The month of September slowly ushers in fall, and with it, cooler temperatures, early fall colours and, of course, the fragrance of delicious apple desserts cooking somewhere.
Activity
Events and festivals
In the Outaouais, we never miss an opportunity to celebrate the things we love! And it's a long list: sheep's wool, fireworks, coloured leaves, beer, tulips, hot air balloons, winter, and art, to name a few. Colorful events and festivals await you in all seasons. Come celebrate with us!
Events calendar
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TO
February 3 to 20
Snowflake Kingdom - Winterlude
Northern part of Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau (Québec)
Discover winter with your family in the huge playground of Snowflake Kingdom.
February 23 to 26
Salon du livre de l'Outaouais
50 Blvd. Maisonneuve, Gatineau (Québec)
The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais is an integral part of the local cultural scene and one of the largest book fairs in Quebec.
March 9 to 11
Winter Brewfest
15 Jos-Montferrand (Ruelle Zibi), Gatineau (Québec)
The Winter Brewfest is back for march break!
May 5 to September 4
Our Climate Quest
1867 Saint-Laurent Blvd., Ottawa (Ontario)
Our Climate Quest: Small Steps to Big Change invites youth and their families to look at the impacts of climate change, view real stories of action and get inspired about becoming part of the solution. This engaging exhibition contains immersive, interactive, and fun activities designed to empower you towards making sustainable choices in the fight against climate change.
May 13 to October 9
NCC Weekend Bikedays
Gatineau Park and Ottawa, Ottawa (Ontario)
Every weekend from May to October, take advantage of nearly 20 kilometres of parkways open for active use, along the Ottawa River.
May 19 to January 7
under the canopy
240 McLeod St., Ottawa (Ontario)
Venture into the rainforest in this engaging exhibition where you’ll meet some of the fascinating animals that live under the canopy. Explore the importance of rainforests for the planet.
May 21 to 21
Pleins Feux sur Riopelle
1 du Casino Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)
On May 21st, come to the Casino du Lac-Leamy and attend the Pleins Feux sur Riopelle event, a unique fireworks show presented by Loto-Québec and organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of painter Jean Paul Riopelle.
May 25 to November 24
MONEY IN 10 QUESTIONS: KIDS EDITION
30 Bank St., Ottawa (Ontario)
More than 800 questions were received from all corners of the country! They were thoughtful, complex, or very amusing. Each of them was answered. For this exhibition, ten questions were chosen, the answers of which would provide essential knowledge to children about money. Then, ten playful stations were designed - one for each chosen question - offering activities to equip young people for their financial future. The exhibition is a place where parents and children can learn while having fun - full of enjoyment without breaking their piggy bank!
May 27 to 27
Habitude - Le Bazar
425 boul. Saint-Joseph Unit 14, Gatineau (Québec)
Espace Canevas and Habitude Design have once again come together to offer you a unique new commercial experience, where local businesses can emerge, grow and flourish!
May 27 to 28
Arts-aux-parcs
2197 mtée Paiement, Val-des-Monts (Québec)
Arts-aux-Parcs is an annual visual arts and crafts exhibition held in the municipality of Val-des-Monts.
May 27 to 27
La journée des héros
85 Principale St., Chénéville (Québec)
Heroes' Day is a family event where various safety, health and prevention stakeholders will be present to provide demonstrations, entertainment and awareness.
May 27 to 28
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
Gatineau-Ottawa
It’s a must for runners and spectators alike.
June 1 to October 12
Marché Vieux Hull
Outaouais (Québec)
The Marché Vieux Hull is now located at Parc Moussette. You can discover a wide range of local products, artisanal bakery items, fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, maple products, garlic, charcuterie and meats, ready-to-eat meals, and artisanal products.
June 3 to September 30
Marché du Plateau
Outaouais (Québec)
The Marché du Plateau is located at Parc Central on Rue de Bruxelles, near Boulevard du Plateau in the Plateau sector of the city of Gatineau. You can discover a wide range of local products, artisanal bakery items, fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, maple products, garlic, charcuterie and meats, ready-to-eat meals, and artisanal products.
June 9 to December 31
War Games !
1 Vimy Place, Ottawa (Ontario)
In this expansive introduction to wargaming, find out how games — from tabletop battlefields to digital simulations — have been used to train military personnel. Explore the connections between military conflicts and popular games. Hear thought-provoking perspectives from professional gamers, researchers, designers and veterans. War is not a game. Yet war games offer insights into our relationship with real and virtual armed conflict.
June 16 to September 8
Les Saveurs de la Vallée Farmer's Market
9 Potvin Rd., Messines (Québec)
Meet this producer and many others every Friday from 12 to 5 pm at the Gracefield farmer's market. Don't miss the event on June 30th to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the market. Entertainment, fun and great finds await you!
June 22 to 25
Festival L'Outaouais en Fête
Parc des Cèdres, Gatineau (Québec)
Every year, the festival “welcomes the world” to Des Cèdres Park in Gatineau, a beautiful natural site on the shore of the Ottawa River.
June 24 to 24
La Traversée Country
895 Jacques-Cartier St., Gatineau (Québec)
On June 24th, participate in the second edition of La Traversée Country; presented by Thalie Boyer.
