What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Aug. 2-5
The holiday weekend in the Ottawa area includes the Glengarry Highland Games, buskers on Sparks Street, chamber music for Ottawa Chamberfest, Atletico Ottawa and fireworks over the Ottawa River.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in the Ottawa area this holiday weekend.
For a list of schedule changes this weekend, click here.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Ottawa International Buskerfestival
World-class performers from across the globe bring their talents to Ottawa this weekend for the Ottawa International Buskerfestival.
See over 20 performers on four stages along Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa.
Performers include Backstreet Kids, Becky a la Plage, Dr. Miracle, Hercinia Arts, Lisa Lotte, Her Majesty's Secret Circus, Mighty Quinn Show and Yo-yo guy.
For more information, visit www.ottawabuskerfestival.com.
Glengarry Highland Games
Witness traditional Scottish events on Friday and Saturday at the Glengarry Highland Games.
The 75th Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville features more than 60 pipe bands, 200 Highland dancers, sports and more.
Saturday features the North American Pipe Band Championships, the Professional Heavy Events and the famed mass pipe bands.
For more information and tickets, visit www.glengarryhighlandgames.com.
Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Fireworks light up the sky over the Ottawa River Saturday night as part of the Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy.
This multi-sensory festival has the theme of Unifying Fire this year.
Saturday night, China's Firm Dancing Fireworks presents the fireworks display.
For tickets and information, visit www.feux.qc.ca.
Atletico Ottawa
Atletico Ottawa hosts Cavalry FC Saturday night at TD Place.
It's Kai's Big Night, with the match supporting the Eastern Ontario Potcake Rescue.
Game time is 7 p.m.
For tickets, visit atleticoottawa.canpl.ca.
Ottawa Chamberfest
Ottawa Chamberfest continues this weekend, celebrating 30 years of Chamber Music in Ottawa.
The chamber music festival presents the genre's top ensemble and solo musical performers until Aug. 8.
- Friday: Danish String Quartet with Johannes Rostamo: Schubert and Adès, and Cris Derksen and Friends.
- Saturday: Angela Hewitt and the Chamberfest Anniversary Orchestra, Moneka Arabic Jazz, and Despax Quartet
- Sunday: Allison Au and Migrations Ensemble, and Kleztory
- Monday: Operatic Fluidity: Handel Arias with Arion Baroque, and Raphael Weinroth-Browne: Parallel Worlds
For the full lineup and tickets, visit www.chamberfest.com.
Festival Country Gatineau
The 32nd edition of Festival Country Gatineau continues until Sunday at the Arthur Guertin Centre in Gatineau.
Saturday's lineup includes a tribute to Shania Twain and to Alan Jackson.
Sunday's lineup features a tribute to the Fringant Cowboys and performances by Gatineau country artists.
For tickets and information, visit www.countrygatineau.com.
Festival Pakistan
Salam Pakistan Canada presents the 4th annual Festival Pakistan on Saturday.
Enjoy cultural dance, Bangrah, Giddah, live music, a cultural show, Pakistani traditional food and more at Strathcona Park.
For more information, visit www.salampakistan.ca.
Capital Ribfest
The smell of BBQ ribs and chicken will fill the air at Ottawa City Hall this weekend for Capital Ribfest.
Enjoy ribs, chicken, pulled pork, live music and more until Monday.
National Arts Centre
Here's a look at some of the performances at the NAC this weekend:
- Friday-Saturday: L'Ecrit on the NAC Fourth Stage
- Friday-Saturday: Don Juan
- Monday: Bring the Kids with Chamberfest (Free)
For more information, visit the NAC website.
Ottawa Little Theatre
It's the final weekend to see Hilda's Yard at the Ottawa Little Theatre.
The comedy by Norm Foster is set in 1956.
For tickets, visit www.ottawalittletheatre.com.
Sesame Street at Tanger Outlets
See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster on Monday at Tanger Outlets.
Sesame Street visits Tanger Outlets in Ottawa's west end from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Family fun activities include face painting, games and entertainment, and sweet treats.
Admission is free.
NCC Bikedays
The National Capital Commission's Weekend Bikedays continue all weekend.
Roads will be closed to vehicles along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal for active transportation. Here is a look at the schedule for Saturday and Sunday.
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway, between Fifth Avenue and Somerset Street – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Kichi Zībī Mīkan, westbound lanes between Vimy Place and Carling Avenue – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, between Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Drive is closed daily this summer between Somerset Street and Catherine Street for the NCC fun zone.
Lansdowne Farmers' Market
The Lansdowne Farmers' Market is open this weekend.
