It’s the first weekend of September, and there are so many amazing things to do in Ottawa this long weekend! From Latin festivals to food festivals, cultural festivals, sports, outdoor screenings, markets and much more, get ready to have some serious fun! Check out this post and share it with your crew!
What other events do you know about? Tell me in the comments!
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19 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Viet Moon Fest
Step into a magical world of lantern-lit streets, cultural performances, Vietnamese food, crafts, workshops, live music and family activities. Highlights include a Lion Dance, traditional and contemporary performances, a children’s lantern parade, moon lighting ceremony, fashion runways, mooncake workshops and DJs. FREE
When: Sept 4-6. Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm.
Where: 400 March Rd, Kanata.
Details: https://vietmoonfest.
2. Latin Sparks Festival
One of Ottawa’s biggest Latin celebrations returns with live bands, DJs, dance performances, free dance lessons, authentic Latin street food, outdoor bars and a giant outdoor party. Don’t miss the colourful Carnaval Parade featuring hundreds of musicians, dancers and performers, plus interactive games and experiences for the whole family. Kids 12 and under enter free. Tickets from $44.99.
When: Sept 5, 1pm-11pm.
Where: LeBreton Flats.
Details: https://www.
3. Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Watch colourful hot air balloons take flight and light up the night sky at this five-day festival featuring major concerts, fireworks every evening, Night Glow, an amusement park, inflatable games, mini-golf, face painting, climbing walls, obstacle courses, live entertainment and plenty of family activities. Balloon flights take place at 6:30am Thu-Sun and 6:30pm Wed-Sun during the festival. Kids 10 and under are free. Tickets from $54.99. You can also catch views of the balloons from scenic spots along the Ottawa River, including Rockcliffe Park and the NCC River House.
When: Sept 2-6. Wed-Thu opens at 5pm. Fri at 4pm, Sat-Sun at 10:30am
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Rue Saint-Louis, Gatineau.
Details: https://
4. Ottawa Serbian Festival
Celebrate Serbian culture with authentic food, desserts and barbecue, live music, traditional folk dance performances, dance lessons, cultural exhibits and sports activities. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, games and other children’s activities, plus an evening Best Dancer of the Night competition. FREE
When: Sept 5-7. Sat-Sun 12pm-11pm, Mon 12pm-10pm.
Where: 1989 Prince of Wales Drive
Details: https://serbianfest.
5. Latin American Festival & Parade
Celebrate the vibrant cultures of Latin America with a colourful parade, live music and dance performances, authentic food from different Latin American countries and free kids activities. The parade takes place at Lansdowne Park before the festival continues at the Horticulture Building and East Court. FREE
When: Sept 6. Festival 11am-8pm; Parade 1pm-3pm.
Where: Lansdowne Park, Horticulture Building and East Court, 1015 Bank St.
Details: https://
6. Doors Open at Rideau Hall
Explore the official residence and workplace of Canada’s Governor General at your own pace. Discover the State rooms, private gardens, greenhouses and Palm House, while guides share stories about the history and role of Rideau Hall. FREE
When: Sept 5-7, 10am-4pm
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr.
Details: https://www.gg.ca/en/
7. Bike Show
Enjoy a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and cycling culture just across the river in Gatineau! The Bike Show showcases everything from vintage classics and custom builds to unique everyday rides. Admire an eclectic collection of bicycles, meet passionate cyclists, enjoy live DJ performances, and grab a bite from the onsite barbecue. FREE.
When: Saturday, Sept 5, 6pm-9pm.
Where: Place Laval, 173 Wellington Street, Gatineau
8. 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 Sept 5, 10am-4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
9. BlokJam
Enjoy Ottawa’s biggest block party and urban arts festival, celebrating youth-led hip-hop culture through live performances, workshops, and creative expression! BlokJam brings together the Ottawa and Gatineau communities for a high-energy day of music, dance, art, and community spirit. The daytime festival is FREE. The after party is 19+ and early bird tickets are $20 online.
