Another incredible weekend is on the horizon in Ottawa! There’s no shortage of fun things happening in our city, so pick your favourite! Want to try new food? Experience a different culture? Dance the night away? Catch a show? Or maybe visit a fair?
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find an option here! Check out the post and don’t forget to share it with your crew.
Enjoy the last days of summer!
21 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Ottawa Asian Festival Night Market
Celebrate Asian culture and cuisine at this lively night market featuring street food, live entertainment, dancers, musicians and vendors from across Ontario. FREE admission and parking.
When: Sept 11-13. Fri-Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-8pm.
Where: Tanger Ottawa, 8555 Campeau Drive, Ottawa.
Details: On IG @ottawaasianfest
2. Open NCC
Explore some of the National Capital Region’s most iconic places and discover the work of the National Capital Commission through free activities, tours and experiences. All activities are FREE, but some require registration.
When: Sept 12, 10am-3pm.
Where: Confederation Park (main hub); Kìwekì Point; East Wharf Recreational Dock; Sussex Courtyards; Thunderhead, the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument; NCC River House; Hull Marina; Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.
3. Riverside Festival
Dance by the Ottawa River at this three-day electronic music festival featuring international headliners including Marshmello, Steve Aoki and Excision.
$87 and up
When: Sept 11-13. Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat 3pm-11pm; Sun 3pm-11pm.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau.
Details: festivalriverside.ca
4. Bike Night at Confederation Park
Hop on your bike for an evening ride along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive, inspired by Montreal’s Tour La Nuit. The ride covers 10.8 km per loop on a one-direction route, and participants can complete as many or as few loops as they like. Wear a helmet. FREE
When: Sept 12, 6pm-10pm.
Where: Confederation Park, Elgin Street, Ottawa.
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/open-
5. Thai Fest Ottawa-Gatineau
Get a taste of Thailand in Gatineau with authentic Thai food, traditional performances, live music, cultural activities, Thai businesses, massage demonstrations and a Muay Thai masterclass. FREE
When: Sept 12, 11am-6pm.
Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, Gatineau.
Details: https://thaifestival.ca/
6. Butter Tart Festival
Indulge your sweet tooth at Stittsville’s Sweetest Day, featuring butter tarts in gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and vegan varieties, plus kids’ activities, local artisans, hot food, ice cream and more. FREE
When: Sept 12, 10am-2pm.
Where: 5870 Abbott Street East, Stittsville.
Details: https://atthebarn.ca/
7. Afrofestival Ottawa
A celebration of the beauty, diversity, and richness of African culture is what Afrofestival is all about. Delicious food and drinks, a drumming workshop, and artists such as Rotimi, Jea, and Nonso Amadi are bringing the music and dance. FREE to $22.90.
When: Sept 11-13, from 2pm-11pm
Where: Mooney’s Bay Beach, 2960 Riverside Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
8. Orleans Ribfest & Poutine
It’s all about comfort food and stretchy pants at Orleans Ribfest & Poutine. Five award-winning ribbers from Canada and the US, over 50 kinds of poutine, live music, plus bouncy castles for the kids and a craft beer tent for the big kids. Bring your appetite. FREE
When: Sept 11-13, Fri 11:30am-9pm; Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm.
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd (near Shenkman Arts Centre), Orleans
Details: https://www.orleansribfest.ca/
9. Ottawa Comiccon
The biggest yearly fandom event returns to the capital with the arrival of Ottawa Comiccon. A celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and all genres in between, covering books, TV, and film. Cosplay, panels and workshops, and celebrity meet-and-greets await. Embrace your weirdness—you’re among friends. Tickets from $37.
When: Sept 11-13, Fri 3pm-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawacomiccon.com/
10. Cranium Festival
For five days, the sounds of Hip Hop and R&B will flow through Ottawa at the annual Cranium Festival. With shows spread out across the city, it’s a chance to enjoy and discover new music, with artists like Talib Kweli, Yujen, and Simora bringing the energy and heat. Tickets from $14.
