What to do in Ottawa this September 2023
15 Minute Read
Summer may be coming to a close, but that does not mean there is any shortage of exciting events and attractions to enjoy around Ottawa. Save dinner and a movie for the colder months -- September is full of fairs, festivals, and a whole lot more.
From evening markets and cultural festivals to foodie fairs where you can sample the day away, celebrate the transition from summer into autumn and check out these things to do in Ottawa this September.
Ottawa REDBLACKS Game
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwQXdpNur--/
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 30, 2023
Don't skip out on one of the last home games of the Canadian football season. The Ottawa REDBLACKS go up against the Montreal Alouettes on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Keep your eyes peeled for a welcome video featuring graphic artist Aija Komangapik and the coin toss by Stephanie Scott, executive direction of the National Office for Truth and Reconciliation.
CAA will be at the game, shooting mini footballs out of a cannon, and you can also visit the CAA tent for some free REDBLACKS-themed swag. CAA Members save 10% on home game tickets and official merchandise.
Harvest: A Feast of Fall
Where: All Saints Event Space, 330 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa, ON
When: September 13, 2023
Celebrate Ottawa's culinary community and give your taste buds a treat by attending an this autumn cocktail party-style event. It will have a lineup of award-winning chefs paired with local butchers and farmers to create incredible dishes paired with drinks in honour of harvest season, all held in a beautiful former church. You can drift between food stations and relax at the lounge. Enjoy live music as you eat, with the event proceeds to support Youturn Youth Support Services.
Big Lebowski Bash
Where: Dairy Distillery, 34 Industrial Dr., Almonte, ON
When: September 7, 2023
Venture to the quaint town of Almonte for a The Big Lebowski movie-themed celebration. The party starts at 6 p.m. with lawn games, cocktails and music before a movie screening begins at 7:30 p.m. Treat yourself to specialty snack vendors. Bathrobes are encouraged, and tickets are $20 each, which includes a Vodkow cocktail.
Hintonburg Night Market
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: Every Thursday until October 5, 2023
At the trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood entrance, you'll find an evening market where vendors change weekly, so there's always something new, along with crowd favourites. Browse for handmade goods, fresh produce and tasty treats as you enjoy live music and performances from local entertainers—stroll by between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Westboro Cinema Pop-Up Night Market
Where: Churchill Seniors Centre, 345 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 8, 2023
Spend an evening outdoors shopping at a vintage market before the film School of Rock screening. The pop-up starts at 4 p.m., and you can browse vintage collectibles, clothing, decor and more from seven unique vendors. The film begins at dusk, 8:30 p.m., so make sure you bring lawn chairs and get there early enough to secure a good viewing spot. There will be popcorn, candy and water for sale.
AFROFESTIVAL
Where: Mooney's Bay Park, Ottawa, ON
When: September 8-9, 2023
This annual arts and music festival illustrates the best African entertainment and is free to attend. Experience the beauty that is African culture by enjoying live music shows and other performances, browsing vendors who sell African art, crafts and fashion and tasting authentic cuisine. You'll learn through celebration as you watch events like fashion shows and participate in workshops for drumming and dancing.
Latin Sparks Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: September 9, 2023
Enjoy the fire and flavour of Latin America right here in Canada's capital city. You'll spend the evening celebrating as you watch live performances, participate in salsa dancing, eat authentic Latin street food, drink at outdoor bars and listen to DJ beats. It's like a giant open-air party. The festival has vegan food options and is wheelchair accessible, so there is no need to worry about restrictions. General admission tickets are $49.99, but you can save on group rates if you buy two or more tickets.
Yoga At The Gallery
Where: Tavern At the Gallery, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 9 and 16, 2023
Take advantage of the last two summer sessions of outdoor yoga classes at Tavern at the Gallery next to the National Gallery. Kick off your weekend right with a Saturday morning flow in a beautiful courtyard patio. You'll need to register in advance; tickets are $20 per person. The sessions are weather permitting, so check for updates on their Instagram page.
