Assembly
Come to the LabO Theatre for two amazing nights of improv with some favourite ITI formats: Maestro and TheatreSports (plus a special performance of Space Cowboy)! Admission: $15.
When: Friday Aug 15 from 7-9pm
Where: LabO Theatre, 60 Waller St, Ottawa
24. 90’s Dance Party
Super Taste is back at Club Saw for 90’s Dance Party, Canada’s most epic musical trip back to the decade of Notorious B.I.G., Ginger Spice and Shania Twain. Enjoy 5 hours of bubblegum pop hits (Aqua, Britney Spears, Vengaboys), alternative bangers (blink-182, No Doubt, Blur), legendary female r&b (Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, TLC) and iconic one-hit wonders. 19+ Tickets: $28.48. When: Friday Aug 15, 10pm-2am. Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St.
25. Ouimet Farm Adventures
Farming, family, and fun come together at this working farm in Vankleek Hill, featuring a 7-acre maze and many other seasonal attractions. Admission: $19.58 to $184.24 (depending on ticket type).
When: Friday Aug 8-Oct 26 from 10am-5pm
Where: 63 Main Street West, Vankleek Hill, Ontario
Saturday
26. Bells Corners Summer Bash 2025
Celebrate summer with live music, kids’ activities, local vendors, food trucks, and community fun. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 10am-6pm
Where: 2135 Robertson Road (Canadian Tire Lot), Ottawa
27. Summer Volley & Salsa
Beach volleyball, a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, and dancing by the water. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 6pm-9pm
Where: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa
28. Fetch Local Markets
Dog-friendly market with 40 local vendors, treats, and handmade goods. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 10am–3pm
Where: Ray Friel Complex, 1159 Tenth Line Road, Orleans.
29. Pakenham Horse Show – Annual Equestrian Event
A longstanding community tradition featuring a variety of horse competitions including jumping, dressage, and pleasure classes. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 16, 9am-5pm
Where: Pakenham Community Park, 106 Margaret St, Pakenham, ON
Sunday
30. Dominican Picnic
An annual community event bringing together people from Ottawa and Gatineau to enjoy delicious food, lively music, and plenty of laughter. FREE but registration is required.
When: Sunday Aug 17 starting at 10am
Where: Vincent Massey Park, Heron Rd
Details: IG @dominicanos_ottawa_gatineau
31. Capital Tease Burlesque Brunch
Pride Edition The Burlesque Brunch, featuring Ottawa’s best and guest Kuya Atay (TO). $25.
When: Sunday Aug 17, 11am–2pm
Where: Nostalgica Pub, 601 Cumberland St, Ottawa
More recurring events in Ottawa
32. Elgin St Market
Discover this vibrant market nestled in Boushey Square, featuring a curated selection of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal creations, and handmade crafts. A community hub for local shoppers and passersby alike. FREE When: Sundays from June to October from 9am to 1pm. Where: Boushey Square, 340 Elgin St, K2P 1M6.
33. Fields of Gold 2025
Escape to the breathtaking sunflower fields at Fields of Gold just outside Ottawa. Stroll through acres of golden blooms, pick your own flowers, and capture unforgettable photos in a perfect summer setting. This plan is ideal for families and flower lovers alike. Tickets start at $10. When: Opens on Wednesday July 23, 10am–5pm. Where: 17650 Strathmore Road, Monkland, ON.
34. Lansdowne Park Movie Nights
Bring some friends and enjoy free movie nights in the South Court. Movies take place Thursday evenings at sunset. Some seating is providded but feel free to bring your chair. In case of rain, movies will take place inside the Aberdeen Pavilion. FREE. When: Thursdays at 8:45pm. Where: Lansdowne Park, South Court. Details on Facebook.
35. St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
Experience professional outdoor theatre along the riverbank in charming Prescott. This season features the classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing and a brand-new Sherlock Holmes mystery set on the St. Lawrence. Tickets starting at $39. When: July 19 to August 9 (specific showtimes vary). Where: Kinsmen Amphitheatre, 202 King St W, Prescott, ON K0E 1L0.
36. City Hall Salsa
Learn how to dance salsa or just come for the social dancing! All levels of dancers are welcome. There will be two workshops each evening and social dancing to follow. FREE. When: July 9, 16, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27. Workshop 1 – 6:30 to 7:15pm; Workshop 2 (Salsa) – 7:15 to 8pm; Social Dancing – 8 to 10pm. Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier W Ave (Marion Dewar Plaza). Details: On Facebook.
37. Wood Terrace Series
Live outdoor concerts at NAC’s terrace celebrating tradition, culture, and identity. FREE
When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm.
Where: NAC Terrace, 1 Elgin St
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. Black History in Ottawa Streets
Discover Ottawa’s rich Black heritage on a historic bus tour that features landmark stops and offers inspiring insights. FREE
When: Wednesday June 25, 11:30am. Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave
Details: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
41. 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/
42. 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.
43. 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
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. 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.
48. 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.
49. 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
50. 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.
51. 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.
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. 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