Weekly Round-Up: August 3–9, 2026
August 3–9, 2026
Welcome back, 613! As August rolls on, Ottawa is buzzing with an incredible lineup of events this week, from Monday, August 3rd, right through to Sunday, August 9th. Whether you're looking for family fun, a night out with friends, or a chance to dive into local culture, we've got something for everyone. Get ready to mark your calendars because this week is packed with free festivities, fantastic performances, and plenty of opportunities to explore our vibrant city.
Kick Off Your Week: Monday Fun
Start your week strong on Monday, August 3rd, with a celebration of our city's history and community spirit. It's Colonel By Day! You can delve into Ottawa's past with free events like Colonel John By: Sites, Structures and Monuments or visit the Musée Bytown Museum for la Journée du Colonel By 2026. For some active fun, join the free SUNSET 6K FOR ALL HOSTED BY ARBORETUM HILL CLUB at Dominion Arboretum, or try a free UOttawa Tango in the Summer drop-in class. Families can enjoy the free Findlay Creek Community Fun Day or the Community Fun Day | Ottawa 200 at Diamond Jubilee Park. And don't miss out on some casual fun with Bingo at Chick-fil-A Tanger Ottawa or Questionable Behaviour Trivia in Barrhaven!
Friday Night Fever: Music, Comedy & More
Friday, August 7th, is absolutely bursting with options! Get ready for a spectacular weekend launch as the free Ottawa International Busker Festival kicks off on Sparks Street, promising dazzling street performances. Music lovers have a tough choice: catch SAVE FERRIS + THE DIVETONES for free at Rainbow Bistro, or hear Wheatus with Double Experience at Overflow Brewing Co. ($45). For some laughs, SAMMY EDAN - LIVE IN OTTAWA is at BIA MEDIA Studio ($25). Nightlife options are plentiful and diverse: celebrate at BABI NIGHT – Célébration de l’Indépendance de la Côte d’Ivoire at THE PALACE NIGHTCLUB (free!), get glammed up for FIREBALL FRIDAY: Drag Show with Devona Coe and Xtra at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub ($17), or experience The Bollywood Cowboy Party ($25) on Clarence Street. For hip-hop fans, Daaam! the Hip Hop Party with Special Guests Tha Alkaholiks brings the beats to The Bronson (paid). If theatre is more your speed, enjoy a free performance of BUSKERS AND BURLESQUE 2026 at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom, or catch Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue at the National Arts Centre (paid). For something thought-provoking, the free EHSN at the World Humanist Congress 2026 is happening at the Westin Ottawa. Even gamers have a free Magic The Gathering The Hobbit Toys On Fire Prerelease in Kanata!
Saturday Adventures: Festivals, Family & Fun
The fun keeps rolling on Saturday, August 8th! The Ottawa International Busker Festival continues to entertain on Sparks Street. For unique cultural experiences, check out the free Voices from the South Festival at University Square, or consider a bus trip to Almonte for Puppets Up. Families will love the free Rainbow Loom Bracelet Bash at Staples (multiple locations!), or the outdoor fun at CornStock 2026 at Kiwan Farms & Garden Centre. If you're looking to meet new people, EmbodiPole hosts both a free Speed Dating Beyond Small Talk and a paid Tantra Speed Date® ($45). Sports fans can cheer on Atlético Ottawa vs. Halifax Wanderers FC at TD Place (paid) or join a free lululemon Summer Series | Yobility at Tanger Outlets. As evening falls, choose your vibe: an Elton John night with Pinball Wizard at The Robo Lounge (free), a high-energy WOR$T GIRL IN OTTAWA: GIRL POP AND HYPERPOP DANCE PARTY ★ ($15) in the Byward Market, or another fabulous SATURDAY NIGHT DRAG ($17) at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub. Don't forget the free Fireworks Over the ByWard Market, with a special viewing option at Rooftop Ottawa ($25)! If you're looking for an alcohol-free dance experience, check out Ottawa's Ultimate Alcohol-Free Dance Party! at EXIT Lounge.
Sunday Wind-Down
Cap off your fantastic week on Sunday, August 9th, with some laid-back yet engaging events. Catch some laughs at Stand up Comedy in broken English • Victor Patrascan in Ottawa at Kailash Mital Theatre ($20). For a unique learning experience, seniors can try the free Discover Tatreez: Palestinian Embroidery. And for a delicious start to your day, check out Ottawa's The Morning After Show- All-Ages Edition at Bread By Us (free).
No matter how you choose to spend your week, Ottawa has something special waiting for you. This is just a taste of what's happening, so be sure to browse our full calendar at 613cal.ca for even more local events and hidden gems. Have a wonderful week, 613!