Ottawa
Events & Activities in Ottawa: Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 20, 2017
A weekly digest of What’s On in and around Ottawa this weekend including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports and exhibitions: Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 20, 2017
I. Family & Kids Activities this Weekend in Ottawa
1. CP Canada 150 Train
This family-friendly occasion has something for Canadians of all ages and there are a number of activities to explore during the three-hour event. History buffs will delight in seeing images and facts pulled from CP’s archives, and kids of all ages can design their very own conductor’s hat as a memento of the day. Headliners: Dallas Arcand & Dean Brody! Details
Sunday, August 20, 2017 | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
VIA Rail Station, 200 Tremblay Rd, Ottawa
Free
2. The Capital Fair
Annual Fair featuring plenty of rides, fun family entertainment, fair food, and more! Details
August 18 to 27, 2017
Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
Free Admission
3. Overbrook Community Day
Canada 150 celebration including Multicultural artists, and various fun activities for the family. Details
Saturday, August 19, 2017 | 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Overbrook Community Center
33 Quill Street, Ottawa
Free
4. Sound of Light
To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, five Canadian companies will be showcasing the skies of Gatineau / Ottawa with themed shows inspired by our country and our history as part of Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light.
Alberta Show – Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Grand Finale – Saturday, August 19, 2017 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa
Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau
$10
5. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard is a parade representing the changing of the guards posted at Rideau Hall, the official residence the Governor General. A full company of two platoons is employed in daily public duties, with both divisions of one platoon parading as the ‘new guard’ – those to take over duties at Rideau Hall – and the other platoon of the company split, one division parading as ‘old guard’, and the other performing sentry duties at Rideau Hall for the day. Details
July 10 to August 25, 2017 | 10:00 AM
Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Free
6. Sound and Light Show
Combining bold digital technology with the architectural splendour of the Parliament Buildings, Northern Lights illuminates Canadian stories of nation-building, partnership, discovery, valour, pride and vision at the heart of our country. Details
July 11 to September 16, 2017
Parliament Hill – 111 Wellingston St., Ottawa
Free
7. Voyageur Canoe Experiences
Join Parks Canada on the historic Rideau Canal this summer for a uniquely Canadian experience exploring a part of Ottawa’s natural and cultural heritage by voyageur canoe. Whether it is your first time in Ottawa, or you are looking for a different way to experience the city, the Voyageur Canoe ! Details
June 1, 2017 – September 1, 2017
Hartwell’s Lockstation, Ottawa
$7.30 to $14.60
8. General Activities
At the library
Ottawa Public library offers plenty of free activities to choose from for all ages including toddler story times. Plan ahead to attend some of the free activities in the following weekends:
Details and link for registration.
2.By Ottawa Recreation – Drop in Programs
3. Cineplex
See Family Favourites for $2.99 on Saturdays @ 11:00 AM
CINÉ+ – Movies at Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau
4. Inspiration Village
A core site for Ottawa 2017 programming, this edgy-looking entertainment locale on York Street will be the site of a succession of special exhibits and performing arts events, each one showcasing Canada’s provinces and territories. May 20 – September 4, 2017 | 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM @ ByWard Market, Ottawa
5. Storytime at Rideau Hall!
Frontier College volunteers invite the general public, families and youth groups to settle in under the Reading Tent to read books and to participate in fun literacy activities. Every Friday and Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., until August 26
More To Do
II. Live Music
1. Snaggle
SNAGGLE, a brash and irreverant electric-jazz-funk band that has often been described by media as ‘Canada’s answer to Snarky Puppy’ hits the road with the internationally acclaimed trumpet player BROWNMAN ALI . Come see this critically acclaimed and award-winning ensemble and their powerful and electrified show of groove-oriented jazz, not to be missed! Details
Avant Garde Bar
135 Besserer St, Ottawa
Guns N’ Roses: Not In This Lifetime Tour on August 21, 2017
Calabogie Blues & Ribfest on August 18 to 20 @ Calabogie Peaks Resort
2. Arboretum Festival
We bring together acclaimed and groundbreaking artists, across genres, to celebrate community and independence in the arts. Critically-acclaimed bands. Forest Stage. Barn shows. Swimming Pond Dance Parties. Pick-your-own fruit+veg. Local chefs. All-Night Cinema. Art installations and much more! Details
Rideau Pines Farm, 5714 Fourth Line Rd.
