What’s on for Family Fun in Ottawa in September
Looking for exciting family fun in Ottawa this September? Ottawa has a variety of events and engaging activities for all ages and they are a great way to get out and explore before the summer season is completely behind us. From exploring fun exhibits and museums  to local fairs to extraordinary shows there is something for everybody. Don’t miss out on the exciting shows, exploring the local parks and sneaking in a family picnic before the weather gets colder.
Family Fun in Ottawa in September
Latin Sparks Festival
On Saturday September 6 enjoy Canada’s largest Latin festival at Lebreton Flats. Latin Sparks caters to the whole family with plenty of options to entertain all ages including live shows, food trucks, dance lessons, and more. Children 12 years of age or younger enter free.
AfroFest
From Saturday September 6th – Sunday September 7th you can enjoy this free festival with African-Canadian artists as they showcase their musical talent, fashion and designs, drumming, dance and so much more! This festival will be held at Mooneys bay and you can view the full festival line up and schedule on their website.
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Enjoy a Country Fair
September is the month for Country Fairs!
From Thursday August 28th – Monday September 1, head to Shawville to enjoy a country fair like none other! Entrance fees include all rides and activities (where can you get that anywhere else?!). With a line up of music, farm events, demolition derbys, and tractor pulls you can definitely spend a full day here!
From Friday August 29th – Monday September 1 you can enjoy the Perth Fair as they celebrate their 178th year! With a midway (separate purchase) and a large agricultural focus (cattle, horses, 4-H clubs, homecrafts, poultry show) coupled with the tractor pull, lawn mower race, demolition derby, lawn tractor pull, and special childrens activities, this is a great country fair.
Head to the Richmond Fair September Thursday September 18th – Sunday September 21st for a weekend of family fun in Ottawa country fair style! Homecrafts, livestock, 4H club, scavenger hunt, special childrens entertainment, and a midway are all a part of this weekend fun.
The Carp Fair is back Thursday September 25th – Sunday September 28th with horse shows, live bands, midway, lawn tractor pull, horse jumping show, and special family circle/entertainment throughout the weekend.
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
From Wednesday August 27th to Sunday August 31st the Festival de Montgolfières is back in Gatineau! Get up close and personal as you watch the hot air balloons in action, check out the great music and food scene or hit up the amusement rides with the kids. With a silent disco, chill zone, mobile arcade and fireworks this is a fun filled weekend. The event is free for children 10 and under.
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Metcalfe Night Market
Thursday September 4th is the last opportunity for this season to check out the Metcalfe Night Market at the Fairgrounds from 5-8p.m. With entertainment and lots of dinner options on site this makes it a fun evening out as a family while you check out local artisans and vendors. The Farmer’s Market continue to run Saturdays throughout September.
City Folk 2025
One of the last music festivals of the 2025 summer season City Folk returns from Wednesday September 10th to Sunday September 14th at Lansdowne. With Junkhouse, Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, James, Morrissey, the Dropkick Murphys, and more, this festival is great for families and older children who enjoy live music. You will also find some little ones in strollers and carriers (just remember the ear bands for sound control!) throughout the festival.
Yummy Eats
Orleans ribfest and poutine is back Friday September 12th to Sunday September 14th on Centrum Blvd. With 5 Poutiners collectively having over 40 different kinds of poutines you will want to come with an empty belly so you have room to eat! Grab a rack of ribs, or challenge yourself to grab a taste from all the vendors on site, and don’t forget a delicious blooming onion. Bring the baby wipes……everybody eating will need some.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
This year, the annual Ottawa International Animation Festival takes place from Wednesday September 24 to Sunday September 28th, turning the ByTowne Cinema, Arts Court, Club SAW, Strathcona Park, the National Arts Centre, and the Ottawa Art Gallery into the epicentre of animation. Don’t miss the All-Ages Day schedule for the latest in their family-friendly line-up.
