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26 Things to Do in Ottawa this September
- Miranda Caley
- Aug 29
- 8 min read
September is one of the best times of year: the temperatures are dropping ever so slightly, leaves are changing colour, and everybody's getting into an end-of-summer mood.
Whether you're looking for one last music festival or looking to visit a local market, we've compiled a list of a bunch of things to do in Ottawa this September.
📍 Luxe Bloom Flower Café (200 Marché Way, Unit 103)
📅 September 4 at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
💸 Tickets available for $95
🚗 Public transit recommended
Grab your bestie and sign up for a night of girlhood!
With the help of Rose Garden Jewelry, blend your perfect lip gloss and create a unique charm for it in this fun and interactive workshop.
Along with the activity, one cocktail/mocktail and a selection of food are included in your ticket.
📍 LeBreton Flats
📅 September 6 at 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
💸 Tickets available starting at $49.99 - use code PlacesToGo for 20% off
🚗 Public transit recommended
Gear up for one of Ottawa's most anticipated summer festivals, Latin Sparks!
Check out talented DJs, live performances, dance lessons, food trucks, and more at this culturally-rich event celebrating Latin America. We can't think of a better way to cap off the summer.
📍 Various locations
📅 September 5, 12, 19 at 7:30 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free parking available
This well-loved pop-up is continuing its showings across the city throughout September. If you haven't had the chance to partake in this classic summer activity, you still have time!
Be sure to mark your calendars for screenings of Adventures in Babysitting, Encino Man, and The Great Dictator.
📍 Metcalfe Fairgrounds (2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe)
📅 September 4 at 5 to 8 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free parking available
Support over 60 local producers while enjoying some live music!
Voted as the Best Farmers Market for 2025, the Metcalfe Night Market is not something to miss.
📍 EY Centre (4899 Uplands Dr)
📅 September 5-7 at various times
💸 Tickets available starting at $25
🚗 Paid parking available, public transit recommended
Calling all pop culture fans! If you're a lover of comic books, sci-fi, horror, anime, video games, or anything in this realm, you have to check out ComicCon.
Take advantage of opportunities to meet your favourite creators, view an array of unique exhibits, and shop for games, apparel, replicas, or more collector items.
📍 Almonte Fairgrounds (195 Water St, Almonte)
📅 September 5-7 at various times
💸 Tickets available starting at $20 for entry
🚗 Free parking available
If you missed out on the Capital Fair, not too far away from Ottawa, is the one in Almonte.
Spend part of your weekend winning carnival games and getting your adrenaline fix on some fun fair rides!
📍 Maison de la francophonie d'Ottawa (2720 Richmond Rd)
📅 September 6 at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free street parking available
Celebrate Black culture with Ottawa's Afro-Folkloric Festival. Expect live performances, short films, an art exhibit, dance workshops, cultural food tastings, an intercultural market, and giveaways!
This event is an awesome chance to discover and support diverse local businesses and learn more about Black stories here in Ottawa.
📍 Lansdowne Park (1525 Princess Patricia Way)
📅 September 10-14, times vary
💸 Tickets available at various prices
🚗 Public transit recommended, limited paid and street parking available
Situated in the heart of Centretown at Lansdowne Park, CityFolk is one of Ottawa's beloved music festivals.
Participate in four jam-packed days of music, dance, and community. With a wide range of musical guests, including major artists like Alex Warren ("Ordinary") and Paul Russell ("Lil Boo Thang"), there's sure to be a performance for everyone.
📍 255 Centrum Blvd & Square, Orléans
📅 September 12-14 at various times
💸 Free!
🚗 Free parking available
Get ready for a mouth-wateringly good time at this year's annual Ribfest and PoutineFest.
This food festival is an Ottawa favourite; if you're a lover of all things meat, cheese, and gravy, this one is for you. Check out over 50 kinds of poutine, a variety of BBQ ribs, live music, and even a Kids Zone all in one place.
With free parking, contests, and a Cookoff Competition, what more could you ask for?
📍 Canadian Museum of History (100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau)
📅 September 12-14 at various times
💸 Tickets available starting at $79.99
🚗 Public transit recommended
Complete your summer with a visit to the Canadian Museum of History for Riverside Festival!
If you haven't had the chance to check out any of Ottawa's music scene, check out one of the last outdoor festivals of the year.
Headliners include Tiësto, Subtronics, and Zeds Dead.
📍 The Market at the Barn (6154 Abbott St East)
📅 September 13 at 10:00 a.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free street parking available nearby
If you've got a sweet tooth, we're excited to share this one with you: dubbed Stittsville's Sweetest Day, come by this year's Butter Tart Festival.
Enjoy a variety of options of butter tarts, including gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and even 100% vegan ones. There will be other food served as well, both sweet and savoury, so this is an event you do not want to skip.
📍 Next Door Ottawa (955a Gladstone Ave)
📅 September 13 at 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
💸 Tickets available at $26.95
🚗 Paid and free street parking available
Support artists as they become living canvasses in this one-of-a-kind art expo. Experience a night of burlesque, dance, acrobatics, pole artistry, and face/body painting all in one place.
Get there early for the chance to be decorated by one of the live face or body artists!
📍 Ottawa Art Gallery (10 Daly Ave)
📅 September 17 at 6:00 p.m.
