Ottawa is heading into one of its busiest event stretches of the year, and September 2026 is not holding back. Instagram account @ottawalist rounded up a packed calendar of festivals, food events and live entertainment happening across the city and just over the river in Gatineau this month.
Festivals kick things off early
The month opens with the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (September 2-6) at Parc de la Baie, followed closely by the Viet Moon Festival (September 4-6) on March Road in Kanata and the Latin Sparks Festival (September 5) at LeBreton Flats Park. The Ottawa Serbian Festival runs the same weekend on Prince of Wales Drive, and it's free.
Arts, culture and big-ticket shows
For those wanting a night out, the National Arts Centre hosts The Great Gatsby: A New Musical from September 8-13, while Cirque du Soleil's Luzia sets up at 1200 St. Laurent Blvd from September 10 through October 18. CityFolk takes over the RA Centre Festival Grounds September 16-20, and Ottawa Comiccon returns to the Uplands Drive venue September 11-13.
Food and community festivals
September is arguably the strongest month of the year for Ottawa's food festival scene. Afrofestival Ottawa lands at Mooney's Bay Park September 11-13, the same weekend as the Riverside Festival at the Canadian Museum of History and the Orléans Ribfest & Poutine event on Centrum Boulevard. Thai Festival Ottawa-Gatineau follows on September 12 at Maison du Citoyen, alongside Coffee Right YOW at Parkdale Market and Taste of Manotick on Manotick Main Street.
Later in the month, The Chef's Table returns to the NAC (September 17-19), Taste of Wellington takes over Wellington Street W on September 19, and the Ottawa Chinatown Mid-Autumn Night Market lights up Somerset Street W from September 25-27. The month wraps with Ottoberfest at Lansdowne's Horticulture Building on September 26, a free way to close out the season.
Plenty to choose from
With paid and free options spread across nearly every weekend, there's something here whether you're planning a big night out or a low-key family outing. Many of these events, including the Serbian Festival, Viet Moon Festival, Afrofestival and Ottoberfest, don't require a ticket to attend.
For the full rundown with all dates, locations and prices, check out the original post from @ottawalist on Instagram.
