There’s so much to do in and around Ottawa this week that it took me a day longer than usual to pull this post together! Honestly, the variety is staggering. You can sip tea at a garden party or raise money on a motorcycle ride. You can feed lambs or learn about coffee. You can learn how to play disc golf or you can go to a Pride festival. Craft beer, garage sales, antique cars, birding walks—there’s all that and more. Enjoy!
Share time with sheep in Morrisburg or on Amherst Island
This week, Upper Canada Village (13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg) is hosting its popular Sheep Shearing Days (June 3 to 5). Staff will be divesting sheep of their warm woolly coats in the Main Barn. Meanwhile, over at the Woollen Factory, you can see how people in Eastern Ontario washed, carded, spun and wove wool in the 1860s. The activities are included with museum admission, which ranges from $15 to $24 per person (children 4 and under are admitted free). Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Meanwhile, here’s an opportunity that’s almost too cute to resist. Did you know you can sign up to visit foster lambs at Topsy Farms on Amherst Island (in Lake Ontario between Kingston and Napanee)? It costs $25 for a group of up to six people—or $35 per group of up to six if you want to feed the fluffy little guys—for half an hour of lamb snuggles. You’ll also pay $10 per car for the round-trip ferry crossing to and from the island. Advance reservations required. Book soon; your last chance is Sunday, June 12. The farm is at 14775 Front Road in Stella.
Peek behind closed doors in Ottawa
Ever wanted a glimpse inside an embassy or a Hindu temple? Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at your local fire station? This weekend is your chance to see inside dozens of the capital’s buildings during Doors Open Ottawa (June 4 and 5). The free event—one of the largest Doors Open events in North America—features everything from a 1960s satellite communications building to the Beechwood Cemetery. (Here’s my post with some of the highlights.)
If you’re not comfortable going indoors yet, don’t worry; this is a hybrid event, so some buildings are offering both real-world and virtual visits, while other structures are open for either in-person or online tours only. Hours and opening days vary by building, so please check the website in advance to avoid disappointment. (Disclosure: I’m a volunteer member of the Doors Open Ottawa advisory committee.)
Browse for art in Stittsville, Chesterville, West Carleton or Portage-du-Fort
On Friday, June 3, the Stone School Gallery in the Pontiac region of the Outaouais (28 Mill Street, Portage-du-Fort) is holding its grand season opening. All of the gallery’s member artists will be there, and there will be complimentary wine and finger foods. The fun starts at 5:30pm. While you’re there, you can also check out the shop, which will be open daily throughout the summer with at least one artist in residence every day. Learn more on Art Pontiac’s website.
A two-day festival celebrating all things artistic unrolls this weekend in Chesterville: Art on the Waterfront (June 4 and 5). With all sorts of artists and vendors on hand, you’ll find lots to see and do (and buy!). As well as artists’ stalls, there will be live music, model train displays, a Titanic exhibit, kids’ activities, dance demonstrations and all sorts of other fun. The artisans’ market runs from 10am to 4pm both days; times of other activities vary. Admission is free.
The Red Trillium Studio Tour in West Carleton (June 4 and 5, 10am to 5pm) will feature two dozen artists in a variety of venues on Ottawa’s western fringe (in and around Kinburn, Carp and Dunrobin). Shop for everything from pottery and photography to iron work and eco-friendly clothing. Refreshments will be available at St. Mary’s Church.
And in Stittsville, Arts in the Park is a one-day celebration of art, crafts, music and authors in Village Square Park (6000 Abbott Street East) from noon to 5pm on Sunday, June 5. Admission is free.
Learn about coffee at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Attention, java lovers: The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is running a two-day event delving into the history, production and consumption of coffee. The Coffee Route: From Central America to Canada’s Cups (June 2 and 3) is a weekday event featuring coffee tastings, children’s craft activities, coffee cake in the demonstration kitchen and even a demonstration by an artist who paints with coffee. Times vary, and the event is included with your museum admission. The museum is located at the Central Experimental Farm (901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa).
Enjoy traditional drumming and dancing in Maniwaki
Take in a weekend filled with First Nations drumming and dancing at the Kitigan Zibi Traditional Pow Wow (June 4 and 5) in Maniwaki. The event starts each day with a grand entry ceremony at noon.
Check out a rural expo in Lyndhurst
Furnace Falls Farm in Lyndhurst will be the site of a Rural Small Business and Agricultural Expo on Sunday, June 5. The organizers promise a day of fun including live entertainment, demonstrations by local businesses, samples, free draws and more. The event will raise money and collect food for the local food bank (admission is by donation).
