Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this September 2025. Click on the event title for more information.
Black Out Loud | Ottawa Afro-Folkloric Festival | September 6
Ottawa’s Maison de la francophonie | 2720 Richmond Road
Noir à tue tête, Ottawa’s Afro-Folklore Festival presented by Black Out Loud, is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Black culture through live performances, short films, art exhibitions, dance workshops, food tastings, raffles, and an intercultural market featuring diverse local businesses. More than a festival, it is a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and creativity of Black communities, while fostering solidarity and community support.
Art in Strathcona Park | September 6
Strathcona Park | 25 Range Road
Spend a day at the park and enjoy one of the area’s most enjoyable fresh-air event featuring many talented artists and artisans. Established artists and artisans and undiscovered talents will come together to sell their work directly to the public and to raise public awareness about mental illness.
Rooted – A South Asian Block Party | September 6
Uncommon Ottawa | 140 Bank Street
Rooted is a genre-blending, culture-rich dance party that celebrates the music of the South Asian global diaspora. Showcasing styles from chutney, UK garage, and Punjabi jungle to South Indian percussion, dancehall, techno, soca, and more, the event creates a vibrant soundscape rooted in tradition and fused with contemporary influences. More than a party, Rooted is storytelling through music, food, dance, and community, highlighting the history and artistry of South Asian cultures.
Stray Dog Day of Summer – 8th anniversary celebration | September 6
Stray Dog Brewing Company | 501 Lacolle Way | Unit 4
Join us for food, drinks, and good times as we celebrate 8 years! Family- and dog-friendly, with activities for kids, cornhole, live music, special anniversary releases, and a Best in Show contest.
The Chef’s Table | September 4 – 6
1 Elgin Restaurant | 1 Elgin Street
The Chef’s Table is an exclusive farm-to-table dining experience featuring curated menus from top Canadian chefs, presented alongside live music on the elegant patio of the National Arts Centre’s 1 Elgin Restaurant. Hosted by the Ontario Festival of Small Halls and the NAC’s Resident Chefs Program, this limited summer series offers refined three-course dinners in a stunning canal-side setting. Perfect for special occasions or intimate gatherings.
Beechfest | September 6
Beechwood Avenue | Ottawa
BeechFest is the annual street party celebrating the vibrant community along Beechwood Avenue. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food and drinks, and a variety of entertainment as the street comes alive from St-Charles to Marier. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and connect with the local community.
Latin Sparks Festival | September 6
LeBreton Flats | Ottawa
Don’t just watch as Ottawa turns into a night in Havana – be there! Join the thousands at Latin Sparks Festival for a night entrenched in Latin Culture. Start the night with Latin dance workshops to get your groove on, then cool down with drinks from the bar and a bite to eat from the authentic Latin Food trucks. Enjoy as our featured artists bring the night to life with music, performances and more. Something to see on every corner from rhythmic drummers to Salsa dancers and live animation. Start the summer right- at Latin Sparks.
Afrofestival Ottawa | September 6 – 7
Mooney’s Bay Park
Celebrate African culture at Afrofestival Ottawa, a free two-day festival at Mooney’s Bay Park. Enjoy live music, dance, fashion, and family-friendly fun, plus a vibrant marketplace and authentic food from local vendors. Experience the rich heritage and diverse traditions of African Canadians in the heart of the capital.
Almonte Fair | September 5 – 7
Almonte Agricultural Fairgrounds | 195 Water Street | Almonte
The North Lanark Agricultural Society (NLAS) is thrilled to have you join in for this beloved annual tradition that has been a part of the community for over a century.
Kanata Multicultural Dance, Music, and Food Festival | September 7
Walter Baker Park | 100 Charlie Rogers Place
The Kanata Multicultural Dance and Music Festival is a family-friendly, admission-free, and packed with fun for all ages that brings together talented artists, performers, and diverse communities to showcase their cultural heritage and artistic talents.
Ottawa ComicCon | September 5 – 7
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
A celebration of pop culture and entertainment featuring celebrities, personalities, fans, and exhibitors from the worlds of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, movies, TV, toys, anime, gaming and more. Panels, photo ops, collectables, masquerade, and shopping!
WOW Festival | September 12
Ottawa City Hall | 110 Laurier Avenue West
The WOW Festival is a dynamic day showcasing a fully integrated healthcare system that equally prioritizes mental, physical, and substance use health. Each September, over 200 organizations and 2,000+ attendees connect with services supporting every pathway to wellness.
Black and Bluegrass Fest | September 13
Rideau Pines Farm | 5714 Fourth Line Road | North Gower
A full day on the farm of the most beautifully, baddest bluegrass from around the whole country featuring two stages with non-stop music!
