Top things to do in Ottawa this September 2026
17 Minute Read
Summary
- Ottawa celebrations in September include cultural festivals, live music, food events, sporting games, weekly markets and outdoor activities.
- Check out annual events including Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Carp Fair, CityFolk, Riverside Festival and Taste of Wellington.
- Autumn brings apple picking, corn mazes, and pre-season hockey as the season of weekly farmers’ markets and outdoor fitness classes winds down.
Hot-air balloons drifting across the skyline, apples ready for picking and fairgrounds buzzing with activity can mean only one thing: September has arrived in Ottawa.
As summer gives way to fall, the capital comes alive with festivals, live music, food events, local markets and outdoor adventures.
Whether you're looking for a family outing, a date night or a reason to soak up the season, there are plenty of ways to make the most of September in Ottawa.
Festivals and cultural events
Discover the best festivals and cultural events in Ottawa and Gatineau this September, from hot air balloons and multicultural celebrations to Ottawa's 200th birthday block party.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da1FqyMGz_p/?hl=fr&img_index=1
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Saint-Louis St., Gatineau, QC
When: September 2 to 6, 2026
The sky will be a spectacle of colourful floating balloons during this annual festival. Float with the clouds on a hot-air balloon ride, or enjoy the many activities around the grounds, including amusement park rides, climbing structures, a scavenger hunt, the silent disco, and evening fireworks. The 2026 concert lineup features Simple Plan, Half Moon Run, and Smash Mouth, among other artists.
Viet Moon Festival
Where: 400 March Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 4 to 6, 2026
Celebrate Vietnamese culture with magical nights when the community gathers to eat delicious food beneath the giant moon. A canopy of glowing lanterns will set the mood as you browse an artisan market, enjoy heritage showcases, grab food from street market booths, watch live performances and more.
Latin Sparks Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: September 5, 2026
Canada’s largest Latin festival heats up the capital with a vibrant party including a Carnaval parade full of performers, cultural music, free dance classes, street eats and colourful costumes.
Ottawa Serbian Festival
Where: 1989 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 to 7, 2026
A joyful long weekend will celebrate Serbian culture, music, and cuisine. You can expect lively performances, sports competitions, kid-friendly activities, and homemade food.
Indigenous Walking Tours
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 and 26, 2026
Admire Ottawa’s streets through an Indigenous lens during a 1.5-hour tour, offered in both English and French. Explore downtown monuments, art and architecture with a Métis guide. Your last opportunity to experience this tour this year is in September.
Wild Colour Weekends
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 to 7, 2026
Explore the natural beauty and science of colour in the real world, as this temporary exhibit comes to an end. Get curious and explore 200 specimens, audio stores, and colour-saturated zones to learn how plants and animals use colour to communicate and survive.
Save with your CAA Membership! Members enjoy a 15 per cent discount on single admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature as well as off of museum memberships. Plus, until September 7, 2026, children and youth aged 17 and under can enjoy free admission while visitors aged 18 to 24 receive 50 per cent off admission as part of the Canada Strong Pass.
Latin Dance Sundays
Where: Barrio Ottawa, 115 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2026
Feel the beat and get moving each Sunday for a Latin dance lesson and social dancing. No partner is required for the free 7 p.m. class, followed by an outdoor dance party.
Doors Open At Rideau Hall
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 to 7, 2026
Explore the historic State rooms, the Palm House, and the private gardens at Rideau Hall, which are not regularly open to the public.
Ottawa ComicCon
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 11 to 13, 2026
Panels, vendors, photo ops, concerts and creatives make for a massive pop culture event where you can find celebrities, personalities and exhibits from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, gaming and comic books.
Afrofestival
Where: Mooney’s Bay Park, 2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 11 to 13, 2026
Celebrate Africa’s rich and diverse culture during a free festival. Indulge in a variety of authentic food, listen to a full lineup of live music, and enjoy a range of dances, fashion and family activities.
Beechfest
Where: Beechwood Ave. (from Marier to Loyer), Ottawa, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Beechwood Avenue becomes a vibrant community celebration featuring live music, street eats, local art, and family activities. From soulful acoustic sets to DJ beats and even kids' rock sets, there is music for everyone. Shops and studios along the street will be offering free classes and special offers during this giant block party.
