Find out what’s happening in Canada’s capital up to a year in advance by searching our online Event Calendar.
Experiences you can’t miss
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…
Escapade Music Festival
Escapade Music Festival is the first festival of its kind in the NCR. It is an event dedicated to the development of the electronic music scene and…
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…
Ottawa Jazz Festival
During this summer jazz festival, outdoor stages, theatres, galleries, restaurants and clubs throughout downtown Ottawa buzz with fans enjoying every…
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 Bluesfest
Every summer, some 300,000 music fans gather to see more than 200 acts on multiple stages. No wonder Billboard Magazine has ranked this event among…
Tacos and Tequila Festival
Leave the kiddos at home — this event is strictly for those aged 19 and older. Gather your friends and enjoy a nostalgic night at Ottawa Stadium with…
Masters Indigenous Games
The Masters Indigenous Games (MIG) offers Indigenous adults (20+) the chance to compete in various sports. It's a platform for lifelong physical…
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…
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!
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.
Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024
Six Ottawa restaurants make the list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024 list.
Ottawa’s summer 2025 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer of 2025.
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.
Best ways to experience the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
Did you know a UNESCO World Heritage Site winds its way through the urban core of Canada’s capital? Find out how you can explore the Rideau Canal!
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.
Water, Earth, Air: Incredible outdoor summer activities in Ottawa
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all the beauty the Ottawa region has to offer.
Cycling in the Ottawa region
Learn about gear rentals, fun tours, great events and picturesque routes within the city and nearby countryside.
Great patios by Ottawa neighbourhood
Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.
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.
How to make your trip to Ottawa more environmentally-friendly
Ottawa is a green destination with many elements of sustainability.
Celebrate Indigenous culture in Ottawa
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June in Ottawa, Ontario.
