Looking for things to do in Ottawa this weekend? You picked a good one.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Ottawa officially celebrates its 200th anniversary, and there are events happening throughout the city to mark the occasion. From a huge downtown block party and free museum programming to an all-night art festival, live music, fall activities and family-friendly events, there is no shortage of ways to spend the weekend in Ottawa.
Even better, OC Transpo is offering free transit all weekend, including buses, O-Train Lines 1, 2 and 4, and Para Transpo, making it easier to move around the city without worrying about fares. The free-transit period runs from 3 a.m. Saturday through 3 a.m. Monday.
Here are some of the things worth checking out this weekend.
1. Celebrate Ottawa's 200th Birthday at the Ottawa 200 Block Party
The biggest event of the weekend is the Ottawa 200 Block Party at Marion Dewar Plaza outside Ottawa City Hall.
The free, all-ages celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and includes live music, cultural performances, interactive art, food vendors, games, trivia and activities for families. The Family Fun and Interactive Art Zones run throughout the day, and the official schedule includes performances from artists such as Cody Coyote, Mehdi Cayenne, Duava and others.
The afternoon and evening lineup gives you plenty of reason to stay downtown, with performances continuing into the evening and a surprise headliner scheduled for later in the night.
When: Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Marion Dewar Plaza, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Cost: Free
2. Explore Nuit Blanche Ottawa After Dark
Once the sun goes down, Ottawa's downtown transforms for Nuit Blanche Ottawa, an overnight contemporary art festival taking place from 7 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday.
The ByWard Market will be at the centre of the event, with art installations, light displays, performances, interactive experiences and other creative projects. The event is free and is being held as part of Ottawa's 200th-anniversary celebrations.
It's also a great opportunity to explore the ByWard Market at night, with restaurants and other businesses staying open while visitors move between installations.
When: Saturday, September 26 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, September 27 at 7 a.m.
Where: ByWard Market and surrounding downtown areas
Cost: Free
3. Check Out SoundScape by the Rideau Canal
For live music and an unusual outdoor setting, head to SoundScape beneath the Plaza Bridge.
The September 26 edition is a free immersive concert celebrating Ottawa's 200th anniversary. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 6:45 p.m. The evening includes Ottawa-based artist Ryan Stec, Indigenous performers, the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective and Canadian indie rock band Hollerado.
Admission is free, although organizers recommend registering in advance. Entry is subject to capacity.
When: Saturday, September 26, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Plaza Bridge, near Rideau Street, Elgin Street and Wellington Street
Cost: Free
4. Step Back in Time at the Bytown Museum
Ottawa's 200th anniversary is also a chance to learn more about the city's history.
The Bytown Museum is hosting Ottawa 200 Day: Bytown Together on Saturday with free admission and a full day of programming. The day begins with an Indigenous welcome and a free community breakfast for the first 500 visitors from 9 to 11 a.m. There is also a Heritage Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., costumed interpreters, live performances and other activities.
Later in the afternoon, the Paul Weber Band will perform along the Rideau Canal from 3 to 5 p.m.
When: Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Where: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane
Cost: Free
5. Visit the Ottawa Art Gallery
The Ottawa Art Gallery is also joining the Ottawa 200 celebrations with a weekend of free activities.
On Saturday, visitors can check out an OAG Mini Market from 1 to 8 p.m., featuring local makers and handmade goods. The gallery is also hosting creative activities and programming connected to Ottawa 200. On Sunday, Creative Sundays runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a free, all-ages drop-in art activity.
The gallery's Odāwā Yesterday: Odāwā Chìnàgo projection will also continue over the weekend, transforming the exterior of the gallery with an animated work by artist and writer Jay Odjick.
6. Catch the Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) continues through Sunday, September 27.
This year is especially significant because the festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with five days of screenings, talks, workshops, exhibits and events throughout downtown Ottawa. The festival features more than 200 films and programs for animation fans, families and industry professionals.
There are screenings and events taking place throughout Saturday and Sunday at venues including Arts Court, the Ottawa Art Gallery, ByTowne Cinema and the National Arts Centre.
7. Enjoy Fall at Saunders Farm
For a classic fall day outside the city, PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm gets underway this weekend.
PumpkinFest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes mazes, hayrides, playgrounds, pumpkin-themed attractions, live entertainment and other fall activities. Saunders Farm also opens FrightFest on Saturday evening for visitors looking for something considerably scarier.
PumpkinFest is a good option for families, while FrightFest is aimed at visitors looking for a Halloween-style night out.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Saunders Farm, Munster
Cost: Admission required
8. Open the Doors at Rideau Hall
This weekend is also a chance to explore Rideau Hall during a special Doors Open event.
On September 26 and 27, Rideau Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with access to the grounds and special reconciliation-focused interactive activities connected to the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It is a good option for anyone looking for something that combines Ottawa history, architecture, gardens and culture.
9. Watch the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull
Looking for something a little different?
The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull takes place Saturday afternoon in the ByWard Market. Teams compete head-to-head to pull 10-tonne fire trucks, with the event raising money for Epilepsy Ottawa and the Ottawa First Responders Foundation.
The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m., making it easy to combine with other activities downtown.
When: Saturday, September 26, 1–4 p.m.
Where: ByWard Market
10. Catch an Ottawa 67's Game on Sunday
For sports fans, the Ottawa 67's take on the Sarnia Sting on Sunday afternoon at TD Place Arena.
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 27, making it an easy Sunday afternoon activity before heading home or grabbing dinner in the Glebe or downtown.
More Things to Do Around Ottawa This Weekend
There are plenty of other events happening around the city, including local markets, community festivals and activities in neighbourhoods across Ottawa.
The Ottawa Farmers' Market continues at several locations, and families can also check out a Kids' Gnocchi Cooking Event at the Barrhaven market on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The weekend also includes a range of smaller community events, arts programming and fall activities throughout Ottawa and the surrounding region. Ottawa Tourism's current events guide lists additional activities from September 24 through September 30.
How to Make the Most of Ottawa This Weekend
With so much happening at the same time, Saturday is a great day to stay downtown.
One possible plan is to start at the Ottawa 200 Block Party, walk down toward the Bytown Museum and Rideau Canal, visit the Ottawa Art Gallery, grab dinner downtown and then head toward the ByWard Market for Nuit Blanche.
And with free OC Transpo all weekend, you don't necessarily need to drive between everything.
For families, Bytown Museum, the Ottawa 200 Block Party, Saunders Farm and the Ottawa Art Gallery provide several different options depending on how much time you have. For adults looking for an evening out, SoundScape and Nuit Blanche offer two very different ways to spend Saturday night.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot happening in Ottawa this weekend, but the city's 200th anniversary celebrations make September 26–27 especially notable. Whether you want live music, art, history, sports, family activities or a fall day outside the city, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy Ottawa.
As always, event schedules can change, so it's a good idea to check the organizer's website before heading out. Ottawa Tourism also recommends confirming details before visiting.
Thinking about making Ottawa home? One of the best things about living in Ottawa is having events, neighbourhoods, parks, restaurants and cultural attractions like these available throughout the year. From downtown and the Glebe to Westboro, Orleans, Barrhaven and the communities beyond the Greenbelt, there is a lot to explore across the Ottawa real estate market.
