As things begin to open and restrictions ease, this June we’ll increasingly see more fun events to check out in and around the city. Be sure to tune into some of these virtual events or check out these summer-time activities in person sometime this month!
1. Doors Open Ottawa
From June 4th – June 11th, Doors Open Ottawa returns to celebrate the city’s historically rich architecture. Famous heritage sites included in the event are the Supreme Court of Canada, the Canada Council Art Bank, West and the Chaudière Falls / Portage Power. Doors Open celebrates Ottawa’s history, culture and architecture by exploring these iconic buildings with behind-the-scenes tours. This year’s virtual-format makes the event all the more accessible and allows everyone to explore more than 50 buildings of cultural significance.
2. Capital City Walking Tours
Ottawa Tours hosts a completely free Capital City Walking Tour every Saturday. Meeting at the National War Memorial, the tour takes you around the city’s most popular landmarks to explore its rich history. Joining one of these free tours is the perfect way to get to know the city on a deeper level and learn more about the places you may have overlooked. Book your tickets here!
3. 613 Flea Market
This year, Ottawa’s 613 Flea Market returns June 19th. A visit to this non-profit market filled with local artisans, designers, artists, musicians and food is the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning in June. Located in Ottawa’s historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, 613 Flea Market is a really fun way to discover local retailers and experience a different part of the city. Closed the past few weekends due to Ontario’s Stay At Home Order, this outdoor-market is a nice way to shop while staying safe.
4. Ottawa Fringe Festival
One of the only of its kind, Ottawa’s Fringe Festival is a brilliant initiative that showcases the diversity of local and international talent. A completely open-access, non-curated festival, 100% of the ticket sales go to the artists – making it an incredible way to support their work without the costs of other venues. This year’s festival runs June 17th – June 27th has a huge line-up and you can get your tickets here!
5. Ottawa Artisans Market
A sunny weekend in June is the perfect time to visit Ottawa’s long-standing Artisans Market to support local artists and creators. Their store in the St Laurent Shopping Centre has a small collection of their vendor’s top products and opens this Sunday June 6th! June 10th – June 13th, the market is having a virtual take-over with Merrickville’s Markets where you can discover even more curated items.
6. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
June is National Indigenous History Month and this year, Ottawa’s Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The festival brings together the diverse talent of Indigenous artists, creators and community members to lead workshops, education days and cultural events all month long. Check out more details about the festival here .