It’s another hot, soggy, jam packed weekend in Ottawa and there is more than enough to keep you busy, no matter what you’re into! Check out live music, sports, take in some culture and maybe learn a new skill? The 613 is your oyster this weekend, friends. Stay safe, and stay hydrated.
*This is also a friendly reminder that Sunday is your last day to ride the west end of the LRT while it is closed down for maintenance for 2 weeks from Tunney’s Pasture to Rideau. There will be replacement busses running a few different routes to get you across the city. If you have places to be, may the OC Transpo odds be ever in your favour.
All Weekend
RBC Ottawa Bluesfest wraps up this weekend, and there is lots of local talent and big names to draw you to Lebreton Flats. Local country/soul performer Kaya Fraser, and DJ ALAMUSIC take to their stages on Thursday. Folk trio Wild Remedy, trending popstar TALK and goth/metal cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne are performing Friday. Read more about TALK in an exclusive Apt613 interview here. Support local talent on Sunday by checking out the Blues in the Schools Showcase featuring local students and rock blues trio Bonecat.
The Ottawa Titans are home all weekend with two back to back all Canadian series. Thursday will be a double header against the Trois Rivières Aigles, and Friday- Sunday we take on the second place Quebec Capitales. Friday night is Theme Night (Taylor’s Version) and there will be fireworks! Saturday is Latin Night with latin food and music. Get your tickets online ahead of time to save $4.
Culinary adventure The Chef’s Table is back for the next three weeks, and this weekend’s farm-to-feast dinner parties are already sold out. Make a point of getting yourself a ticket for the next weekends, if you don’t want to miss this classic culinary music mashup. Read more about the event here.
A Company of Fools has launched their 2024 season! The local Shakespeare company tours local parks for al fresco performances of classic plays, and this year they are taking on Hamlet with an all-female/non-binary cast. This weekend the Fools can be found in Trend Arlington Park (Nepean) on Thursday, Hiawatha Park (Orleans) on Friday, and Windsor Park (Old Ottawa South) on Saturday. Shows are Pay What You Can, with a $20 suggested donation. Bring your own chairs and snacks for the show that runs 90 minutes.
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Saunders Farm is hosting The Big Bounce again this summer, for anyone dying to spend a day in a field of bouncy castles. There are different zones and spaces for all interests and the option to book adult only sessions as well. Prices start at $52 for adults
Music & Beyond, the classical music and arts festival is in full swing this weekend, with shows every day until it closes on July 17th. You can find them in venues all over town playing all afternoon and evening. Tickets are available online starting around $20 for general admission for most shows.
Thursday
Just in case you needed a reminder, most museums in Ottawa are free on Thursday evenings, and a great way to get out of the rain/heat this time of year!. The National Gallery of Canada is open and free from 5-8, the Museum of Nature is free from 5-8 and the Museum of History is free from 5-7.
Ottawa Free Walking Tours has started their summer programming, including their Thursday night Ottawa After Dark tour that starts at 8pm on Parliament Hill. The tour lasts an hour and you can catch Ottawa’s famous sunsets and hear all about Ottawa’s more colourful and inclusive history that isn’t necessarily part of the regular tourist circuit. The tours are Pay What You Choose.
Friday
Capital Pop-Up Cinema is playing The Truman Show in Westboro at the Churhill Seniors Centre. Bring your own chair, or rent one from the organizers on site. They sell fresh popcorn for $2 and water if you need it. The show starts at dusk, which is around 8:45ish, so get there early for a comfy spot.
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Canada Men’s Rugby Team is hosting Romania at 7pm at TD Place on Friday. This game will count towards international rankings for the World Cup. There are still some tickets left, beginning at $20.
Saturday
Ottawa’s biggest summer beach party is back this weekend, as Hope Volleyball Summerfest takes over Mooney’s Bay. It’s too late to register a volleyball team, but you can still get tickets to the concerts. Tickets are $30 at the event, headlined by The Trews going on stage at 5:30. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Andy Kaufmans and Dear Rouge will play in the afternoon. There will also be DJs spinning all day.
The Ottawa Tool Library is celebrating 10 years, and holding a special Maker Market and electronics recycling event on Saturday at their location on Boyd Ave. From 9am-3pm you can drop off your electronics and batteries for recycling, explore the market and participate in a raffle for prizes. There will also be food trucks serving up pizza and ice cream on site.
The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents Musk Ox on Saturday at 1pm on the North Grenville Public Library terrace. The Street Piano concert series is free to attend.
Sunday
Looking for a bit more flavour in your weekends? How about Salsa Sundays? Learn how to Salsa dance for free every Sunday afternoon from the University of Ottawa’s Salsa Club from 3-5. The free lessons begin at 3pm, and all are welcome–you do not need to have a partner to participate. The group social dancing begins at 4 in the Byward Market Square.
Sunday July 14 is Bastille Day, and the Embassy of France is going to be putting on fireworks over the Ottawa River. The best vantage points are along Sussex, from the water, and the Tavern on the Falls.
Sunday is the rain day for the CentreTown Flea Outdoor Market that was postponed on June 21st. The outdoor event will take place in the Seoul Dog parking lot on O’Connor.
Fanaticcon is at the Ottawa Conference Centre on Sunday for all the geeks among us. There will be collectibles, autograph sessions and cosplay opportunities. General admission tickets are $20 at the door, and advance VIP tickets are $25 online.
