Long weekend packed with Doors Open at Rideau Hall, Metcalfe Plaza programming, and fireworks
This weekend and holiday Monday offer Doors Open tours of the Governor General's residence, live music across the city, and the start of Les Grand Feux fireworks competition in Gatineau.
Sources · local media reports
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
This long weekend brings a full slate of activities across Ottawa and the region, marking the arrival of August and offering residents an extra day to rest after a busy weekend.
Doors Open at Rideau Hall runs Saturday through Monday, giving visitors rare public access to the Governor General's house. Tours include the State rooms, private gardens, and the Palm House, which are normally closed to the public.
Metcalfe Plaza hosts three nights of programming: Super Taste brings hip hop, pop, and R&B Thursday night; Discolab with DJ Magnificent takes Friday; and Groove Oasis featuring DJs Open Closed Doors, James Reddy, and Jay Function returns Saturday evening.
Thursday brings Hintonburg Night Market at Urban Art Collective's parking lot, featuring vendors, food, drinks, and activities. The Wood Terrace Series presents a free concert by Sechile Sedare—brother and sister singer-songwriters from the Northwest Territories—Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Lansdowne Park Movie Nights screens The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie for free Thursday at 9 p.m.
Friday, the Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival returns to Parkdale Market with over 70 vegan vendors and live music from Homo Phono. Saturday brings 613flea at Lansdowne from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring over 150 vendors selling handmade goods, antiques, and treats.
Across the river, Les Grand Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks competition continues with Canada's team performing Saturday night. The event includes an immersive gourmet experience hosted by local chefs, with Chef Jason Laurin of Mādahòkì Farm organizing this evening's menu.
Saturday also features NOICE! at Club SAW from 9 p.m., an indoor/outdoor celebration of Inuit excellence and creativity as part of Ottawa's 200th anniversary. The event is 19+ with $40 tickets (free for Inuit people).
The Ottawa Titans play home games Thursday through Sunday, with Friday's game featuring a Taylor's Version theme and post-game fireworks.
Before you go
When can I tour Rideau Hall?
Rideau Hall's Doors Open runs Saturday, August 1 through Monday, August 3, 2026. Tours include the State rooms, private gardens, and the Palm House, which are normally closed to the public.
What's on at Metcalfe Plaza this weekend?
Metcalfe Plaza hosts three nights: Super Taste with hip hop, pop, and R&B on Thursday, July 30; Discolab with DJ Magnificent on Friday, July 31; and Groove Oasis featuring DJs Open Closed Doors, James Reddy, and Jay Function on Saturday, August 1.
Where can I see fireworks?
Les Grand Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks competition in Gatineau continues with Canada's team performing Saturday, August 1 at night. The Ottawa Titans also host post-game fireworks on Friday, July 31.
How much does NOICE! cost?
NOICE! at Club SAW on Saturday, August 1 costs $40 for general admission (19+), but admission is free for Inuit people.
What free events are happening Thursday night?
The Wood Terrace Series presents a free concert by Sechile Sedare at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, and Lansdowne Park screens The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie for free at 9 p.m. that same evening.
