Things to do in Ottawa This weekend – June 23-25, 2023

Indigenous Night Market with Asinabka

When: Friday, June 23, 2023
Where: ByWard Market, William Street Pedestrian Way
What time: 5 pm -9 pm
Admission: Free

To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, Ottawa Markets has partnered with The Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G)to bring you a curated shopping experience in the heart of the city. The market will feature live music, food vendors and artisans, film screenings by Asinabka and a unique LED performance by @indi_city.

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Drive
What time: Various
Admission: Free for spectators • Click here to donate to the ODBF 

The 2023 Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a premier race on the North American dragon boat calendar where top teams compete for a spot in the 14th IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy, in 2024. The Festival includes free concerts at Mooney’s Bay Park from headliners Dear Rouge, Tim Baker and Bedouin Soundclash. Competing teams raise funds donated to charity via the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation.

Photo: Trevor Connell

Escapade Music Festival

When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Lansdowne
What time: 10 am – 2 pm
Admission: Sold out

Three stages, deadmau5, Tiësto, Kygo, Marshmello, and too many more artists to count, are converting Lansdowne into Escapade, the go-to spot for all things EDM this weekend.

Ottawa Internation Jazz Festival

When: June 23-30, 2023
Where: Petrie Island
What time: various • Click here to view the festival brochure
Admission: Single tickets, day passes and full festival passes are available Click here

The Ottawa Jazz Festival kicks off this weekend with eight solid days of jam-packed jazz at multiple locations around the downtown core. Catch a show at the main stage at Confederation Park, the OLG Stage at City Hall, the NAC, or head to one of the Late Night Jamming events at Grill 41 inside the Lord Elgin Hotel.

Photo: Chris Parker

5^th Annual Meat and Grease Ottawa™ Car Show

When: Sunday, June 25, 2023
Where: Derand Motorsports, 1231 Newmarket Street
What time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Admission: Free for guests, $10 for each vehicle

Derand Motorsports is hosting not one but two car shows featuring hundreds of beautiful vehicles, with proceeds going to The Ottawa Heart Institute. Enjoy an afternoon with other car enthusiasts, including music, food, 50/50, and door prizes.

Photo: Courtesy Derand

Latin American Film Festival

When: Until June 24, 2023
Where: Saint Paul University Amphitheatre, 110 Hazel Street
What time: Various
Admission: Free but e-ticket required • Click here for the full schedule

The final weekend of the Latin American Film Festival includes screening from Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and El Salvador.

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

When: June 21-25, 2023
Where: Madahòkì Farm
What time: Various
Admission: Free • Click here for more information

Canada’s only Indigenous Agri-tourism destination and working farm, Madahòkì Farm on Ottawa’s green belt, is hosting the  Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, where everyone can experience Indigenous culture in an exciting festival atmosphere. Meet the majestic-looking Obijwe spirit horses, watch performances, including a world champion hoop dancer, the musical groups, traditional dances and take part in Indigenous cooking classes, arts and crafts workshops, community mural painting, Metis fish scale artistry, and Metis games for kids.

Note: There is no parking at the festival, but during the weekend, a free shuttle will run every 30 minutes from Algonquin College (Lot 16, 17 or Visitor’s Parking Lot) to the festival grounds. Click here for more information about transportation options and parking.

Photo: Lightchasers

Take Your Seat Together: Korea

When: Until July 12, 2023
Where: The Korean Cultural Centre, 150 Elgin Street, Unit 101
What time: Gallery hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday
Admission: Free

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic friendship between Canada and Korea, thousands of photographs and countless hikes, flights, and drives later, Take Your Seat, Together explores the incredible beauty of Canada and Korea and connects them in sometimes unexpected ways. A red and white director’s chair symbolises our joy and responsibility to care for our planet, ourselves, and each other.

Photo: Randy VanDerStarren

Ottawa Fringe Festival

When: Until Sunday, June 25, 2023
Where: Arts Court Theatre & Studio, Fringe Courtyard, Club SAW, Atelier, LabO, Studio 1201
What time: Various • Click to see the full schedule
Admission: All shows are $14 plus a one-time Fringe Pin purchase of $3 • passes are also available • Click here to purchase tickets

The Ottawa Fringe has been a hub of creativity and expression for over two decades, showcasing art that pushes traditional theatre’s boundaries. Ottawa Fringe is dedicated to providing emerging and established artists a platform to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.

Image: Ottawa Fringe Festival

Summer Cruisin’ Promotion

When: June 1-June 30, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock –  4837 Albion Rd S
What time: Open 24/7
Admission: N/A

Don’t Miss Out: Final Days to Earn Entries and Win Your Dream Boat! 

Win a Hurricane Boat & Trailer in time for Summer.

There is still time to jet into summer and catch waves with our ‘Summer Crusin’ promotion! The final Grand prize draw to win a Hurricane Boat & Trailer package takes place on June 30th @ 9:00 pm. 

Visit the casino before month’s end for your shot to win the ultimate water toy of summer. Every $20 wagered while using your Rock Star Rewards card on slots or table games earns you an entry into the grand prize draw.

• Grand Prize Draw (Hurricane Boat & Trailer) → June 30th, 9:00pm
• Free Parking
• Must be 19+

Click HERE to view full promotional details.

*Signing up for a Rock Star Rewards card is easy and free; visit our Rock Star Rewards Desk for details. 

Live Harness Racing

When: Sunday, June 25, 2023
Where:  Rideau Carleton Raceway –  4837 Albion Rd S
What time: 6:30 pm post time
Admission/Cost:  N/A

Join us for Sunday Funday Live Racing & Dining Specials! 

Experience exhilarating live standardbred harness racing in Ottawa! Join us this coming Sunday for an evening at the track while also indulging in our limited-time offer Snow Crab Dinner Special for $39.95, available Friday to Sunday from 5:00-10:00 PM in Mr. Lucky’s Restaurant.

OR, treat yourself to Chef’s weekly $19.95 special in Caffé Italiano, featuring Homemade Fresh Ricotta Gnocchi, while enjoying thrilling track-side news of live horse racing.  Open Sundays from 5:30-10 PM for dining.

Enjoy one-of-a-kind harness racing events that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.   Rideau Carleton Raceway also offers off-track wagering and simulcast racing from Canada and across the world.  After the race, the fun continues in the casino with gaming, live entertainment and exceptional dining, all under one roof.  See you at the track!

2023 Racing Season Schedule 

• Free Parking
• Must be 19+