Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, June 25. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
Wednesday, July 1 | Canada Day comes alive at LeBreton Flats Park with a full day of free celebrations in the heart of Canada’s capital. Kick things off at the national noon ceremony, featuring special tributes and Canadian performers, then make plans to return for the national evening show.
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For Canada Day Celebrations…
- Wednesday, July 1 | Many museums in Ottawa offer free admission! Add these museums to your itinerary: the Ingenium museums (Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and Canada Science and Technology Museum); the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
- Wednesday, July 1 | Set sail on Ottawa’s top boat party with live DJs, rooftop dancing, and fireworks over the water.
- Starting daily Wednesday, July 1 | See soldiers in scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats perform precise drills to military music during the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill. FREE!
- Wednesday, July 1 | Set Head south to Barrhaven for this annual community-run Canada Day celebration, featuring fun activities for the entire family.
- Wednesday, July 1 | Join the National Arts Centre on July 1 for a free concert celebrating Canada and Canadians through the diverse artistry and unparalleled creativity of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and special guests. FREE!
- Tuesday, July 1 | Celebrate Canada Day in style at the Third Annual Stittsville Car Show on Main Street. FREE!
- Wednesday, July 1 | The Parkdale Night Market welcomes new producers and growers offering unique products, creating an opportunity to connect with the community into the evening. FREE!
For marketgoers in search of finds…
- Various dates throughout the week | Find the best fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, hot meals and more from friendly producers in different neighbourhoods at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne, Main Street, Westboro, Barrhaven and Orléans! FREE!
- Thursday, June 25 |Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Sit back, relax, eat and be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. FREE!
- Friday, June 26 | Snack, shop, and soak in the vibes at Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival! Indulge in delicious vegan treats, shop local art and self-care goodies. FREE!
- Sunday, June 28 | Mark the end of Indigenous History Month with a outdoor market near Maker House, featuring Indigenous makers from across Turtle Island. FREE!
For festivals, performances and city wide events…
- Friday, June 26 | Celebrate the legacy of Chicago, the legendary band with a performance that highlights the evolution and impact of Chicago’s signature sound. Held at the Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino.
- Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28 | Don’t miss Escapade, the biggest EDM music festival in Canada with talent like Alan Walker, Nicky Romero, Tiesto and more!
- Until Sunday, June 28 | Enjoy an unforgettable celebration in Ottawa of some of the most exciting and innovative music being made today at the Ottawa Jazz Festival held at Confederation Park.
- Until Sunday, June 28 | Watch the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride Mounties perform a free, time-honoured tradition in Canada’s capital, including complex and thrilling cavalry figures and drills choreographed to music. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Thursday, June 25 | Enjoy complimentary evening admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature and explore fascinating galleries featuring dinosaur fossils, Arctic ecosystems, Canadian wildlife, minerals, and more. FREE!
- Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 | Laurier House National Historic Site and Working Title Kitchen invite you to enjoy decadent pastries, delightful desserts, and high tea on the veranda of this historic home.
- Friday, June 26 | Experience a longstanding Canadian tradition at Rideau Hall with a ceremonial guard inspection set in a distinguished historic setting.
- Friday, June 26 | Experience the popular podcast Stuff You Should Know live on stage with hosts Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark. Held at the Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino.
- Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, June 28 | Explore the State rooms, greenhouses, and gardens of Rideau Hall at your own pace during special summer weekends.
- Sunday, June 28 | Celebrate summer on the Ottawa River with the highly anticipated SOCA BOAT party. Set sail into sunset on Canada Day weekend with tropical rhythms, energetic DJs, and non-stop dancing.
- Sunday, June 28 | Enjoy a refreshing outdoor fitness experience with a series of mat Pilates sessions set against the iconic backdrop of Parliament Hill.
- Sunday, June 28 | Ottawa’s original oyster party is back! Enjoy fresh oysters, craft beer, and live music in a laid-back outdoor setting. At Beyond the Pale Brewing Co.
- Sunday, June 28 | Show your support for the Ottawa BlackJacks at TD Place.
- Monday, June 29 | A powwow is a gathering to celebrate First Nations culture through dance, songs, food and crafts, and is open to all. Held at the National Arts Centre. FREE!
- Tuesday, June 30 | Celebrate diversity and community through a multicultural Canada Day event that brings people together to share traditions and cultural experiences.