July 1 to 1
Canada Day
Join the celebrations at LeBreton Flats Park and elsewhere in the heart of Ottawa–Gatineau!
July 6 to 8
Festival d'Humour de Gatineau
Place de la Cité, Gatineau (Québec)
The annual Gatineau Comedy Festival adds a blast of fun and laughter to the Outaouais summer event calendar!
July 7 to September 4
Northern Lights
111 Wellington St. (Parliament Hill), Ottawa (Ontario)
The Sound and Light Show returns to Ottawa's Parliament Hill for a final year this summer.
July 13 to 30
ESCAPE THE LOG CABIN!
45 Wakefield Heights Rd., La Pêche (Québec)
Fairbairn House Heritage Centre is excited to announce the launch of our log cabin escape room challenge! Help school teacher Margaret find the gold stashed by her husband in the one room school house, just before he headed back out west to the BC gold rush. The Fairbairn log cabin escape room challenge takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is suitable for those 6 yrs old and up!
July 16 to 16
22nd Chénéville Vintage cars exhibition
(Québec)
On July 16th, participate with your family in the 22nd edition of the Chénéville Car Show organized by the Municipality of Chénéville.
July 19 to 29
Gatineau Brewfest
Place des festivals ZIBI, Gatineau (Québec)
The Gatineau Brewfest is 8 days of beer tasting, good food, music shows and all kinds of discoveries.
July 20 to 30
St-André-Avellin Western Festival and Professional Rodeo
530 Charles-Auguste-Montreuil St., Saint-André-Avellin (Québec)
Bring out your inner cowboy at the Saint-André-Avellin Western Festival!
July 22 to September 17
Guided tours of the gardens
34 Greermount Rd., Clarendo (Québec)
Discover the fantastic world of herbalism by walking through the gardens of the farm. We will explain to you the cultivation and use of the medicinal plants that we grow here. All your senses will be stimulated during the interactive visit. A question period will follow the tour.
July 29 to 29
Lac-Simon Fireworks
760 Tour-du-Lac Rd. (Municipal beach), Lac-Simon (Québec)
Get together with family and friends for the free annual fireworks display at Lac-Simon, in the Petite-Nation La Lièvre, just an hour’s drive from Gatineau and Ottawa.
August 2 to 6
Festival Country du Grand Gatineau
333 Blvd. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau (Québec)
For all fans of country music.
August 2 to 19
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
100 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)
Every summer in August, the Outaouais' torchbearer event, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, offers four hours of entertainment: great pyromusical shows, fire cooking experience, artistic creations, activities for all, experiential paths and more!
August 4 to 26
Rainbow in the Spotlight
1 du Casino Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)
Party enthusiasts, celebrate pride every Friday and Saturday in August and indulge in the festivities with Drag Rainbow on August 18th, 19th and 28th.
August 10 to 12
Block party Galeries de Hull
320 St-Joseph Blvd., Gatineau (Québec)
From August 10th to 12th 2023, discover a schedule of festive activities to celebrate the richness of our community. It’s an opportunity to get together, to share and to make great discoveries!
August 11 to 13
Twist Fibre Festival
530 Charles-Auguste-Montreuil St., Saint-André-Avellin (Québec)
Canada’s largest fibre festival, TWIST brings together the top players in the field.
August 12 to 12
The 432 HZ Event
1521 Rt. 309, L'Ange-Gardien (Québec)
Traces Arts Visuels and the municipality of L'Ange-Gardien invite you to its 432 HZ event on August 12! Music, dance, multidisciplinary artistic performances, yoga and creative workshops await you! Free admission.
August 18 to 20
Festival santé et bien-être
14 Du petit 5e rang Rd., Ripon (Québec)
For the first time, a Health and Wellness Festival will be held in the Outaouais region. It will bring together a variety of speakers, health professionals, artists and organizations, as well as the collaboration of various stakeholders, partners and artisans. This initiative is spearheaded by the Centre de vie, a well-known regional organization whose influence extends beyond local borders. Be part of it!
August 18 to 18
Country Party
110, Georges St., Gatineau (Québec)
On August 18th, experience a totally country affair on the terrace: music, festive decorations, and corn roast.
August 19 to 20
Festifraîches
365, Highway 321, Ripon (Québec)
This gourmet family event celebrates autumn strawberries and raspberries, at a time when they're in abundance!
August 25 to 27
Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival
211 Henri-Bourassa St. (Cité étudiante de la Haute-Gatineau), Maniwaki (Québec)
For the last 25 years, the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival has been helping to preserve the Gatineau River by organizing whitewater canoe, kayak, and rafting expeditions.
August 26 to 26
Glow Dance
351 Rt. 105, Gracefield (Québec)
A colorful evening awaits you on August 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Gracefield's Parc des Loisirs. Dress in white to take part in the fluorescent dance. While you're there, cast your eyes skyward to watch the fireworks. The Glow Dance festive event is sure to put stars in your eyes!
August 31 to September 4
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
La Baie Park, Gatineau (Québec)
The largest summer event in the Outaouais is known for its diversified artistic lineup and offers surprising activities for the whole family!