Visit the vendors at the Aberdeen Pavilion on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
613flea
613flea returns to Lansdowne Park on Saturday.
Visit 150 vendors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
Farmers Markets in Ottawa
- The Parkdale Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Beechwood Market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Westboro Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Barrhaven Market is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Kanata Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Visit the Barrhaven Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Check out the Metcalife Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The Carp Farmers' Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Museums
Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario:
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Canadian War Museum
- Canadian Museum of History
- National Gallery of Canada
- Ottawa Art Gallery
Parliament of Canada Tours
Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block.
For tickets and tour times, visit https://rts.parl.ca/.
Parliament: The Immersive Experience
Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this new innovative experience.
Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019.
The self-guided tour is 45 minutes.
Tickets are available at no cost at visit parl.ca.
Kingston Farmers' Market
The Kingston Memorial Centre Farmers Market is every Sunday.
The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Centre.
Murney Fest
Celebrate 99 years of the Murney Tower Museum in Kingston on Saturday.
Enjoy a day filled with history, food, games, and entertainment for the whole family.
Princess Street Promenade
The Princess Street Promenade is Saturday in Kingston.
Enjoy a day of family fun and discovery during this one-day festival that promotes active living and community involvement in the downtown area.
There will be shopping, live music and free samples.
Poutine Feast
Canada's largest touring poutine festival rolls into Cornwall's Lamoureux Park this weekend.
Sample award-winning poutines until Sunday.
Cornwall Motor Speedway
Sunday is race night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway.
Enjoy several feature races on the quarter-mile dirt track while surrounded by the roar of the engines.
For tickets and information on the races, visit https://cornwallspeedway.com/.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Ottawa Top Stories
-
-
WINTER TRAVEL ADVISORYWINTER TRAVEL ADVISORY 10-20 cm of snow expected in Ottawa starting Monday
-
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cell phone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa
An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cell phone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
opinion
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.
New York City police apprehend suspect in the death of a woman found on fire in a subway car
New York City police announced Sunday they have in custody a “person of interest” in the early morning death of a woman who they believe may have fallen asleep on a stationary subway train before being intentionally lit on fire by a man she didn't know.
Atlantic
-
Cape Breton police arrest second person in missing man investigation
A second person has been arrested in the disappearance of Justin MacDonald in Cape Breton.
-
Maritimers enjoy perfect conditions for the opening of Ski Martock near Windsor, N.S.
Ski Martock near Windsor, N.S. opened their slopes Friday, welcoming the 2024/2025 season with a layer of fresh white snow.
-
Canadian organization teaches people to combat loneliness through connection during holiday season.
For some people the holidays are lonely time of year, but a Canadian organization is fostering a “human connection movement” in an effort to bring people together.
Toronto
-
Snowfall coming to several parts of the GTA on Monday: Environment Canada
Monday’s commute to and from work could be a snowy one for people throughout the GTA.
-
Police identify man who died after being stabbed in Toronto’s Corso Italia area, man charged with second-degree murder
Toronto police have identified a man who died following after being stabbed during a “protracted altercation” in Toronto’s Corso Italia area over the weekend.
-
1 injured in Rexdale jewelry store robbery
One person has been injured after an unknown number of suspects drove a vehicle into the front of a jewelry store in north Etobicoke and stole merchandise.
Montreal
-
Jewellery store robbery in Parc-Extension under investigation
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Jewellery store robbery in Parc-Extension under investigation store in the Parc-Extension neighborhood on Saturday evening.
-
Workers helping the homeless in Montreal feel powerless as crisis deepens
Social workers on the front lines of homelessness in Montreal say they feel increasingly powerless as more people find themselves forced to live in tents during the winter.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Sundays during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Sundays this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Northern Ontario
-
OPP investigating fatal collision Saturday in northwest Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Saturday evening in northwestern Ontario.
-
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
-
Northern Ont. man illegally killed three moose, one deer
A man from the northwestern Ontario community of Dinorwic has been found guilty of multiple hunting offences and fined $6,500, banned from hunting for five years and placed on probation for 18 months.
Windsor
-
'Giving back': Kingsville store hands out free fresh groceries ahead of the holidays
Cars lined up outside of Cindy’s Home and Garden store in Kingsville on Sunday morning for the first Green Pick-up Holiday Food Drive-Thru.
-
Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? This local fundraiser has the thing for you.
If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer idea, consider the Kiwanis Camp Lottery Calendar! It offers $14,000 worth of prizes, including a cash prize every month and a gift up for grabs every week throughout next year.