When: Saturday, Sept 5, all day, after party from 10pm.
Where: Daytime: ByWard Market Square, Ottawa. After party: The 27 Club, 27 York Street, Ottawa
10. Ottawa Labour Day March and Picnic
Enjoy a cherished Ottawa tradition as the Ottawa & District Labour Council hosts its annual Labour Day March and Picnic! The march departs from Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar Street side) at noon sharp, heading south on Elgin Street to Gladstone Avenue, then west to Bronson Avenue, ending at McNabb Park for a community picnic with food, music, and festivities. FREE.
When: Monday, Sept 7, noon-4pm.
Where: March starts at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Picnic at McNabb Park, 435 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa
11. 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 week: Ten Things I Hate About You. FREE.
When: Saturday Sept 5, at sunset, 7:40pm approximately.
Where: Zibi, Albert Island – 28 Booth St, Ottawa.
Details: IG @capitalpopupcinema
12. Star Party – Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of stargazing hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Ottawa Centre! RASC members will be on hand with telescopes to share stunning views of the night sky and their passion for astronomy. Open to all ages and experience levels. Everyone is welcome. A backup date is available in case of poor weather. Check http://ottawa.rasc.ca/
When: Friday, Sept 4
Where: Ottawa Public Library, Carp Branch, 3911 Carp Road, Carp
13. Fetch Local Markets
Come celebrate local love and bring your pup! Featuring 30+ carefully curated local makers offering unique handmade goods, art, and products for dogs and the people who love them. Expect on-site dog services, partnerships with local rescues, and fundraising for animal causes alongside great vendors for everyone. Leashes required. FREE admission.
When: Saturday, Sept 5, 10am-3pm.
Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans
14. Ottawa Bicentennial: Celebrating the Nations
Enjoy a bilingual intercultural celebration honouring Ottawa’s 200th anniversary, presented by the Communauté Bandjoun Ottawa-Gatineau! The event links Bytown’s origins to Ottawa’s remarkable cultural diversity through Indigenous protocols, live performances, and family-friendly activities celebrating heritage, francophonie, and the many nations that have shaped the capital. FREE admission and parking.
When: Sunday, Sept 6 from 11am.
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3169 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
15. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Roses de Montréal FC
The Rapid host Roses de Montréal FC at TD Place for an exciting NSL home matchup, with two of the league’s top clubs facing off in what promises to be a great afternoon of women’s soccer. Tickets from $25.
When: Sunday, Sept 6, 12pm. Doors open at 11am
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: https://www.
16. Atlético Ottawa vs. Pacific FC
Ottawa’s CPL side hosts Pacific FC at TD Place, with playoff positioning on the line. Wear your red and white and come support the capital’s own. Tickets from $32.
When: Saturday, Sept 5, 4pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Details: https://www.
17. Ottawa Titans vs. Trois-Rivières Aigles
Catch the Titans at Ottawa Stadium for a three-game home series against the Trois-Rivières Aigles, with Fan Appreciation Night on Sept 3 capped off with post-game fireworks. Great baseball, great vibes. Tickets from $15.
When:
• Tuesday, Sept 1, 6:30pm
• Wednesday, Sept 2, 6:30pm
• Thursday, Sept 3, 6:30pm. Fan Appreciation Night + post-game fireworks 
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
18. Fall Fun at Cannamore Orchards
Head out to Cannamore Orchards this fall for apple and pumpkin picking, covered wagon rides, the cow-train, giant hedge mazes, pedal cars, and more. The perfect family weekend escape just outside the city. Tickets $16, kids 3 and under FREE.
When: Sept 5-7. Fri-Sun 11am-4pm
Where: Cannamore Orchards, 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
Details: https://www.
19. Horse Lovers’ Weekend
Upper Canada Village celebrates the historic role of horses in Canada with a three-day festival featuring riding, driving, and working horse demonstrations alongside village interpreters and community partners. Included with regular admission (from $13).
