It’s the last weekend of August, and summer is saying goodbye! But the flow of events doesn’t stop in Ottawa! Check out this list of fun things to do, from an exciting rodeo, and the Capital Pride Parade to food festivals, football and soccer games, yoga, and much more!
Don’t forget to share it with your friends and start planning your weekend!
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20 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Broncs and Tonks
Dust off your cowboy boots and mosey on down to the Broncs and Tonks event. It starts with Texas style Tailgate party, followed by full fledged rodeo with bull riding and horsemanship, and ends with country music stars The Reklaws and Dean Brody. Giddyup! Tickets from $89.
When: Friday Aug 28, 4pm-11pm
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd Ottawa
Details: https://www.broncsandtonks.
2. Capital Pride Parade
It’s time to show your pride and come watch the annual Capital Pride Parade. With 225 groups represented, a bunch of floats, and over a thousand participants, it’s bound to be a fun colourful celebration. FREE
When: Sunday Aug 30, at 1pm
Where: Start: Wellington and Booth / End: Bank and Albert
Details: https://capitalpride.ca/2026-
3. Soundscape Ottawa
Discover a new immersive music and arts festival on the Ottawa Plaza Bridge, with the tunnel located between Parliament and the ByWard Market. The event will feature DJ Ok Naledy and other artists, bringing live music, art, and a unique atmosphere to one of downtown Ottawa’s most distinctive spaces.
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 6pm-10pm.
Where: Ottawa Plaza Bridge, Ottawa.
Details: On Facebook
4. Ottawa African Festival
A celebration of all things Africa is what you’ll find at the Ottawa African Festival. To bring together the richness and diversity of African culture and community, it’s three days of live music, dance, drumming, storytelling, of course delicious food. FREE
When: Aug 28-30, from 12pm-10pm
Where: Britannia Beach – Pier Park, 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa
Details: https://www.africanfestival.
5. Taste of Ottawa
Take a bite of the world without ever leaving Ottawa, with a road trip to the Taste of Ottawa. It’s a two-day outdoor feast of global cuisine, food trucks, cultural artisans and performers, plusfamily friendly activities. Begin your international travel right here. FREE
When: Aug 29-30, 11am-11pm
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://tasteofottawa.ca/
6. Capital Ukrainian Festival
Celebrate Ukrainian culture with traditional food, live music, dance performances, and activities for the whole family. People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to learn Ukrainian dance, explore cultural traditions through hands-on workshops, and gather at Lansdowne Park for the free, all-day Yarmarok (Ukrainian Marketplace).
When: Aug 28-30. Fri 6pm-8pm; Sat 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm (paid workshops); Sun 9am-7pm.
Where: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.
7. Salvadorean Festival of La Pupusa
A chance to celebrate the culture of El Salvador and their national dish, La Pupusa. There will be music, dancing, and family entertainment, plus plenty of tacos, Latin food and drink and the star of the show, La Pupusa. Bring your rhythm and your appetite. FREE
When: Saturday Aug 29, 8am-9pm
Where: Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook
8. Festival La Croix
Four full days of music, dance, food, and family fun, right in the heart of Gatineau! Live bands, traditional dance, authentic cuisine, games and prizes. Opening night featuring Roger Helou and his band. Grand finale featuring Wissam Amar, Alyabroudy, and Maestro Youssef. FREE.
When: August 27 to 30
Where: 115 Bd Sacré-Coeur, Gatineau, QC
Details: On Facebook
9. Full Moon Yoga
Find your inner peace by the light of a full moon, at the Full Moon Yoga event. A late night outdoor session that’s open to all levels. All you need is your mat, your water bottle, and your flexibility. Come see what the werewolf community is raving about. FREE.
When: Friday Aug 28, 9pm-10pm
Where: Lansdowne Park – Great Lawn, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa,
Details: On Facebook
10. Capital Pop Up Cinema
Enjoy free outdoor movies under the stars at different locations across Ottawa! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab some snacks, and enjoy a fun movie night with family and friends. Each week features a different film and location. This weekend: Uncle Buck. FREE.
When: Saturday Aug 29, 8pm.
