It feels like fall has really settled in this week, with crisp air and mostly clear skies for Friday before some clouds roll in for the weekend. If I could only pick one event to check out, I think I'd head to Nuit Blanche on Saturday night. Seeing the city transform with art installations and performances under the stars sounds like a perfect way to embrace the changing season.
What to Do This Weekend
- Ottawa Wine Auction | Friday, September 25 | This evening, an initiative of Music and Beyond, offers a chance for wine lovers to discover amazing vintages. | More info
- Dief the Chief: October '62 | Friday, September 25 | Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum | Experience a theatrical journey 75 feet underground as Prime Minister John Diefenbaker navigates the Cuban Missile Crisis. | directions | More info
- Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival | Friday, September 25 | Parkdale Public Market | Free | At this festival, you can snack on vegan treats, shop local art, and find self-care goodies from small businesses. | directions | More info
- Chinatown Mid-Autumn Night Market | Friday, September 25 at 6:00 PM | Somerset St W, between Bronson Ave and Bell St. | Free | This three-day street festival celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with street food, entertainment, and vendors. | directions | More info
- One World Bazaar | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | 6110 Mitch Owens Rd., Manotick | Free | You can explore a 14,000+ sq. ft. barn filled with handcrafted treasures, home décor, and unique finds from around the world, with food and live music on opening weekend. | directions | More info
- Pique #21 | Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 PM | Arts Court | Free | Arts Court will be transformed into an all-night area for experimental music, immersive art, and creative encounters. | directions | More info
- Ottawa Cat Show 2026 | Saturday, September 26 at 9:00 AM | Nepean Sportsplex | If you like cats, head to this event for adorable felines, cool contests, and furry fun. | directions | More info
- OC Transpo Free Transit Weekend | Sunday, September 27 | Ottawa-wide | OC Transpo is offering free trips on buses, trains, and Para Transpo all weekend to invite everyone to experience recent network upgrades and explore the city. | More info
Family Events
- Science for tots | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Canada Science and Technology Museum | Little ones aged 4 months to 5 years can enjoy hands-on sessions with sensory play, music, and stories. | directions | More info
- Pumpkin Fest | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Proulx Maple & Berry Farm | Free | Spend a day at this country farm where you can pick your own pumpkins, ride a hayride, navigate mazes, and visit the petting farm. | directions | More info
- Pirate Life | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Mooney’s Bay | Kids and adults can set sail on a swashbuckling one-hour pirate adventure on the water, with dockside activities before boarding. | directions | More info
- Frightfest | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Saunders Farm | Canada’s biggest haunted attraction returns for its 33rd year of scares with a haunted hayride, barn of terror, and other scares. | directions | More info
- Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run | Saturday, September 26 | Hog's Back Park | This large fundraising event supports sick, injured, and homeless animals in Ottawa, so grab your furry friend and join the race. | directions | More info
- Ottawa 200 Block Party | Saturday, September 26 | Ottawa City Hall | This event on Bytown’s 200th birthday at Marion Dewar Plaza offers fun for the whole family. | directions | More info
- Petit Picasso (0-5 ans) | Sunday, September 27 at 9:00 AM | Centre communautaire Apollo | Parents, grandparents, or close relatives can join their toddlers for a moment of shared creativity in this monthly workshop. | directions | More info
- Nepean Night Market | Sunday, September 27 at 5:00 PM | Mr. Lube + Tires | Free | This Sunday evening market has local vendors, food trucks, live music, glow sticks for the kids, and dogs are always welcome. | directions | More info
Big Events
- IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships | Friday, September 25 | Arena at TD Place | Over 11 action-packed days, 336 of the world’s top athletes will showcase skill and determination in wheelchair basketball’s most prestigious tournament. | directions | More info
- Ottawa International Animation Festival | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Various venues, Ottawa | Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of this festival, featuring 7 features and 74 shorts from around the world in competition, plus artist talks. | More info
- Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA | Friday, September 25 at 10:00 AM | Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre | This show transports audiences to an imaginary Mexico where light, rain, and acrobatics come together. | directions | More info
- Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Calgary Stampeders | Saturday, September 26 at 3:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Tickets from $25 | Join the crowds at Lansdowne as Ottawa’s CFL team battles for a chance at the Grey Cup. | directions | More info
- Nuit Blanche Ottawa | Saturday, September 26 at 7:00 PM | ByWard Market and downtown Ottawa. | Free | For one night, the city becomes a giant open-air art experience, with light installations, projections, and interactive experiences. | directions | More info
- SoundScape - Immersive Music & Arts Festival | Saturday, September 26 | Plaza Bridge | Free | This festival offers a month-long celebration of music, art, and creativity set beneath Ottawa’s historic Plaza Bridge. | directions | More info
- An Evening with David Sedaris | Sunday, September 27 | National Arts Centre | David Sedaris, known as one of America’s pre-eminent humour writers, is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. | directions | More info
- The Planet Smashers, Mustard Plug, K-Man and the 45s, General Chaos | Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 PM | Overflow Brewing Co. | $40 | Enjoy an evening of ska punk with The Planet Smashers and other bands at Overflow Brewing Co. | directions | More info