Top things to do in Ottawa this September 2025
13 Minute Read
As summer winds down and the leaves begin to turn, you’ll want to make the most of the weather before it gets chilly. September brings back-to-school, apple picking, and plenty of other fun things to do in Ottawa this September.
From sports games to late summer music festivals, and street parties to spooky nights out, this month has diverse offerings for all ages.
The Chef’s Table
Where: 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 4 to 6, 2025
This farm-to-table feast is your opportunity to taste a world-class three-course meal, carefully prepared by top Canadian chefs Amy Pelletier and Kenton Leier. You’ll dine on smoked venison and maple mousse while folk group East Coast Experience serenades your table on the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa ComicCon
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Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 5 to 7, 2025
Are you a cosplayer, crafter or comic connoisseur? No matter what you’re a fan of, Ottawa ComicCon has something for you. Meet like-minded enthusiasts, shop at the Artist Alley, attend panels with your favourite creators and snap a picture with guests like Robert Eglund, the Trailer Park Boys and Jennifer Morrison.
Almonte Fair
Where: Almonte Agricultural Fairgrounds, 195 Water St., Almonte, ON
When: September 5 to 7, 2025
Head over to Almonte to enjoy the thrilling midway, visit the livestock and check out food vendors on the fairgrounds. Do you have a talent you’d like to show off? You can register to compete in homecraft competitions for sewing, photography, horticulture, and more to test your skills.
Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Where: Various locations in Ottawa, ON
When: September 5, 12 and 19, 2025
An Ottawa favourite for family-friendly fun, the Capital Cinema has a full slate of movies playing weekends in September. Catch Adventures in Babysitting on September 5, then watch Encino Man on September 12 and The Great Dictator on September 19. Remember to bring your own chair and pack some snacks for a night of cinema under the stars.
Latin Sparks Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Ottawa, ON
When: September 6, 2025
At “Canada’s baddest Latin Fest,” Clifton Banks and Matty Jay host a day of fun, movement and music. You can experience Latin culture through dance classes, performances, live tunes and DJ sets. While you snack on deliciously authentic street food, you can even watch a dance battle and jam out to salsa, bachata, Afrobeats, Reggaeton and more.
613flea
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: September 6 and 13, 2025
With free admission and 150 vendors to check out, 613flea is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. From handmade jewelry and vintage clothes to original art and glazed ceramics, this huge flea market has diverse decor, lifestyle and fashion offerings. Chat with makers in your community and hunt for a great find to bring home.
Atlético Ottawa
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 6, 21 and 27, 2025
Cheer for your team at home games this September as they go head-to-head with Pacific FC, Forge FC and Cavalry FC. Take part in the iconic chants and feel the community spirit of the Canadian Premier League.
CAA Members save 20 per cent on tickets to Atlético Ottawa home games.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 7 and 26, 2025
Make sure to catch Ottawa Rapid before their inaugural season ends. You have two chances to see these fierce players in action at home games in September, and you won’t want to miss Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer league as they go head-to-head with the Montreal Roses FC and AFC Toronto.
CityFolk
Where: The Great Lawn, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: September 10 to 14, 2025
CityFolk is the perfect place to wrap up festival season right here in Ottawa. With acts like the Pogues, Indigo Girls and Down with Webster headlining, you’re sure to see five amazing nights of performances. Chill with a lawn chair or dance at the barricade for an epic end-of-summer experience.
Fifty-Five Plus Lifestyle Show
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 12 and 13, 2025
Come on down to Ottawa’s largest lifestyle show, geared towards those in their golden years. Talk to experts about the services, products and opportunities you’ll want to check out later in life. Whether you’ve just retired or you’re an experienced old-timer, you’ll learn something new about living well.
Riverside Festival
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: September 12 to 14, 2025
Located on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History, this is one of the top electronic music festivals in Quebec. Grammy Award-winner Tiësto headlines alongside some of the best artists in the EDM, bass and house music. Enjoy stunning views of the museum and Parliament Hill across the river as you dance the night away.