September 8 to 10
Riverside Festival
100 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)
The Riverside Festival is 3 electrifying days on the riverfront at the awesome site of the Canadian Museum of History.
September 8 to 10
Club automobile Défi Outaouais
66 Lafontaine SR, Montpellier (Québec)
The Rallye Défi is a performance automobile rally on paved and gravel roads where rally cars reach speeds of more than 190 km/h.
September 11 to July 16
Les Zones Théâtrales
53 Elgin St., Ottawa (Ontario)
Produced by the National Arts Centre, "Zones Théâtrales" is a Francophone theater event that takes place every two years on the stages of Ottawa/Gatineau. The program includes performances and works in progress from all across Canada, as well as several free events (art installations, festive evenings, drag cabaret, etc.). It is a great way to kick off the cultural season.
September 12 to December 19
Comedy at The British
71 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)
Come and laugh along with our host Julien Dionne and his guests, some of the biggest names in comedy! Don't miss this unique opportunity! Comédie au British, the hippest evening of comedy in the heart of downtown Aylmer! Show dates : September 26 (French), October 24 (English), November 21 (French), December 19 (English).
September 14 to 17
Festival Ripon trad
31 Coursol St., Ripon (Québec)
Come to the Festival Ripon trad for a unique Quebec experience you’ll remember for a long time!
September 15 to 17
Gatineau Tour
71 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)
On September 15, 16 and 17, catch the excitement of the Gatineau Tour, an international-calibre women's cycling race!
September 15 to 17
Aero Gatineau-Ottawa
1717 Arthur-Fecteau St. (Gatineau Airport), Gatineau (Québec)
For its 6th edition, which will take place from September 15 to 17, 2023 at the Gatineau Airport, Aero Gatineau-Ottawa offers you a program that will include more than sixty aircraft, both on the ground and in the air, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 Hornet and a MiG-17 jet!
September 29 to October 1
Symposium Gatineau en Couleurs
25 Laurier St., Gatineau (Québec)
A colourful weekend presenting the work of 70 Quebec and Ontario painters and sculptors selected by a jury.
September 30 to October 22
NCC Fall Rhapsody
Gatineau-Ottawa (Québec)
Admire the magnificent fall colours everywhere in the Capital during the NCC Fall Rhapsody.
October 7 to 9
Fall fantasy
76 de la Montagne Rd., Lac-Sainte-Marie (Québec)
Hiking, music, and a tiki bar await you! Come and enjoy the stunning colors at Mont Sainte-Marie. The chairlift operates from 9 am to 4 pm.
October 7 to 8
cascades colourfest
448 Mont Cascades Rd., Cantley (Québec)
Enjoy the autumn season with the Promenade lift, offering a breathtaking view of the fall foliage from the mountain summit overlooking the Gatineau River. Entertainment, an "Oktoberfest" menu, and live music await you. Take advantage of special rates for winter season passes available until October 31st.
October 13 to 15
Maple Leaf March
100 Elgin St., Ottawa (Ontario)
Put on your most comfortable shoes and join the Maple Leaf March, a world-class, non-competitive, non-profit international walking festival.
October 31 to 31
Halloween at Champboisé
1521 Rt. 309, L'Ange-Gardien (Québec)
On Tuesday, October 31st, come and discover the Champboisé site, decorated for the occasion, stroll along the illuminated trail and collect treats from the 14 themed cabins! Open to all, this event allows families to celebrate in a safe & fun environment. Music and entertainment on site, starting at 5 pm. Admission is free, but a contribution in candies is requested. Learn more about parking options!
November 17 to 17
Automne harvest
392 Notre-Dame St., Montebello (Québec)
On November 17th, embark on a sensory journey through the rich Quebec’s terroir. Set at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the Autumn Harvest promises an evening where the spirit of the season with a curated experience where guests can savor a specially selected range of wines, ciders, and spirits that best represent the region’s rich heritage. 5 Quebec producers - Seasonal gastronomy - Cocktail dinner and tastings
November 24 to December 3
Christmas in Old Aylmer
115 Principale St., Gatineau (Québec)
Old Aylmer comes alive with lighted floats, parked along Principale Street.
December 6 to January 7
Winter Lights Across Canada
111 Wellington St. ( Parliament Hill ), Ottawa (Ontario)
Winter Lights Across Canada is set to brighten up your winter.
February 2 to 19
Winterlude
(Ontario)
See you from February 2 to 19 for the 46th edition of Winterlude.
February 9 to 11
Canadian Ski Marathon
220 Bonsecours St., Montebello (Québec)
58th edition: February 9 to 11, 2024 - The Canadian Ski Marathon is the longest and oldest cross-country ski event in North America.
February 16 to 18
Gatineau Loppet
397 Blvd. de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau (Québec)
The Gatineau Loppet is back this year, from February 17 to 19, 2023!
July 9 to September 17
RECYCL'ART in Outaouais – Travelling exhibition
(Québec)
Recycl’Art presents a variety of temporary and permanent sculptures and installations created out of recycled materials by artists from Quebec and beyond.