💸 Tickets available at $125
🚗 Paid parking available nearby
Enjoy a delicious Farm to Table-inspired meal while celebrating Ottawa's incredibly talented culinary community!
This event is in support of YoUTurn Youth Support Services, which is a non-profit organization providing individualized services to our most at-risk youth.
📍 Equator Coffee Westboro (412 Churchill Ave N)
📅 September 18 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
💸 Tickets available for $33
🚗 Free street parking available
If crafts are your jam, this cozy event may be perfect for you and a friend!
Everything you need to decorate a tote bag will be provided, from the bag itself to paints and brushes! One drink from Equator Coffee is also included in the ticket price, making for an excellent deal.
📍 6110 Mitch Owens Rd
📅 September 18-21 and 25-28
💸 Free!
🚗 Free street parking available
Located in Manotick, experience a glorious cultural celebration and global marketplace just 30 minutes outside of Ottawa.
One World Bazaar is open for only 10 weekends a year (though online shopping is always available), so don't miss out on your chance to discover uniquely hand-crafted home decor, clothing, jewelry, and furniture.
📍 373 Legget Drive
📅 September 19-20 at various times
💸 Tickets available starting at $25
🚗 Parking available
Purchase your ticket and gain access to over 100 premium craft beers, ciders, and cocktails, all in one place!
From live bands and entertainment to food trucks and a variety of vendors, the Kanata Craft Beer Fest is sure to be an awesome time.
📍 Bell Sensplex Kanata (1565 Maple Grove Rd, Stittsville)
📅 September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
💸 Entry fee of $5, kids under 14 free!
🚗 Free parking available
Grab a friend and come on down to one of the biggest markets in Ottawa! Support local Canadian sellers in this unique market full of handmade—and even some vintage—products.
📍 Wellington Street West - Island Park to Breezehill
📅 September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Public transit recommended
Taste of Wellington is back for another year, holding onto its title of the World's Longest Street Festival.
Enjoy sidewalk sales, food samples, demos, and more, all situated on one street. This event is in support of the Parkdale Food Centre, and features various free activities for both kids and adults to check out.
For more information, you can find the hourly schedule here.
📍 Various locations, venues available here
📅 September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💸 Tickets available starting at $60
🚗 Public transit recommended
One of the world's top animation festivals is conquering downtown Ottawa.
With programs for teens and families available, this festival gives you the chance to check out over 200 new films, go behind the scenes at Animation Exposé, participate in panels, and so much more.
📍 Navan Fairgrounds (1279 Colonial Rd, Navan)
📅 September 21 at 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free street parking nearby
Ottawa's biggest market is back and better than ever.
Visit the small town of Navan and its market bustling with local vendors. This market includes a Family Fun Zone, inflatable axe throwing, live entertainment, and more.
The Navan Market is one of my personal favourites and I highly recommend checking it out, whether you're looking for handmade goods or some great food.
📍Various starting points, find more information here
📅 September 21 at varying start times
💸 Registration fee starting at $66.40
🚗 Public transit recommended
In support of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Army Run is fast approaching. Get your running shoes on and register ASAP for this annual marathon.
Not much of a runner? Check out the marathon maps to see where you can cheer on those competing on September 21.
📍 Nepean Sportsplex Curling Rink
📅 September 25-28 at 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
💸 Advance tickets available until Sept. 1
🚗 Free parking and shuttle bus available at 3629 Carp Rd
Another fair, we know! However, if you don't get the chance to stop by Almonte's, the Carp Fair is a favourite by many around Ottawa.
Enjoy funnel cake, classic fair rides, and win some awesome prizes from games all in one spot.
📍 Ray Friel Recreation Complex (1585 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans)
📅 September 27 at 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free parking available
Grab your pup(s) for a fun-filled day at Fetch Local Market.
Shop all things dog-related at this one-of-a-kind market, right in the heart of Orléans. Fetch Local partners with local rescues, fundraise for animal causes, and more, so it's a wonderful organization to support.
Even if you don't have a pet, this market features a balanced variety of products, ensuring there's something for everyone.
📍 Parkdale Public Market (366 Parkdale Ave)
📅 September 27 at 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Street parking available
Pop by and support over 20 vendors selling handmade goods, art, apparel, books, and more, at this inclusive outdoor market.
The All Together Inclusive Market focuses on BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and women-identifying creators.
📍 Nepean Sportsplex Curling Rink
📅 September 27-28 at 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
💸 Admission prices vary, starting at $5
🚗 Free parking available
Cat lovers (like me), this one's for you!
Visit the Ottawa Cat Show to see a variety of bot pedigreed and domestic kitties. Check out a seminar or shop for cat-related products for both you and your feline friend(s).
Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of cat food for local rescues; in doing so, you'll earn a ballot for a special draw.
📍 The Great Lawn at Lansdowne (1525 Princess Patricia Way)
📅 September 28 at 10:00 a.m.
💸 Free!
🚗 Free Park & Ride shuttle available, limited street and paid parking nearby; public transit recommended
If you're looking for a truly heart-warming, tail-wagging experience, participate in this year's Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run by the Ottawa Humane Society.
Registering and fundraising for this initiative helps cover a variety of expenses for homeless animals in the city: medical treatments and rehabilitation, community education and outreach, spay/neuter programs to control overpopulation, and so much more.
Whether you've got a pet or not, come walk for a cause with OHS!
What event are you most excited for this month? Let us know in the comments below.