-
Annual Christmas dinner provides 2,000 meals to Windsor-Essex families
About 30 volunteer drivers toured the region on Saturday, delivering the prepared meals, which included turkey, gravy, stuffing, dinner rolls and vegetables.
London
-
'Ford Field Experience in London': Detroit Lions host tailgate and watch party at Canada Life Place
It was a sea of Silver and Honolulu Blue on Dundas Place in London, Ont. as over 3,000 fans gathered for a Lions game on Sunday.
-
Standoff in Seaforth at the centre of SIU investigation
Following a standoff in Seaforth on Friday, the province’s police watch dog is investigating an officer’s conduct.
-
Driver charged following collision with hydro box that plunged Listowel into darkness Saturday
OPP and hydro crews were on scene on Hutton Street for much of the day working to clear the collision, and get power restored to the town.
Kitchener
-
WR Grassroots Response expands support for displaced Ukrainians with new guest house in Centre Wellington
Displaced Ukrainians finding refuge in Ontario have a new haven thanks to Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, a Waterloo Region-based not-for-profit.
-
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
-
Driver in Kitchener charged after going 180km/h in 70km/h zone
A G2 driver has been charged after going 110km over the speed limit in Kitchener Sunday morning.
Barrie
-
Residents startled by blue flashes in the sky during power outage in Barrie
A power outage on Saturday night left over a thousand Barrie homes in the dark.
-
Police allege man failed to steal car after finding out it was standard
Barrie Police are looking for a male suspect involved in an alleged car theft attempt that ended up being unsuccessful.
-
Sauna fire creates cloud of smoke over part of Barrie's south end
Dark clouds of smoke loomed over Barrie residents from a nearby parking lot in the south end.
Winnipeg
-
Minnesota-Manitoba border airport permanently shutting down after 70 years
An airport with a runway that spans across the Canada-U.S. border will close for good by the end of this week.
-
Manitoba man hopes to sell parts of unique, homemade musical instrument collection
Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound.
-
Man attacks family with bear spray after vehicle collision: WPS
A Winnipeg man is facing several weapon-related charges after police said he attacked a family with bear spray.
Calgary
-
Police looking for driver involved in pedestrian collision in downtown Calgary.
One person is in hospital after being struck by an SUV in downtown Calgary early Saturday morning,
-
It was Grandma, in the cafe with a Scrabble tile: Game cafes are big holiday business
It’s the holidays, which means for many across the Prairies, there’s no better time to get locked in a dungeon with a dragon.
-
Calgary Firefighters Toy Association throws a Christmas party for thousands of kids at Telus Centre
The Calgary Firefighters Toy Association threw a Christmas party Sunday afternoon for about 4,000 kids at the Telus Convention Centre.
Edmonton
-
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
-
opinion
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
-
AMA fundraiser for Alberta food banks nets more than $322,000
A provincial fundraiser this year has gathered its highest annual amount ever.
Regina
-
'For the community, by the community': Regina's Sikh community helping fight food insecurity
Regina's Sikh community has been helping feed those less fortunate in Regina for over seven years.
-
Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice
Regina's mâmawêyatitân centre held a day of gathering for the Winter Solstice on Saturday.
-
Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend
Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. woman dead following crash on Highway 5
A 69-year-old woman from the Humboldt area is dead after her SUV collided with a truck on Highway 5, according to police.
-
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
-
Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community
A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need.
Vancouver
-
Second body recovered from site of B.C. landslide
The second resident of a home that was destroyed by a landslide in Lions Bay, B.C., last weekend was found dead Saturday, officials confirmed.
-
Boxes of Love brightens the season for families in need with holiday hampers
Hundreds of holiday hampers went out to low-income families across Metro Vancouver over the weekend as part of the annual Boxes of Love campaign.
-
Facing hometown Canucks 'a bit surreal' for Sharks rookie Celebrini
Macklin Celebrini grew up dreaming of playing NHL hockey at Rogers Arena. On Monday, that dream becomes a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
More strong winds hit parts of B.C.'s coast as record-high temperatures recorded
What has been a windy weekend for parts of B.C.’s coast continued Sunday as Environment Canada issued a fresh set of wind warnings.
-
Drug superlabs leave a toxic mess. Some say B.C.'s cleanup rules are a mess, too
As clandestine drug labs become larger and more complex, so does the toxic mess they leave behind and the tools required to clean them up, creating expensive and dangerous situations for both people and the environment.
-
Second body recovered from site of B.C. landslide
The second resident of a home that was destroyed by a landslide in Lions Bay, B.C., last weekend was found dead Saturday, officials confirmed.
Kelowna
-
Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city
A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna.
-
Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP
Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature."
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