When: Sept 9-13, various times
Where: Various locations, Ottawa
Details: https://craniumfestival.com/
11. Kanata Craft Beer Festival
Time to raise a glass for the Kanata Craft Beer Festival. Over 20 different craft breweries will be participating, offering you a taste of their creations. With live music and food trucks, it’s a block party for you and your taste buds. Tickets $25.
When: Sept 11-12, Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat 2pm-11pm.
Where: Kanata Community Hub, 400 March Rd, Kanata
Details: https://ankhorevents.ca/
12. Taste of Manotick
Come experience and taste what life is like in the village at the Taste of Manotick. Take a stroll as local restaurants and businesses line Main Street, tempting you with samples from their menus, along with demonstrations and live music to complete your tour. FREE, with tickets available for food samples.
When: Saturday Sept 12, 2pm-6pm
Where: Village of Manotick, 5556 Manotick Main Street, Manotick
Details: https://manotickvillage.com/
13. Black & Bluegrass Fest
Don’t miss twelve hours of gritty bluegrass music, gothic country, and outlaw energy outdoors. Tickets from $50.
When: Saturday, Sept 12, 12pm-12am
Where: Rideau Pines Farm, 5714 Fourth Line Road, North Gower
Details: On Facebook
14. Beechfest
Celebrate the vibrant community with live music, street eats, local art, and family fun. FREE
When: Saturday, Sept 12, 3pm-9pm
Where: Beechwood Avenue, Marier to Loyer Avenue, Vanier
Details: https://vanierbia.com/
15. BeYoutiful Women’s Expo
Discover incredible women-owned businesses, self-care items, wellness products, and spectacular giveaways with friends. Tickets from $5.
When: Saturday Sept 12, 10am-4pm
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans
Details: On Eventbrite
16. Kanata Multicultural, Dance, Music & Food Festival
Cheer for multicultural music and dance performances, giant inflatables, face painting, and world food stalls. FREE
When: Sept 12-13, from 12pm-8pm both days
Where: Walter Baker Park, 100 Charlie Rogers Place, Kanata
Details: pandsettlement.ca
17. 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: Legally Blonde (Friday) and Cool Runnings (Saturday). FREE.
When: Sept 11-12, at sunset, 7:40pm approximately. Where: Churchill Seniors Community Centre, 345 Richmond Rd (Fri) and Sparks St (Sat). Details: IG @capitalpopupcinema
18. Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA
Rain falls indoors, acrobats fly, and an imagined Mexico comes to life in LUZIA, Cirque du Soleil’s return to Ottawa under the Big Top. Vivid colour, live music, and gravity-defying feats carry you from desert to dance hall in a surreal daydream of a show. Tickets: from $72.
When: Sep 10-Oct 18.
Where: Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa.
Details: https://www.cirquedusoleil.
19. The Great Gatsby
The Roaring Twenties spring to life in this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, drawn from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel of love, wealth, and heartbreak. Champagne-soaked parties, a jazz- and pop-infused score, and dazzling choreography carry Jay Gatsby’s dream across the glittering excess of Long Island. Tickets: from $160.55.
When: Sep 8-13.
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
20. IWBF Wheelchair Basketball Championships
The sport’s premier international event lands in Ottawa for eleven days of elite competition, with 336 athletes from 28 national teams battling for world titles. The group stage tips off this week before the knockout rounds, fast, fierce, and genuinely thrilling to watch. Tickets: from CA$35.75 (TD Place); from CA$13.50 (Carleton University).
When: Sep 9-19; group stage Sep 9-15. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street; and Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive), Ottawa.
Details: https://ottawa2026.ca
21. Almonte Fair
One of the Ottawa Valley’s oldest country fairs, back for its 166th year under the theme “Roots, Shoots, and Farm Boots.” Put on by the North Lanark Agricultural Society, it packs three days with livestock shows, a demolition derby, championship wrestling, a K9 show, the crowd-favourite dancing tractors, live music at night, and a full midway. Tickets: from $22.99.
