Looking for things to do in Ottawa this weekend? Awesome events are in the lineup for the first weekend of June! From rib and shawarma festivals to the city-wide Doors Open Ottawa, cultural celebrations, and a craft beer fest, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the capital. Check out this post and share it with that friend who still thinks there’s nothing to do in Ottawa!
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19 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Doors Open Ottawa
During two days, many architectural gems in Ottawa will be open to the public. Don’t miss your chance to peek into governmental institutions, embassies, churches, research institutions, and more that are normally closed to the public the rest of the year. Some buildings require registration. FREE.
When: June 6-7, 10am-4pm.
Where: Various locations throughout Ottawa
Details: On Facebook.
2. Capital Ribfest Ottawa
Celebrating 10 years of the Big Sticky Ribfest with live music, a bevvy bar, a midway, games, and more! The Nelson Colt Band, UNO Music, and the Last of the Duke Street Kings are in the lineup. FREE parking and admission.
When: June 5-7, Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm.
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive.
Details: On Facebook
3. Shawarma Fest
Ottawa’s top shawarma restaurants are coming together for an epic showdown to claim the title of Best Shawarma in the City.
They will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest shawarma sandwich in the world. DJs and performances. FREE.
When: Sunday June 7, 11am-7pm
Where: York St, ByWard Market
Details: On IG @shawarmafest.ca
4. Saravah Brazilian Festival
Travel to Brazil via the Saravah Brazilian Festival. With vendors, dancing and music to move your feet, and plenty of Brazilian food to keep you fed, let this be your welcome to the culture, sounds, and tastes of Brazil. FREE
When: Saturday June 6, 11:30am-9pm
Where: York Street Plaza, ByWard Market, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook
5. Orleans Craft Beer Fest
Raise your glasses for the return of the Orleans Craft Beer Fest. With over 30 craft breweries in attendance, plus food vendors and live music on stage, all your beer festival needs will be met. Enjoy and stay crafty. Tickets $25
When: June 5-6, 4pm-11pm
Where: Centrum Plaza, 255 Centrum Blvd, Orleans
Details: On Facebook
6. Dickinson Days
In a weekend celebration for its founder, Manotick brings you Dickinson Days. There will be a parade, a street market, games, fireworks, and it all culminates with the Great Mill Duck Drop on Sunday at noon, where 2,000 brave rubber ducks will race from Watson’s Mill down the Rideau River. FREE
When: June 5–7, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 10am-4pm.
Where: Dickinson Square and various spots in Manotick
Details: https://
7. Nature Nocturne
If your life is a little too black and white, it’s time to add some colour. The party at the Castle is back with the return of Nature Nocturne – Colour Collective. Step into the museum bathed in colour for a night of dancing, games, and plenty of photo ops. Tickets $42
When: Saturday June 5, 8pm-12am
Where: Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa
Details: https://nature.ca/en/
8. Blackburn Fun Fair
The fun is back with the arrival of the Blackburn Fun Fair. There are the usual games and rides for sure, but also a parade, a dog show, a beer garden, fireworks, and live music all weekend, including SOS: The ABBA Experience. Come for the fair, stay for the fun. Tickets from FREE – $20/event
When: June 5–7, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 9:30am-4pm.
Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
9. 613 Flea
Over 150 vendors showcasing jewelry, art and crafts, clothing, woodworking, sweet treats, and much more! Dogs on a leash are welcome. FREE.
When: Saturday June 6, 10am-4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St.
Details: https://www.613flea.
10. Ottawa Redblacks vs Edmonton Elks
Cheer on the Redblacks in the home opener against the Edmonton Elks in an exciting CFL matchup featuring two teams looking to make a strong statement early in the season. Tickets from $32.50.
When: Saturday June 6 at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
11. Summer Indigenous Art Market
There are always some unique treasures on display at the Summer Indigenous Art Market. Featuring the creations of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations makers, everything from jewelry to beadwork, mittens to moccasins, and more can be found here. FREE.
When: Sunday June 7, 11am-5pm
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/
12. Firefighter Day
Explore vintage fire trucks, live rescue demonstrations, and fun water games at this family-friendly safety day. FREE
When: Saturday June 6, 11am
Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montréal Road, Cumberland
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/
13. Britannia Village Community Arts Crawl
Stroll past historic heritage architecture while browsing unique crafts made by talented local visual artists. FREE
When: Saturday, June 6, 11am
Where: Britannia Village, Britannia Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.facebook.
