Whenever someone tells you Ottawa is a boring government town, tell them I said they clearly never had to put together a Weekend Roundup. I am constantly baffled by the amount of things going on across the capital – and people’s ability to somehow miss them! Tell your friends – send them to Apartment 613. And check out this only-a-taste of events for this weekend!
All weekend
The Learn-to-Paddle program is back this summer and available every day. You’ll be introduced to the techniques of paddling and then get your chance with a trained staff person in a canoe to test out your new skills. Free to register!
The Classic Theatre Festival is on all summer and until July 30 you can catch the romantic comedy Affairs of State. This Thursday’s presentation is a special fundraiser for the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, if you need an extra reason to catch the show!
Speaking of which – don’t forget to catch the Company of Fools’ Shakespeare in the park for their outstanding presentation of Hamlet – it’s not your high school English class’ take on it!
Roller skating is growing in the capital – check out how to get your skate on!
Ottawa’s independent movie theatres always have great shows on for you – check out what’s coming up and their schedules.
Ottawa Asian Fest Part II is on this weekend on Sparks Street with tons of delicious food vendors, performances and artists to check out!
Adrenaline plays at the NAC all weekend – a captivating play performed in Arabic with English and French subtitles that tells the story of a Syrian refugee navigating his first New Year’s Eve in Canada.
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Thursday
There’s a free concert at Lansdowne from 6 to 8 pm with Julie Corrigan on Aberdeen Plaza (if it rains it will be in the Horticulture building). Some seating is available but feel free to bring your own chair!
Stick around after for a free movie on the Great Lawn! Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will show around 8:30 pm (if it rains, the movie will be in Aberdeen Pavillion). Bring your own blanket!
Check out Ottawa’s The Lionyls along the canal at the NAC starting at 6:30 pm.
The Hintonburg Night Market takes place from 4 until 9 pm every Thursday. There are tons of great local artists, makers and businesses for you to check out.
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Friday
Art House Café has DJ Seiiizi playing in the driveway until 11 pm – a great chance to grab a cool drink on their patio and enjoy the best of Ottawa’s summer nights.
Or, head across to Dundonald Park for a free show from Sam Westcott from 6:30 to 8 pm.
House of TARG has a show from Ottawa indie punk band SORRY SNOWMAN, Brantford’s Sun Junkies and Hamilton’s Sundried Whales starting at 9 pm.
Live! on Elgin is hosting a night of roots/country singer-songwriters: David James Allen from Prince Edward County with local support from Ottawa’s Chris Landry. Doors are at 7:30 pm.
Saturday
Free yoga in the park at Dundonald Park from 12 to 1 pm from Cattleya Yoga Studio.
There’s also the Summer Series of Yoga at the Gallery with Brittany Bryden at Tavern at the Gallery at 8:30 am.
Whether you’re new to the world of performing arts or have some training, you’ll have a blast and learn something new at the Theatre Games with Chancz Perry. In this free workshop, participants will use inquiry-based learning as you’re taken through various exercises to expand your imagination and encourage you to take bold risks. Open to those aged 8 and up!
The Ottawa Geek Garage Sale is back in Kanata from 9 am to 2 pm with lots of sellers. You can find jewelry, figures, toys, books, lego, collectibles and more.
This might be a great chance to get a head start on your Halloween planning as Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, one of Ottawa’s theatre companies, is having a moving sale!
Reach the Beach 2023 takes place from 2 to 9 pm at Petrie Island Beach. It’s a Caribbean-inspired festival with tropical cuisine, drinks and ice cream – and of course great soca, dancehall, reggae and afro music vibes!
Red Bird Live’s Acoustic Cafe takes place at 1 pm with Paul Weber performing with two other Ottawa performances, Skyler Radmore and Brian Stephenson.
If you didn’t want to do your own roller skating this weekend (see above in all weekend section) you might want to check out Pump Up Le Jam to see Ottawa Roller Derby take on Les Buchettes and then Team Ontario take on Quebec’s Les Buches for some fun, action-packed roller derby.
The Westboro Art Market will be celebrating 25 years of Equator Coffee on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm with live music, local artists and more.
Sure, there’s a new one in theatres, but go back to the classics before you go with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark at the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse Saturday at 7:30 pm.
Alliance Park by Wateridge Village will be showing a movie in the park – the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Bring a blanket or chair and arrive early for face painting, snow cones, donuts and more.
Celebrating 11 years of Hummingbird Chocolate – check out the Hummingbird Hootenanny in Almonte for live performances, painting your own chocolate-covered marshmallows, a chance to see local artists, musicians and more.
Visitors can delight in discovering dozens and dozens of specialty vendors at the always-free-to-attend 613flea from 10 am to 4 pm at Lansdowne Park! Caning Canada will have a large inventory of beautiful mid-century modern chairs. Breathing life into waste, Brand Designs creates captivating art by repurposing and upcycling discarded pop and beer cans into modern mosaics. Canadian author and Ottawa Valley native Wayne Campbell will be on hand to chat about his newly released second novel “Morning of a Thousand Suns”.
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Sunday
The Nepean Night Market has a dog theme this week! Expect special vendors, rescues, a dog parade and costume contest, a photo booth, live music, prizes and of course – cookies!
There’s a free yoga class from Zen-Origine in Gatineau at Parc Lemoyne at 2:30 pm that’s accessible for anyone new to yoga!
Zumba on the Hill returns every Sunday through September for a free dance party with certified Zumba instructors.
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