Hey Ottawa-Gatineau! Ready for another fantastic weekend in the capital region? We're diving headfirst into September with an incredible lineup of festivals, live music, sports, and unique experiences for everyone. From hot air balloons soaring over Gatineau to lively markets and theatrical performances, there's no shortage of ways to soak up the early autumn vibes. Let's make some plans!
What to Do This Weekend
Looking for something special to do? Here are our top picks for a memorable weekend:
- Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival | Friday, September 4 at 5:00 PM to Sunday, September 6 (all day) | Parc de la Baie | Free entry (specific shows may be ticketed) | directions | More info: https://montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/
- Latin Sparks Festival | Friday, September 4 at 1:00 PM & Saturday, September 5 (various times) | LeBreton Flats | Free entry | directions | More info: https://www.latinsparks.ca/
- Ottawa Artisan Festival | Friday, September 4 at 10:00 AM | Glebe Community Centre | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ottawa-artisan-festival-tickets-1992943895841
- Comedy Night on the Rideau Canal | Friday, September 4 (various times) | Rideau Canal Departure Location on Colonel By Drive side | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/event-calendar/comedy-night-on-the-rideau-canal
- Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | Friday, September 4 at 4:00 PM | Urban Art Collective | Free entry | directions | More info: https://ottawaisnotboring.com/2026/09/02/53-fun-things-to-do-in-ottawa-this-long-weekend-sept-4-7/
- Titanique, la parodie musicale avec des chansons de Céline Dion | Friday, September 4 at 8:00 PM & Saturday, September 5 at 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM | Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/titanique-la-parodie-musicale-avec-des-gatineau-quebec-09-04-2026/event/31006367E207E0EF
- 613 Flea | Saturday, September 5 at 10:00 AM | Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park | Free entry | directions | More info: https://lansdowneottawa.com
- Illusions The Drag Queen Show Ottawa | Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM | TBD | Cost varies | More info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/illusions-the-drag-queen-show-ottawa-drag-queen-show-ottawa-on-tickets-1909601903699
Family Events
Gather the kids and make some memories with these family-friendly activities:
- Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival | Friday, September 4 at 5:00 PM to Sunday, September 6 (all day) | Parc de la Baie | Free entry (specific shows may be ticketed) | directions | More info: https://montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/
- Ottawa Family Fest | Friday, September 4 at 10:00 AM | Mooney's Bay Park and Beach | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ottawa-family-fest-tickets-1993641339915
- Pirate Life | Friday, September 4 at 10:00 AM | Mooney’s Bay | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://piratelife.ca
- Star Party by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada | Friday, September 4 (Evening) | Ottawa Public Library - Carp | Free | directions | More info: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/event-calendar/star-party-by-the-royal-astronomical-society-of-canada
- Fall Fun at Cannamore Orchards | Friday, September 4 at 11:00 AM | Cannamore Orchards | Free entry | directions | More info: https://www.cannamoreorchard.com
- Capital Pop-Up Cinema | Saturday, September 5 at 7:40 PM | Zibi, Albert Island – 28 Booth St, Ottawa | Free | directions | More info: https://ottawaisnotboring.com/2026/09/02/53-fun-things-to-do-in-ottawa-this-long-weekend-sept-4-7/
- Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park | Saturday, September 5 at 10:00 AM | 3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland) | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://ottawaisnotboring.com/2026/09/02/53-fun-things-to-do-in-ottawa-this-long-weekend-sept-4-7/
- Fungi For Families - Ottawa Mushroom Society | Sunday, September 6 at 2:00 PM | NCC Greenbelt P23 | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fungi-for-families-september-ottawa-mushroom-society-tickets-1987940175579
Big Events
Don't miss these major happenings and headline acts across the city:
- Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) | Friday, September 4 at 5:00 PM to Sunday, September 6 (all day) | Parc de la Baie | Free entry (specific shows may be ticketed). Featuring:
- Simple Plan | Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM
- Half Moon Run | Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM
- Sara Dufour | Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM
- Fredz | Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 PM
- Koriass | Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 PM
- Latin Sparks Festival | Friday, September 4 at 1:00 PM & Saturday, September 5 (various times) | LeBreton Flats | Free entry | directions | More info: https://www.latinsparks.ca/
- Ottawa Serbian Festival | Friday, September 4 at 12:00 PM & Saturday, September 5 (all day) | 1989 Prince of Wales Drive | Free entry | directions | More info: https://serbianfest.svetistefan.ca
- Viet Moon Fest | Friday, September 4 at 11:00 AM & Saturday, September 5 (all day) | 400 March Rd, Kanata | Free entry | directions | More info: https://vietmoonfest.ca/
- Houndmouth: The Lordy Tour | Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM | History Ottawa | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/houndmouth-the-lordy-tour-ottawa-ontario-09-04-2026/event/3100649888473C1B
- Moustafa Hagag live in Ottawa - Arabic Event | Friday, September 4 at 7:30 PM | Algonquin Commons Theatre | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/moustafa-hagag-live-in-ottawa-arabic-nepean-ontario-09-04-2026/event/31006507BAB3B105
- Atlético Ottawa vs. Pacific FC | Saturday, September 5 at 4:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/atletico-ottawa-vs-pacific-fc-ottawa-ontario-09-05-2026/event/3100646CF0CAAA79
- Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Roses de Montréal FC | Sunday, September 6 at 12:00 PM | The Stadium at TD Place | Cost varies | directions | More info: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/ottawa-rapid-fc-vs-roses-de-ottawa-ontario-09-06-2026/event/31006470E7CE86EE