Where: Sparks St – Block 2, between Metcalfe & O’Connor
Details: IG @capitalpopupcinema
11. Ottawa Gaming Convention
Explore Ottawa’s biggest tabletop wonderland featuring miniature tournaments, card games, role-playing adventures, and custom vendor markets. FREE
When: Aug 28-30, 8am
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://ogc.carrd.co/
12. Riverview Park Community Association’s Summer Carnival & Movie Night
Enjoy a family-friendly evening with games, food, historical displays, community art, and celebrations of Riverview Park’s history. FREE
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 6:30pm
Where: Balena Park, 1640 Devon Street, Riverview Park
Details: https://riverviewparkca.com/
13. Manotick Soapbox Derby
Witness local homemade carts race downhill alongside a massive community picnic, live music, and a drone show. FREE
When: Sunday, Aug 30, 9am
Where: Centennial Park, 5572 Dr. Leach Drive, Manotick
Details: https://www.manotickvca.org/
14. Evenings at Zibi: An Interactive Night Experience
Discover immersive art installations, live music, delicious street food, and curated tastings along the beautiful waterfront pathways. FREE
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 5pm
Where: Head Street Square, 310 Miwate Private, Ottawa
Details: on Eventbrite
15. Ottawa Redblacks vs BC Lions
Cheer on the home team during this special Bytown Bicentennial theme night celebrating 200 years of Ottawa! Tickets from $25
When: Sunday, Aug 30, 7pm
Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank Street, The Glebe
Details: https://www.ottawaredblacks.
16. Atletico Ottawa vs Inter Toronto
Experience thrilling professional soccer action complete with Fan Appreciation Night discounts and a stunning post-match drone show. Tickets from $23
When: Friday, Aug 28, 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Lansdowne Park
Details: https://www.tdplace.ca/event/
17. National Capital Pride Run
Ottawa’s most colourful run, an all-ages, all-levels event with a 5km run/walk or a 2.5km walk, welcoming participants of every gender, orientation, and pace. Part of Capital Pride week, it’s raised over $82,000 since 2016 for Bruce House, which supports people living with HIV in Ottawa. Tickets: Sold Out (registration closed).
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 10am.
Where: Riverain Park, North River Road, Ottawa.
Details: https://ncpr.ca
18. 1930’s Fair
A day of old-fashioned fun at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, celebrating the rural fairs of the era. Wander a 1920s and 30s heritage village, test your aim at a vintage midway game, catch an ice cream making demonstration with samples, and hear folktales from a guest storyteller. Vintage records set the mood, with farm animals and livestock-judging traditions to discover. Tickets: $9.42 adult; free for ages 5 and under. When: Sunday, Aug 30, 10am-3pm. Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland.
Details: https://ottawa.ca/en/
19. Ouimet Farms Adventure
A family-run adventure farm transformed into an outdoor playground for the season. The big draw is a seven-acre corn maze with hidden mailboxes to hunt down, alongside a giant jumping pillow, pedal karts, gem mining, a sunflower field, and the farm’s striking silo art. Tickets: from $17.70 onsite only, free for ages 3 and under.
When: Aug 29-30, 10am-5pm.
Where: Ouimet Farms Adventure, Vankleek Hill, Ontario.
Details: https://ouimetfarms.com/
20. Summer at the Farm
A relaxed, all-outdoors family visit to a historic 1854 homestead in Nepean, with friendly animals to meet and feed, a preserved pioneer farmhouse to explore, and a kids’ barn with sensory tables, pretend-play stations, and hay bales to climb. Tickets: $12.99 + tax; free for kids under 1.
When: Aug 27-30, 9am-4pm.
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Road, Nepean.
Details: https://thelogfarm.com
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
21. Luke Bryan: Word on the Street Tour
Country superstar and six-time CMT Artist of the Year Luke Bryan brings his high-energy Word On The Street Tour to Canadian Tire Centre, the tour’s only Canadian stop, with chart-toppers like Country Girl (Shake It for Me) and Play It Again alongside new material from his ninth album, Signs. Tickets: from CA$121.47.
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 7pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata.
Details: https://www.