When: Sept 11-13. Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 10am-5pm
Where: Almonte Fairgrounds, 195 Water Street, Almonte.
Details: https://almontefair.weebly.com
More fun things to do this weekend
Thursday and Friday
22. WOW Festival
Connect with community organizations, service providers, and wellness resources at the Working on Wellness Festival, a day focused on mental, physical, and substance use health through integrated care and community support. Admission: $25 for the symposium; public expo details available online.
23. Renfrew Fair
Livestock and horse shows, truck and tractor pulls, a Saturday-night demolition derby, a full midway, and live music including a Tragically Hip tribute on Friday and an Anne Murray tribute on Sunday. Gate admission includes unlimited midway rides. Tickets: from $35.32.
When: Sep 10-13. Thu 12pm-9pm; Fri 9am-midnight; Sat 9am-midnight; Sun 9am-5pm.
Where: Renfrew Fairgrounds, 115 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Renfrew. Details: https://www.renfrewfair.com
24. Spencerville Fair
The 2026 edition features a special Canadian Forces Snowbirds flyover, an Extreme Dogs stunt show, and Tim & The Glory Boys headlining Saturday night, alongside fair staples: the giant pumpkin weigh-in, Saturday parade, demolition derby, midway, and livestock shows. Tickets: from $17.30.
When: Sep 10-13 (Thursday from 4pm; full days Friday-Sunday).
Where: Spencerville Fairgrounds, Spencerville.
Details: https://www.spencervillefair.
Saturday
25. Coffee Right YOW
Bringing together the best local and out of town roasters, food vendors, and makers for a one‑day celebration of specialty coffee culture in Ottawa’s historic Parkdale Market. FREE to enter and sample from over 20 roasters and more than 20 food vendors and makers. There is an optional $5 ticket that enters you into a bunch of sponsored raffle prizes and 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Semilla Coffee Farmer Fund, which donates micro, non-repayable loans to farmers between crops.
When: Saturday Sept 12, 10am-3pm.
Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.
26. Evenings at Zibi
Enjoy a curated waterfront night market experience featuring local artists, makers, food vendors, live DJs, interactive programming, and creative activities in the Chaudière Falls district. Admission: FREE.
27. Ottawa Bonsai Society Annual Show
Come admire beautiful bonsai trees from across the region at the Ottawa Bonsai Society Annual Show, where members will be available to answer questions and share more about the art of bonsai. Admission: FREE. When: Sept 12-13. Where: Embassy of Japan, 255 Sussex Drive, Ottawa.
28. NHL Prospect Challenge
Catch the next generation of NHL talent as prospects from the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets face off in a weekend showcase of fast-paced hockey action. Admission: $20+. When: Sept 12-13. At 1pm and 6pm. Where: Centre Slush Puppie, 500 Boulevard de la Cité, Gatineau.
29. Almonte Fibrefest
Explore one of Canada’s longest-running fibre arts festivals, featuring vendors, guild demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and handmade textiles across two downtown Almonte venues. Admission: $5. When: Sept 12-13, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Where: Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond Street East, and John Levi Community Centre, 182 Bridge Street, Almonte.
Sunday
30. Mosaic of Nations Festival
Experience diverse world cultures with live entertainment, international cuisine, art, and kids’ activities. FREE
When: Sunday Sept 13, 11am-8pm
Where: Alexander Grove Park, 10 Warner-Colpitts Lane, Stittsville
Details: On Eventbrite
Explore history through immersive walking tours and live costumed performances by local theatre actors. FREE
When: Sunday, Sept 13, 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Vanier
Details: https://beechwoodottawa.ca/
More recurring events in Ottawa
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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/
36. 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.
37. 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
38. 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
39. 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.
40. 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
41. 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
42. 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.
43. 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
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. 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
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. Every Thursday, admission to the museum is free from 5pm to 8pm. 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.
