Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, September 24. 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!
For Ottawa 200 celebrations…
- Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27 | Enjoy unlimited trips on buses, trains, and Para Transpo all weekend long with OC Transpo. FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 |The spirit of Ottawa takes centre stage on Bytown’s 200th birthday on Marion Dewar Plaza with a Block Party with fun for the whole family. FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 | At SoundScape, clebrate Ottawa's 200th anniversary with an immersive concert featuring an unforgettable lineup of artists showcasing the city's musical heart through a spectacular shared experience. FREE!
- Ongoing | O-Town Animated is an outdoor public art and animation initiative presented as part of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary. FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 |The Ottawa Visitor Centre will be open from 9 am to 8 pm, available to help visitors find their way around downtown with special Ottawa 200 maps, answer questions and make recommendations for things to do in celebration of Ottawa's 200 years! FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 |At Pique, expect an evening of adventurous music, immersive art, and unexpected discoveries as Arts Court comes alive with performances, installations, and creative interventions throughout the night. FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 | Nuit Blanche Ottawa is an all-night contemporary art festival returning this fall, transforming public spaces into immersive, illuminated, and artistic playgrounds from dusk until sunrise. Held in ByWard Market. FREE!
- Saturday, September 26 | Ottawa 200+ Bytown Together is a special celebration marking Ottawa’s bicentennial and recognizing the people who have helped shape the city’s past, present and future at the Bytown Museum. FREE!
- Until Sunday, September 27 | Created by artist and writer Jay Odjick, Odāwā Yesterday: Odāwā Chìnàgo and Odāwā Tomorrow: Odāwā Wàbang transform the Ottawa Art Gallery’s façade and the National Arts Centre’s Kipnes Lantern, respectively. FREE!
- Until Sunday, September 27 | Join the Ottawa Art Gallery to celebrate Ottawa 200 Day for a weekend of drop-in workshops, art markets, animations, and art events. FREE!
- Until Sunday, September 27 | Don’t miss the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the world’s second largest animation festival presents films as well as industry talks and exhibits throughout Ottawa in September each year.
- Until Wednesday, September 30 | Create your own wind-powered artwork at this interactive Ottawa 200 celebration taking place at Andrew Haydon Park. FREE!
For fans of performances…
- Ongoing | Step into the vibrant and imaginative world of LUZIA, a breathtaking production inspired by the culture, landscapes and spirit of Mexico. Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
- 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.
- Friday, September 25 | Enjoy a Comedy Night Cruise experience that combines scenic sightseeing with live stand-up comedy on Ottawa’s waterways with Ottawa Boat Cruise.
- Tuesday, September 29 | Enjoy an evening of local comedy at the Carleton with a welcoming open mic that highlights emerging talent and fresh material.
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!
- Thursday, September 24 |Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade.
- Friday, September 25 | Snack, shop, and soak in the vibes at Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival! Held at the Parkdale Market.
- Wednesday, September 30 | 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…
- Ongoing | For more than 45 years, One World Bazaar welcomes visitors each fall. Wander through the barn and discover an ever-changing collection of unique clothing, jewellery, pottery, home décor, furniture, textiles, art and more. FREE!
- Ongoing | Le Petit Chef brings its imaginative dining experience to Ottawa, blending 3D projection with creative gastronomy. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown.
- Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 | Enjoy delicious cuisine, from traditional Chinese to fusion dishes, and watch live performances like lion dances and martial arts at the Ottawa Chinatown Night Market. FREE!
- Friday, September 25 | Experience Dief the Chief: October ’62, a captivating theatrical journey 75 feet underground at the Diefenbunker.
- Saturday, September 26 | Frightfest at Saunders Farm is Canada’s top haunted attraction, featuring multiple haunted experiences, street theatre, fresh food, and homemade confections.
- Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27 | PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm offers family-friendly autumn fun — find the perfect pumpkin, get lost in our hedge mazes, hop on a hayride and enjoy kid-friendly, haunted attractions.
- Saturday, September 26 | Celebrate community, craft beer and good times at FloraFest, an annual neighbourhood gathering that brings people together for a lively day of local flavour and entertainment held at Flora Hall Brewing.
- Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27 | This Ottawa Cat Show showcases spectacular and beautiful purebred and household pet cats all vying for the title of Best of Best.
- Until Saturday, September 26 | Experience the energy of summer at Metcalfe Plaza, a vibrant downtown gathering place filled with art, music, and cultural programming. FREE!
- Sunday, September 27 | Enjoy affordable, family-friendly junior men’s Ottawa 67’s hockey games at TD Place Arena at Lansdowne, in the lively downtown Glebe neighbourhood.
- Wednesday, September 30 | Explore downtown Ottawa through an Indigenous lens during these guided walking tours led by artist and educator Jaime Morse. FREE!
- Wednesday, September 30 | Catch the action at TD Place with Atlético Ottawa where the crowd roars and every goal fuels the city’s soccer fever.
