It may not feel like it, with the weather still being generally chilly, but we have made it to May! Spring market season is upon us, and there are several of them happening this weekend, alongside a bunch of other fun things—so without further ado, we give you the Weekend Roundup!
All Weekend
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Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau returns for another season. There are nearly 50 walks to choose from over the course of Saturday and Sunday (with two walks also scheduled on Friday), as well as several virtual and self-guided walks. Some walks require pre-registration, so browse the catalogue in advance and see what interests you. If you want to know more about the event and its history, check out our article here.
The Ottawa International Writers Festival is being held at Library and Archives Canada over the weekend. There are several talks by authors like Nora Loreto, Timothy Caulfield, Sandy Hudson, and many more. There are also two Jane’s Walks taking place off-site in conjunction with the Writers Festival.
Ottawa’s JazzWorks is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend with a vocal dinner show, a young artists’ concert, and a jam session party. While the dinner show is already sold out, there are still tickets available for the other events, which you can find along with further information here.
All Hands on Deck, Beyond the Pale’s annual skateboard art show and auction, wraps up bidding this Sunday at 8pm. Head over to BTP and check out the 276 skateboards on the walls, and then hop online and place your bid for your favourite(s). This year’s auction is in support of the Ottawa Mission and Operation Come Home.
If you need to get around town this weekend, take advantage of OC Transpo’s Free Service Weekend. Rides on all buses and trains are free this Saturday and Sunday.
Thursday
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The Hintonburg Night Market returns for their third year at the Urban Art Collective this Thursday evening. In addition to a market of great local vendors, there will be food, drinks, a DJ, and some fun art stations for you to get creative.
Switched-On Synths is back at House of Targ this Thursday night with Actors from Vancouver, Frissons of rural Quebec, and Groupe B of Montreal. They’ll be bringing us an evening of cinematic darkwave synths.
As usual, general admission is free on Thursday nights from 5pm to 8pm at the Museum of Nature and the National Gallery. Take this free opportunity to explore their galleries.
Friday
Montreal experimental rock band, SUUNS, is at SAW Centre this Friday night, joined by Gatineau’s Nick Schofield. Tickets to what is sure to be an evening of great music can be purchased online ahead of time here.
It’s 80s Dance Party Friday at House of Targ! DJ Remi Royale and The Start are back for another night of 80s favourites. The Start will begin the night with a live performance of British 80s hits and then DJ Remi Royale will take over the decks, spinning some 80s tunes.
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If Friday night finds you in the mood for indie music, head to Irene’s Pub for an evening of indie songs sung by Andrew Vincent, Ron Leary, Christine Graves, and Brent Smith. Be sure to arrive early for the 9pm show to ensure you get a good seat.
Saturday
If you like to sew, head to the Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market this Saturday at Fisher Park Community Centre. This event is your once-a-year opportunity to snag the best deals on fabric and all of the notions—like buttons, zippers, thread, and more.
Drive to Almonte this Saturday for the annual Cheerfully Made Spring Market. Happening over a single day this year, with over a hundred Canadian vendors, the event promises some great gift ideas in time for Mother’s Day.
Also on Saturday is the Prom VPOP Formal Fundraiser at Next Door Market & Event Space, in support of HOPE Cornerstone Housing for Women. Find that perfect piece of formal wear for this season’s special event while supporting a great cause right here in the city.
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It’s Two Dollar Hot Dog Day at TD Place this Saturday afternoon, as Athlético Ottawa takes on Pacific FC. Come cheer on our team and enjoy the annual wiener dog race during half-time.
Sunday
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Square Lemon Ottawa is hosting a Mother’s Day Craft Market this Sunday at the Glebe Community Centre. Entry to this event, which features over 50 vendors, is free. There will also be a free workshop at the event, where you can learn how to make a Distress ink flower card.
The tenth annual Spring Craft Market takes place this Sunday at the National Arts Centre. Shop a curated selection of local vendors selling all kinds of goodies. If you’ve yet to get your Mom a gift for Mother’s Day, you’ll find the perfect little something here.
Our final market of the weekend, Hello Spring Makers Market, takes place at Broadhead Brewery. Sip on some tasty libations while browsing a market of over 40 vendors. There will also be a delicious BBQ lunch provided by Meatings BBQ.
An Adults After Dark edition of Free Play Sunday will take place at House of Targ this Sunday night at 8pm. There will be DJs on deck spinning the very best arcade tunes, and all the machines will be set to free play, so you can enjoy being a kid again for the evening.
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