You can impress a date with your economical taste in romantic outings, or take out your squad of penniless bachelors — either way, you're bound to have fun without spending yourself into the ground.
So take our hand and let us guide you through 11 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Visit one of the largest dragon boat festivals in North America
When: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23
Address: Mooney's Bay Park, 2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is one of North America's largest festivals of its kind! You can watch over 5,000 athletes in 200 teams compete in intense races at Mooney's Bay, then stick around for an all-Canadian lineup of musical performances.
Dragon boat festivals are part of a larger Chinese tradition and find their origins in paddling on the riverbanks of Southern China over 2000 years ago. This is one of Ottawa's most unique festivals and is a great way to kick off the first days of summer by getting outside.
Accessibility: The Dragon Boat Festival is wheelchair accessible.
Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival website
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
When: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23
Address: Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 W. Hunt Club Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Celebrate the summer solstice with Indigenous communities at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. Head on over for delicious food, a competition pow wow, a drone show, storytelling, live music and so much more.
This is an absolute must to celebrate the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. It's great for a day out with the family or a group of friends.
Accessibility: The event is wheelchair-accessible, but there is no on-site parking, accessible or otherwise.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival website
Have an island beach day
When: 24/7, supervised swimming is from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Address: Petrie Island Beach, 765 Tweddle Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This weekend is going to be hot, which means it's ideal weather for a day at the beach. Petrie Island Beach is a public beach in Ottawa's east end, on a secluded island accessible via a bridge.
It's one of Ottawa's largest beaches, so there's a lot of space to lay down your towel. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and bring plenty of water!
Accessibility: Petrie Island Beach is wheelchair accessible.
Friends of Petrie Island website
Go dancing out on the town
When: Every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. until September 1.
Address: George Street Plaza, 55 Byward Market Sq., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The University of Ottawa's Salsa Club presents Salsa Sundays, free weekly salsa lessons in the Byward Market. Don't have a partner? Not a problem, as there are plenty of instructors and veteran dancers willing to step up to the task.
After an hour of dance lessons, get ready to turn up the energy for the 4 p.m. social dance! This is a fantastic date for couples who've been together for a while.
Accessible: This is not a wheelchair-accessible event.
Salsa Sunday event page
Watch the sunset at Rideau Falls
When: Any day at sundown
Address: Rideau Falls Park, 50 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're a big fan of waterfalls, sunsets or both, you're going to want to check out the Rideau Falls when the sun sets. This is an Ottawa hidden gem and an especially beautiful landmark.
It's a great spot to take someone for a date or even just a romantic night with the homies.
Accessibility: Rideau Falls Park is wheelchair accessible.
Rideau Falls Park web page
Watch a movie at an old jail
When: Friday, June 21, 8:30 p.m.
Address: Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, 75 Nicholas St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Did you forget? It's Pride month, which means you're legally obligated to watch a screening of the queer cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Capital Pop-up Cinema is a local organization dedicated to bringing theatres to all sorts of iconic Ottawa locations. This weekend they are partnering with the Ottawa Fringe Festival to create a one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience: Rocky Horror in the parking lot of an old jail!
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is a jail-turned-hostel located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Before being turned into a hostel, it was Ottawa's main jail. Make sure to check out this incredibly unique night at the movies.
Accessibility: The parking lot of Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is accessible but the building is not.
Capital Pop-up Cinema website
Peruse a community outdoor art exhibition
When: Saturday, June 22 & Sunday, June 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all art connoisseurs! The Sweetly Affordable Art Fair is here with over 120 vendors from across the region selling beautiful, affordable local art. This weekend head on over to Wesley Clover Parks to support a wide range of artistry and maybe even find something new for your home, with most pieces being sold for less than $1,000 and many even below $50.
In addition to all the talented artists, food vendors will be present, so make sure to come with an appetite. Fairgoers can also expect live music throughout the day. There will also be a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank.
Accessibility: The Sweetly Affordable Art Fair is an accessible event.
Sweetly Affordable Art Fair web page
Head over to the Latin American Film Festival
When: Saturday, June 22 & Sunday, June 23
Address: Jock-Turcot University Centre, 85 University Pvt., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Are you a fan of Latin American cinema? If so, I have some great news for you — the Group of Embassies of Latin American Countries in Canada's 27th annual Latin American Film Festival (LAFF) starts this weekend. Head over to the University of Ottawa's UCU Auditorium for two weekends full of brilliant Latin American films.
A total of 16 films from 16 different Latin American countries will be screened across this weekend and next, all completely free. English subtitles will be available for each film, and registration is required to reserve your seat. This makes for an excellent date for any foreign film buff.
Accessibility: The Jock-Turcot University Centre is an accessible venue.
LAFF web page
Browse through the York Street Market
When: Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: York Street between Sussex Drive and Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The York Street Market comes to the Byward Market on a biweekly basis, and you can check out over 40 vendors selling delicious food, beautiful artwork and plenty of other products.
It's a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon in the market!
Accessibility: This is a wheelchair-accessible event.
York Street Market Instagram
Have a picnic at Major's Hill Park
When: Anytime
Address: Major's Hill Park, Mackenzie Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Major's Hill Park is one of the capital's prettiest parks and is ideal for picnics of all varieties. Make sure to bring a blanket and a picnic basket full of goodies. If you forgot to make your picnic goodies at home, the nearby Byward Market has plenty of grocers, cheese shops and delis that are perfect for making sure your picnic basket is stocked up.
Major's Hill Park web page
Celebrate the summer solstice at a Mystic Market
When: Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 345 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If this heat has you already craving spooky season, you can celebrate the summer solstice at the Ottawa Mystic Market. The enchanting pop-up market features 30 local vendors offering an array of mystical and spiritual items and all the witchy vibes. You can visit a psychic, get a tarot reading and shop for crystals, handmade goods, vintage clothing, unique home decor and more.
Accessibility: The website doesn't mention accessibility, but the market is held outdoors in a ground-level parking lot.
Ottawa Mystic Market web page
No matter what you get up to, I hope you have plenty of fun and stay cool!
