It's an age-old question: What should I do this weekend without spending myself into an indebted oblivion? Well, come in a little bit closer my broke friend, because you're going to want to hear this.
There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa that won't cause you to blow a hole in your pocket and force you to declare bankruptcy.
You could take up a career as a pirate and sail the rivers of the capital, indulge in some fantastic locally made art, climb up a mountain, pull up a lawn chair and enjoy music performed by local artists, or even just embrace the nice weather!
There's a lot to do and a lot to see this weekend in Ottawa, so grab your sunscreen (and maybe an umbrella, just in case) and get out there!
Here are 10 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Enjoy live music
Price: Free
When: June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m.
Address: Osgoode Village, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: PorchFest is an annual community grassroots music festival where neighbours generously give up their porches to act as stages for talented local musicians. Walk the otherwise quiet streets of Osgoode Village and hear all kinds of genres of music from all sorts of artists.
This one-of-a-kind music festival is an absolute must-visit as there's truly nothing else like it in the city. It'll be starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday and will continue for the entire day. It's perfect for a romantic and intimate date or just hanging out with your music-loving pals.
Accessibility: Accessibility varies around Osgoode Village
Osgoode Porchfest webpage
Hike the tallest mountain in the Laurentians
Price: Free
When: 7 days a week
Address: Mont-Tremblant, QC
Why You Need To Go: If you're an explorer at heart, consider going for a scenic two-hour drive over to Mont-Tremblant this weekend and hiking up one of the tallest mountains in the Laurentians.
Start your hike in a picturesque ski village and make your way up one of the many Mont-Tremblant hiking trails. Once you get to the top, if you don't feel like hiking back down, there is a panoramic gondola that runs until 4 p.m.
Make sure to wear the proper footwear and pack plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray before you set off.
Witness the creation of a giant mural
Price: Free admission
When: June 8 to 9, 2024
Address: Alexandria Bridge, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Urban Art Collective and the NCC present the Disrupt Urban Art Fest & Market, where a group of Ottawa-based artists will be creating a massive 400 ft mural in the shadow of the National Art Gallery.
The mural is only one part of the festival, though. Come hither to the Alexandria Bridge and see a celebration of street art in Ottawa, watch artists do their thing, and browse through an art market.
Accessibility: This event is wheelchair accessible
Leave it all behind and pursue a career in piracy
Price: Free admission
When: June 8th, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 588 Hog's Back Rd, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Yo-ho-ho! Tired of that nine-to-five? Trade in that white collar for a wooden leg and be ready to sail the seven seas.
Pirate Life, Ottawa's very own pirate theatre, presents the first-ever Pirate Fest in Ottawa. Head over and take up arms with your pool noodle sword and there's no need to lose your doubloons! During the day there'll be plenty of family-friendly events for your little scallywag, but make sure to come back after 5:30 p.m. for a comedy show, an improv show and plenty of sea shanty singing.
Pirate Life website
Embrace your inner connoisseur at 'Art in the Park'
Price: Free admission
When: June 8 to 9, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Central Park, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all art connoisseurs! If you love looking at art but are getting tired of the National Art Gallery, head on over to Central Park this weekend.
The Glebe's Art in the Park is Ottawa's largest grassroots art festival, with over 150 Ottawa-based artists showing off their art all weekend. Painters, photographers, collage artists, clothiers, jewellers -- all kinds of artists will be there, and all art will be available for purchase in case anything really strikes your fancy.
There will also be plenty of food vendors, plus live entertainment. You cannot miss this!
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
Attend a 'no yard' yard sale
Price: Free admission
When: June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Minto Park, 102 Lewis St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Minto Park Sale is a community tradition when neighbours put together their odds and ends in hopes that they can pass them on to another neighbour.
Imagine a big yard sale but instead of being in a yard, it's in a park. While browsing through all sorts of "odds and sods," you can enjoy live entertainment as this event is also a part of the "City Sounds Live" program.
Accessibility: This is an accessible event
Peruse one of Ottawa's largest pop-up flea markets
Price: Free admission
When: June 8, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Aberdeen Pavilion, Landsdowne Park, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love a flea market? 613flea is a biweekly pop-up flea market with over 150 vendors selling everything from clothing, antiques, handmade goods and delicious food to plenty of eclectic goods, too!
It's an ever-changing market, so each time you go it's going to be different. It's a great way to spend your late morning or early afternoon on Saturday, and once you're done perusing through the vast selection of goods, walk through the beautiful Landsdowne Park and maybe even take a stroll down the canal.
Accessibility: The Aberdeen Pavilion is an accessible venue
Beat the heat at the NCC River House
Price: Free
When: Open every day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Do you feel the sweat dripping off your brow? Are you looking for a nice refreshing way to beat that Ottawa Valley heat? The NCC Riverhouse is a refreshing and beautiful refuge from that soupy humidity.
The NCC Riverhouse recently re-opened its enclosed swimming area, complete with floating platforms and plenty of pier to sit back and bathe in the sun. If you get hungry during your swim, feel free to help yourself to some tasty food at the NCC Cafe & Bistro.
Accessibility: The NCC River House is a fully accessible venue
Stroll through a pop-up art gallery
Price: Free admission
When: June 7, 2024, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and June 8, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 181 Glebe Ave, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: SOCIAL SPACE is a pop-up art gallery that promises to "blend art, socializing, and philanthropy into one vibrant package."
Here, you can browse through art made by the very talented Gordon Leverton. All art is available for purchase and proceeds will be partially donated to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Accessibility: 181 Glebe Ave is not a wheelchair-accessible venue
Get ready for Eid al-Adha with a bazaar
Price: Free admission
When: June 9, 2024, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Eid al-Adha is right around the corner and in preparation you can attend a special celebration at the Multicultural Eid Bazaar at the Nepean Sportsplex this Sunday, where over 60 vendors will be offering all kinds of products.
The Nepean Sportsplex is an accessible venue
Have plenty of fun and stay safe, Ottawa!