22. Arôme
Soak up the warm days at Arôme, the restaurant at the Hotel-Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. Enjoy the lovely terrace and inviting atmosphere while indulging in delicious cocktails and seafood and grill specialties. Arôme is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
A special BBQ menu featuring tasty homemade sausages is also available every Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 9:30 pm for $82 per person, until Sept 5.
When: Daily from 6:30am to 10pm.
Where: Arôme, Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, Level A, 3 Boulevard du Casino.
Reserve your table here: https://casinos.
Saturday
23. Adikavi – The First Poet
Experience a groundbreaking musical dance ballet dedicated to the life and spiritual legacy of Narsinh Mehta, the 15th-century saint-poet known as the “Adikavi” or First Poet of Gujarati literature. Admission: $30+.
When: Saturday, Aug 29 at 7pm.
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa.
24. Bytown 1826–2026 : 200 ans de racines, de rencontres et de communauté
Celebrate 200 years of Bytown at this francophone, intergenerational community celebration featuring historical storytelling, participatory activities, cultural programming, and community meals. Admission: FREE.
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 9am-3pm.
Where: Centre Pauline-Charron, 164 Jeanne-Mance Street, Ottawa.
25. Intersection Queen & Queer
Celebrate Capital Pride with a vibrant queer dance party bringing together Afro, Latin, Middle Eastern, amapiano, reggaeton, salsa, Latin house, and electronic rhythms for a joyful night of movement and community. Admission: $20-30.
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 9pm-2am.
Where: The 27 Club, 27 York Street, Ottawa.
26. Game Night in the Bunker
Take game night underground at the Diefenbunker with an evening of board games, card games, friendly competition, snacks, and strategy in one of Ottawa’s most unique historic spaces. Admission: $19.95.
When: Saturday, Aug 29, 6-9pm.
Where: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa.
Sunday
27. Heydoo Live
An immersive concert from acclaimed Iranian composer and singer Heydoo Hedayati, blending southern Iranian folk and seafaring traditions with modern electronic and ambient soundscapes. Tickets: from CA$51.50.
When: Sunday, Aug 30, 7:30pm.
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean. Details: https://www.algonquinsa.com/
More recurring events in Ottawa
28. Death of a Salesman
Experience Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning tragedy as Death of a Salesman comes to the Ottawa Little Theatre stage, following Willy Loman as he confronts memory, family, and the fading promise of the American Dream. Admission: $10+.
When: Aug 19-Sept 5 at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
29. Salsa Street Seats
Enjoy a free outdoor salsa experience in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown every Friday night! Salsa Street Seats, curated by SalsaRehab, kicks off with open-level dance classes led by instructors from the University of Ottawa Salsa Club. No partner or prior experience needed, followed by social dancing and live Latin music. FREE.
When: Fridays during August and September. 7pm
Where: Somerset & Cambridge Parking Lot, 687 Somerset Street West, Ottawa.
30. Lansdowne Park Movie Nights
Don’t miss these FREE outdoor, family-friendly movie screenings at sunset!
When: Thursdays, 9pm
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook
31. Akoustik at St. Charles
Enjoy a wonderful summer evening of live music showcasing Ottawa’s most exciting local soul and indie artists. Twenty-one artists across ten Wednesdays in the heart of Vanier. FREE
When: July 15-Sept 23, 6pm-7:10pm
Where: St. Charles Market, 135 Barrette Street, Vanier
Details: https://vanierbia.com/
32. Bar 7
Bar 7 is a well-known hangout in the region. Its cozy and intimate setting makes it the perfect place to celebrate happy hour with friends and co-workers. Once the sun sets, bands and DJs take centre stage to delight a dancing crowd. You won’t want to miss these live music nights! Country Wednesdays, Latin Thursdays, Rythmik Nights (Fridays and Saturdays). Free entry. When: Until Aug 29, 7pm. Where: Bar 7, Hotel Casino Lac Leamy, 3 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
33. Wood Terrace Series
Enjoy free outdoor concerts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night at the National Arts Centre’s Wood Terrace. Space on the Wood Terrace is limited to 400 guests and available on a first-come, first-served basis. FREE. This week: Flavia Nascimento and Tio Chorinho. FREE.
When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until Aug 25, at 7:30pm.
