Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, September 10. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
NEW | Experience Wild Colour, a limited-time exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature! Explore the science of colour in nature through nearly 200 specimens, colourful spaces and hands-on fun for all ages. Step into the rainbow!
NEW | Take in Ottawa’s stunning fall colours from the comfort of a wheelchair-accessible Gray Line sightseeing bus, with an easy way to discover the city’s most iconic sights this season.
For festivals and city-wide events…
- Ongoing | IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships is over 11 action-packed days of competition with 336 of the world’s top athletes from 28 men's and women's teams at TD Place.
- Ongoing | Experience SoundScape, a month-long celebration of music, art and creativity set beneath Ottawa’s historic Plaza Bridge.
- Friday, September 11 |The WOW Festival is a dynamic day showcasing a fully integrated healthcare system that equally prioritizes mental, physical, and substance use health.
- Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 | Celebrate African culture at Afrofestival Ottawa, at Mooney’s Bay Park. FREE!
- Friday, September 11 to Saturday, September 12 | Discover the Kanata Craft Beer Festival, a two-day celebration of Ontario craft beer in Ottawa’s west end.
- Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 | Feast on some of Ottawa's best ribs at Orleans Ribfest & Poutine! Held at Centrum Plaza.
- Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 | Don’t miss Riverside Festival, the 3-day electronic music festival is back and bigger than ever with its largest stage and epic lineup. Held at the Canadian Museum of History.
- Saturday, September 12 | Celebrate the vibrant culture of Thailand at Thai Festival 2026, a lively event showcasing the country’s traditions, flavours and artistic heritage. Hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy Ottawa.
- Saturday, September 12 | BeechFest is the annual street party celebrating the vibrant community along Beechwood Avenue.
- Saturday, September 12 | The Market at the Barn hosts the Annual Butter Tart Festival, known as Stittsville’s Sweetest Day, celebrating all things butter tart with options to suit every taste, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and 100% vegan varieties.
- Until Sunday, September 13 | Cranium Festival brings five days of hip hop and R&B to Ottawa, celebrating the energy, creativity and culture of the genre.
- Starting Wednesday, September 16 | Don’t miss CityFolk, the 4-day September celebration of music, dance and community at the RA Centre featuring an eclectic mix of musical performances on multiple stages.
For fans of performances…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
- Saturday, September 12 | SOS: The ABBA Experience celebrates the music and legacy of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. At Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Saturday, September 12 | Catch rising comedian Wyatt Feegrado live at LabO Theatre for an evening of sharp wit and fast-paced stand-up.
- Thursdays | Feel the rhythm of Latin music every Thursday at an energetic dance night filled with vibrant beats and a lively atmosphere at Casino du Lac-Leamy.
For marketgoers…
- Various dates throughout the week | Find the best fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, hot meals and more from friendly producers in different neighbourhoods at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne, Main Street, Westboro, Barrhaven and Orléans! FREE!
- Various dates throughout the week | Discover local produce, artisanal products and more at Beechwood Market, Elgin Market, Metcalfe, and Nepean. FREE!
- Wednesday, September 16 | The Parkdale Night Market welcomes new producers and growers offering unique products, creating an opportunity to connect with the community into the evening. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Thursday, September 10 | Savour an extraordinary culinary experience at Nordik Spa Village Chelsea’s Chef’s Table, an intimate evening that brings together exceptional cuisine, local ingredients and warm hospitality in a stunning natural setting.
- Thursday, September 10 | See Ottawa from the water with a collection of specialty cruises that pair scenic views with festive and memorable experiences with Ottawa Boat Cruise.
- Saturday, September 12 |Celebrate Oktoberfest at four Tavern locations with cold German beer, traditional food, and live polka music. Enjoy the festive atmosphere all season long.
- Saturday, September 12 | Learn about the NCC with walking and cycling tours, kiosks and NCC expert presentations at many sites across the region. You’ll learn about architecture, landscape design, archaeology, sustainable farming and more!
- Saturday, September 12 | Escape to a world of intrigue and flavour with this interactive cocktail experience by SFR Distillery inspired by The White Lotus.
- Saturday, September 12 |Explore Indigenous knowledge and creative expression through a workshop inspired by the teachings of Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont.
- Saturday, September 12; Wednesday, September 16| Hop on a historic bus tour through the streets of Ottawa and uncover the vibrant tapestry of Black history in the capital and across Canada. Starting at the YMCA.
- Tuesday, September 15 | Enjoy an evening of local comedy at the Carleton with a welcoming open mic that highlights emerging talent and fresh material.
- Tuesday, September 15 | Come join the NAC for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper.
