Find out what’s happening in Canada’s capital up to a year in advance by searching our online Event Calendar.
Oh! to Ah! experiences you can’t miss

What’s happening in the Ottawa area
Check out some of the fun events and activities taking place in the Ottawa region this week, including the weekend!

Canada Day
Join the celebrations at LeBreton Flats Park and elsewhere in the heart of Ottawa – Gatineau! A number of activities, animations and shows presented…

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Each summer, be dazzled by spectacular fireworks displays exploding in shimmering waterfalls and blooms of colour high above the Ottawa River, all set…

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG)
Every year in late August, FMG brings the Ottawa-Gatineau region to life with an electrifying music lineup, performances for all ages, fireworks, and…

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
This free multi-day summer festival on the Rideau River—the largest event of its kind in North America—features racing, concerts, family fun, local…

Shawarma Fest
Get ready for Shawarma Fest in the ByWard Market! Savor the best local shawarma vendors, from classic recipes to exciting twists. Enjoy live music…

Volleyball Nations League - Women
Join the excitement in Ottawa for Women’s Week 1 of the Volleyball Nations League. Watch six of the world’s top teams — Canada, Bulgaria, the…

Festival franco-ontarien
Celebrate francophone culture through concerts, street art and entertainment at this annual outdoor event in Canada’s capital. During one weekend each…

Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Cirque du Soleil – OVO is coming to Canadian Tire Centre, July 2 to 6, with eight shows. A magnificent ladybug captures the eye of an awkward, unusual…

Ottawa International Busker Fest
Very unorthodox entertainment by street performers from around the world: clowns, jugglers, acrobats, magic tricks, and more! Free admission but…

Ottawa Greek Festival
This annual festival showcases live Greek music, traditional dances, excellent Greek cuisine, language lessons, and demonstrations of all sorts!

Ottawa REDBLACKS
Join the roaring crowds at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne as Ottawa’s Canadian Football League (CFL) team battles for a chance at the Grey Cup. The…

Weekend Bikedays
On weekends—and even some weekdays—you can bike, walk, run and in-line skate on several car-free parkways in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Weekend…

Doors Open Ottawa
During this early June event, you can visit more than 100 significant buildings across Ottawa—including many that normally charge admission or are…

Capital Fair
Featuring a demolition derby, a petting zoo, stunt dogs, and much more!

Aero Gatineau-Ottawa
Don’t miss this annual air show featuring awe-inspiring aerobatic displays, historically rich military aircraft and new aerospace technologies. Held…
More Oh! to Ah! experiences in Ottawa

Top 10 things to do in Ottawa
No matter the season, Canada’s Capital is a treasure trove of impressive sights and stimulating activities.

Free or nearly free activities in spring, summer and fall in Ottawa
Free or almost free things to do in Ottawa in the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Family-friendly summer activities and events in Ottawa
Canada’s capital is the perfect family-friendly destination for summertime fun.

Family cycling along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
Stay active as a family while exploring Canada’s capital by cycling the many pathways!

Ottawa’s best family-friendly fun zones and adventure parks
The best indoor and outdoor family-friendly fun zones and adventure parks in Ottawa.

Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat in Ottawa
See some of the restaurants, diners, pubs and self-serve options the whole family will love.

Parliament Hill free tours and programming
Parliament Hill is one of Canada’s most iconic sites and a must-see when visiting Canada’s capital.

The best ways to experience Ottawa’s waterways in the summer
The best water-based activities in Ottawa. Waterside patios, beaches and whitewater rafting and paddling adventures in Canada’s capital city.

Hiking highlights in the Ottawa area
Looking to explore scenic trails on foot in the Ottawa region? Choose from walking on easy urban pathways, hiking on rugged rural terrain and much more.

Ottawa night markets to experience this summer
The can’t-miss night markets happening in Ottawa this summer.

Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.

August weekend fun in Ottawa: a family itinerary
With the warm weather, outdoor activities, guided tours and fun attractions, Ottawa is the perfect summer destination.

Best ice cream (and other frozen treats) in Ottawa
Check out some of the best ice cream (and delicious alternatives) that are made with love in Ottawa.

Celebrate Indigenous culture in Ottawa
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June in Ottawa, Ontario.