Weekly Round-Up: August 17–23, 2026
August 17–23, 2026
Hey 613! Get ready for an absolutely jam-packed week as we dive into August 17th through 23rd, 2026. Ottawa is buzzing with an incredible array of festivals, community events, and lively entertainment that truly showcases the spirit of our city. Whether you’re looking to explore new cultures, get active, learn something new, or dance the night away, there’s something fantastic waiting for you!
Starting Strong: Monday's Mix
Kick off your week on Monday, August 17th with a variety of engaging events. Arts lovers can check out The Village We Sow at SAW, a free arts event. If you’re looking to get moving, enjoy Sunset Sound Healing Yoga at the Beach with Justine and Rebecca at Britannia Beach, also free! For those with furry friends, the Draggers & Pullers Dog Training Workshop is a free educational session. And for the creative minds, consider the Beginner Crochet Lesson at Motif Boutique, or the Content Creator Lab - Summer Camp For Kids, a free family-friendly option. There’s even WWE Monday Night RAW for sports fans, and a Krav Maga Summer Crash Camp 2026 if you're feeling extra energetic!
Festivals & Pride Takes Over!
The latter half of the week truly comes alive with multiple festivals and the exciting start of Capital Pride! Friday, August 21st is a big one:
- Experience global cultures at the free Palestinian Festival – Ottawa at the Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, or savour delicious dishes at the Indian Food Festival of Ottawa 2026 at Clarke Fields Park.
- Shop local and handmade at the VENDORS & CREATIVES SHOWCASE 2026 at LeBreton Flats or the HANDMADE FINDS FESTIVAL at 55 Byward Market Square, both free!
- The vibrant Underground Pride: Ottawa Edition kicks off at SAW, a fantastic free festival.
The Pride celebrations continue full swing into Saturday, August 22nd, with the official Capital Pride Festival taking over Downtown Ottawa, and the lively Pride Night Market at Parkdale Market. Families can also join the free Pride Family Picnic at Centre33 in Kanata. If you're looking for more festival fun, don't miss SOS @ Nostalgia Fest Ottawa at LeBreton Flats or the adventurous The 5K Foam Fest - Ottawa 2026 at Wesley Clover Parks.
Music, Arts & Evening Vibes
Music lovers, this week is for you! On Friday, August 21st, catch the free show featuring Anciients, Unreqvited, Dawn of Ouroboros, Poste at Rainbow Bistro, or enjoy the sounds of Yowfest at The Urban Centre. For a unique night out, Nan's Parlour Peelers 1 Year Anniversary Show promises a free, memorable evening at Nan's Parlour, while SAPPHIC NIGHT: Ottawa Pride Edition lights up The Lookout Bar & Nightclub.
Saturday, August 22nd brings more musical treats with Select x FONO: PASSÉ w/ Iggy Smalls & DJ Illo at FONO HiFi Lounge and The ACDC Live Tribute Show Busts into Buster's!! in Kanata, both free. For something truly special, experience SHIVOHAM: A Kathak Aradhana featuring Shivangi Bharti at Algonquin Commons Theatre. Nightlife continues with the free Balls Deep Disco Ottawa Pride Kick-Off Party at SAW and SATURDAY NIGHT DRAG: with Kimmy Couture and Shea D. Ladie at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub. And on Sunday, August 23rd, don't miss High Fidelity: Special Edition ft. DJ Nu-Mark at Fono or the free ORLÉANS COOKOUT at 255 Centrum Blvd.
Art enthusiasts can indulge in creativity on Saturday, August 22nd with a free Summer Watercolour Workshop: Ocean Flow: Calm Through Movement at Wallack's Art Supplies and Framing, or a Shiraz & Shells: A Persian-Inspired Gilded Decoupage Afternoon at Love Lyla Books. You can also visit Robbie Craig's Northern Projects Ottawa Show at Hyatt Place Ottawa West.
Connect, Learn & Get Active
There are plenty of opportunities to learn and connect with your community. On Friday, August 21st, tech minds can gather for the free DevOps for GenAI Hackathon - Ottawa 2026 or AWS Community Day Ottawa, both at Invest Ottawa. For a good cause, the Microchip Clinic at the Ottawa Humane Society offers a free community service. On Saturday, August 22nd, expand your skills with a free WorkSpace Safety: Intro to Power Tools workshop or Lee Valley Tools Ottawa Store - Wood-Burn a Set of Coasters, both at the Ottawa Tool Library. For sports fans, cheer on Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC at The Stadium at TD Place, or challenge yourself at the free 2026 Ottawa Spartan Event Weekend at Calabogie Peaks.
This is just a taste of the incredible lineup this week! For all the details and to discover even more events, be sure to browse the full calendar at 613cal.ca. Enjoy your week, Ottawa!