BeechFest
Where: 140 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON
When: September 9, 2023
This annual street party returns with a full lineup of eats and entertainment. Local restaurants, including Jacobson's Bistro and Bibi's, will be set up offering food and drinks. Look forward to sizzling BBQ, a corn roast, and Pints in the Park, where you can grab beer and wine. There will be a stage at St. Charles Street with various performances, including music, a DJ and a Drag show. Pop by between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Butter Tart Festival
Where: 6154 Abbott St. E., Stittsville, ON
When: September 9, 2023
Raisins, nuts or au naturel? The quintessential Canadian question can be answered at the annual Butter Tart Festival with offerings from a lineup of bakers. Follow along with the contest to see if your top pick wins a prize. The number of bakers has doubled since last year, so make sure to show up hungry with your sweet tooth ready to be satisfied. Other vendors on site will also offer different food and gifts for sale. The festival runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Barrhaven Harvest Fest
Where: Nepean Woods Park & Ride, Ottawa, ON
When: September 10, 2023
The market runs each Sunday in Barrhaven, and their biggest event of the season celebrates the September harvest. Grab tasty necessities from your favourite local producers and shop Ottawa Artisans vendors. They sell crafts, gifts, bath and body, apparel, food, stationery and more. Plus, there will be live music and family-friendly activities, such as an inflatable slide and face painting, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Riverside Festival
Where: Canadian Museum Of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: September 8 – 10, 2023
End your summer by dancing to the sound of your favourite electronic music artists next to the Ottawa River. This energetic music festival celebrates ten years and has a lineup of international artists. Catch headliners like Seven Lions, Two Friends and Zeds Dead on stage and tons of other artists entertaining you from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets sell out quickly, especially the three-day passes, so check online if you still need to book yours. Food trucks will be on-site to keep you sustained, as well as water bottle refill stations. Keep the good times rolling by picking between two after-parties each show night.
Ottawa Comiccon
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 8 – 10, 2023
Meet your favourite actors and creators at this fan-fiction event highlighting pop-culture content from comic books, sci-fi, anime, horror and video games. Arrive as your favourite character (or just people watch) and enjoy a variety of panel discussions, meet and greets, workshops and shopping experiences. Specific events range from day to day, so make sure to check the online schedule to avoid missing out on your top attractions.
Salsa Sundays
Where: Byward Market, Ottawa
When: September 10, 17, and 24, 2023
Show off your best rumba and mambo or learn new steps during the free Salsa Sundays dance series. Show up at the Byward Market, with or without a partner, for the 3 p.m. beginner class, followed by an outdoor dance social at 4 p.m.
More September events are taking place in the market, including City Sounds Live, a free outdoor concert on September 20 at 6 p.m., and Byward Night Market, filled with vendors, drinks and live music, on September 30.
Aventure Outaouais: Pontiac Haunted Tour
Where: Pick up at various locations in Ottawa and Gatineau
When: Select days, September 5 to November 5, 2023
The local tour company Aventure Outaouais will guide you on unique adventures through the Outaouais region, and during the spooky season, they have a tour packed with a haunted history. Unexplained occurrences, ghost sightings and graves left behind — follow your storyteller to four eerie destinations in a small Quebec town. Not only does the tour include transportation and spine-chilling tales, but you'll also enjoy fresh apple pie and cider at one of the stops and snacks on the bus. This tour takes place on Sundays and Tuesdays, and bookings must be made online.
CityFolk Festival
Where: Great Lawn, Lansdowne Park, Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: September 13 – 17, 2023
Dance the evening under the stars at this multi-day music festival in the city. With multiple stages and different artist lineups each day, you'll experience a variety of musical genres and performances. You can look forward to headliners, including Iggy Pop, Arkells, Bush, KALEO, Hozier, and many other artists playing earlier in the afternoons.
