Hopefully, you’ll have some time off work to enjoy a long weekend. Plenty is happening indoors and out, so check that forecast (and air quality index?!) and hit up some incredible events across our great city. This weekend is another great opportunity to reflect and learn about the land upon which our city is built—the unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territory. You can learn more at Native Land.
All weekend
The Learn-to-Paddle program is back this summer and available every day. You’ll be introduced to paddling techniques and then have the chance to paddle with a trained staff person in a canoe to test your new skills. Free to register!
Thursday and Friday, you still have time to check out the Ottawa Jazz Festival, including the John Scofield Trio, Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock and more.
The Museum of Nature is hosting a special Ocean Wise Sea Dome until July 4, where a 360-degree, 4K cinematic display showcases the wonders of the underwater realm. There will also be marine artifacts to explore.
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Thursday
The Art Battle Ottawa Regional Championship takes place at Overflow Brewing Company—it’s a high-speed showdown where artist winners from Ottawa, Pembroke and North Bay return for their chance at winning and moving on to compete at the Canadian National Championships in Toronto next month.
The Ottawa Tool Library presents an Introduction to Drywall Repair workshop to get hands-on training and introduce you to the basics, plus some products, techniques and materials.
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Friday
This month’s Creative Mornings Ottawa is on the theme of “reverie,” and Pooja Pawaskar is the featured speaker. The Indian-born artist behind Whirl & Whittle will discuss her belief that the world around us and the things within it are unique rather than imperfect.
Local rock band Good2Go plays a show on Friday, June 30, at Irene’s Pub. Admission is $10, and the show starts around 9pm.
House of TARG hosts Remi’s Dance Floor Time Machine with an eclectic array of music across the decades to dance the night away. Of course, there are more than 30 pinball machines and video game cabinets should you need a break from the dancefloor.
Music in the Park at Dundonald Park takes place every Friday with a chill evening of local talent. Bring a folding chair or blanket, purchase snacks and beverages from the nearby Art House (or bring your own) and enjoy a great evening with the community.
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Saturday—Canada Day
Plenty’s lined up to celebrate Canada Day, including the official daytime programming at LeBreton Flats (on TV and streamed online), the evening show plus concerts at LeBreton Flats (again, also on TV and streamed online).
There will also be free activities in Old Hull, including professional wrestling, family activities and live music.
Additionally, the fireworks will take place at LeBreton Flats (not on TV or streamed), so grab a spot with a good viewing nearby for the show!
O Canada Orleans takes over Petrie Island with a KidZone, BeerZone, live music, bouncy castles and beachfront fireworks.
The Mackenzie King Estate will hold special Canada Day activities with concerts—free admission, and more.
The Canada Day Block Party hits up Bank and Slater with an outdoor party until 11pm and an indoor after-party.
The National Arts Centre Orchestra presents its Canada Day Concert, a bilingual 75-minute performance with a stellar lineup of homegrown artists performing music by great Canadian composers like Iman Habibi, Rita Ueda, and Ana Sokolović. The concert will conclude with Hymn to Freedom, by the late great Oscar Peterson. Doors open at 2pm for this performance in Southam Hall at 2:30pm.
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Sunday
Zumba on the Hill returns every Sunday through September for a free dance party with certified Zumba instructors.
Keep the long weekend going with the Canada Day Hangover party with WAVES and their groovy house and club-driven hits.
The Indigenous Outdoor Market will happen near Maker House Co. with more than 15 Indigenous artists, live dancing, Inuit games, live music and a keynote speaker.
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Bonus Monday
Full Moon SUP Yoga will be at Mooney’s Bay Beach for all levels. Stand Up Paddleboards and life jackets are provided if you don’t have your own.
A Company of Fools are back with their Shakespeare in the Park presentations for another season. Tonight they preview Hamlet at Strathcona Park. If tonight doesn’t fit your schedule, check them out, as they’re going to 40 parks in and around the city until August 26. Not a Shakespeare fan? It’s worth checking out the Fools’ version since they’re known for making it much more accessible and fun than perhaps what you remember from high school English class.
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