Are you loving summer in Ottawa, or what? The weather’s been amazing, festivals have been a complete success, and we even had a visit from President Obama! Expect more of the same this week, although it’s expected to be rainy that won’t keep us down. Here’s what’s going on this weekend in Ottawa:
RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
The 2016 edition of Bluesfest kicks off tonight (Thursday, July 7) and runs until July 17 at Lebreton Flats in central Ottawa. What’s on tap this weekend? Here’s a quick peek at a few of the names performing across the various stages:
- Thursday: Billy Idol, Schoolboy Q, Joe Jackson, Tyler Kealey, DJ Acro, Suits ‘N Toques, The Head and The Heart, Peter Bjorn and John
- Friday: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The Tallest Man on Earth, Coeur de Pirate, Tina Wallace
- Saturday: The Lumineers, Jeff Ross, Kelsey Hayes, The London Souls, Archer, Tor Miller, Silver Creek, DJ Soulcial, Youth Ottawa Showcase
- Sunday: Belly, John Fogerty, Thomas Rhett, Jordan McIntosh, Adult Children, TJ Wheeler, Bahari, The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band
Event tickets can be purchased as single day passes or multi-day passes, including full festival access (sold out for youth). Check the Bluesfest website for exact show times and stages. Remember, Bluesfest events continue rain or shine so don’t forget your poncho this weekend!
Alfred Country-Western Festival
If you prefer your music with a throwback country twist, the Country-Western Festival in the charming francophone village of Alfred about an hour outside of Ottawa is the place to be this weekend. The 30th edition of the festival runs from July 5 to July 10. There will be performances by francophone country music artists such as Claude Martel and Lousie Paquet, tributes to country legends like Johnny Cash and Canada’s own Shania Twain, plus some fun distractions like bingo! Admission is $10 per day ($20 on Saturday) and you have free access to the campground (without services) included with admission.
Art in the Park with ACORN
Art in the Park takes over lovely Minto Park on Elgin Street from 11 am to 2:30 on Saturday. This event is a celebration of local arts and crafts, so come and support local artists! There will also be a tasty BBQ (pay what you can). Entry is free! Art in the Park is held in support of the Ottawa/Gatineau chapter of ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), a local organization that helps fight for issues of social and economic justice.
Osgoode Medieval Festival
“You are cordially invited to enter into the Kingdom of Osgoode and attend the 9th annual Kingdom of Osgoode Medevial Festival which runs 9-10 July 2016” – does that sound fun or what? Yes, Osgoode, about 40 minutes south of Ottawa, is transformed into a medieval kingdom this weekend. There will be a market, dancing, storytelling, knighting ceremonies, harpists, wagon rides, and much more, all with a medieval twist. Day admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids (4 and under are free), or you can purchase a family package (2 adults, 4 children) for $35. Please note that dogs are not permitted to the festival (service dogs excepted).
Have an awesome weekend – try to stay dry!
