12 free things to do around Ottawa this weekend, April 26 to 28
Time to make some plans!
A festival along a historic Main Street. Right: Poutine.
If you're looking for some fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend but don't want to spend your entire paycheque, then these events happening around the city are for you. Ottawa's got you covered with lots of free activities to enjoy this weekend, so you can have some fun without spending a dime.
Whether you're into jamming out to karaoke or stretching it out with some yoga, you can enjoy your time off to the fullest without sweating the cost.
Here are twelve free things to do in and around Ottawa this weekend that will keep your bank account happy.
Chow down at a Poutine Fest
Price: Free admission
When: April 26 to 28, 2024
Address: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who's hungry? You can dig into an iconic Canadian dish at this festival taking place in Ottawa this weekend.
The 8th Annual Ottawa PoutineFest is taking place in the city and you can indulge in all sorts of "traditional, exotic, and extreme poutine." There will be over 100 types of poutine to choose from as well as a new Best in Cheese Curd, an exotic poutine competition and live music and entertainment.
Admission to the event is free, although you will have to pay for food.
Ottawa Poutine Fest website
Explore a new reality
Price: Free
When: April 26, 2024, 3 p.m.
Address: 1599 Tenth Line Rd., Orléans, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's time for some virtual adventures! The Ottawa Public Library is hosting a Virtual Reality Gaming Event for ages 10 and up.
You can enjoy a range of virtual reality games on the Oculus Rift system and "explore mountains or deep seas, ride roller coasters, soar as an eagle, challenge your agility with Beat Saber or Fruit Ninja," according to the website.
Ottawa Public Library website
Go to a sweet festival
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024
Address: Gore St., Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready for some sweet celebrations! You can take a little road trip to a charming small town and celebrate The Perth Festival of the Maples this weekend.
The downtown core of Perth will transform into a maple wonderland complete with maple syrup producers, vendors, local businesses and food services.
You can check out the Antique and Classic Car Display along Herriott Street as well as live entertainment like a bluegrass band and sap tapping competition.
There will even be aerial tours of Perth offered throughout the day by 1000 Island Helicopter/Kouri’s Kopters tours for a fee.
Work on your poetry skills
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024, 1:30 p.m.
Address: 281 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Unleash your inner poet at this writing workshop taking place over the weekend. According to the event page, you can expect to "examine three poems of invective, learn how those poems work, and, with luck, you will draft your own poem of praise or admiration for ... something wonderful."
Ottawa Public Library website
Make some origami
Price: Free
When: Saturday Apr 27, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
Address: 50 Castlefrank Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready to do some folding! This adult class teaches you the "art of paper folding" and you can make "everything from flowers to animals, and more," according to the website.
Ottawa Public Library website
Wander around a market
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This vibrant marketplace "features eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great foods and one-of-a-kinds," according to the website.
You can spend the day browsing through all sorts of unique items and can even bring your dog along.
Visit a spring market
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 Leeds and Grenville, 44 Kemptville, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Eastern Ontario Craft & Gift Spring Market Kemptville is full of unique finds, including handmade jewelry, soaps, artwork and more. You can browse through items from a variety of vendors and enjoy door prizes, raffle, food and drinks and more.
Do a downward dog
Price: Free
When: April 28, 2024, 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Address: Hyatt Place 300 Moodie Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can totally unwind at this yoga class over the weekend. This yoga session offers "simple, but powerful yoga postures to bring stability and balance," according to the event page.
No prior experience is needed and the practice includes simple neck stretches and meditation.
Enjoy live entertainment
Price: Free
When: April 27, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 2265 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to Kichesippi Beer Co. this weekend for Open Mic Night. According to the event page, the "taproom will be filled with awesome musicians and talents across Ottawa & Bells Corners, all performing infront of an encouraging and live audience."
Artists can share their new song, jokes, poems, art and more with a live audience.
Sing your heart out
Price: Free
When: April 26, 2024, 9 p.m.
Address: 1432 Walkley Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready to sing! The Nick's Dive-Bar Karaoke Experience is taking place this Saturday and it will feature "wild night of off-key singing, cheap drinks, and good vibes."
Call up some of your friends and enjoy some Saturday night singing.
Explore the city
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024, 11 a.m.
Address: The National War Memorial, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can learn about a whole new side of the city with this tour by Ottawa Free Tours. According to the event page, you'll explore the "city’s main landmarks, its surprisingly seedy history, and some of the hottest spots locals love."
The tour will explore political assassinations, lumberjack gang violence, drunk prime ministers and more, so lace up those shoes and get ready to take an adventure into the city's past.
Learn some history
Price: Free
When: April 27, 2024, 1 p.m.
Address: 120 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Ottawa Historical Society is hosting a program called The Karsh Brothers - Canadian Legends of Photography.
A guest speaker will fill you in on the Karsh brothers, who arrived in Ottawa as Amernian refugees and became world-acclaimed photographers.
Ottawa Public Library website
Leave your wallet behind and enjoy some of these free and fun events taking place around Ottawa this weekend.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.