The Great Glebe Garage Sale and Other Community Yard Sales to Visit

May 21, 2019

This weekend is the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale, a spring staple in the Glebe Community, and in Ottawa, since 1986. It attracts visitors from all over the city hoping to score a really well-priced find, secure some items for their home or stock up on kids’ gear at a fraction of the retail price.

It takes place on Saturday, May 25th between 8 am and 3 pm, but we’ve heard that many people arrive even earlier to begin their shopping. There’s more to the sale than the deals, and there are many reasons for you to attend. If interested, there are other ways to get involved too (such as donating your items for the sale).

Plus, there are other community yard sales coming up, so even if you miss the big one in the Glebe, you can still enjoy the thrill of the yard sale hunt at another location.

How to get involved in Great Glebe Garage Sale

If you live in the Glebe area and want to be a vendor at the sale, you don’t need to register for special permission (if you are selling on your property) but you will need to follow City of Ottawa rules for the sale of certain items like food (details can be found on the website). If you don’t live in the area, but want to sell items, you’ll need to partner with an organization who may have space. You aren’t able to sell on City of Ottawa property.

If you have items you want to donate, even if you don’t live in the area (maybe this is the time you clean out the kids’ closets or the garage with all of their old sporting gear?) you can contribute to various organizations that have special drop-offs just for this. A list of participating organizations is on the Glebe Community Association website. (Look under the heading “Can I donate my stuff to be sold at the Great Glebe Garage Sale?”)

Why You Should Go to the Great Glebe Garage Sale

We love that the Great Glebe Garage Sale has a community vibe to it that is welcoming and unique. This is a great way to get to know your neighbours! The sale has once again partnered with the Ottawa Food Bank and is encouraging vendors and shoppers to make a donation. In 2018, over $12,000 was raised for the Ottawa Food Bank (in spite of weather that wasn’t very good!) and organizers hope to raise even more this year.

In addition to the porches, driveways and yards that will have items for sale from local residents, many local businesses in the Glebe participate in their own way with sidewalk sales and other special events. Browse the streets and discover some new favourite gems along the way.

Please note, there may be some streets and areas with limited or no parking. It’s best to know before you go and have a plan.

There will be so much happening all over the Glebe Neighbourhood on Saturday, it will be the perfect spot for you and the kids to head out for a stroll, rain or shine.

Good To Know Before You Go:

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is on Saturday, May 25 between 8 am and 3 pm and it will be taking place rain or shine.

Parking can be limited (and in some cases restricted for the day), so if you can walk, bike or take public transportation, it’s recommended; however, there are public parking locations throughout the Glebe. More information about parking and facilities can be found on the Glebe Community Association website.