14. Joie de Vivre Festival
Don’t miss bouncy castles, international music, and cultural dances at this vibrant global diversity mosaic. FREE
When: Saturday, June 6, 12pm
Where: Place de la Cité, 570 Boulevard de la Cité, Gatineau
Details: https://afio.ca/
15. Evenings at Zibi
A summer night market by the Urban Art Collective held at Head Street Square in the Zibi neighbourhood, right by Chaudière Falls. Local vendors, handmade goods, food, and music come together for a laid-back Saturday evening with a strong community feel. FREE, registration recommended.
When: Saturday, June 6, 5pm–10pm.
Where: Head Street Square, 310 Miwate Private, Zibi.
16. ART + Spring Showcase
Come for the live performance of this season’s ART+ Showcase, featuring six extraordinary artists who, with rhythm, movement, and voice, transform the stage. Each performance tells a story of identity, resilience, joy, and connection. Featuring: Mely Walide, Pop-R&B Singer; Kimya, Hip-Hop Artist; Duo SaDo Tango, Latin American Tango Music Duo; and others. Tickets: $15.
When: Saturday, June 6, 4pm-7pm
Where: Arts Court Studio, 2 Daly Ave.
17. Ottawa StoryTellers Signature Series
Experience the magic of Aztec mythology brought to life through powerful spoken word and live percussion. Tickets from $18
When: Sunday, June 7, 2pm
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
18. Sports 200: Two Days. Everyone Plays
Try more than 30 sports for free, including paddling, basketball, inclusive sledge hockey, family swims, and many other activities across Ottawa. FREE
When: June 6-7, 7am-4pm (various session times)
Where: Multiple recreation centres and sports clubs across Ottawa
Details: https://sportottawa.
19. Douglas Sutherland Art in the Park
Local artists, artisans, authors, and photographers display their work alongside food trucks, live music, a kids’ talent showcase, and street chalk art. A relaxed, family- and pet-friendly day out with a genuine neighbourhood feel. FREE.
When: Sunday, June 7, 9am–3pm.
Where: Village Square Park, 1453 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
20. Summer Sounds Concert Series at Andrew Haydon Park
A free outdoor evening concert by the Nepean Concert Band by the water at Andrew Haydon Park, part of their beloved bi-weekly summer series running since 2012. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a relaxed hour of lively band music — an easy, all-ages Wednesday night out. FREE.
When: Wednesday, June 10, 7:30pm–8:30pm.
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Avenue, Nepean.
Saturday
23. Live from the Booth
Enjoy free outdoor performances from local DJs and electronic music artists as Sparks Street transforms into a vibrant open-air dance floor every Saturday evening throughout the summer. Admission: FREE. Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, Oct 10, 8pm-10pm. Where: The Booth on Sparks Street, between Elgin Street and Metcalfe Street, Ottawa.
24. Street Food Showdown
Taste and vote for delicious culinary creations to support the Westboro Region Food Bank champion. Tickets from $25
When: Saturday, June 6, 2pm
Where: All Saints Anglican Church Westboro, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa
Details: https://
25. Beechwood Market
Shop local at the Beechwood Market, a neighbourhood farmers’ market featuring fresh produce, farm eggs, yogurt, cheeses, meat, poultry, coffee, tea, home and health items, and more. Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, October 31 from 9am-1pm. Where: New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa.
26. City Sounds Live
Enjoy free outdoor live music in the heart of the Glebe as local musicians perform in a community-focused concert series celebrating emerging Ottawa artists. Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, Jun 27 (no times yet). Where: Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, 816 Bank Street, Ottawa.
27. Carp Farmer’s Market
One of Eastern Ontario’s largest producer-only farmers’ markets, now in its 36th year, with 80+ local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, and artisan goods. This week’s market features Pioneer Day with Barb Hare of Farm Experience School Crafts, an educational display of pioneer artifacts in the Exhibit Hall Rotunda, plus live music by Zachary Martin. FREE.
When: Saturday, June 6, 8am–1pm.
Where: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road, Carp.
Sunday
28. Nepean Night Market
A Sunday evening market with local vendors, food trucks, live music, glow sticks for the kids, and dogs welcome. Running every week through the summer, it’s a reliable good-vibes night out. FREE.
When: Sunday, June 7, 5pm–9pm.
Where: Mr. Lube + Tires, 1442 Baseline Road, Nepean
29. Hypatia’s Voice SING the Universal
Join Hypatia’s Voice as we bring our 10th Anniversary Season to a radiant close. The program includes contemporary choral treasures such as Song of the Universal by Ola Gjeilo, Kim André Arnesen‘s Magnificat, and Ave Mariaby Franz Biebl. The performance will be conducted by Christopher Ducasse and will feature a professional string orchestra, and other guest artists that include Soprano Soloist Ania Hejnar, Organist Shawn Potter, and Pianist Astrid Camarena Correa. Admission is $15 to $50. When: Sunday June 7, 3-5 pm. Where: St. Joseph’s Parish, 174 Rue Wilbrod St., Ottawa. Details: IG @hypatiasvoice
30. Pups & Pints Mini Market
Grab a pint with your pup, shop pet-focused vendors, and support 2 local rescues! FREE
When: Sunday June 7, 11am-4pm
Where: Stray Dog Brewing, 501 Lacolle Way, Orleans, Ottawa.