Single-day passes, VIP zone tickets and full festival passes are available online. On September 14 and 15, there are also free concert shows in the main plaza at Lansdowne Park. Beer tents, food stalls and merch tables will also be there for you to browse and buy during the festival.
Perth Night Market
Where: Perth, ON (free shuttle from multiple parking locations)
When: September 16, 2023
Wander the historic small town of Perth as entertainers line the streets, market pop-ups, and shops open late. You can dine under the stars at many local restaurants. Some of the many activities and attractions to look forward to include axe throwing, henna tattoos, circus performances, live concerts and more. Tons of businesses in the downtown area are participating in addition to the many vendor booths.
Heating Up the Capital
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa
When: September 16, 2023
Spice up your weekend with a visit to the third annual Ottawa Hot Sauce Expo. Sample from 35 Canadian hot sauce makers and shop your favourites. You can also grab drinks at the bar, enjoy a meal from food trucks and participate in spicy food challenges. Could you eat a giant hot-flavoured gummy candy? You can buy tickets online before the event.
Ottawa Flower Market
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 16, 2023
At the Ottawa Flower Market, you can purchase fresh blooms for your home. At the booth, you can pick your favourite flowers or say which colours you prefer and your bouquet will be arranged and wrapped in front of you.
Orleans Ribfest and Poutine
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd., Orleans, ON
When: September 15 – 17, 2023
Show up hungry because a feast of ribs, poutine and other BBQ favourites awaits. Five award-winning rib makers come together with various poutine vendors and other gastronomical booths like donuts, blooming onion and a Bevvy Bar. Listen to the sounds of live music as you indulge and enjoy activities from face painting to eating competitions.
Carp Fair
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: September 21 – 24, 2023
This county fair has been around since 1863 and has livestock competitions, antique displays, children-friendly activities, midway games, a beer garden, parades, concert shows and more. If you're craving some small-town style fun in the Ottawa region, check it out. Where else can you watch a rodeo, enjoy a live lumberjack show, ride a Ferris wheel and listen to live music? Adult tickets are $13, child tickets are $5, and kids five years old and under are free.
Oktoberfest
Where: Kichesippi Beer Co., 2265 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 17 – October 1, 2023
For those who dream of celebrating this Bavarian beer festival but can't make it to Germany, head to Kichesippi Beer Co. and raise a stein. The taproom transforms with festival eats and events. Eat locally made sausages, listen to themed music, participate in Oktoberfest games, sing your heart out at karaoke and drink German beer from a collectible 1-litre stein.
Modern Classics Cocktail Workshop
Where: Split Tree Cocktail Co., 98-J Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 22, 2023
Step up your cocktail-making skills by joining a workshop hosted by a renowned mixologist. Craft three classic cocktails with a unique twist as you snack away on a charcuterie board with all of the tools and ingredients included. Enjoy breaks to sip on your drinks and a 10% discount for the Split Tree Cocktail Shoppe. The workshop runs for two to three hours and has limited space. If you have your basic skills down pat, you can register for an Advanced Bar Techniques class on September 28.
FrightFest
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: September 23 – October 31, 2023
You don't need to wait until October to spook yourself by visiting Halloween attractions. The iconic FrightFest is returning to Saunders Farm starting September 23, so you can enjoy six haunted sites at the farm. Ride the haunted hayride, wander through the cemetery or visit their goriest haunt, The Shambles. New this year is a circus-themed scare. Relax with a food truck snack or a drink in the Cider House after your night of frights. Tickets (starting at $49) sell out, especially as it gets closer to Halloween, so book online.
Cheerfully Made Fall Market
Where: Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Rd., Stittsville, ON
When: September 23 and 24, 2023
This Almonte-based shop hosts seasonal markets showcasing Canadian-made goods and makers, bringing fun new items to the Ottawa area. Visit the fall market for two days of shopping from over 150 vendors. The market event takes place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, and admission is $5 at the door for adults; children under 14 are free.
