Rugby, Blues, and Bites: Ottawa’s Ultimate Weekend Guide for July 12th-14th

This weekend, Ottawa is buzzing with an exciting lineup of activities for both residents and visitors. At the heart of the entertainment is the highly anticipated rugby match between Canada’s men’s rugby team and Romania at TD Place. This event promises an electric atmosphere, drawing fans from all over to witness top-tier international rugby. If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of a live rugby game, now is the perfect time to join the excitement and support our national team.

Tickets are available at rugby.ca/en/tickets, and any inquiries can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. For suite information, please contact suites@rugby.ca.

To make your game day experience complete, be sure to explore the shops, bars, and restaurants of the Glebe, one of Ottawa’s most vibrant and eclectic neighbourhoods. Known for its charming parks, great pubs, and welcoming atmosphere, the Glebe has a rich culinary scene that includes a variety of restaurants and cafés, serving everything from gourmet burgers and international cuisine to vegan delights and decadent desserts. For those looking to unwind or wind-up, the Glebe boasts several snug pubs and lively bars, perfect for enjoying a craft beer or cocktail, including the Glebe Central Pub and Quinn’s.

ABOVE: The Elgin Street Diner is always open and has become a favourite among Ottawa’s revellers for its hangover breakfast. (Photo: Pat Woodbury)

No weekend in Ottawa is complete without indulging in the city’s culinary delights. Whether you decide to dine before or after the Canada-Romania rugby match, Ottawa has plenty of top dining spots to choose from. For a taste of the city’s pub fare, head to Lieutenant’s Pump on Elgin Street, Churchill’s in Westboro, or the legendary Irene’s in the Glebe, just steps from TD Place.

For comfort food at any time, Ottawa’s famous Elgin Street Diner is open 24/7. Another great option is Med Supper Club, one of Ottawa’s trendiest spots, so reservations are highly recommended. For a sweet post-game treat, visit Delysees Luxury Desserts conveniently located just outside the stadium.

ABOVE: Sula Wok on Main Street in Old Ottawa East is a favourite lunch spot for food writer Jordan Pizzuti. (Photo: Jordan Pizzuti)

If you love Asian or Thai food, there are plenty of pre- and post-game options, including Sula Wok on Main, Datsun on Elgin, and Social Thai on Bank Street. For a family or group outing before the game, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine on Bank Street is only a 10-12 minute walk to TD Place.

ABOVE: The Barrow Gang Buskers play every Friday night at the Atomic Rooster on Bank Street in Centretown. (Photo: OLM Staff)

And remember — going to the Canada vs. Romania rugby game this Friday can be your warm-up act for a great weekend. Afterwards, head over to the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats Park for a night of great music and vibrant energy, to the Atomic Rooster on Bank Street, or one of Ottawa’s many other live music venues and take in some summer entertainment.

ABOVE: This weekend, the RBC Stage at Bluefest will feature: Thursday, July 11: The Offspring, Silverstein, Cancer Bats; Friday, July 12: Tyler Childers, TALK, Brittany Kennell; Saturday, July 13: Motley Crue, The Tea Party, J.J. Wilde; Sunday, July 14: NAS, Down with Webster, Training Season. (Photo: Ottawa Bluesfest)

Conclusion

This weekend, make Ottawa your playground. Start with the exhilarating rugby match at TD Place and then dive into the city’s diverse offerings, from music and dining to cultural attractions. Ottawa’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

So, grab your rugby tickets, plan your itinerary by visiting OLM’s events listing, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the nation’s capital.