Thai Festival Ottawa-Gatineau
Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC
When: September 12, 2026
Vendors will be serving traditional Thai food while you listen to cultural music, experience local businesses such as Thai massage, and check out other performances and activities.
Retro Silent Disco
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Dance through the decades, connecting with one of three DJs, featuring 80s, 90s or early 2000s mixes. Lights, visuals, and nostalgia will surround you as you listen to beats through your headphones.
Evenings At Zibi
Where: 310 Miwate Priv., Ottawa, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Against the scenic backdrop of the Ottawa River’s Chaudière Falls, the Zibi square becomes a lively mix of performances, art activations and unique, interactive programming.
Kanata Multicultural Dance, Music & Food Festival
Where: Tony Graham Park, 100 Charlie Rogers Pl., Ottawa, ON
When: September 12 and 13, 2026
Back and bigger than ever as part of the Ottawa 200 celebrations, enjoy cuisine and performances from across the globe. There will be unique vendors, kid-friendly activities, cultural exhibits, public dances, and much more.
Ottawa 200 Block Party
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 26, 2026
The city of Ottawa turns 200 this month, and we’re celebrating with a block party birthday bash. Head to the plaza at City Hall for a full day of programming including outdoor concerts, cultural activities, some of Ottawa’s best eats and some surprises.
Ottoberfest
Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: September 26, 2026
No need to book a flight to Germany to celebrate one of the biggest festivals in the world, Bavarian style. Ottawa’s Oktoberfest will feature a full day of entertainment, traditional food, authentic stein-holding competitions, singalongs, and games. Grab your dirndl and lederhosen to compete for best dressed.
Fairs
Experience some of the Ottawa region's most popular fall fairs, featuring midway rides, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Almonte Fair
Where: 195 Water St., Almonte, ON
When: September 11 to 13, 2026
Country life has never been so fun. Check out agricultural exhibits, seek thrills on midway rides, enjoy live entertainment and treat yourself to a variety of eats.
Richmond Fair
Where: 6121 Perth St., Richmond, ON
When: September 17 to 20, 2026
Watch agricultural displays and competitions, catch thrills on amusement park rides, sway along to live music performances and bring your little ones to Kiddyland. East Coast Experience will be performing Friday, along with other artists throughout the weekend. The parade takes place on Saturday.
Carp Fair
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: September 24 to 27, 2026
This isn’t your average agricultural fair. Head to the quaint village of Carp for a long weekend of family activities, live entertainment, carnival rides and rural showcases. Amusement rides, cow shows, a horse pull, tractor balancing and antique showcases are just some of the things to do. Jade Eagleson will be headlining the concert on Friday.
Live music and performances
Catch concerts, theatre productions, comedy shows and music festivals across Ottawa throughout September 2026.
Jackson Dean
Where: The Bronson Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 4, 2026
Country fans head to The Bronson to dance and sing along to hits like Heaven’s to Betsy, Don’t Come Lookin’, and songs like Make a Liar from his latest album.
Bistrofest
Where: Hog's Back Park, 600 Hog's Back Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5, 2026
Against a backdrop of green trees and a rushing waterfall, enjoy a free concert series at Hog's Back Park. The last event of the season is a three-hour, all-ages show with headliner C.A. & Sonny, and openers Cattail Creek and Stephen Hardy Palmer. An evening of folk music, storytelling and classic sounds awaits.
The Great Gatsby – A New Musical
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 8 to 13, 2026
A new musical is coming to Ottawa with the extravagance, glamour and tragedy of the Roaring Twenties. The Great Gatsby is alive on stage with new choreography and a jazz- and pop-influenced music score.
Music In The Park
Where: Parc Tesasini, Gatineau, QC
When: September 9, 2026
This new summer concert series hosted by the Ottawa Jazz Festival comes to an end with its September performance. The lineup of artists changes each month, featuring styles from funk and samba to the sounds of the African harp.
LMAOverflow – A Night of Hilarity
Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 11, 2026
Settle in for an evening of laughs as you enjoy a lineup of Canadian stand-up comedians. Known for her quick wit and storytelling, Jen Grant will be headlining the show.
Mt. Joy 2026: Celebrating 10 Years Of Mt. Joy
Where: Hard Rock Live, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 11, 2026
Catch this indie-rock band playing live as they celebrate a decade of performing together. Enjoy tunes from their four studio albums full of rich lyrics and sweeping melodies.
