What can you do on the weekend? In Ottawa, there are countless ways to unwind, from museums and cultural experiences to a thriving food scene and nightlife. If you’re unsure how to spend your free time, it’s time to plan your best weekend. iottawa.net will fill you in on the details.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month in Ottawa, and the social collective Hors Pair Social organizes a remarkable lineup of events to honour the city’s Black culture and history. You can catch some of these activities on weekends:
- 613RnB intimate R&B premiere. Guests can relax, reconnect to favourite hits, and slow-dance jams.
- Residents and visitors can head to a musical show at the National Arts Centre, which traditionally takes place as part of Black History Month.
- Fit Fest Ottawa, a fitness event that brings the community together around healthy living.
- Afrobeats workshops by Moov Ottawa and dance seminars. During Black History Month, Ottawa’s professional street dance company Moov Ottawa teams up with the National Arts Centre for something truly special.
- Table Zaire and a tasting menu by Chef Nice Men. Afro-fusion dishes inspired by African and Caribbean flavours are paired with carefully selected alcohol-free beverages.
- Exploring the legends of Nigeria through “Whispers of Folklore.” This is more than a simple reading—these are immersive stories accompanied by live music and vivid sound effects.
Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive
Held in February at 1 Sandridge Road, this annual free tradition has run since 1996. Locals visit Musical Ride to meet RCMP officers in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
What to expect:
- Visiting the stables and meeting the horses and their riders—a hit with children and a great family activity. You can snap selfies, take part in family-friendly events, and see police equipment demonstrations.
- A charitable component—help the community by donating non-perishable food items or money to the Ottawa Food Bank. In 2024, event visitors raised over $4,000 and 1,315 kilograms of food.
Free parking on-site is limited, so riding OC Transpo #7 is recommended.
Ottawa’s Farmers’ Market
A farmers’ market is a great way to spend your weekend, savouring fresh produce while soaking up the atmosphere of local community. You can stroll among vendors, buy seasonal products straight from the farmers, and taste delicious samples. You can also attend demos and workshops.
Which market will you visit?
- Lansdowne Market: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aberdeen Pavilion.
- Barrhaven Market: Sundays, May to October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nepean Woods Park & Ride.
- Main Street Market: Saturdays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grande Allée Park.
- Westboro Market: Saturdays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Byron Park.
- Orléans Market: Thursdays, May to October, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Ray Friel Recreation Complex parking lot).
Cultural Program
You can plan your own tour of the city’s most iconic sites or book a guided trip. For instance, you can visit Canada’s Parliament to marvel at its striking architecture and learn more about the nation’s history.
Wandering through the historic ByWard Market reveals a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. For art, check out the National Gallery of Canada, where you’ll find works by both Canadian and international artists. At the Canadian Museum of History, you can explore exhibits on different eras and cultures.
Active Leisure Options
- In winter, you can skate on the Rideau Canal, and in summer, take a boat or kayak there.
Hiking or cycling in Gatineau Park, for instance, is a great way to get away from the daily grind and take in the beauty of nature. Strolling along the Ottawa River or exploring lesser-known areas of Canada’s capital lets you discover more, perhaps even find something new for yourself. - Another option is to visit local farms where a variety of crops are grown. Some farms offer tours and tastings, allowing you to learn more about agriculture and try fresh produce. This idea often appeals to families with children, who get the chance to feed animals and take pictures as keepsakes.
Culinary Tour
If you’ve wanted to try something new, weekends offer a perfect opportunity. In Ottawa, there are wineries crafting wine from local grape varieties. Planning ahead lets you book a tasting or a masterclass on making your own wine. It’s a way to learn about different wines and how they’re produced.
To organize a culinary tour, you could contact a specialized company or design your own outing for friends or family.
Ottawa Nightlife
Weekends are also a time to explore the city’s nightlife: live music venues, nightclubs, cocktail bars, pubs, and restaurants. ByWard Market is the heart of Ottawa’s after-dark scene, with places to suit every taste, year-round.
Locals and visitors enjoy the following spots while experiencing Ottawa’s vibrant nightlife:
- The Lookout Bar (41 York Street, 2nd floor), boasting one of the best views around. Karaoke runs Wednesday to Sunday nights, and Saturdays feature drag shows hosted by Ottawa’s boldest queens.
- The 27 Club (27 York Street), opened in 2017 in the former home of Zaphod Beeblebrox. Now renovated, the club presents a range of local and touring bands and DJs.
- Berlin Nightclub (56 ByWard Market Square, between York and George Streets), where you can dance all night and take in the downtown Market vibe. It used to be Mercury Lounge.
- The Palace (formerly the Rideau Theatre, 400A Dalhousie Street), the city’s main nightclub, hosting up to 500 guests. It’s open Friday and Saturday nights, delivering a special atmosphere, lively music, and tasty drinks. VIP tables are available.
- Somewhere Dine Bar (110 Murray Street), open till 2 a.m., is a frequent choice for date nights or evening strolls. A restaurant by day that becomes a club by night, appreciated for its versatility.
Clearly, Ottawa offers endless weekend possibilities. Anyone can add their own twist, factoring in personal preferences. Explore new corners of Ottawa, share experiences with loved ones, plan family outings, go out as a couple, or even solo. Whatever appeals to you, Ottawa has options for an unforgettable weekend.
