Somehow we’re halfway through August and between the heat and the rain, this weekend is another wild one to look forward to. Capital Pride is starting up, there seems to be theatre productions around every corner, and the agricultural fairs just keep coming. There is something for everyone, so stay safe, stay hydrated and stay dry friends!
All Weekend
Capital Pride is kicking off this weekend with a series of events to mark the beginning of the city wide Pride celebration. On Saturday there is a clothing swap at Jack Purcell and the Pride Pageant and afterparty at the NAC and Queen St Fare. On Sunday the official pride flag gets raised at City Hall and there is a family picnic in Hintonburg Park. This is just the start of the festivities so definitely check it all out online!
Something neat for the whole gang (and sometimes including the doggo) is the Fairy Cowboy Tour being offered in Centretown on a Pay What You Can basis. The tour starts at Dundonald Park and hits the major areas of interest of Ottawa’s queer history downtown.
View this post on Instagram
A Company of Fools is still making their way around town with their fantastic, gender-bending, interactive production of Macbeth. This weekend you can catch the Scottish Play in Wellington West, Carlington and Alta Vista. The fools hang up their caps next weekend so get out there! The shows are free to attend, with a suggestion of a $20 donation.
Cirque du Soleil has set up their fabulous blue tent in Gatineau in the Festivals Zibi zone, and this Friday they open their show Echo. Tickets start around $73, and the shows are running at mulitple times most days until September 22.
The Russell Fair is taking place all weekend at the Russell Agricultural grounds. The fair opens on Thursday and the weekend is jam packed with truck pulls, sheep shearing, kids dance parties, chuck wagon races, a demolition derby, an antiques market, craft beer tent, the James Barker Band, a midway, magicians and lots of livestock. Admission is $15 a day for an adult, and you can buy your ticket at the gate.
Odyssey Theatre is putting on “Myth, Lore and Stories of Wonder,” a creative arts fair all weekend in Strathcona Park. Kicking off Friday and closing Sunday, you can enjoy a play, see dance performances, listen to powerful tales, take a workshop, and mingle with over 40 diverse artists. The Fair is a Pay What You Wish event, but space is limited for some events. Purchase an All-Access Pass in advance to guarantee your spot for workshops and to get priority seating for all performances. Read all about it from our theatre experts here!
View this post on Instagram
This is the first weekend of Ottawa Greek Fest, running Thursday to Sunday this weekend and again next weekend. The massive party taking place on Prince of Wales Drive includes dancing, live music, church tours, cultural displays, and tons and tons of food. There is no admission cost.
And on the topic of food, Halal Ribfest will be taking over Lansdowne Park this weekend beginning Friday night. This touring ribfest promises a bouncy castle, a pop up market, live entertainment and lots of BBQ. Tickets are available online for entrance, beginning around $8 for adults for one day.
Friday
Check out classic 1986 sci-fi film Fight of the Navigator Friday night in Westboro Village with Capital Pop Up Cinema. The movie is free to attend, and there is popcorn, candy, and water to purchase on site. You can also rent a chair if you don’t have one of your own to bring.
View this post on Instagram
Head out to the Diefenbunker in Carp for your last chance to check out Dief the Chief: October ’62, Pierre Brault’s touring production about Diefenbaker. Follow Dief through the bunker in this one-of-a-kind theatrical retelling of a pivotal time in Canada’s history. Tickets are available online for shows Friday and Saturday at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 for $55.
Saturday
If you are in the market for some new-to-you tools, the Ottawa Tool Library is having a garage sale on Saturday from 10-2 at their location on Boyd Ave. All the tools are in working order, and the event will go ahead rain or shine.
Broadway Workout’s Broadway Bootcamp on Saturday is a full day experience. This Broadway Bootcamp will teach you four songs with original choreography from the smash hit SIX! Registration is $95, and the bootcamp is taking place at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre.
Saturday is the grand finale of the Grands Feux Casino de Lac Leamy. There are still general admission tickets available for Saturday’s big send off. Check out the food vendors to make it a complete night. Read all about it here.
View this post on Instagram
The Ottawa Flower Market Collective will be at Parkdale Market Saturday from 9am-1pm selling locally grown cut flowers from various regional farms. You can build your own bouquet and fill the house with blooms.
On the topic of Pride, the Parkdale Market is having their annual Pride Night Market on Saturday from 5-9pm. Expect local 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors and small businesses, including entertainment and food!
Boogie on over to Parlour in Westboro for the August edition of DiscoLab: August Heat. You are encouraged to dress up in your finest disco garb for the themed dance party.
Live music Under the Stars on the SAW Courtyard continues this Saturday with musical acts Noise Hotel, Hannah Vig, Just Fine and Neha Sin. The shows are all ages, but anyone over 19 will need ID to buy a drink.
Sunday
At 10am on Sundays you can take part in free yoga in the park at Jack Purcell park on Elgin St. Stick around for tai-chi which begins right afterwards at 11am.
In front of the OTTAWA sign in the Byward Market you can find the York Street Market every other Sunday this summer. They are this week with over 50 vendors selling art, food, jewelry, and handmade goods. The market runs from 11am-5pm.
Beyond the Pale is opening up their patio for Patio Bingo on Sunday from 1-3pm. Enjoy a nice lunch beer and win some prizes on their covered patio!
.gif)