Enjoy musical performances from all over, including Vancouver, Prince Edward Island, Montreal, and Ottawa!
Zones Théâtrales | September 8 – 13
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Zones Théâtrales is a biennial event whose mandate is to provide a showcase and meeting point for professional theatre from Francophone communities across Canada and the Quebec Regions. It’s an opportunity to discover fully staged theatre productions, new plays and works in progress, and to meet the artists behind these works.
Fifty-Five Plus Lifestyle Show | September 12 – 13
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
An exciting event featuring more than 100 exhibitors, celebrity entertainment, and informative presentations.
Taste of Manotick | September 13
Village of Manotick
Local businesses will line Main Street showcasing all that the Vibrant Village of Manotick has to offer, from fantastic specialty/gift stores, stylish clothing, and many other services. There will be tasting, samples, draws and demonstrations. The restaurants will be open to serve you a variety of menus as well as offer excellent service. Come out and enjoy live music, entertainment, and food at its best!
Butter Tart Festival | September 13
Stittsville Market at The Barn | 6154 Abbott Street East
The Market at the Barn hosts the 4th Annual Butter Tart Festival, known as Stittsville’s Sweetest Day, celebrating all things butter tart with options to suit every taste, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and 100% vegan varieties. The festival offers fun for all ages with children’s games, a snow-clearing tractor to explore, hot food and sweet treats, ice cream, artisan vendors, temporary tattoos, and even the chance to enjoy a wild animal show. It is a day designed for the entire family to enjoy together.
Heating up the Capital | September 13
Smokie Ridge Vineyard | 10090 Cameron Road | Mountain
Meet the makers, sample their sauces, and buy some to take home with you!
Quench your appetite with adult beverages, food and quench the heat with ice cream! Even Jalapeno beer!!
Orléans Ribfest & Poutine | September 12 – 14
Centrum Plaza | 255 Centrum Boulevard
Feast on some of Ottawa’s best ribs at Orleans Ribfest & Poutine! Mark your calendars for September 13-15, 2024, and prepare to get saucy.
Wood and Forest Expo | September 14
Riceville Fair Grounds | 4029 County Road 16 | Riceville
Wood & Forest is an immersive celebration of nature, discovery, and inspiration hosted by Boisés Est. The event features forest experts and exhibitors, nature workshops, wildfire prevention demonstrations, and hands-on activities for children such as treasure hunts, birdhouse building, and a mini zoo.
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa | September 12 – 14
Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport | 1717 Arthur-Fecteau Street | Gatineau
Don’t miss this annual air show featuring awe-inspiring aerobatic displays, historically rich military aircraft and new aerospace technologies.
CityFolk | September 10 – 14
The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park
This four-day September celebration of music, dance, and community at Lansdowne Park and throughout the Glebe area features an eclectic mix of musical performances on multiple stages.
Korn: Kanada Tour 2025 | September 17
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Korn continues to push the limits of rock, alternative, and metal while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists. Their impact extends beyond accolades and platinum certifications. As The Ringer describes, they are “a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now.” Korn represents a new archetype, proving that genre barriers are irrelevant.
Harvest – A Feast of Fall | September 17
Ottawa Art Gallery | 10 Daly Avenue
Celebrate the fall harvest with bold flavours, seasonal dishes, and a warm sense of community. This unique culinary event features tasting stations by local chefs and beverage artisans, all in support of Youturn Youth Support Services. Enjoy a meaningful evening that blends great food with an even greater cause.
Ottawa Wine Auction | September 19
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Whether you’re a connoisseur, collector, or a complete beginner, this evening is a unique opportunity to discover amazing vintages and immerse yourself in the realm of fine wines. It is an initiative of the Music and Beyond festival to support annual programming.
Richmond Fair | September 18 – 21
6121 Perth Street | Richmond
There will be a midway, Dairy Show, outdoor entertainment, Heavy Horse show and so much more!
Harvest Market at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | September 20
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | 2940 Old Montreal Road | Cumberland
Enjoy a special edition of the Cumberland Farmer’s Market with a harvest twist! Discover local artisans’ farmers, and fun for the whole family.
Aqua | September 20
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Dance and sing along as Aqua brings nostalgic 90s energy to the stage. Known for infectious hits like Barbie Girl, this Danish-Norwegian Europop sensation delivers a high-energy show filled with throwback favourites. Experience the era of bubblegum pop fun in an unforgettable performance.
Taste of Wellington | September 20
Wellington West neighbourhood
More than 50 Hintonburg and Wellington Village restaurants and shops will be offering free food samples, discounts, sales, and entertainment in Wellington West neighbourhood.
