10 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend, May 24 to 26
From eating ribs to having a Zumba party on Parliament Hill, there's plenty for you to get up to this weekend!
A perfect at York Street Market. Right: Ottawa in full bloom.
It's a tale as old as time: The weekend is rapidly approaching, and you've got barely a dollar to your name but you still want to have some end-of-week fun. We've all been there buddy, don't you worry.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of free things to do in Ottawa, no matter what side of town you live on. Whether you're over in the far west end of Kanata, the east side of Orleans, deep in Ottawa South or perhaps right in the downtown core, I guarantee we'll find you something to do this weekend.
Between perusing a community garage sale, devouring a rack of ribs, kicking off the powwow season and helping out with some spring cleaning in the community, you'll have plenty of options.
So, here are 10 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Kick off the powwow season with the Odawa Native Friendship Centre
Price: Free
When: Saturday, May 25, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 26, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Canadian Police College, 1 Sandridge Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Come take part in a community tradition where all are welcome! The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is hosting its 45th annual Traditional Powwow this weekend, so head on over to the Canadian Police College for a weekend filled with traditional dancing and drumming circles, delicious food, craft vendors and plenty of entertainment all weekend long.
Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind it's on an open field so mobility will vary.
Hunt for secondhand treasures at the Great Glebe Garage Sale
Price: Free admission
When: Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: The Glebe, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Great Glebe Garage Sale has been a local tradition since 1986. Residents all over the picturesque community of the Glebe will turn their front lawns into little flea markets, while local businesses hold one big sidewalk sale. Participating vendors are encouraged to donate a percentage of their earnings to the Ottawa Food Bank, so you'll be supporting a great cause while you shop.
Accessibility: Accessibility varies throughout the Glebe, but the event is held outdoors on public roads and sidewalks.
Get your barbecue fix at Kanata RibFest
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, May 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 400 March Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another weekend, another RibFest where you can leave with your hands (and face and shirt) covered in barbecue sauce and your belly full of comfort food — I can already taste it. Head on over to Kanata RibFest & Poutine this weekend for ribs, pulled pork, brisket and many other mouthwatering barbecue delights.
Accessibility: This venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Attend a Lilac Festival in Ontario's Lilac Capital
Price: Free admission
When: Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: St. James Centennial Hall, 152 Church St. W., Smith Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: Are you a flower lover? Are you sad that the Tulip Festival is over? Well, I've got some great news for you, because just an hour's drive outside of the hustle and bustle of Ottawa, nestled between Carleton Place and Smiths Falls, is the village of Franktown, the Lilac Capital of Ontario. Pack your lawn chair and head on over to the annual Franktown Lilac Festival this Saturday for a day filled with barbeque, live music and entertainment, buskers and, of course, lilacs.
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
Go for a morning jog with the Sparks Street Run Club
Price: Free to join (registration required)
When: Every Saturday at 9 a.m. and every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m.
Address: Bridgehead Coffee, 96 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nothing gets the blood flowing through your veins like a morning run. The Sparks Street Run Club meets twice a week and is all about building both friendship and fitness. Join them this Saturday morning for a scenic 5-kilometre run along Sparks Street and the Ottawa River.
Accessibility: This is not a wheelchair-accessible event.
Go to an afternoon driveway DJ party
Price: Free admission, but donations are appreciated
When: Saturday, May 25, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Art House, 555 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Hosted by a local Ottawa-based DJ Jack Rothbard, you can expect an afternoon of music, dancing, chalk art and chill vibes. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase from Ottawa's very own Art House Cafe, a coffee house dedicated to being a hub for Ottawa-based artists.
Accessibility: Art House is not a wheelchair-accessible venue.
Peruse through the York Street Market
Price: Free admission
When: Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: York St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head on over to the York Street Market in the Byward Market, hosted by Minerva Ottawa, which happens every other Sunday from May to October. Check out over 40 vendors selling all sorts of artisanal products, like handmade crafts, jewelry, fibre art, spice blends, cider and all sorts of food!
Accessibility: Byward Market is wheelchair accessible.
Embrace your inner musician at the Ottawa Guitar Show
Price: Free admission
When: Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Are you a guitar player? Guitar collector? Just like looking at guitars? Head on over to the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre this Sunday for a sale of all kinds of guitars and guitar equipment, such as vintage guitars, amps, cases, parts and probably anything else you can think of. If you have some things you'd like to sell or trade, feel free to bring your guitars and equipment with you!
Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Help keep Britannia Beach beautiful
Price: Free (RSVPs are appreciated)
When: Sunday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Address: Parking lot by the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Britannia Beach is one of Ottawa's largest and most beautiful sandy beaches and is perfect for a hot summer day, which is why it's so important that it's kept clean! Grab a water bottle and a pair of gloves (if you have them) and join Greencleaner Services for some rewarding spring cleaning and socializing with like-minded community members.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility varies throughout Britannia Beach.
Join a Zumba Party on Parliament Hill
Price: Free
When: Every Sunday from 4 to 5:15 p.m. (weather dependent)
Address: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head on over to Parliament Hill for a free Zumba class on any sunny Sunday from May to September. The cardio-workout-meets-dance party is led by certified instructors and is a great way to incorporate some movement into your day, all while enjoying the scenic and historic grounds where laws are made. Wear clothes you can move in and make sure you bring your water bottle to keep hydrated!
Accessibility: Parliament Hill is wheelchair accessible, but Zumba classes involve physical movements that may not be accessible to those with mobility limitations.
Suffice to say, you'll have plenty to do this weekend, even if you haven't got a single loonie to your name!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.