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa
Where: Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport, 1717 Arthur-Fecteau, Gatineau, QC
When: September 12 to 14, 2025
Aviation enthusiasts and Ottawa explorers alike will enjoy this festival showcasing historic Canadian aircraft. Watch functional planes like the Snowbirds take to the skies and check out static planes like the Fleet Finch, a 1930s biplane, up close on the ground. There’s even a drone show at night where old and new technology meet.
Orléans Ribfest and Poutine
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd & Square, Ottawa, ON
When: September 12 to 14, 2025
What better way to end summer than at a massive outdoor cookout? Orléans Ribfest is for Ottawa’s meat lovers who can’t resist the succulent taste of barbecue. Don’t like ribs? Don’t worry—you can also choose from over 50 kinds of poutine and other tasty snacks like ice cream and mini donuts.
Heating Up The Capital
Where: Smokie Ridge Vineyard, 10090 Cameron Rd., Mountain, ON
When: September 13, 2025
Can you handle the heat? You’ll find out at this Canadian hot sauce expo. Shop your favourite local brands and snack on flaming barbecue, piquant pizza and enough free samples to keep your tongue burning for weeks. You can watch (or participate in) contests like spicy sausage eating or best pepper tattoo all day long.
Nrityopahara
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 13, 2025
Experience the Hindu epic Ramayana through classical Bharatanatyam dance. You’ll follow this mythical tale of duty, family and loyalty through the elegant movements and evocative facial expressions of the performers. Each choreographed form will bring this legend to life in a retelling of one of India’s most famous stories of all time.
Taste Of Manotick
Where: Manotick Main St., Manotick, ON
When: September 13, 2025
“Shop local” reaches new heights at this festival celebrating small-town excellence in Manotick. Head to Main Street for a block party featuring food, live music, village shops and a car show. Enjoy the ambience, greet some friendly faces and have a lovely day exploring this charming village.
Canadian Buttertart Festival And Competition
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 13 and 14, 2025
Located within Orléans Ribfest on September 13 only, you can also check out the Canadian Buttertart Festival and Competition for sweet treats. This event is proudly Canadian, showcasing a flaky, tasty dessert that has been a national favourite for hundreds of years.
Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa, ON
When: September 16 to 21, 2025
Sprawling across four venues in the city, the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival showcases the works of contemporary Indigenous artists. Settle in for showings of innovative works created by Indigenous filmmakers, and celebrate the best of screenwriting, performance, audio production, video and music alongside other film buffs.
Richmond Fair
Where: 6121 Perth St., Richmond, ON
When: September 18 to 21, 2025
After 181 years, this fair is a beloved community tradition. Visit the midway for heart-pounding rides and carnival games before you check out the homecraft exhibitions. Check out crafty quilts, sample sweet honey and admire impressive fruits and vegetables at the fair. You can also check out the livestock shows and learn more about food and agriculture.
Ottawa Flower Market
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 20, 2025
Ottawa’s foremost florists are coming together to bring their best blooms to one market, where you can shop bouquets or DIY your own. Browse local flowers and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Hintonburg. If you have a spare morning in September, stop by the market to smell the roses.
Keith Urban: High And Alive World Tour
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 20, 2025
Award-winning country music star Keith Urban is coming to Ottawa on September 20. With a career spanning 35 years, his hits include “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “You’ll Think of Me.” Throw on your denim and cowboy boots for a fun night of western pop tunes.
Saunders Farm FrightFest
Where: 7893 Bleeks Rd., Munster, ON
When: September 20 to November 1, 2025
For Halloween thrills and chills, head to Saunders Farm FrightFest this fall. The sinister clowns at the Circus Macabre are waiting to say hello, and the witches of the Coven want to put a spell on you. See these haunts and more at night for a spine-tingling scare or during the day for family-friendly fun.
