Hey Ottawa-Gatineau! Ready to dive into a weekend packed with excitement? From vibrant cultural festivals to a major international sports event, September 11-13, 2026, is bursting with things to do. Your local events journalist here, bringing you the lowdown on how to make the most of your mid-September!
What to Do This Weekend
Get ready for a fantastic blend of culture, music, and performance across the capital region. Here are our top picks for a memorable weekend:
- Ottawa Asian Festival Night Market | Starting Friday, September 11 | Tanger Ottawa | Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Asia with incredible food, music, and performances. | directions | More info
- Ottawa Comiccon | Starting Friday, September 11 at 3:00 PM | EY Centre, Ottawa | Immerse yourself in the world of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. Meet your favourite creators and characters! | directions | More info
- Mt. Joy 2026: Celebrating 10 Years Of Mt. Joy | Friday, September 11 at 7:00 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | Join indie-rock darlings Mt. Joy for a special 10-year anniversary concert. Tickets required. | directions | More info
- Salsa Street Seats - Ottawa's Calle del Sabor | Friday, September 11 at 7:00 PM | Somerset and Cambridge Parking Lot- Precise ParkLink, Ottawa | Dance the night away at this vibrant outdoor salsa event, curated by SalsaRehab. Free! | directions | More info
- Afrofestival Ottawa | Friday, September 11 at 2:00 PM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | Mooney’s Bay Beach, Ottawa | Celebrate African culture with music, art, food, and community. Free to attend! | directions | More info
- SOS - The ABBA Experience | Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 PM | Algonquin Commons Theatre, Nepean | Get ready to sing along to all your favourite ABBA hits with this sensational tribute show! Tickets required. | directions | More info
- The Great Gatsby (Touring) | Friday, September 11 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM, Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM | National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts, Ottawa | Experience the grandeur and drama of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel brought to life on stage. Tickets required. | directions | More info
Family Events
Looking for fun with the little ones? Ottawa-Gatineau has plenty of family-friendly activities this weekend:
- Butter Tart Festival | Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | 5870 Abbott Street East, Stittsville | Indulge in delicious butter tarts and enjoy a family-friendly festival atmosphere. Free entry! | directions | More info
- Pirate Life | Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM | Mooney’s Bay, Ottawa | Embark on an interactive pirate adventure perfect for young buccaneers and their families. Tickets required. | directions | More info
- Orleans Ribfest & Poutine | Friday, September 11 at 11:30 AM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | 255 Centrum Blvd (near Shenkman Arts Centre), Orleans | A mouth-watering festival for all ages, featuring ribs, poutine, and live entertainment. Free entry! | directions | More info
- Kanata Multicultural Dance, Music & Food Festival | Friday, September 11 at 12:00 PM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | Walter Baker Park, Kanata | Celebrate diverse cultures with music, dance, and food from around the world. Free entry! | directions | More info
- Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park | Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 AM | 3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland) | Explore a unique blend of art and nature in this inspiring outdoor sanctuary. Family-friendly. | directions | More info
- Mosaic of Nations Festival | Sunday, September 13 at 11:00 AM | Alexander Grove Park, Ottawa | A colourful celebration of Ottawa’s diverse communities with food, music, and activities for the whole family. Free! | directions | More info
- Summer at The Log Farm | Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 AM | The Log Farm, Ottawa | Step back in time for some rustic family fun at this historic farm, with animals and outdoor activities. Free entry! | directions | More info
Big Events
Mark your calendars for these large-scale and highly anticipated events happening across the city this weekend:
- Ottawa Comiccon | Starting Friday, September 11 at 3:00 PM | EY Centre, Ottawa | A massive gathering for fans of pop culture, featuring guests, panels, and an expansive show floor. | directions | More info
- Ottawa Asian Festival Night Market | Starting Friday, September 11 | Tanger Ottawa | One of the city's largest cultural and culinary events, offering an immersive experience of Asian street food and entertainment. | directions | More info
- IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships | Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 (various times) | The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa & Carleton University Raven's Nest, Ottawa | Witness world-class athletes compete in this major international sports championship. Day passes available. | directions | More info
- Afrofestival Ottawa | Friday, September 11 at 2:00 PM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | Mooney’s Bay Beach, Ottawa | A vibrant celebration of African culture, featuring diverse musical acts, dance, and delicious food. Free entry! | directions | More info
- Cranium Festival | Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | Various locations, Ottawa | A dynamic music and arts festival showcasing a wide range of local and national talent across multiple venues. | directions | More info
- Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA | Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM | Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Ottawa | Be captivated by Cirque du Soleil's breathtaking show, a waking dream of Mexico, with stunning acrobatics and visuals. Tickets required. | directions | More info
- Mt. Joy 2026: Celebrating 10 Years Of Mt. Joy | Friday, September 11 at 7:00 PM | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | A significant concert event for fans of the popular indie-rock band. Tickets required. | directions | More info
- Riverside Festival | Friday, September 11 at 4:00 PM & Saturday, September 12 (all day) | Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau | A major music festival bringing diverse artists and energetic performances to the picturesque waterfront. | directions | More info