Looking for something fun to do in Ottawa this weekend? You're in luck—this might be one of the busiest weekends of the summer so far. Between major festivals, live music, sports, and outdoor events, there's something happening in almost every corner of the city.
Here's your guide to the best things happening in Ottawa this weekend.
🐉 1. Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
📍 Mooney's Bay Park
🗓️ June 19–21
💲 FREE Admission
The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is back and remains one of the largest dragon boat festivals in North America.
Expect:
Dragon boat races every few minutes
Food trucks
Live music
Beer gardens
Family activities
Beautiful waterfront atmosphere
Even if you've never watched a dragon boat race before, the energy at Mooney's Bay is worth experiencing.
🎷 2. Ottawa Jazz Festival
📍 Confederation Park & Downtown Venues
🗓️ June 19–28
The Ottawa Jazz Festival returns with dozens of concerts across the city, including many free performances.
You'll find:
Outdoor concerts
International artists
Late-night jazz sessions
Free daytime performances
Patio vibes downtown
Even if you're not a huge jazz fan, the atmosphere downtown during the festival is fantastic.
🌞 3. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
📍 Wesley Clover Parks
🗓️ June 20–21
💲 FREE
One of Ottawa's most meaningful cultural events.
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival celebrates First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures through:
Pow wow competitions
Indigenous performances
Traditional foods
Artisan marketplace
Family activities
Workshops and demonstrations
It's one of the most unique events happening this weekend and well worth visiting.
✨ 4. Drone Show at Wesley Clover Parks
📍 Wesley Clover Parks
🗓️ Saturday, June 20
🕙 10:00 PM
💲 FREE
After the Summer Solstice Festival festivities, stick around for a spectacular drone show featuring synchronized lights and Indigenous storytelling themes.
This could end up being one of the coolest free events of the weekend.
🏈 5. Ottawa REDBLACKS vs Toronto Argonauts
📍 TD Place Stadium
🗓️ Saturday, June 20
🕐 1:00 PM
The Ottawa REDBLACKS take on the Toronto Argonauts in a big early-season matchup.
Even if you're not a football fan, game days in Lansdowne have a great atmosphere with:
Patios
Restaurants
Live music
Tailgating energy
⚽ 6. Ottawa Rapid FC Match
📍 TD Place
🗓️ Sunday, June 21
If soccer is more your thing, Ottawa Rapid FC hosts AFC Toronto.
A fun afternoon activity and a great excuse to spend time in the Glebe.
🍝 7. Italian Week Ottawa
📍 Preston Street, Little Italy
🗓️ Throughout June
Italian Week Ottawa continues this weekend with:
Italian food
Live music
Entertainment
Patio hopping
Family activities
One of the best ways to spend a warm summer evening in Ottawa.
🚴 8. Enjoy Ottawa's Outdoor Spaces
If you're looking for something lower-key, this weekend's weather is perfect for enjoying Ottawa's outdoor gems.
Great Options:
🌊 Petrie Island
Beach day and paddleboarding.
🚲 Rideau Canal
Walk, bike, or grab a coffee along the canal.
🌳 Gatineau Park
Excellent hiking and scenic lookouts.
🛶 Dow's Lake
Rent a kayak or paddleboard.
🍺 9. Patio Weekend
Summer patio season is officially here.
Some great spots to check out:
Elgin Street
Bank Street in the Glebe
Preston Street
Westboro
ByWard Market
Grab a drink, enjoy the weather, and people-watch.
🌅 10. Sunset at Major's Hill Park
📍 Downtown Ottawa
One of the city's best free activities.
Bring:
A blanket
Snacks
Friends
And enjoy views of:
Parliament Hill
The Ottawa River
The National Gallery
🎶 Live Music This Weekend
There are several concerts and shows happening around the city this weekend, including:
Bailey Zimmerman at Canadian Tire Centre
Wintersleep at The Bronson Centre
Various performances during the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
🌞 My Perfect Ottawa Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
🍺 Patio in the Glebe
🎷 Ottawa Jazz Festival
Saturday
🐉 Dragon Boat Festival
🏈 REDBLACKS game
✨ Drone Show
Sunday
🌞 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
🚴 Bike ride along the canal
🍦 Ice cream at Dow's Lake
Best Events This Weekend at a Glance
Final Thoughts
This upcoming weekend (June 19–21, 2026) is shaping up to be one of the best weekends of the summer in Ottawa. Whether you're into festivals, sports, live music, patios, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do.
If I had to pick the three can't-miss events this weekend, I'd go with:
🥇 Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
🥈 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
🥉 Ottawa Jazz Festival
Get outside, enjoy the weather, and make the most of an incredible summer weekend in Ottawa. 🌞🌳🍻