Details: https://fb.me/e/a3DpCvm6X?
Next Week
31. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market Night Market
Join us alongside 55 local producers, live music, hot food, and country line dancing. Plenty of free parking inside and outside. Pet-friendly.
When: Wednesday June 10, 5-8pm
Where: 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
Details: https://www.facebook.
32. OrKidstra Centre Hub End of Year Concert
Cheer on over one hundred and fifty young musicians as they share joyful classical music performances. Tickets from FREE
When: Tue, Jun 9, 6:30pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street, Ottawa
Details: https://orkidstra.ca/
More recurring events in Ottawa
33. Homegrown Club Series
Presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Homegrown Club Series showcases Ottawa’s talented local musicians through a week of free live performances at venues across the city leading up to the festival. Admission: FREE. When: Friday, May 29 to Saturday, June 6 (various times). Where: At participating venues across Ottawa.
34. Bistrofest
Celebrate local music at Bistrofest, a free outdoor concert series featuring original performances from Ottawa-area artists in a lively summer setting. Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, May 16 to Saturday, Sep 5 on select Saturdays. Where: Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro, Ottawa.
When: May 22–June 7, 7:30pm
Where: Patterson Creek Park, Linden Terrace, Ottawa
36. Step into the Rainbow with Wild Colour
Making its Ottawa debut, Wild Colour is a family-friendly exhibition exploring the beauty and science of colour in nature. Discover nearly 200 specimens, audio stories, vibrant colour zones, and hands-on activities. Learn how living things use colour to communicate, attract, hide, and survive in the wild. Enjoy interactive activities that spark wonder in both kids and adults. On view for a limited time. Included with general admission. When: Starting May 15. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
37. Pirate Life
Set sail on a swashbuckling one-hour pirate adventure on the water, featuring dockside activities before boarding. A magical experience for kids and adults alike, advance booking is highly recommended as space on the ship is limited. Tickets are $44 per person, with children 3 and under at $14. When: Weekends in May and June, with multiple time slots available daily.
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
Details: piratelife.ca
38. Summer at The Log Farm
Meet all the animals: sheep, cows, goats, horses, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and barn cats. Spring babies will be active and curious, often eating right from your hand! Kids will love the Kids Barn with themed hands-on activities, the corn sensory table, dramatic play stations, hay bales to climb, and wide open fields to explore. Don’t miss the pioneer farmhouse for a glimpse into early farm life. Admission is $12.99 plus tax for all guests aged 1 and up. Children under 1 are FREE. Free parking on site. No pets allowed.
When: Thursdays to Sundays until Aug 30, from 9am to 4pm (last admission at 3pm)
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd.
39. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Enjoy over 80 sculptures representing themes on the human condition, philosophic concepts, and imagery representative of various faiths from around the world, carefully placed in a natural setting. Tickets: $7, $10, $25 (family pass)
When: As of Saturday May 16, Thursdays to Mondays 10am-5pm until October 31.
Where: 3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland)
Details: On Facebook.
40. NCC Weekend Bikedays
From May to October, the NCC’s Weekend Bikedays program opens select Ottawa parkways to active use, perfect for biking, walking, rollerblading, or strolling. Enjoy a safe, car-free way to explore the National Capital Region. Runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. FREE.
When: May 9 to October 12, 2026
Where: Kichi Zibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.
41. Jukebox Lunch Concerts
Live music for your lunch returns to the capital with Jukebox Lunch Concerts at the National Arts Centre every Thursday in May and June. It kicks off with poet / singer-songwriter Maya Spoken bringing her soulful take on self-discovery, love and Black culture. Bring your lunch hour to the next level. FREE.
When: Thursdays at 12:10pm
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
42. Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
Shopping in the evening always has its own flavour, as you’ll find at the Hintonburg Night Market. It’s a chance to stroll through a variety of local vendors, plenty of food and drink, all while being entertained by local musicians and buskers. A great night out. FREE.
When: Thursdays from May to Oct, 4pm–9pm
Where: Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset Street West, Ottawa
43. Faith Fyles: in Full Bloom
This exhibition explores the intersection of art and science through the life and work of Faith Fyles (1875–1961), the first woman to be appointed as a botanist with Canada’s Department of Agriculture. FREE ADMISSION.
When: March 7–September 27, 2026
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Level 4, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge.