Riverside Festival
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: September 11 to 13, 2026
An intimate stage, big names in electronic music and a colourful party- if you’re a fan of EDM, you can’t miss this music festival. Marshmellow, Steve Aoki and Excision will be headlining the three days of shows.
Black And Bluegrass Fest
Where: Rideau Pines Farm, 5714 Fourth Line Rd., North Gower, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at a bluegrass festival of music across multiple stages. Bring cash and grab tickets at the door.
CityFolk
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 16 to 20, 2026
Across multiple stages and multiple nights, an eclectic mix of genres and artists will have you singing, swaying and dancing along. The 2026 lineup includes performances from Alabama Shakes, Cameron Whitcomb, Stella Lefty, Switchfoot, Third Eye Blind, Of Monsters and Men and Alice Cooper, among others.
Supersonic Hearts Band
Where: Escape Manor Lounge, 292 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 17, 2026
Experience an evening of high-energy music from a multi-piece band that specializes in festival and event performances. Get ready to spend the night on the dance floor.
Dief The Chief
Where: Diefenbunker, 3929 Carp Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 18, 23 and 25, 2026
Immerse yourself in the historic moment of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962, during a theatrical show performed 75 feet underground. Explore Canada’s Cold War Museum with the prime minister “Dief the Chief” as he relives a close brush with nuclear war.
Food events
Taste your way through Ottawa's food scene this month with rib festival, coffee festivals, immersive dining experiences and neighbourhood food celebrations.
Orléans Ribfest & Poutine
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd., Orléans, ON
When: September 11 to 13, 2026
It’s the tenth anniversary of this east-end food festival! They plan to make things even bigger this year, so show up hungry to try different ribs and poutine.
Coffee Right YOW
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Caffeine addicts and latte lovers, this is the first year of Ottawa’s specialty coffee festival. The best roasters in the region will come together with your favourite coffee shops, food vendors and local makers.
Taste Of Manotick
Where: Manotick Main St., Manotick, ON
When: September 12, 2026
Local Manotick businesses line Main Street offering samples, specials and entertainment to celebrate the charm and flavours of the village.
The Chef’s Table
Where: 1 Elgin Restaurant, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 17 to 19, 2026
World-class chefs bring innovative cuisine to the capital, where you can enjoy a farm-to-table feast near the scenic Rideau Canal. The September menu will feature Bison Carpaccio, Pickerel and Bannock (with vegan and vegetarian options available). Live music will be played each evening.
Taste Of Wellington
Where: Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON
When: September 19, 2026
Hintonburg’s Wellington Street West transforms into a delicious street festival featuring food tastings, live music, local shopping, kids' activities, street performances, and roller disco. This year, there will be a new community hub at Parkdale Park, and After Taste will turn the street into a neighbourhood-wide stage.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
Where: Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 25 to 27, 2026
This cultural festival returns to the heart of Chinatown, with Somerset Street West closed to traffic between Bronson Avenue and Bell Street and filled with vendors. Try street food flavours, feel the energy of live performances, and browse artisan products.
Sports and fitness events
Stay active or cheer on local teams with sporting events and outdoor fitness classes in Ottawa.
Ottawa Titans
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 1, 2, and 3, 2026
Root, root, root for the home team and catch a ball game in Ottawa. Take this opportunity to sport your best red-and-white gear and indulge in stadium snacks, as September marks the end of the season.
If you buy tickets online using your CAA Membership, you’ll save up to 30 per cent on Ottawa Titans home games.
Yoga On Parliament
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 2, 2026
Your final chance of 2026 to experience this unique fitness class on the lawn of Parliament Hill is this month. Reset your day with an hour-long yoga class starting at noon. Bring your mat and a water bottle.
Atlético Ottawa
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5, 20 and 30, 2026
Sport your red and white swag as you cheer on Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League soccer team. Feel the vibrant energy of Lansdowne, enjoy some stadium eats and keep your eyes peeled for the mascot Wally the T-Rex.
Save 20 per cent on Atlético Ottawa home game tickets with your CAA Membership, plus a 10 per cent discount on merchandise.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 6 and 20, 2026
Catch a high-energy match as Ottawa’s Northern Super League (NSL) team competes at the highest level of women’s soccer in Canada. Wear the team’s colours blue and orange and enjoy this new era of sport.