Ottawa
III. Live Theatre & Related Events
1. Cirque Du Soleil: VOLTA
VOLTA tells a spellbinding story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail. Inspired by the adventurous spirit that fuels action sports, the show weaves the adrenaline rush of acrobatics into a visually striking performance. International artist M83 will be adding his epic space-age pop sound to the VOLTA stage. Details
August 3 to 27, 2017
Under the Big Top, Zibi Site, Gatineau
$39 & up
2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Celebrate with Ottawa’s award winning original professional Shakespeare company, a Company of Fools on their 15th anniversary of Torchlight Shakespeare with one of the Bard’s most beloved and whimsical comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Helena loves Demetrius. Demetrius loves Hermia. Hermia loves Lysander. Throw into this mix an enchanted forest, a mischievous fairy, a feuding king and queen and a troupe of terrible wannabe actors and you have a recipe for a hilarious, magical, love-filled summer night. Details
July 3 to August 19, 2017 | 07:00 PM
August 18, 2017 – Kin Vineyard, Carp
August 19, 2017 – Windsor Park, Old Ottawa South
Pay-what-you-can – suggested donation $20
3. The Amorous Servant
The Amorous Servant is about a clever young maid, bound in dedication and honour to her disinherited master. With a love that knows no bounds, this servant expertly schemes to break through the greed and treachery that has corrupted her master’s house. She’s determined to bring peace to his wealthy but dysfunctional family. Love and honour meet the physicality and hilarity of Commedia dell’Arte in this rarely seen jewel by Carlo Goldoni. Details
July 20-August 20, 2017
Tuesday to Saturday | 08:00 PM
Sunday | 02:00 PM & 08:00 PM
The Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road
Ottawa
$10 to $25, Sunday Matinee – PWYC
4. Les Morissette
Through variety numbers, stand-up comedy routines and impersonations, the couple explores topics that affect all Quebec couples, including work-life balance, social network addiction, Quebec’s “wussification,” sex, friendship in your forties and many more. Details
August 18 & 19, 2017 | 08:00 PM
Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre
Ottawa
$59
III. Sports
1. World Vintage Rugby Carnival
Vintage Rugby is a fresh, friendly style of veteran rugby, dedicated to preserving the spirit and tradition of Rugby for mature players, supporters and referees. It provides the chance for those over the age of 35 (two men’s sections Over 35 and Over 46) who still hanker to scrum, ruck and maul with their mates against rivals from around the world. Details
August 20 to 27, 2017
Various Venues, Ottawa
Free
2. Canadian Ultimate Championships
The women’s, open, women’s masters and open masters divisions . Details
August 17 – 20, 2017
UPI – 1295 Manotick Station Rd, Greely
Free to $12
3. Fiddler’s at The Parks
A two day OVPSC/Bronze and Silver/Trillium hunter/jumper competition . Details
August 19 to 20, 2017
Wesley Clover Parks, 411 Corkstown Rd, Ottawa
Free
4. Youth Beach Nationals
Beach Volleyball Details
August 17 to 20, 2017
Max Volley Shefford Park
813 Shefford Road, Ottawa
Free
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
More To Do
1. Art in Strathcona Park
Artists and artisans and undiscovered talents will come together to sell their work directly to the public and to raise public awareness about mental illness. More than just original art, Art in Strathcona Park also offers jewellery, pottery, stained glass, wood carvings, hand-made soap and honey, to name just a few, and will also feature a silent auction and a BBQ – something for just about everyone! Details
Saturday, August 19 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Strathcona Park
Corner of Laurier Avenue and Range Road
Free
2.The Ottawa Greek Festival
The Ottawa Greek Festival features live Greek music, traditional Greek dances, excellent Greek Cuisine, cooking demonstrations, Greek language lessons, craft and cultural exhibits, souvenirs, raffles, children’s activities, Church tours and ecclesiastical displays. Details
August 10 – 27, 2017
The Hellenic Community of Ottawa
1315 Prince of Wales Drive between Baseline Road and Meadowlands Drive.
Ottawa
Free
3. TD South Asian Fest
The 2017 Edition of SouthAsianFest will feature action packed activities including Intercultural Dialogue, Masala Bhangra on the Hill, Dance Workshops, ART EXHIBITION, the SPLASH! Dinner & Dance Boat Cruise and the Grand Event. Details
August 11 to 20, 2017
Ottawa City Hall
110 Laurier Ave W & other venues, Ottawa
Free
4. Kontinuum
This immersive multimedia production, created by Ottawa 2017 and Moment Factory, unfolds in Ottawa’s future Lyon Light Rail Transit (LRT) station. Visitors descend deep underground into an anomaly in the fabric of reality where invisible frequencies take on physical dimension. Elevate your senses and awaken your imagination in this journey where two realms collide. Which path will you choose? Details
July 16 to September 14 | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Place de Ville Theatre, 300 Sparks St, Ottawa
Free
5. Kabeshinan Minitig Pavilion
The Pavilion exhibit will involve both archaeological artifacts that underscore this area, the National Capital Region, as an original and central trading place for numerous Indigenous people over the centuries. The Kabeshinàn Minitig Pavilion will host many of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation artists/crafts people along with featured Indigenous Artists in both visual arts and fine crafts from across turtle island throughout the summer months. Details
Until November 30, 2017 | Tuesday-Sunday – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Victoria Island, 2 Timberslide, Ottawa
Free
6. MOSAÏCANADA 150
Mosaiculture is a most spectacular horticultural technique that combines the following different art forms: sculpture for the structure, paint for the palette of colours, and horticulture as the means of creating living and changing artworks with plants. The theme of the Gatineau exhibit will reflect 150 years of history, values, culture and arts in Canada, represented by some 40 different arrangements.
Details
June 30 – October 15, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Parc Jacques-Cartier, 350 Rue Laurier
Gatineau
Free
7. Ottawa Welcomes the World
Embassy of the Republic of Colombia: Experience the cultural heritage of Colombia. Details
High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago: Strategically located at the crossroads of the Americas, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is renowned for its industrialized, energy export-driven economy, vibrant culture and multiethnic and tolerant society. Details
Embassy of the Republic of Colombia – Friday, August 18, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – Sunday, August 20, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Ottawa
Free
8. Veg Speed Date
Veg Speed Date is exclusively for vegan and vegetarian singles. We have thought through every detail to make sure people have a great time, don’t need to worry about feeling rejected, and have the best chance of making that special connection. Details
Saturday, Aug 19 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tea Party Cafe
119 York Street, Ottawa
$34.99 – $44.99 + charges
9. Rock the River
Enjoy an upbeat, exciting evening on the Ottawa River. The music of Danny Richard makes the evening come alive during this must-do summer cruise! In addition to refreshment, light snacks are available on board for purchase. Details
Saturday, August 19, 2017 | 08:15 PM
Capital Cruises, Gatineau Dock.
$25
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but mistakes may happen/Events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.