And just like that, it’s another glorious long weekend in Ottawa! August slipped away like a bottle of wine, didn’t it? (Swifties will get it). Luckily for us, the unseasonably cool weather has taken a break and we are going to have sunshine and heat to kick off September. We have got a doozy of a weekend lined up, so fire up the group chat and start making your plans!
All Weekend
In a shocking turn of events, this weekend’s edition of the Chef’s Table still has tickets available! This multi-weekend event showcases world-class chefs, great live music, and a table alongside the Rideau Canal on the terrace of the National Art Centre’s 1 Elgin Restaurant. This weekend features chef Joe Thottungal of Coconut Lagoon, Thali, and the Indian food of our dreams. The entertainment is none other than local legends Dueling Pianos! Tickets are pricey at around $146 each, but this is the perfect way to celebrate a special event or just the end of summer!
The 36th edition of Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau (hot air balloons) is back this Labour Day weekend! Head on down to the Parc de la Baie in Gatineau and marvel at the pretty floaty things! While you can catch the balloons themselves from all over the valley, the festival itself has loads more going on. You’ll find a market, face painting, zip lining, a gaming trailer, live performances, and fireworks just to name a few. Check out our preview of the festival and get planning your route to Gatineau.
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For the last long weekend of the summer, visitors can discover the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and tour the greenhouses and gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer any questions about the history and the role of Canada’s governor general. These tours are always free, but during tourist season, it can take a while to get in. This is the perfect weekend to check out the extensive gardens.
This is the last weekend to catch Crimes of the Heart at Ottawa Little Theatre. This story is about mental health and self-sabotage, laughter and sorrow, and sisterhood and familial bonds that unite sisters in their time of need. The theatre experts at Apt613 reviewed the show, if you’re still on the fence. Tickets are $14 for students, $26 for seniors 60+, and $30 for adults.
Speaking of final weekends, this is your last chance to see the Northern Lights sound and light show on Parliament Hill. The show runs for half an hour, and starts at 9:30pm in August, and 9pm in September — so check your date! Tourism Ottawa keeps stressing that this show will not return next summer, so be warned.
Thursday
The Ottawa Titans’ season has wrapped up this week, and the final game of the 2023 season is on Thursday at 6:30pm. The first 500 fans in attendance will get a pack of 2023 Titans baseball cards, which you can try to get signed at the end of the game. There will also be fireworks after the last out, to finish the rollercoaster season on a bang! Tickets are available online.
Friday
The Parkdale market is the place to be Friday around dinner time for the latest Vegans Who Snack Festival. Besides incredible vegan food from favourites like Sula Wok, Little Jo Berry’s, Moo Shu, Momo Spot, Oat & Mill, and Toro Taqueria, there will be craft and beverage vendors and a DJ. Check out the event from 5-9pm, and fill ‘er up!
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Capital Pop-Up Cinema is bringing all the 90s angst to Beechwood Cemetery Friday night for their production of cult classic Empire Records starring Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger. The free show starts at 8pm, and there will be popcorn and candy for sale. Bring your own chair, or rent one for $5 on site. See you there! Damn the Man! Save the Empire!
One-man band project Jon Cohen Experimental is on tour from Montreal for a concert series called “Look What The Cat Dragged In” that hits Ottawa on Friday night at Meow! That’s Hot on Bank Street. It’s a music and interview format, with very limited seats, so get your ticket online for $12 right away.
Saturday
Join The Bytown Museum and the Ottawa Tool Library for an educational and fun day at their Vintage Tool Festival Saturday from 10-4pm. The festival aims to highlight the craftsmanship of the Bytown era, focusing on the vintage tools that have shaped our cultural history. There will be live demonstrations, exhibitions, and activities for all ages, including a broadaxe demonstration, which will blow your socks right off.
If you hadn’t noticed yet, the Atlético Ottawa soccer club has been playing without an official mascot this season. I didn’t even know this was allowed, honestly. So, to remedy this situation, this Saturday’s match will feature the new Atlético mascot — Wally! Wally has a fantastic origin story that you can read here. I gotta say, the Atlético fanbase is pretty magical. This Saturday, join the team in welcoming Wally, and Calvary FC, to TD Place. The game starts at 7pm, and there are still tickets available.
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613flea returns to Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park from 10am–4pm. Admission is free, as always. There will be more than 140 vendors on site, including leather goods, antiques, thrift clothing, artisanal goodies, and local makers.
Lawrence Maxwell, an up-and-coming alt-country singer from PEI, plays a show Saturday night at LIVE! on Elgin, with local jazz-folk artist Oddeline opening. According to Maxwell’s bio, the artist “cut his teeth on beer caps, rough waters, and country music.” So between that, and his charming cottage-core music videos, of course we have to check him out. Tickets are $15 online ahead of time for the 8pm show.
Why not stick around at LIVE! on Elgin? MOD Night is happening Saturday beginning at 10:30pm. Take to the dance floor for Motown, soul, classic 60s, and psyche jams. There will be a twist competition, drink specials, and special prizes as well. Get your $10 ticket online in advance.
Sunday
Sunday is the perfect day to drive to Upper Canada Village for Horse Lovers’ Weekend. This event runs Saturday, Sunday, and Monday this weekend and showcases riding, driving, and working horses in historical contexts in the Village. Regular programming is still happening, including some pretty glorious looking sunflowers; perfect for some late summer selfies. Tickets are $24 for adults, and $18 for students.
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MuslimFest 2023 is happening in Orléans on Sunday at the Ottawa Uyghur Centre. The free event is one of the largest Muslim festivals in North America and has been held in various cities across Canada. MuslimFest aims to showcase the talents and contributions of Muslims in music, dance, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, and film. You can also expect workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions that explore Islamic culture, history, and contemporary issues. Don’t miss the bazaar for clothing, jewelry, artwork, books, and food. There are also activities for children, such as face painting, storytelling, and interactive games.
The Smashing Pumpkins are hitting the stage with Interpol on Sunday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. There are still lots of tickets available to see the emo band of the late nineties, starting at only $33 in the upper stands. It’s the perfect way to extend the long weekend, and make the most of a Sunday night.
Monday
Since Monday is Labour Day, why not do some reading on the history of labour in Ottawa? Check out the Workers’ History Museum, a virtual space dedicated to the history of work and workers in Ottawa. I guarantee that you’ll learn something cool about the industries that have come and gone over the years as the city developed.
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