What’s on for Family Fun in Ottawa in September

Back-to-school season may be here, but September still offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Ottawa with the kids. From hot air balloons and cultural festivals to old-fashioned country fairs, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and special celebrations for Ottawa’s 200th birthday, there’s lots happening across the National Capital Region. Here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around Ottawa this September.

Family Fun Events and Activities in Ottawa in September

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Wednesday September 2–Sunday September 6
Parc La Baie, Gatineau

Look up! Dozens of colourful hot air balloons take to the skies just across the river at one of the National Capital Region’s biggest end-of-summer celebrations. In addition to the spectacular balloon launches, at the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival families can enjoy amusement rides, entertainment, activities, fireworks, and plenty of festival food. Children ages two to 10 receive free festival admission.

Fall Fun on the Farm

Beginning Thursday September 3
The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean

Get an early start on fall fun at this historic family farm in Nepean. At The Log Farm, navigate the corn maze, take a wagon ride, visit the farm animals, explore the children’s play areas, and enjoy plenty of outdoor space. The fall season runs through November 1, making it an easy weekend adventure throughout September.

Phố Lồng Đèn – Viet Moon Festival

Friday September 4–Sunday September 6
Kanata North Technology Park, 400 March Rd.

Celebrate the traditions of the Vietnamese Moon Festival at this free, family-focused cultural celebration. Inspired by the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and its emphasis on family, childhood, and togetherness, the weekend brings lanterns, cultural experiences, entertainment, and food to Kanata. It’s a colourful way to introduce kids to Vietnamese culture and traditions.

Ottawa Serbian Festival

Saturday September 5–Monday September 7
St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church, 1993 Prince of Wales Dr., Nepean

Spend part of the Labour Day long weekend experiencing Serbian culture without leaving Ottawa. The Ottawa Serbian Festival is a free festival featuring traditional food, live music, folklore dancing, children’s activities, and plenty of opportunities for families to learn about Serbian traditions and community.

Latin American Festival & Fair

Sunday September 6
Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way

Celebrate the cultures of Latin America with a free day of music, dancing, food, and family fun at Lansdowne Park. The Latin American Festival and Fair includes traditional performances and cuisine from across Latin America, while a colourful afternoon parade brings even more energy to the festivities. The event runs from 11am to 8pm.

Almonte Fair

Friday September 11–Sunday September 13
Almonte Fairgrounds

Take a short drive outside Ottawa to Almonte for a classic country fair experience. The Almonte Fair is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with livestock, exhibits, midway fun, entertainment, food, and activities for the whole family.

Butter Tart Festival

Saturday September 12
Sacred Heart High School, 5870 Abbott St E, Stittsville

Calling all sweet tooths! Stittsville’s “Sweetest Day” Butter Tart Festival celebrates one of Canada’s most beloved treats with butter tarts in seemingly every variation imaginable, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan options. Kids can enjoy games, temporary tattoos, a tractor to explore, and a wild animal show while grown-ups conduct the very important business of deciding which butter tart is best.

CityFolk

Thursday September 17–Sunday September 20
Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way

CityFolk is a popular four-day music festival brings more than 30 performances to indoor and outdoor stages at Lansdowne Park and around the Glebe. Despite the name, the lineup stretches well beyond folk into rock, alternative, country, bluegrass, hip hop, and more. Families can also look for children’s activities and special family performances alongside the main festival programming. Children 9 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid paid ticket.

Richmond Fair

Thursday September 17–Sunday September 20
Richmond Fairgrounds, 6121 Perth St.

Head to the country without leaving Ottawa at the annual Richmond Fair. Expect midway rides, agricultural exhibits, a dairy show, heavy horses, outdoor entertainment, and plenty of traditional fair fun. It’s an easy way to give city kids a taste of rural life.

Pumpkin Fest

Beginning Saturday September 19
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 Chemin O’Toole

Pumpkin season officially begins! Bring the family to Proulx Farm for a day of classic fall activities, including a petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, outdoor playgrounds, and, of course, the chance to pick your own pumpkin. Pumpkin Fest continues through October 31, but September is a great time to visit while the weather is still warm.

Carp Fair

Thursday September 24–Sunday September 27
Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd.

Known as the “Best Little Fair in Canada,” the Carp Fair has been celebrating Ottawa’s rural roots for generations. Families can enjoy agricultural shows and exhibits, midway rides, entertainment, competitions, food, and all the fun of an old-fashioned fall fair.

Ottawa 200 Block Party

Saturday September 26
Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall

This year isn’t just another September in the capital… Ottawa is celebrating its 200th birthday! Head to City Hall for a special Ottawa 200 Block Party marking two centuries since the founding of Bytown. The celebration promises entertainment and activities for the whole family and offers a unique opportunity to be part of a milestone moment in the city’s history.

Ottawa 200 Day at the Ottawa Art Gallery

Wednesday September 23–Sunday September 27
Ottawa Art Gallery

Keep Ottawa’s bicentennial celebrations going with a visit to the Ottawa Art Gallery. Ottawa 200 Day programming stretches across several days and includes free drop-in workshops, art markets, animations, and special art events, making it an easy cultural outing for families.

Explore a Farmers’ Market

Throughout September
Various Ottawa Locations

September is prime harvest season, making it a perfect time to take the kids to a local farmers’ market. Pick up Ontario apples and late-summer produce, discover local treats, and let kids see where their food comes from. The Alta Vista Market runs every Saturday throughout September and regularly offers children’s programming alongside its local food and artisan vendors.

Spend an Evening at the Nepean Night Market

Sundays throughout September
1442 Baseline Road

Make the most of September’s still-warm evenings at the weekly Nepean Night Market. Families can browse local vendors, grab dinner or a treat from a food truck, listen to live music, and enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere. There are even glow sticks for the kids, and four-legged family members are welcome, too.

Visit a Museum for Free on Thursday Evening

Thursdays throughout September
Various Ottawa Museums

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean the end of family outings and several of Ottawa’s major museums make an after-school adventure especially affordable. The National Gallery of Canada offers free Thursday evening admission from 5 to 8pm, while the Canadian Museum of Nature also offers complimentary evening admission during its Nature After 5 programming. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary Thursday into a mini family adventure.