What’s on for Family Fun in Ottawa in September

Looking for exciting family fun in Ottawa this September? Ottawa has a variety of events and engaging activities for all ages and they are a great way to get out and explore before the summer season is completely behind us. From exploring fun exhibits and museums  to local fairs to extraordinary shows there is something for everybody.  Don’t miss out on the exciting shows, exploring the local parks and sneaking in a family picnic before the weather gets colder.

Family Fun in Ottawa in September

AfroFest

From Saturday September 7th – Sunday September 8th you can enjoy this free festival with African-Canadian artists as they showcase their musical talent, fashion and designs, drumming, dance and so much more! This festival will be held at Mooneys bay and you can view the full festival line up and schedule on their website.

Enjoy a Country Fair

September is the month for Country Fairs!

From Thursday August 29th – Monday September 2nd, head to Shawville to enjoy a country fair like none other! Entrance fees include all rides and activities (where can you get that anywhere else?!). With a line up of music, farm events, demolition derbys, and tractor pulls you can definitely spend a full day here!

From Friday August 30th – Monday September 2nd you can enjoy the Perth Fair as they celebrate their 177th year! With a midway (separate purchase) and a large agricultural focus (cattle, horses, 4-H clubs, homecrafts, poultry show) coupled with the tractor pull, lawn mower race, demolition derby, lawn tractor pull, and special childrens activities, this is a great country fair.

Head to the Richmond Fair September Thursday September 19th – Sunday September 22nd for a weekend of family fun in Ottawa country fair style! Homecrafts, livestock, 4H club, scavenger hunt, special childrens entertainment, and a midway are all a part of this weekend fun.

The Carp Fair is back Thursday September 26th – Sunday September 29th with horse shows, live bands, midway, lawn tractor pull, horse jumping show, and special family circle/entertainment throughout the weekend.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

From Friday August 29th to Sunday September 2nd the Festival de Montgolfières is back in Gatineau! Get up close and personal as you watch the hot air balloons in action, check out the great music and food scene or hit up the amusement rides with the kids. With a silent disco, chill zone, mobile arcade and fireworks this is a fun filled weekend.

Ottawa Titans

Metcalfe Night Market

Thursday September 5th is the last opportunity for this season to check out the Metcalfe Night Market at the Fairgrounds from 5-8p.m. With entertainment and lots of dinner options on site this makes it a fun evening out as a family while you check out local artisans and vendors. The Farmer’s Market continue to run Saturdays throughout September.

City Folk 2024

One of the last music festivals of the 2024 summer season City Folk returns from Wednesday September 11th to Sunday September 15th at Lansdowne. With Greta Van Fleet, The Beaches, Jason Isbell, Milky Chance, Montreal-Ottawa band Half Moon Run, Almyr Jules, and Muirhead. Also performing are Alejandro Escovedo,  Maren Morris and Toronto’ newcomer Billianne

This festival is great for families and older children who enjoy live music. You will also find some little ones in strollers and carriers (just remember the ear bands for sound control!) throughout the festival.

Yummy Eats

Orleans ribfest and poutine is back Friday September 13th to Sunday September 15th on Centrum Blvd. With 5 Poutiners collectively having over 40 different kinds of poutines you will want to come with an empty belly so you have room to eat! Grab a rack of ribs, or challenge yourself to grab a taste from all the vendors on site, and don’t forget a delicious blooming onion. Bring the baby wipes……everybody eating will need some.