After what felt like a long stretch of gloomy days, this weekend looks like clear skies and sunshine – and there is a ton going on to celebrate this fine weekend weather.
All Weekend
There are countless farmers’ markets taking place this weekend in and around Ottawa. The Orleans Farmers’ Market leads the way this Thursday from 11am to 4pm. If you’re up for a drive, there is the Wakefield Market takes place on Saturday, as well as the Carp Farmers’ Market, the Cumberland Farmers’ Market, and the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market. Closer to home on Saturday are the Westboro Farmers’ Market, the Main Street Farmers’ Market, and the Beechwood Market. On Sunday we have the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market and the Barrhaven Farmers’ Market.
The Orleans Craft Beer Festival takes place this Friday and Saturday at Centrum Plaza. Sip of some tasty brews from local breweries like Beyond the Pale, Dominion City, Flora Hall, Spark Beer, Tooth and Nail, and more. There will also be food by La Ha Tacos, Meatings, Mavericks, and more. Tickets are $25.
Ottawa’s baseball team, the Ottawa Titans, has a game every day this weekend! There will be fireworks after the game on Friday night to start the weekend off with a bang; Pride Night is this Saturday; and the Titans invite you to celebrate Cappy’s birthday with them on Sunday afternoon.
A weekend of live music (and three album release shows!) is happening at Art House this weekend.
Curtis Jones will be playing songs from his newly released album “Homemade” this Thursday night. Félix Leroux and The Uncuts perform on Friday. Nick Adema will be giving us a sneak peak of his upcoming solo trombone album “Buiksloterkerk” on Saturday. Talia Aoude wraps up the weekend with a performance of her new album and the first music she’s released in a decade.
Doors Open Ottawa celebrates its 23rd year this weekend. Nearly 100 different buildings open their doors to the public this Saturday and Sunday, so check out the building list to plan your adventure. Of note, the Ottawa Choral Society will be performing in St. Francois D’Assise church in Hintonburg on Saturday, so you can enjoy some choir music while you take in the building’s beautiful architecture.
Art in the Park fills Central Park in the Glebe with the works of over 150 artists for its 32nd year this weekend. Come out and peruse works in a variety of disciplines and, perhaps, bring home a favourite piece or two.
Elgin Street Public School Ottawa Book Fair and Silent Auction is happening all weekend long. There will be over 10, 000 books, puzzles, and games for sale, as well as some stellar silent auction items.
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The Loretta Avenue Block Party takes place this Saturday and Sunday, where Hintonburg meets Wellington West. There will be food trucks, libations, a market, and live entertainment.
Thursday
Enjoy a free concert on your lunch break this Thursday. Contemporary Indigenous pop r&b singer Alicia Kayley will perform a Jukebox Lunch Concert at the National Arts Centre beginning at 12:10pm.
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Hintonburg Night Market is happening in the parking lot of Urban Art Collective this Thursday. In addition to a great bunch of different vendors, there will be both sweet and savoury treats by TL Chocolates, amazing mocktails by The Booj, a make-your-own bracelet bar, free photobooth, an art show, and beats by DJ Faust.
Friday
The Summer Indigenous Art Market is being held in the Atrium of the National Arts Centre this Friday from 3pm to 9pm. Here you will find incredible works by Métis, Inuit, and First Nations artists. Come check out the beautiful beadwork, moccasins, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, and more.
Saturday
613Flea returns to the Aberdeen Pavilion this Saturday from 10am to 4pm. As always, 613Flea boasts nearly 150 vendors of all sorts of things; from baked goods to vintage clothing, housewares to flowers.
Check out the Joie de Vivre Festival at Place de la Cité in Gatineau this Saturday. Hosted by AFIO, the festival is a celebration of diversity, featuring food, music, and art from communities around the world. This year’s focus is on the “flavours of the world”, so be sure to come hungry.
This year marks the tenth year of the Vanier VéloFest. Happening at Centre Francophone de Vanier from 10am to noon. There will be a bike rodeo, BBQ, and the opportunity to have small bike repairs done, should you need a little help in tuning up your ride for the summer season.
Arts Court will also be hosting its Open House Party this Saturday. Come join in on 14 hours of party, from noon to 2am. From noon to 5pm there will be free programming for the entire family – including music and print demos at Possible Worlds – and then at 5pm Arts Court will come alive with Debaser’s summer edition of Pique.
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The summer edition of Pique at Arts Court promises a great time. “Celebrated for its curatorial eclecticism, Pique brings together techno innovation, queer cabaret, laid-back indie/alternative, glitch punk, collisions of tradition and futurism, participatory installations and lots more to the festival’s summer edition”. There will be a host of panels and workshops, exhibitions, and a multitude of performances. Check out the full schedule here.
Local artist and community leader Bella Bowes is thrilled to invite you to Bella’s Outdoor Project BOP – Creative Adventures Under the Sun! BOP is a free, inclusive arts event for families, taking place in La Verendrye Park this Saturday from 10am to noon. BOP blends live music, inclusive dance, poetry, and art-making; participants will move from station to station, creating a magical, flowing experience.
Sunday
Support our local theatre group A Company of Fools while claiming the title of Mario Kart Master this Sunday at their fundraiser Mario Kart Tournament at the Mayfair Theatre. Groups of four will compete on the big screen for a chance at taking the title. Don’t have a team? No problem! You will be paired up upon arrival.
