ottawa festivals

Ottawa This Weekend: Fill your time with Fests

We’re always on the lookout for fun ways to fill our downtime over the weekends. Kaylee gave us some insight into a recent weekend in Toronto and Catherine highlighted some fun things going on in Ottawa a few weeks back.

This weekend, marking the beggining of summer, is filled with festivals in the Nation’s Capital. The Ottawa chapter will be floating around these events, so make sure to say hi if you’re there too! Reach out on FacebookTwitter & Instagram to let us know how much fun you’re having!

1. Ottawa Ribfest

Spanning 6 blocks of Sparks Street, this fan favourite is back again. I was lucky enough to get my (sticky) fingers on some ribs and pulled pork last night for supper and I can vouch for this fest. There’s live music, amazing food and lots of patios open to enjoy a beer with your tasty treats. While the line ups are long, they are certainly worth the wait! This festival began on Wednesday and is running through the rest of the weekend, closing at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

ribfest_poster

Ribfest3

Tip: Camp 31 is selling their world famous BBQ sauces and you can actually stop by their tasting station to try out all of their varieties. I obviously bought 3 bottles – we’re in the heart of grilling season!

2. Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

This not-for-profit event held its first installment back in 1984 and has grown to be a huge hit in Ottawa. Over 200 teams are competing in the dragon boat races and lots of local artisans and exhibitors. Plus, the musical line up is SO good and the shows are all FREE. The headliners include Stars (who kicked things off last night), The Sheepdogs, The Arkells and Down With Webster. Did I mention that this entire festival is FREE? Seriously. See you there!

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Courtesty of ottawatourism.ca

3. Glowfair

On Bank Street, from Slater to Gilmour you can check out Glowfair tonight and tomorrow night. This family-friendly festival, including lights, music and art is sure to put a whole new spin on the bustling street. The Bank Street B.I.A. has planned Glowfair so that “strings of lights will traverse the street, projectors will transform normally mundane office buildings into neon spectacles and whacky street furniture will make Bank Street look like a scene from Alice in Wonderland”. Sounds like my kind of event! Plus, the local pubs and patios have extended licenses for these two nights, allowing patrons to consume their beverages on the sidewalks and streets. What’s even better? Sommersby is the official cider of the festival. Sign me up!

Glow Fair

Where will you be spending your weekend? 

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