If you're wondering what to do in Ottawa this weekend, you're in luck. Summer is in full swing, the weather is beautiful, and the city is packed with events, festivals, markets, live music, and outdoor activities.
Whether you're looking for a family outing, date night, patio crawl, or something completely different, here are some of the best things happening around Ottawa this weekend.
🎵 Catch the Final Weekend of Bluesfest
The biggest event in the city remains Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats.
With hundreds of artists performing throughout the festival, the final weekend always brings incredible energy to downtown Ottawa. Bluesfest continues to attract music fans from across the country and remains one of Canada's largest outdoor music festivals.
If you're only picking one event this weekend, this is probably it.
🚴 Take Advantage of NCC Weekend Bikedays
One of Ottawa's best free summer activities.
Several NCC parkways are closed to vehicle traffic, giving cyclists, runners, walkers, and rollerbladers room to enjoy some of the city's most scenic routes.
Popular stretches include:
Ottawa River Parkway
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Perfect for working off that patio beer.
🎬 Enjoy a Free Outdoor Movie at Lansdowne
Lansdowne Park continues its summer outdoor movie series this weekend.
Bring:
Lawn chairs
Blankets
Snacks
Friends
Few things feel more like summer than watching a movie outdoors on a warm evening.
🥕 Visit a Local Farmers' Market
Summer produce season is at its peak.
Check out:
Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Westboro
Lansdowne Farmers' Market
Orléans Farmers' Market
You'll find fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, local coffee, artisan products, and food trucks.
🎤 Orléans Unplugged
Looking for live music without the Bluesfest crowds?
Orléans Unplugged offers free outdoor performances featuring local musicians in a relaxed community setting. It's become one of the east end's favourite summer traditions.
🌃 Explore a Night Market
Ottawa's summer night markets continue this weekend.
Popular options include:
Gloucester Night Market
Hintonburg Night Market
Expect:
Local vendors
Handmade goods
Food trucks
Live entertainment
A great way to support local businesses while enjoying a summer evening.
⚾ Cheer on the Ottawa Titans
Looking for a fun and affordable family outing?
The Ottawa Titans have home games this weekend and offer one of the best-value sports experiences in the city. Baseball, sunshine, and stadium snacks are hard to beat.
🏖️ Beach Day at Petrie Island
After the recent heat wave, many residents are heading straight for the water.
Petrie Island remains one of Ottawa's best summer destinations for:
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Picnics
Walking trails
Arrive early because parking fills up quickly on hot weekends.
🍻 Patio Crawl Through Little Italy
Not every weekend needs a formal plan.
Spend an afternoon on Preston Street enjoying:
Craft beer
Sangria
Wine
Italian food
People watching
Some favourite stops include:
Mati
Pub Italia
The Prescott
La Roma
Little Italy is arguably Ottawa's best patio district during the summer.
🛍️ Browse 613Flea
613flea is one of Ottawa's most popular local markets.
You'll find:
Vintage clothing
Handmade goods
Local art
Food vendors
Unique gifts
Perfect if you're looking for something different from the usual shopping experience.
🌅 Take a Sunset Cruise
One of Ottawa's most underrated summer activities is seeing the city from the water.
Sunset cruises along the Rideau Canal offer:
Beautiful views
Live music
Drinks
Relaxed atmosphere
It's an ideal date-night option.
My Perfect Ottawa Weekend
Friday Night
🍻 Patio drinks in Little Italy
Saturday Morning
🥕 Farmers' Market
Saturday Afternoon
🚴 NCC Bikedays
Saturday Evening
🎵 Bluesfest
Sunday
🏖️ Petrie Island
Simple, local, and very Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event in Ottawa this weekend?
Ottawa Bluesfest remains the city's largest event and one of Canada's premier music festivals.
Are there free things to do this weekend?
Yes. NCC Bikedays, Orléans Unplugged, night markets, outdoor movies, and many farmers' markets are free to attend.
What are good family activities?
Ottawa Titans baseball, beach days, outdoor movies, farmers' markets, and cycling routes are all family-friendly options.
What's the best date idea?
A sunset cruise followed by drinks on a patio in Little Italy is tough to beat.
Where can I cool off?
Petrie Island, Mooney's Bay, splash pads, museums, and air-conditioned shopping centres are all great choices.
What's the best neighbourhood to visit this weekend?
Little Italy, the ByWard Market, Lansdowne, and Westboro are all excellent choices depending on what you're looking for.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa summers don't last forever, so weekends like this are meant to be enjoyed. Whether you're catching a Bluesfest show, cycling along the river, relaxing at Petrie Island, exploring a night market, or enjoying a cold drink on a patio, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the weekend.
If I had to choose my top three recommendations:
🥇 Bluesfest
🥈 NCC Weekend Bikedays
🥉 Patio Hopping in Little Italy
Enjoy the sunshine, Ottawa.
