It’s that time of the year when we all go What!? How is it already mid-August?! Where has summer gone? So, let’s make the best of it and enjoy all the fantastic movies, music, shows, art, food and outdoor activities going on this weekend. With another 417 closure for an overpass replacement, use the opportunity to explore things closer to home, or in different areas than maybe you’d normally go—and just plan your route accordingly!
All Weekend
For the first time, the Halal Ribfest is hitting up Ottawa! Billed as North America’s largest Halal food event, enjoy some ribs, barbecue, and innovative street food at Lansdowne!
Greek Fest also kicks off this weekend – with plenty of delicious food and cultural events to partake in. It continues on August 15, and then again from August 18 to 20.
The Learn-to-Paddle program is back this summer and available every day. You’ll be introduced to the techniques of paddling and then have the chance to paddle with a trained staff person in a canoe to test out your new skills. Free to register!
After an injury and replacement cast member, the Company of Fools’ Shakespeare in the Park continues at a park near you for their outstanding presentation of Hamlet—and it’s not your high school English class take on it!
Head to Strathacona Park for Odyssey Theatre’s presentation of The Miser, including a matinee show on Sundays at 2pm.
PuppetCon takes place all weekend in Almonte with 15 workshops and three panels—some geared to kids and others to adults.
Downtown art instructors showcase their work at the Ottawa School of Art in this exhibition of paintings, photographs and cultures until August 27.
Saturday and Sunday you can hit up Lynda Lane Park (near the General Hospital) for Mango Fest—a chance to partake in cricket, kites, mango delights, performances and more!
House of Paint’s 20th anniversary has plenty of events this weekend taking place at the NAC, Brewer Park/Dunbar Bridge and the Ottawa Art Gallery, including a poetry slam, Take Back the Ball: A vibrant celebration of queer and Afro-queer dance, a hip hop extravaganza, a knowledge conference and more.
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Thursday
There’s a free concert at Lansdowne from 6 to 8 pm with Ottawa Storytellers in 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! A Knight’s Tale will show around 8:30pm (if it rains, the movie will be in Aberdeen Pavilion). Bring your own blanket!
Have you checked out the new Panorama Patio at the Canadian Museum of History? With wonderful views of the river and Parliament Hill, it’s a great place to grab a drink and snack with friends!
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Friday
Westboro’s Cinema Pop-Up brings you the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—with a bit of shopping before you get comfy for the film! Vendors will be setting up at 4pm, giving you lots of time before the flick at 8:30pm to shop local.
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Saturday
Square Lemon Ottawa’s Summer in the City Craft Market will feature more than 40 local artists and makers, and a free workshop to make your own beaded garden sticks to brighten up your garden!
Check out Internet Celebrities‘ show at Art House Cafe for a night of modern jazz with indie rock, pop and dance.
It’s Retro/Underground night at Swizzles Bar and Grill with DJs Phillogic and Gozz.
Staying home this summer but dreaming of travel? The Kemptville Street Piano presents a musical trip to the seaside with Costa Rican musician Josue Arce, playing a mix of Latino, jazz and bossa nova, pop, country, American hits, and more on Saturday, August 12 at 2pm on the North Grenville Public Library terrace. Free, cash donations are welcome.
It’s Camper Van Day at the Ottawa Tool Library! If you’ve ever thought of converting a van into a camper van then you’ll want to check this out—a chance to talk with others who have done it, some in mid-project, with lots of questions, tips, and tricks.
613flea returns to Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, August 12 from 10am–4pm. New additions to the always-changing marketplace include: Antique toys and vintage items from The Organizing Hub; handmade textured artwork made from plaster at Carbasa; black and white collages and encaustic (melted beeswax) paintings by Robyn Bragg; and one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings at Aura by Meliaura. Vintage clothing, honey, antiques, vegan spring rolls, vinyl records, and wild fermented non-alcoholic ginger beer are a few of the other surprises that await visitors. Admission is always free.
The Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy has the Philippines showcasing their fireworks on Saturday.
The monthly critical mass ride to help show the support and love for active transportation in the city starts at 10am in front of the Canadian War Museum.
Sunday
Let’s Sketch the Byward Market is an all-day urban sketching event in honour of the late Cindi Moynihan Foreman. Start your sketching day in the market in front of the Ottawa School of Art, grab lunch together at Moulin de Provence Bakery, and sketch some more in the afternoon before a final meet-up at Heart and Crown for a little show and tell.
Get your salsa dance on at Salsa Sunday in the ByWard Market, including a free open-level dance class at 3pm and social dancing from 4pm to late.
Or, get your Zumba on—on the Hill! Free Zumba dance exercise class at 4pm.
Lola’s Fest takes place from 11am to 5pm in Vanier with Lola’s Filipino cuisine hosting a one-of-a-kind festival with hip hop and Filipino culture. Street dance battles, DJs, painting, Filipino street games and cultural dancing as well as free workshops and of course, food, will be available throughout the day.
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