Cheerfully Made Fall Market | September 20
Bell Sensplex | 1565 Maple Grove Road
Enjoy the handmade (and some vintage!) shopping fun featuring a well curated and eclectic line up of 100 Canadian makers.
Keith Urban: High and Alive World Tour | September 20
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Fans have long considered Keith Urban’s shows to be one-of-a-kind experiences—featuring a party-like atmosphere, great song after great song, an inventive and unpredictable show, and always world-class musicianship. As an entertainer, Urban knows how to connect with his audiences and take them on an unforgettable ride. Concertgoers worldwide have raved about his live shows, calling him one of the best performers of any genre.
OLMC Gem, Mineral & Jewellery Show & Sale | September 20 – 21
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
The Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club (OLMC) presents its annual Gem, Mineral & Jewellery Show and Sale, featuring more than 60 dealers with something for everyone: rough and polished stones, fossils, metorites, one-of-a-kind jewellery, carvings and other stone crafts, books and machinery.
West End Studio Tour | September 20 – 21
Wellington West and Westboro neighbourhoods
Come enjoy a pleasant walking, biking, or driving tour of art studios located in two great Ottawa west-end neighbourhoods.
Canada Army Run | September 21
2 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Canada Army Run is unlike any other run in the country. From the cannon used as a starter’s pistol to the “dog-tag” medals all participants receive when they cross the finish line, Canada Army Run is military in flavour from beginning to end. Military bands and Army equipment displays make for a weekend you won’t soon forget!
Ottawa Fire Truck Pull | September 27
Lansdowne
Teams of 10 demonstrate that they have the fortitude to pull a 10+ tonne fire truck 100 feet. Watch the teams compete and cheer them on!
Acres of Terror | September 26 – 27
Cannamore Orchard | 1480 County Road 32 | Crysler
A terrifying Halloween attraction with four main parts: The Spooky Wagon Ride, House of Terror, Fog Maze and Spooky Village. Healthy and safety protocols are in place to ensure a safe visit. Saturday and Sunday during the day are dedicated to families, younger children and those easily scared.
Tacos and Tequila Festival | September 27
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT) Park | 300 Coventry Road
Gather your friends and enjoy a nostalgic night at Ottawa Stadium with performances by iconic throwback artists. Savour chef-inspired tacos from the Ottawa region’s top vendors, paired with margaritas and tequila for the ultimate culinary experience.
Courons Gatineau | September 27
Quai-des-Cageux | 930 Jacques-Cartier Street | Gatineau
Courons Gatineau returns for a second edition with a running race for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned athletes and walkers. Organized by Gatineau Loppet, the event celebrates the region’s stunning waterways under the theme “River to River.” A welcoming and scenic race experience in the heart of nature.
Ottawa International Animation Festival | September 24 – 28
Various locations | Ottawa
Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), launched in 1976, is the second-largest animation festival in the world. The annual event presents dozens of public screenings of various length and styles in a welcoming and informal setting. Fans can attend screening events and get the chance to mingle with stars, studios, and characters. In addition, some of the industry’s best artists, producers and students gather for workshops, networking events and celebrations.
Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run | September 28
Lansdowne | Ottawa
Grab your furry friend and join this race! This large fundraising event supports a safe haven for sick, injured and homeless animals in Ottawa.
Carp Fair | September 25 – 28
Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds | 3790 Carp Road | Carp
Come celebrate agriculture in Ottawa’s countryside, with shows, exhibits, entertainment and good old-fashioned fun!
New Edinburgh Artist’s Studio Tour | September 27 – 28
New Edinburgh neighbourhood
Stroll, explore, and be inspired in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood.
Sound & Sauna | September 28
Uppliva Nordic Spa | 1140 Wellington Street West
Step into an evening designed to refresh body and mind. Move through the Nordic circuit — sauna, steam, cold plunge, and rest — before sipping a cold-pressed juice from Capital Cold Press. Then, let Serenity Sound Healing guide you through a meditation and restorative sound bath, surrounded by the resonant tones of crystal bowls and chimes. A chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and find stillness in a serene spa setting.
Ottawa Cat Show | September 27 – 28
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
This annual show showcases spectacular and beautiful purebred and household pet cats all vying for the title of Best of Best. There will be door prizes, and a prize for the best decorated cage. Our theme this year is Cats in Outer Space. Vote for your favourite cat in show. There will be a variety of presentations including the popular Parade of Breeds. The show will also feature a variety of vendors to purchase unique cat toys and other cat products and pet-related services.
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