Things to do in Ottawa this weekend

This weekend, July 3 to 5, Ottawa has many events happening around the city.

Sports games

Catch the Ottawa Redblacks take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at TD Place on Friday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Also at TD place, the Ottawa Rapid FC kicks off its season this Sunday at 2 p.m. Plus, Atletico Ottawa hosts Cavalry FC at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Cheer on team Canada’s men’s soccer team this Saturday at Ottawa Bluesfest site, LeBreton Flats Park. The game starts at 1 p.m. The free watch party will be a family-friendly experience where visitors and residents alike can experience the excitement of the match, support the team and show Canadian pride.

This next options allows you to participate in the sports — not just watch.

Beach volleyball and salsa lessons are happening at Britannia Beach on Saturday night. This is a free event; equipment, music and direction will be provided. For more information, visit this link.

Festivals and markets

The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market featuring baking, flowers, bedding plants, pottery and furniture takes place this Saturday. Catch them at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Westboro Farmers’ Market is also happening Saturday at Byron Linear Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This Farmers’ Market features live music, local produce, dairy and baked goods, crafts and more.

The Alta Vista Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. happens at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Alta Vista Drive. There is kids programming, a garden and local produce among other local vendors.

Beechwood Market at 203 Stanley Ave. is happening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. boasting a range of local products from fresh produce to health items and much more.

Head over to the Sandy Hill Community Centre on Saturday for a free celebration of Japanese culture. Natsu Matsuri, the Summer Festival features  Japanese food, activities, crafts, performances and much more. For more information, visit this link.

The multicultural festival is happening this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by the African Canadian Association Multicultural Festival. Visit Brewer Park for cultural performances, food, artisan vendors, family activities and more.

Elgin Street Market at Boushey Square is happening Sunday. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., check out this market for local produce, artisanal products, and a chance to connect with neighbourhood residents.

Almonte Celtfest is happening all weekend at Gemmill Park, celebrating Celtic traditions with local performers and artisans — all with some Celtic flair.

This Sunday, The Heart of Orléans Market celebrates community, culture and creativity in the heart of Orléans. It will happen from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Nepean Night Market is available for another Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mr. Lube + Tires, 1442 Baseline Rd. and features live music and food trucks. Dancing shoes, lawn chairs and dogs are recommended.

Music

Our Lady Peace, a chart-topping Canadian alternative-rock band is coming to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa on Friday night. Doors open at 7p.m. Get tickets at this link.

The platinum-selling, Juno Award-nominated band the Tea Party performs at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa on Saturday night. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at this link.

Orléans Unplugged kicks off for the season this Friday at 6 p.m. Head to the Orléans Town Centre for a free outdoor concert with live, local artists.

On Saturday at 8 p.m., Live from the Booth at The Booth on Sparks Street brings summer vibes with an array of local DJs and electronic music artists.

Interested in more live music featuring homegrown talent? Bistrofest is a free festival at Hog’s Back Park on Saturday at 7 p.m., and features local artists with a focus on creativity and accessibility.

Also on Saturday is Music on the Canal, featuring Miguel de Armas, Roxanne Goodman and more. A boat will begin at Rideau Canal and arrive at Landsdowne Park before returning back. The musicians will play for 90 minutes.

Rideau Hall will host the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces at 2 p.m. for its Crescendo Concert Series. The band was formed 86 years ago and continues to play at notable events around the world.

There are also a variety of other ongoing events happening around the city, so keep an eye out for those.