Where: Wood Terrace. It’s accessible by elevator or directly from Elgin Street, the canal, or the Mackenzie King Bridge.
Details: https://nac-cna.ca/
34. City Hall Salsa
Come for a fun evening of dancing at City Hall (Marion Dewar Plaza). All levels of dancers are welcome. There will be two workshops each evening and social dancing to follow. FREE.
When: Every Wednesday until Aug 26 from 6:30pm to 10pm.
Where: 110 Laurier St W.
Details: On Facebook
35. Orléans Unplugged
Enjoy a free outdoor music series on Fridays in the heart of Orléans! Orléans Unplugged brings local talent, community vibes, and laid-back summer evenings to the Orléans Town Centre courtyard. Settle into your own chair or grab a spot on a nearby patio and enjoy live acoustic performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring your own chair. FREE.
When: Fridays at 6pm.
Where: Orléans Town Centre Courtyard, 250 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans
36. Yoga on the Hill at Tavern on the Hill
An outdoor all-levels flow with Brittany Bryden on Saturday mornings, set on the patio at Tavern on the Hill behind Major’s Hill Park, with Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River as the backdrop. A feel-good morning practice to move, breathe, and reset, welcoming total beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Pre-registration required, and classes run weather permitting. Tickets $25 + tax.
When: Every Saturday, Jun 20–Aug 29, 8:30am–9:30am
Where: Tavern on the Hill, 1223 Alexandra Bridge (behind Major’s Hill Park), Ottawa.
37. High Tea on the Veranda
Step back in time and sip tea on the historic veranda of Laurier House, once home to two of Canada’s longest-serving Prime Ministers. Think fine china, handcrafted treats, curated teas, and a house tour included. Tickets from $68.
When: Thursdays & Fridays | Seatings at 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm
Where: Laurier House National Historic Site, 335 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa
38. Le Petit Chef
An immersive dining experience where “the world’s smallest chef” is brought to life on your plate through 3D projection, turning each of the five courses into part of a playful animated story that unfolds on your table between dishes. Tickets: from $129 + tax. ( Not available for reservation in July, only for August)
When: By reservation.
Where: Tulip Restaurant, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown, 361 Queen Street, Ottawa.
39. Metcalfe Plaza
This new community outdoor space in the heart of downtown Ottawa turned into a high-energy spot last summer, and it’s back for a longer period this year. It will host wellness activities, social gatherings, and outdoor parties from Thursdays to Saturdays until September 26. Food and drinks available for purchase. FREE entry.
When: Thursdays to Saturdays, 5pm-10pm.
Where: 151 Metcalfe St.
Details: IG @metcalfeplaza
40. Beach Volley & Salsa
Come for some volleyball, an intro salsa lesson, and a little dance party on the beach!!! Beach volleyball equipment and speakers will be provided by @salsarehab (and maybe some stand-up paddleboards). FREE.
When: Every Saturday from 6pm.
Where: Britannia Beach, 102 Greenview Avenue.
Details: On Eventbrite
41. Parkdale Night Market
Enjoy a relaxing evening while browsing amazing businesses, listening to live music, and trying wellness-inspired cocktails, wine, beer, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. FREE. When: Wednesdays, 5pm–9pm. Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue.
42. Snider Park
Snider Park has opened in the heart of Centretown as a new public space designed for community life, creativity, and connection. The park features programming on Centre Stage, free public WiFi, and an on-site café. FREE.
Where: Snider Park, 250 Slater St.
Details: IG @centretownottawa
43. Carp Farmer’s Market
Celebrating the market’s 36th anniversary. This is one of Eastern Ontario’s largest producer-only farmers’ markets with 80+ local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, and artisan goods. FREE admission and parking.
When: Saturdays, 8am–1pm.
Where: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road, Carp.
44. 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: Every second Wednesday., 7:30pm–8:30pm.
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Avenue, Nepean.
45. 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.
46. 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: Sundays, 5pm–9pm.
Where: Mr. Lube + Tires, 1442 Baseline Road, Nepean
47. 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: Until the end of September. Between 6pm and 8pm depending on the date.
Where: Patterson Creek Park, Linden Terrace, Ottawa
49. 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.
50. 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
51. 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.
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. 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
55. 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.
