It's a common problem: You want to have a jam-packed weekend full of fun — but in this economy? With affordability being how it is, finding cheap things to do in Ottawa can seem challenging.
But don't worry, because here in the nation's capital, there are plenty of free things to do that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Whether it's trying a bunch of delicious food, getting an exclusive look inside our city's most iconic buildings, or just enjoying this beautiful weather, there'll be something for you to do.
Ottawa's weekend activities are diverse and exciting, making it a beautiful place to be this time of year. So, it's time to get out of the house and enjoy everything this city has to offer.
Here are 11 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Explore the Chinatown Night Market
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, May 31, 2 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. & Sunday, June 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Somerset Street West between Bronson Avenue and Bell Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Chinatown Night Market is a definite community favourite. For one weekend every year, the streets of Ottawa's quaint Chinatown transform into a bustling street market filled with delicious Asian cuisine and plenty of cultural performances.
A major plus of this event is that it's on until 11 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, meaning it's ideal for a late-night date with your boo or an evening hangout with the squad.
Accessibility: Chinatown is wheelchair accessible.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Ottawa's most iconic buildings
Price: Free
When: Saturday, June 1 & Sunday, June 2, varying hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Address: Various locations across Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Doors Open is an age-old tradition, not just in Ottawa but all over Ontario, where the buildings across the city open up their doors to the public. Think of it as a citywide open house! It's a great time to explore some of the city's most iconic and historic buildings and get an exclusive peek at what they look like on the inside and how they operate.
This year's participants include several national historic sites, a cancer research lab, various embassies, fire stations, waste facilities, the Supreme Court and more. Note that registration is required for some of the more popular spots, so make sure you plan ahead.
Devour a saucy rack of ribs in the heart of downtown
Price: Free admission
When: Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2
Address: Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street is the crème de la crème of Ribfests in the National Capital Region. Watch Sparks Street, Ottawa's pedestrianized downtown outdoor mall, transform into an urban festival celebrating the beloved saucy rib. If ribs aren't your thing, you can always count on the delicious pulled pork and smokey brisket.
Accessibility: Sparks Street is an accessible venue.
Munch on some delicious vegan food
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, May 31, 5 to 9 p.m.
Address: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Are you a vegan, vegetarian or just a food aficionado? The Public Parkdale Market's annual Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival brings vegan vendors from all corners of Ottawa for one of the city's most unique food festivals. Even if you aren't vegan, it's worth going as the food is always incredibly tasty — and if you are vegan, you get to finally go to a food festival where you can actually eat everything!
Accessibility: The Parkdale Market is wheelchair accessible.
Visit Quebec's travelling Poutinefest in Gatineau
Price: Free admission
When: Thursday, May 30, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday, May 31, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 12 to 9 p.m. & Sunday, June 2, 12 to 8 p.m.
Address: Les Promenades Gatineau parking lot, 1100 blvd. Maloney O., Gatineau, QC
Why You Need To Go: Quebec's Grand Poutinefest is officially making its way to Gatineau this weekend. Try a large variety of poutine types, and if you're not feeling too stuffed, bounce around on some of the bouncy castles! Enjoy live music and plenty of other activities, knowing that for every poutine you buy, 50 cents will be donated to a local charity.
Accessibility: Le Grand Poutinefest is an accessible event.
Celebrate the start of Pride month with a pride parade
Price: Free admission
When: Sunday, June 2, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: Riverside Park, Kemptville, ON
Why You Need To Go: This weekend marks the beginning of June and therefore the beginning of Pride month! For those who don't know, Ottawa doesn't celebrate Pride until August, so if you want to attend a pride parade this month, head on over to Kemptville for the North Grenville Pride parade and after party.
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
NG Pride website
Attend a weekend-long street party in Manotick
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2
Address: Manotick, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Dickinson Days is a local Manotick tradition celebrating the village's founder, Moss Kent Dickinson. The small, quaint village at the south end of the city will have all sorts of activities and events going on all weekend. Check out the parade and subsequent fireworks show on Friday, peruse the craft fair and sidewalk sale on Saturday, and enjoy the community barbecue in front of live entertainment on Sunday — there are plenty of things to do!
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
Check out the largest science fair in the country
Price: Free
When: Thursday, May 30 & Friday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Address: Carleton University Fieldhouse, 85 University Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Canada-Wide Science Fair is in town, bringing together some of the brightest young minds from across Canada to show off groundbreaking research, inventions and innovations. Check out what some of the smartest young people in STEM have been up to this year by browsing through Canada's largest youth STEM event.
Accessibility: Carleton University Fieldhouse is wheelchair accessible.
Embrace your inner equestrian at the Ottawa Dressage Festival
Price: Free admission
Address: Wesley Clover Parks, Ottawa, ON
When: Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2
Why You Need To Go: Are you a fan of equestrian sports? Head on over to Canada's largest dressage show to watch some of the country's finest equestrians do their thing. There will also be loads of vendors and even some food trucks.The festival is hosting the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, so it will be truly a show of the best of the best!
Have fun at the Blackburn FunFair
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, May 31, to Sunday, June 2
Address: Various locations around Blackburn Hamlet, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for endless fun, head on over to Blackburn this weekend for their annual Blackburn FunFair — after all, it's right there in the name. There will be something to do for the whole family. Between the beer garden, live entertainment, fireworks, dog show, fun run, used book sale and more, you're sure to find something for everyone.
Accessibility: The Blackburn FunFair is an accessible event.
Take a free shuttle to Gatineau Park
Price: Free
When: Every weekend until September 29
Address: Pindigen Park, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can get a free ride all the way to the beautiful Gatineau Park by hopping on the shuttle from LeBreton Flats. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes on weekends all summer and stops at various popular spots in the park, including P3, Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate, King Mountain, the Champlain Lookout and others.
Accessibility: All shuttles have an access ramp and low floor.
Have plenty of fun this weekend and stay safe!
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.