When: Sept 5-7. 9:30am-5pm
Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg
Details: https://www.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
20. TITANIQUE: A must-see musical comedy
What happens when Céline Dion’s music meets Titanic? TITANIQUE! This wildly funny musical parody turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hilarious theatrical extravaganza.
Ticket price: Starting at $68
When: Sept 1-5. Tue-Fri 8pm; Sat 4pm and 8pm.
Where: Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
Details: https://casinos.
21. Words on Water: Ottawa Riverkeeper Current Conversations
Celebrate the Ottawa River through poetry at this special evening featuring 10 local poets, including Ottawa’s poet laureates. The readings will be presented in both French and English.
Ticket price: Regular price $20; under 15 FREE
When: Wednesday Sept 2, 6pm-8pm
Where: NCC River House, Ottawa Riverkeeper Learning Lab, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy.
Details: On Eventbrite
22. Jackson Dean
Rising country star Jackson Dean brings his soulful, Appalachian-rooted sound to The Bronson for an intimate night of live music, with opener Leah Blevins kicking things off. Tickets from $47.
When: Friday, Sept 4, 7pm
Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa
Details: https://www.
23. Houndmouth: The Lordy Tour
Get ready for an evening of alternative rock, blues and Americana! Houndmouth is bringing their energetic live show to Ottawa as part of The Lordy Tour, with Brown Horse joining them as special guest. This is a +19 event.
Ticket price: Starting at $187
When: Friday Sept 4, 8pm
Where: HISTORY Ottawa, 47 Rideau St.
Details: https://www.
24. Summer Flower U-Pick
Spend the long weekend surrounded by colourful blooms! Wander through the summer flower field, choose your favourites and create your own freshly picked bouquet. With 25+ flower varieties in bloom, there’s plenty to discover.
Ticket price: Picking $25, Looking $7
When: Sept 4-7
Where: Green Corners Farm, 1259 York’s Corners Rd., Ottawa
Details: https://www.
Saturday
25. 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: Sept 5 at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
26. 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, Sep 5. Where: Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro, Ottawa.
Sunday
27. Festival of Flavours
Head to Vankleek Hill for a day celebrating local food, artisanal products and community! Browse food vendors, arts and crafts along Main Street and enjoy the town’s charming historic setting.
Ticket price: FREE admission (food and goods available for purchase).
When: Sunday Sept 6, 10am-4pm
Where: Main Street, Vankleek Hill
Details: https://www.
Monday
28. Laugha-cadabra: Stittsville Comedy & Magic
Get ready for a night where stand-up comedy meets mind-bending magic! Expect big laughs, hilarious stories, magical surprises and plenty of audience-friendly fun.
Ticket price: Starting at $22.90
When: Monday Sept 7, 8pm-9:30pm
Where: The Blackstone, 382 Bobolink Ridge, Ottawa
Details: On Eventbrite
More recurring events in Ottawa
29. 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.
30. 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.
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 Oct 31, 7pm. Where: Bar 7, Hotel Casino Lac Leamy, 3 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
33. 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
34. 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 until Sept 25 | Seatings at 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm
Where: Laurier House National Historic Site, 335 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa
35. 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. (Until Nov 8)
When: By reservation.
Where: Tulip Restaurant, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown, 361 Queen Street, Ottawa.
36. 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
37. 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 until Sept 26.
Where: Britannia Beach, 102 Greenview Avenue.
Details: On Eventbrite
38. 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.
39. 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
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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
When: Until the end of September. Between 6pm and 8pm depending on the date.
Where: Patterson Creek Park, Linden Terrace, Ottawa
45. 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. Every Thursday, admission to the museum is free from 5pm to 8pm. When: Starting May 15. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
46. 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
47. 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.
48. 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.
49. 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.
50. 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
51. 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.