Get a 20 per cent discount off Ottawa Rapid FC home games with your CAA Membership.
Parliament Pilates
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 8, 2026
Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to get a great sweat on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. The last outdoor summer Pilates class is at noon in September, and it’s free to join.
Zumba On The Hill
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 6, 13 and 20, 2026
Get your groove on during a free outdoor fitness class with Canada’s Parliament as a picturesque backdrop.
Spin City Cup
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 19, 2026
Whether you’re registering for a team, as a single player, or are simply a fan, check out this table tennis tournament for spirited matches and passionate competitions.
Ottawa 67s
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 27, 2026
Bring the family out for a hockey night in Canada. Our Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, the Ottawa 67s, begin their season, so get ready for some competitive action on the ice. Enjoy stadium eats as you cheer on the home team and keep your eyes open to spot their masked mascot Riley the Raccoon.
Outdoor adventures
Make the most of early fall in Ottawa with apple picking, corn mazes, outdoor movies, stargazing events and scenic outdoor activities.
Go apple picking
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Rd. 32, Crysler, ON
When: Mid-August 2026, weather permitting
There are many orchards around Ottawa where you can pick apples straight from the tree. Cannamore Orchard offers other farm activities, different produce, like pumpkins, for sale, and various events throughout the season.
Family activity weekends return on August 30, 2026, and will run every weekend in September, featuring pedal cars, mazes, a cow train, and more family-friendly activities. The Acres of Terror event opens on the last weekend of September.
Navigate a corn maze
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Starting September 3, 2026
Fall on the Farm activities begin early September, including a three-acre corn maze to explore. Test your skills and find your way out of the winding maze, enjoy wagon rides, pick pumpkins, climb over giant hay bales and visit the farm animals at The Log Farm.
Pick your own flowers
Where: Green Corners, 1259 York's Corners Rd., Russell, ON
When: Select dates until September 20, 2026
Frolic through rainbow fields and pick your own bouquet of seasonal flowers. The Ottawa region has multiple farms where you can pick your own flowers, including Green Corners, which has more than 25 floral varieties available at a given time. Buy tickets online for a specific date to guarantee your entry.
Public Star Party
Where: Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: September 4, 2026
Admire the night sky and gaze at the beautiful stars, whether you’re an amateur astronomer or are new and curious to learn about space. No need to have any gear of your own, but bring a telescope or binoculars if you have them. Volunteers will have telescopes set up and be ready to answer your questions.
Capital Pop Up Cinema
Where: Multiple Ottawa locations
When: September 5, 11, 12, 19 and 25 2026
Pack your lawn chair or a blanket to watch a movie screening under the stars. The free movies to see this month are 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, Cool Runnings, Jumanji and Canadian Bacon.
Zipline At Arbraska Lafleche
Where: 255 Rte. Principale, Val-des-Monts, QC
When: Weekends until November 8, 2026
Soar over a green canopy before the autumn brings colour changes to the sea of trees beneath your feet. Take on challenges from tree to tree in an aerial obstacle course, including ziplines, or fly along a series of ziplines, platform to platform, on a Ziptour.
Local markets
Shop local this September at Ottawa-area markets featuring handmade goods, artisan products, vintage finds, local food vendors and live entertainment.
Parkdale Night Market
Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays until October 7, 2026
The Parkdale Market space comes alive each week as the community gathers to shop, find gifts, enjoy treats, listen to live music, and take part in various activities.
Parkdale is also hosting the Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival on September 25, 2026.
Greely Good Market
Where: 5770 Bank St., Greely, ON
When: September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2026
Discover unique gifts, vintage finds, sweet treats, small clothing brands, quirky stationery pieces, bath and body products and much more each Sunday in Greely. You’re sure to leave with something special and unexpected after browsing.
Hintonburg Night Market
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 17 and 24, 2026
Ottawa’s market season is still in full swing throughout September, and you can browse for handmade gifts, vintage pieces and tasty snacks on Thursday evenings in Hintonburg.
Fall into savings with CAA
Wherever your journey takes you, bring your CAA Membership along for the ride. Get discounts on sporting events, online shopping, entertainment, and dining out.
Sign up today for as low as $30 a year, or stop by your nearest CAA Store, such as CAA Ottawa.