Taste Of Manotick
Where: Manotick Main St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 23, 2023
Celebrate the autumn season with an outdoor market fair in the village of Manotick. Various local businesses will have booths lining the main street where you can browse products and services. You can try the free samples as you enjoy live music and entertainment. Taste what the village offers, literally and figuratively, between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Taste Of Wellington West
Where: Hintonburg Park, 49 Fairmont Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: September 23, 2023
Stop by this free annual food festival featuring over 50 vendors serving up eats and gifts in the Hintonburg neighbourhood. Live music and entertainment will be on throughout the afternoon, with a new artist every hour. There will also be giant board and lawn games to compete in, endless foodie samples (both ticketed for $2.50 and free) and deals on local businesses. Donations will be accepted in support of the Parkdale Food Centre.
Metcalfe Fair
Where: 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, ON
When: September 28 - October 1, 2023
Experience the small-town atmosphere of an agricultural fair at this annual event. Join in or observe a variety of competitions, from flower displays to field crops, listen to live music in the entertainment area, hop on carnival rides, play midway games, and experience rural attractions like a heavy horse pull. There are many unique events to watch or participate in, like wrestling, step dancing and more. Adult tickets are $15 on the weekend, and kids six to 12 years old are $5 each.
Ottawa 67's game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: September 29, 2023
The city's junior hockey season kicks off with the Ottawa 67's first game against the Peterborough Petes. Enjoy the buzz of a Home Opener game without paying a hefty price — an Ottawa 67's game is already an affordable sporting event, and you can also get a discount if you're a CAA Member. Save 10% on season tickets when you buy them online.
Mac My Cheese Fest
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: September 29 - October 1, 2023
It's all about that delicious cheese pull, which you'll find in spades during this three-day mac and cheese festival. Treat yourself to this creamy comfort food, with classic options and others full of creative toppings and other cheesy dishes like grilled cheese.
Oktoberfest
Where: Tavern at the Gallery, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 30 – October 1, 2023
Get in the Bavarian spirit by celebrating Oktoberfest on a picturesque courtyard patio in Ottawa. Tavern at the Gallery is hosting a two-day festival with German-themed eats, drinks and activities. Sip beer from a stein, snack on giant pretzels and authentic meat platters and enjoy live music and themed games. Polka Bratz will get you in the spirit with their performances on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Orleans Oktoberfest
Where: Orleans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON
When: September 30, 2023
The fifth edition of Orleans Oktoberfest is coming to OBC to celebrate all things Bavarian and beer. There are two sessions during the day, whether you prefer to celebrate in the afternoon from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. or evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Each session will have a live band, a DJ set, various games, prizes to win and German-inspired cuisine. Tickets are $35 each, and the first 50 guests who register receive a free T-shirt.
Whisky Ottawa
Where: Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: September 30, 2023
Whiskey connoisseurs, prepare to delight your senses with tastings of whiskeys from around the globe and snacks. The main event in the grand hall tasting room is general admission and begins at 7 p.m. for access to the most extensive sampling of whiskey you've ever seen around Ottawa. If you want to do more than sampling, there are VIP experiences and masterclasses that you can register for. Sip on unique, aged whiskies prepared with food and gain access to the tasting hall earlier. You can also add to the Saturday event with a Friday experience at Montgomery Scotch Lounge to taste rare liquors and anniversary releases, diving deep into the world of whiskies. Book tickets online soon, as they typically sell out.
Candlelight Concerts
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
When: Various dates September through December 2023
Listen to talented string quartet musicians perform a range of musical genres in themed concerts, highlighting both classical tunes and modern melodies. You'll be surrounded by soft, twinkling light as the chords hit your ear, set in intimate, historic venues. Experience a Tribute to Taylor Swift at Knox Church, A Tribute to Coldplay at The Gladstone Theatre or The Best of Hans Zimmer at First Baptist Church, and other concerts in September alone.
Explore the city with your CAA Membership handy
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can save along their adventures. Enjoy discounts on everything from dining out and filling up on fuel to savings on your car and travel insurance, as well as other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.