Raise a glass in Cobden
To celebrate its ninth birthday, the Riverside location of the Whitewater Brewing Company (22 Fletcher Road) is hosting a two-day grand re-opening. (It’s a seasonal spot.) On the night of Friday, June 3, there’s a charity trivia night with cash prizes, starting at 6pm ($10 per person, with $5 of that going toward Valley Animal Rescue). On Saturday, June 4, from 1pm to 10pm, four local bands will be providing live music, and lawn games, a barbecue and—of course—craft beer. Reservations recommended.
Mess about in boats in Clayton, New York
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York, is presenting 1000 Islands Family Day this Saturday, June 4. Admission is free all day, and kid-friendly activities will be offered from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy boat rides (US$5), crafts, games, exhibits and more.
Enjoy a garden party in Vankleek Hill
On Sunday, June 5, Garden Path Homemade Soap in Vankleek Hill is holding its free annual Garden Party, from 1pm to 5pm. As well as soap from Garden Path, you can browse for items from more than a dozen other local artisans. Tour the soap-making facility, learn about the garden plants that owner Tara MacWhirter uses to make soap, and enjoy refreshments and live music, too.
Enjoy acoustic harmonies in Almonte
On Saturday June 4, the Folkus Concert Series presents its final show of the season: a double bill of The Pairs and Tragedy Ann at the Almonte Old Town Hall. Tragedy Ann members Liv Cazzola and Braden Phelan braid vocal harmonies with accordion, singing saw, guitars and ukulele (see video above). They’ll be singing songs from their new album, Heirlooms. The Pairs, a female-fronted folk-pop group from London, Ontario, create acoustic harmonies grounded in unique rhythms. Their new single, Monster, is currently climbing the indie charts.
Both in-person and streaming tickets are available, and the prices range from $15 to $30. The concert will be on the third floor, and there’s an accessible elevator if you use the side entrance. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Cash payment is appreciated for the snacks and merchandise tables.
Mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee
It’s mind-boggling to imagine, but Queen Elizabeth II has been the United Kingdom’s monarch for 70 years. Communities large and small across the Commonwealth are celebrating the milestone in all sorts of ways. The City of Ottawa is one of many cities around the world that will light a commemorative beacon to mark the event. The ceremony will take place on Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West) on Thursday, June 2, starting at 8:45pm, with bagpipers and the Carleton University Choir performing.
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum (267 Edmund Street, Carleton Place) is holding a Queen’s Jubilee Garden Party on Saturday, June 4, starting at 1pm. There will be tea and birthday cake, horse and carriage rides, and live entertainment. Attendees are invited to dress in their royal finest and bring their own picnic.
Want to celebrate at home? Check out Canadian Geographic’s extensive Platinum Jubilee website, filled with stories and photos of the Queen’s long reign.
Nosh on great food in Montreal or Syracuse
On the first Friday of every month from June through October, 40-odd food trucks gather at Montreal’s Parc Olympique for First Fridays, a celebration of food truck fare. It runs from 4pm to 11pm each night, and the first event of the season is on Friday, June 3. This is usually really popular, so I’d take transit to the site, if I were you. It’s a five-minute walk from the Viau metro station.
This weekend, you could also check out Taste of Syracuse (June 3 and 4), a huge event in downtown Clinton Square featuring food and beverage makers from across Central New York. Multiple stages will offer lots of live entertainment, including headliner Everclear.
Go to a free music festival in Arnprior
Tunes of all sorts will be wafting out over Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior during Priorpalooza, a free, one-day music festival on Saturday, June 4. Acts on the roster this year include Gail Gavan and Friends, Rockabilly Joe, and Vicki Brittle. Family fun will include bouncy castles, food and craft vendors, face painting, and a dog show.
That’s not all that’s happening in the ‘Prior this weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, there will also be a train show at the Nick Smith Centre (10am to 4pm), and on Sunday there will be a market, public swimming and a free movie. Details on all of that are on the Priorpalooza website above.
Play disc golf near Cornwall
Ever wanted to learn how to play disc golf? Here’s your chance, This Saturday, June 4, there’s a Disc Golf Lunch, Learn and Tournament at Springfield Farm, northeast of Cornwall (18709 County Road 25, Apple Hill). It runs from 11:30am to 5pm, and tickets include lessons, games, a disc to keep, a swag bag and lunch. Registration is $50 per individual or $175 per foursome.
Celebrate Pride in Lanark County and Pembroke
Two 2SLGBTQ+ Pride celebrations are happening in Eastern Ontario this weekend. Lanark County Wide Pride runs throughout June. Events this weekend include a Drive-Out Parade that starts in Almonte on Saturday, June 4, at 12:30pm, and winds through Carleton Place and Smiths Falls on its way to joining the Perth Pride parade, which starts at 3:30pm. The next morning, there’s a Sunrise Ceremony for two-spirited people at Last Duel Park (22 Craig Street, Perth), beginning at 5am.