Canada Army Run
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 21, 2025
Show your support for the Canadian Armed Forces with this benefit run to raise money for our troops. You can join the run no matter what your skill level is, and you can either run alone or with friends. Everyone who participates in the race gets a dog tag to represent their contributions to the cause.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa, ON
When: September 24 to 28, 2025
If you thought animation was just for kids, think again! At the Ottawa International Animation Festival, you’ll learn about the movies, short films and TV shows on the cutting edge of the world’s animation scene. Brush shoulders with industry professionals and watch screenings of over 200 new cartoons—for kids and adults.
Jonas And Barry In The Home
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 24 to October 11, 2025
When Barry moves into a retirement home at age 67, he thinks his life is over. Then he meets the loquacious Jonas, with whom he strikes up an unexpected friendship. This comedy from Canadian playwright Norm Foster is a hilarious tale about second chances and getting older.
Carp Fair
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: September 25 to 28, 2025
Head to Carp for harvest season fun for the whole family! Live entertainment, classic fair food, exciting rides and even a tractor parade await all weekend. You can also meet the animals in the petting zoo, watch the demolition derby and cheer for your favourite Clydesdale at the horse shows. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something antique, homegrown or homemade to enjoy at the fair.
Acres Of Terror
Where: Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Rd. 32, Crysler, ON
When: September 26 and 27, select days October 3 to 31, 2025
With four haunted attractions to keep you on your toes, Acres of Terror is your spooky season destination. Take a trip through farmland on the Spooky Wagon Ride or explore the Fog Maze, where creatures lurk just out of sight. You can also visit the farm during the day for a family-friendly Halloween event.
Fetch Local Markets
Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 27, 2025
Looking for an outing where your pup can come too? Fetch Local Markets is a space where dogs of all kinds are welcome to join the fun. Shop dog treats and accessories while meeting other pets in your community and chatting with vendors who love dogs as much as you do.
Mammoth Book Sale
Where: 100 Tallwood Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 27, 2025
Bookworms should head to the City of Ottawa’s Central Archives for great deals on used books, CDs, DVDs and more. Browse the stacks for a rare find and go on a hunt for your next great read. Proceeds go to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association.
Pique
Where: Arts Court, 67 Nicholas St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 27, 2025
This quarterly multi-media nightlife event is for art lovers of all kinds who want to explore and connect. Experience innovative performances, boundary-pushing visual art, bold musical talent and educational workshops from both within your community and around the world. This event platforms diverse and underrepresented communities to bring you a fresh perspective.
Ottawa Cat Show
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 27 and 28, 2025
Want to see some talented felines at work? Visit the Ottawa Cat Show to see performances by the coolest cats out there. This year’s theme is “Exploring the Jungle,” meaning you’ll get to see these animals reconnect with their wild cat roots. From Best Decorated Cage to Spectators' Choice Award, this show boasts the best of cats everywhere.
Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run
Where: The Great Lawn, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: September 28, 2025
If you love animals and want to support them, this benefit run for the Ottawa Humane Society is a fun race event for you and your furry friend. From a 1K Kids Fun Run to a 10K run, there’s a race for your skill level. Help support the rescued animals at the shelter and spend a day with your best friend in the sun.
Ottawa Doll And Miniature Sale
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 28, 2025
Collectors and kids alike will find something to cherish at the Ottawa Doll and Miniature Sale, featuring thousands of new and vintage dolls, teddy bears and miniatures. Whether you’re looking for an antique porcelain doll or a brand-new Barbie, head to this show on September 28. Proceeds from admission go to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Doors Open National Day For Truth And Reconciliation
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 28 and 30, 2025
This special event marks 10 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report. Visitors will be invited to attend programming, including interactive art activities, to foster reflection. On September 30, an Indigenous fire keeper will host a Sacred Fire, and guided tours focusing on reconciliation will be offered for members of the community.
Remembering The Children
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 30, 2025
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring survivors of Canada’s Residential School system. This commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill fosters an environment for reflection and healing. If you can’t join in person, tune into the live broadcast on APTN.
Experience more with CAA
No matter where September takes you, a CAA Membership will help you save. Memberships start from just $30 annually, providing you with great deals at locations across the country so that you can go on more adventures for less.
