Summer is in full swing and that means Ottawa is bursting with festivals, shows and exhibits. From immersive arts experiences to food festivals and sporting events, this weekend is filled with fun things to do in the Capital Region.
Rest up during the week because there are so many epic events happening this weekend in Ottawa.
Eat your way through Asia
Price: Self-guided tour
When: July 22-24, 2022
Address: Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON
Why you need to go: The Ottawa Asian Festival is back and it’s one of two Asian night markets taking place in the city this weekend. Sparks Street will come to life with unique food vendors serving dishes like barbecue squid on a stick, Korean corn dogs and cotton candy animals.
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Take a trip to China
Eating barbecued squid skewers at a night market in Ottawa’s Chinatown.
Courtesy of Ottawa Chinatown
Price: Self-guided tour
When: July 22-24, 2022
Address: Chinatown, Somerset Street West (between Bronson Avenue and Bell Street), Ottawa, ON
Why you need to go: Ottawa’s Chinatown Night Market is the second of the Asian food festivals this weekend and it’s happening in the heart of Chinatown. You can enjoy authentic meals, live shows and plenty of activities. A highlight is sure to be the dragon and lion dances.
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Walk through colorful paintings
Banksy graffiti mural of girl and red balloons.
Banksy 360
Price: $36+ per person
When: Van Gogh from July 23, Banksy from July 21
Address: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Two immersive art exhibits celebrating different artists open this week in Ottawa and you’ll be surrounded by colorful works of art. You can see famous Van Gogh paintings around you twice a week and browse the infamous works of graffiti artist Banksy four times a week in the Aberdeen Pavilion this summer.
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Watch a giant light show
Price: Free
When: Thursday to Monday until September 5, 2022
Address: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
Why you need to go: The Northern Lights sound and light show is back five nights a week this summer starting at 10 p.m.
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Congratulations to the local team
Prizes: Prizes vary by team and match
When: Several games from July 21 to 24
Address: Ottawa, Ontario
Why you need to go: It’s a great weekend in Ottawa for sports fans with the Ottawa Redblacks game on July 21, a Blackjacks basketball game on July 24 and several Titans on July 22, 23 and 24 (with more next week).
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Drink beer on a festival ferris wheel
Price: $23.95+ per person
When: July 20-23 and July 27-30, 2022
Address: Zibi, 40 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, QC
Why you need to go: This giant beer festival near Ottawa is about more than just beer, and it’s a summer party not to be missed. A watered Ferris wheel, a hidden speakeasy and a paddle boat pool bar are just a few of the events you can expect.
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Dancing and eating at a Caribbean festival
Price: $22.23+ per ticket
When: July 23, 2022
Address: 110 York Street, Ottawa, ON
Why you have to go: Dress up in your funniest tropical attire, because the Caribbean Carivibe Carnival at the ByWard Market brings the tastes, sounds and movements of the islands. The afterparty starts at 10 p.m. and the next day (July 24) there is a free event.
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