In Pembroke, the Pride Festival (June 3 and 4) includes a Pride Walk that starts at the Algonquin College campus at 6pm, winds through downtown, then morphs into an evening of free all-ages concerts. The next day, the festival continues in downtown Pembroke from 11am to 3pm.
In Toronto, June is Pride Month, with events too numerous to list! Looking for more summer 2SLGBTQ+ events in Eastern Ontario and beyond? Check out my roundup of 12+ Pride festivals.
Chill out in Chelsea
Chelsea Days takes place this weekend (June 4 and 5) in the popular Gatineau Hills village. The roster of activities includes a tailgate sale, family activities, a guided mountain bike ride, a market and more.
Admire vintage cars in Gananoque
The Gananoque Lions Club is hosting a vintage car show, the 1000 Islands Cruise-In, on Saturday, June 4, from 9am to 3pm. You can enjoy a barbecue and live music as well as the classic autos. Admission for competitors is $10 per vehicle. It’s all happening at the Gananoque Recreation Centre, 660 King Street East.
Take the kids to a festival in Nepean, Blackburn Hamlet or Manotick
The Buzzing Carnival (June 4 and 5) is a creative arts festival for children taking place in two Nepean locations: Saturday at Andrew Haydon Park (3127 Carling Avenue) and Sunday at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre (35 Stafford Road). Free outdoor events on Saturday start at 11am and include concerts, a parade, an arts and crafts workshop, and a dance party. On Sunday, there will be theatrical performances geared to kids of all ages (ticket prices vary).
True to its name, the Blackburn Hamlet Funfair (June 3 to 5) offers fun for the whole family—everything from fireworks, a parade and a dog show to a movie night, a fun run, and softball and volleyball tournaments.
On the same dates, Manotick will be hosting Dickinson Days. Activities there will include a parade, a pancake breakfast, a kids’ fishing derby, a scavenger hunt, a sidewalk sale and fireworks. Note that while the event runs all weekend, most of the activities are happening between 7pm Friday and 5pm Saturday.
See a play in Perth
This is your last weekend to catch This Year, Next Year at the Studio Theatre Perth (63 Gore Street East, Perth, June 2 to 5). Set in England in 1944, it’s not a war story per se, but rather a story of a family doing their best to get through the last year of the Second World War. The Sunday show is a 2pm matinée; all other shows start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $24, and student rush tickets are available at the door on the day/night of the performance for $10.
Check out a garage sale in Carleton Place or Vankleek Hill
On Saturday, June 4, Vankleek Hill is hosting its community-wide Trash and Treasure garage sale, billed as one of the largest garage sales in Eastern Ontario. The bargain-hunting action runs from 9am to 4pm. That same day, there’s also a community-wide garage sale in Carleton Place, starting at 9am. The Saturday yard sale at Carleton Place’s Zion-Memorial United Church (37 Franklin Street) starts an hour earlier, at 8am, and includes plants, baked goodies and BBQ food; it runs until 2pm.
Cycle your way around Montreal
The Go Bike Montreal Festival (May 29 to June 5) gives you the chance to take several bike tours of the island of Montreal on car-free streets. The Tour de l’Ile regularly attracts thousands of keen cyclists.
Rev your motor for a good cause
On Saturday, June 4, the TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad is a big fundraising event for prostate cancer research. Registration is $40 in advance, $50 on ride day or free if you raise $100 in pledges. Registration on event day runs from 8:30am to 9:30am, and the ride starts at 10am from 373 Legget Drive in Kanata. The route winds through Almonte, Smiths Falls and Spencerville before ending in Winchester.
Go birdwatching in the Adirondacks
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration is on at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in Paul Smiths, New York, from June 3 to 5, with a variety of guided walks and paddles through various types of terrain. Some walks are free; prices for others range up to US$125 for full-day excursions. Advance registration required.
Enjoy classic pop music in Gananoque
Good Company is a concert of classic, easy-listening hits at the Royal Theatre (75 King Street East, Gananoque) on June 3 and 4. The show starts at 7:30pm each night and tickets start at $25.12.
And, speaking of retro hits, the 1000 Islands Theatre is presenting Back in ’59, a musical about a high school reunion that features lots of ’50s and ’60s music, at the Springer Theatre (690 Charles Street South, Gananoque). It runs on various dates until June 11, with both evening shows and matinées, and tickets range from $19 to $37.
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.