What to Do This Weekend
Looking for the crème de la crème of weekend activities? Here are some standout events you won't want to miss:
- Carp Garlic Festival | Friday, August 14 at 8:00 AM | Carp Farmers Market | Free entry! Experience a celebration of all things garlic with local vendors, food, and fun. directions | More info
- Gatineau-Ottawa Sasquatch Conference | Friday, August 14 at 8:00 AM | La Cabane en Bois Rond | Dive into the mysterious world of Bigfoot and cryptids at this intriguing conference spanning the weekend. directions | More info
- Capital Fair | Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM | Rideau Carleton Casino | Get your fill of thrilling rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair food all weekend long! directions | More info
- Le Grand Poutinefest | Friday, August 14 at 12:00 PM | Promenades de Gatineau | Free entry! Indulge in countless variations of Canada's iconic dish at this delicious festival running all weekend. directions | More info
- Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | Friday, August 14 at 4:00 PM | Urban Art Collective | Free entry! Enjoy an evening of music, arts, food, and local market finds in the vibrant Hintonburg neighbourhood. directions | More info
- Ottawa International Buskerfest | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | Sparks Street | Experience incredible street performers, musicians, and artists bringing Sparks Street to life throughout the weekend. directions | More info
- Ottawa Greek Festival | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | Hellenic Event Centre | Immerse yourself in Greek culture with delicious food, traditional music and dancing, and lively entertainment all weekend. directions | More info
- Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy | Saturday, August 15 at 9:15 PM | Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau | Free viewing! Witness a breathtaking fireworks display synchronized to music over the Ottawa River. directions | More info
Family Events
Planning a fun-filled weekend with the kids? Ottawa-Gatineau has plenty of family-friendly options:
- Russell Fair | Friday, August 14 at 9:00 AM | Russell Fair Grounds [Family-friendly] | Enjoy a classic agricultural fair with rides, animal shows, and games for all ages. directions | More info
- Company of Fools: A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Friday, August 14 at 10:00 AM | Tanglewood Park | Experience Shakespeare in the park with a family-friendly twist. Check their site for other park locations and times throughout the weekend! directions | More info
- Pirate Life | Friday, August 14 at 10:00 AM | Mooney’s Bay [Family-friendly] | Embark on an interactive pirate adventure on the water, complete with treasure hunts and swashbuckling fun! directions | More info
- NCC Weekend Bikedays | Friday, August 14 at 10:00 AM | Kichi Zibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Drive. | Free! Cycle along scenic parkways closed to vehicles, perfect for a family bike ride. directions | More info
- The Ottawa Kosher BBQ Cook-Off & Festival | Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM | Ottawa Torah Centre | Free entry! A fun, family-friendly festival with delicious BBQ, music, and community spirit. directions | More info
- 613flea | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park | Free entry! Discover unique treasures, local food, and artisanal goods with the whole family. directions | More info
- Kidzilla Festival | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | S&P Event Centre | A festival designed just for kids, featuring games, activities, and entertainment to keep them happy all day. directions | More info
- Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park | Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 AM | 3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland) [Family-friendly] | Explore a beautiful outdoor sanctuary with inspiring sculptures and natural landscapes. directions | More info
- Summer at The Log Farm | Sunday, August 16 at 9:00 AM | The Log Farm | Free entry! Step back in time and enjoy farm animals, heritage buildings, and country fun. directions | More info
Big Events
Get ready for some major happenings this weekend! From grand festivals to spectacular shows, these events are drawing big crowds:
- Russell Fair | Friday, August 14 at 9:00 AM | Russell Fair Grounds [Family-friendly] | One of the region's largest agricultural fairs, offering days of entertainment, competitions, and family fun. directions | More info
- Capital Fair | Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM | Rideau Carleton Casino [Family-friendly] | This annual fair features a wide array of attractions, from thrilling midway rides and live concerts to agricultural showcases. directions | More info
- Vankleek Hill Fair | Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM | Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds | Immerse yourself in rural charm with equestrian shows, craft markets, and live performances at this long-standing community fair. directions | More info
- Ottawa International Buskerfest | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | Sparks Street | Experience world-class street performers, musicians, and artists transforming downtown Ottawa into an open-air stage. directions | More info
- Ottawa Greek Festival | Saturday, August 15 at 12:00 AM | Hellenic Event Centre | A vibrant celebration of Greek culture featuring authentic cuisine, traditional dances, and live music, promising a festive atmosphere for all. directions | More info
- Major League Show Jumping Ottawa | Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 PM | Wesley Clover Parks [Family-friendly] | Witness elite equestrian talent compete in thrilling show jumping events, complete with food vendors and entertainment. directions | More info
- BARBRA STREISAND - SONGBIRD | Saturday, August 15 at 8:00 PM | Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | An evening dedicated to the legendary Barbra Streisand, featuring a spectacular tribute performance. directions | More info
- Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy | Saturday, August 15 at 9:15 PM | Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau | Free viewing! Don't miss the stunning fireworks competition lighting up the night sky over the Ottawa River. directions | More info