Here’s what’s happening in the National Capital Region this back-to-school season.
Photo Credit: BigStockPhoto
What: OOH FEST
When: Aug. 23, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Centrum Plaza, 214 Centrum Blvd., Orléans
Why: Music. Art. Vintage streetwear. This special edition of OOH FEST, presented in collaboration with Midday Picnic and Orléans Cookout, features grilled eats, vintage vendors, streetwear, an art showcase, deejays and dance.
Website: ottawafestivals.ca/calendar/ooh-fest
What: Ottawa Titans vs. les Aigles de Trois-Rivières
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd.
When: Sept. 1 through 3, 6:30 p.m.
Why: The Ottawa Titans, a member of the east division of the Frontier League, play les Aigles de Trois-Rivières in the Titans’ last three home games of the season. If you’re headed to the stadium, leave the car at home – take the LRT to Tremblay Station and use the Max Keeping pedestrian bridge to cross over Highway 417 to get to the ball park.
Website: ottawatitans.com
What: 39th annual Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Where: Parc de la Baie, Gatineau
When: Sept. 2 through 6
Why: The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival has more than just (amazing) balloons on offer. Artists including Simple Plan, Half Moon Run, Smash Mouth, Matt Lang, Fredz, Zachary Richard, Martin Deschamps, Les Gars du Nord, Tire le Coyote and The Barr Brothers will perform on various stages. Looking for some thrills? The Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park will be open Sept. 3 through 6. Don’t want to miss a moment? Stay on site – there are camping opportunities, but spaces are limited.
Website: montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/
What: Phố Lồng Đèn – Viet Moon Festival
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr.
When: Sept. 4 through 6, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why: After a magical debut, Phố Lồng Đèn – Viet Moon Festival returns for its highly anticipated second year, bringing a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture to Ottawa. Inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival, this immersive event features more than 1,000 lanterns, Áo Dài fashion shows, cultural performances, Vietnamese street food and interactive activities for all ages. At the heart of the festival is the Giant Moon Plaza – an iconic installation where the full moon comes to life. Gather beneath its glow, capture unforgettable moments and celebrate themes of unity, tradition, and community. Whether you’re rediscovering cherished traditions or experiencing them for the first time, you’re invited to celebrate, connect, and belong.
Website: vietmoonfest.ca/
What: 171st Spencerville Fair
Where: 22 Ryan St., Spencerville
When: Sept. 10 through 13
Why: Dubbed the “Biggest Little Fair” in eastern Ontario, the Spencerville Fair is presented by the Spencerville Agricultural Society and features competitions, a demolition derby, power wheels, an antique tractor and truck show, a baby show, pet show, a parade, school exhibits, a barn of learning, food and more. Exhibits are divided into categories including Home Craft and Cultural Expression; Farm Fresh Products and Crops; Livestock; and Motorized Sport. There are rough camping opportunities for those looking for overnight accommodations.
Website: spencervillefair.ca
What: Ottawa Family Cinema
Where: Rideau Community Hub, 815 St-Laurent Blvd.
When: After being closed for the summer, the cinema reopens Saturday, Sept. 12. This coming season’s offerings include Hoppers 3D, Moana 3D, Super Mario Galaxy 3D and Toy Story 5 3D. The Ottawa Family Cinema opens from mid-September to the beginning of May, excluding some holiday weekends. Shows are every Saturday at 2 p.m. plus selected Friday evenings at 7 p.m.
Why: The Ottawa Family Cinema is a not-for-profit theatre with powerful digital 3-D state-of-the-art projectors, Dolby Digital theatre surround sound, a huge screen, comfortable seating, free parking, low ticket prices and affordable treats. Proceeds from shows are donated back to the community through the Family Movie Trust Fund.
Website: familycinema.ca
What: BeechFest
Where: Beechwood Ave.
When: Sept. 12, 3 to 9 p.m.
Why: Vanier’s biggest block party will be held on Beechwood Avenue where community, culture and local flavour come together for an unforgettable celebration. The street transforms into a vibrant festival filled with live music, local artists, food and drink, family-friendly activities, and entertainment for all ages. Discover the energy that makes Beechwood buzz as neighbours, visitors, local businesses, and creators come together to celebrate one of Ottawa’s most vibrant main streets. Whether you’re dancing to live performances, exploring artisan vendors, enjoying patio specials, or making memories with family and friends, BeechFest is your chance to experience the heart of Vanier in full swing.
Website: vanierbia.com/beechfest/
What: The Original Navan Market
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan
When: Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why: More than 220 local vendors will be selling produce, breads, cheese, honey, jams, jellies, wine, soap, crafts and more at the Original Navan Market. There will also be live stage entertainment. Entry is free, and there is plenty of free parking.
Website: navanfair.ca/other-events/
What: The Ottawa International Animation Festival
Where: Various locations, including the Ottawa Art Gallery, ByTowne Cinema, National Arts Centre, National Gallery of Canada and Arts Court
When: Sept. 23 through 27, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why: Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events and has provided screenings, exhibits, workshops, and entertainment since 1976. Attracting artists, producers, students and animation fans from around the globe, the OIAF brings together art and industry to experience more than 200 world-class animated works this year. Events within the festival include All Ages @ OIAF, Animation Exposé, The Animation Conference and opening and closing parties.
Website: animationfestival.ca/
What: Traditional music and dance with La Déferlance and Yaëlle Azoulay
When: Sept. 25, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Canal Lobby, 1 Elgin St.
Why: NAC Dance invites you to a free, bilingual, in-person traditional dance party in the Canal Foyer, designed to enhance the experience of the show MÁM by Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan (Teaċ Daṁsa). Everyone is welcome to join this upbeat, informal gathering. You’ll be swinging your hips and tapping your feet in no time! This evening offers a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate traditional music and dance in a spirit of sharing, connection and fun. To the sounds of traditional Quebec music performed live by the group La Déferlance, renowned caller Yaëlle Azoulay will guide attendees through some basic folk-dance steps.
Website: nac-cna.ca/en/event/41759
What: RBC Race for the Kids
Where: Wesley Clover Parks
When: Oct. 4, 7 a.m.
Why: Lace up to run a closed-course, timed all-terrain 5K and 10K race, or walk or run a fully accessible 2K Family Fun Run in support of the next breakthrough at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. There will be a Family Fun Zone on site. Free parking and free bag check takes the stress off and allows you to focus on your run.
Website: rbcr4tkottawa.ca
What: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean
When: Oct. 17 and 18
Why: The Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest-running parenting and kids expo and one of the best values for fun, learning, new products, services and entertainment for families. Play, take part in activities and learning zones, check out dozens of local parenting exhibitors and sit back to enjoy free mainstage entertainment. The first 1,500 families each day receive free show bags.
Website: parentandchildexpo.ca/
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