Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, August 20. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
COMING SOON | Don’t miss Broncs & ‘Tonks, Ottawa's premier rodeo and country music event featuring bull riding, bronc riding, Dean Brody and The Reklaws at Ottawa Stadium on August 28.
NEW | Experience Wild Colour, a limited-time exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature! Explore the science of colour in nature through nearly 200 specimens, colourful spaces and hands-on fun for all ages. Kids 17 and under visit free this summer.
For Capital Pride…
- Join in diverse celebrations of Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ community in parks, streets, clubs and other sites across the city for Capital Pride.
- Saturday, August 22 | Local drag talent competes for the crowns of Mr., Mx., and Ms. Capital Pride at the Capital Pride Pageant held at the National Arts Centre. Hosted by Cyril Cinder and judged by Suki Doll, Yovska, and HercuSleaze.
- Saturday, August 22 |The Pride Night Market returns for celebrating the creativity and vibrancy of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the Parkdale Public Market.
For festivals and city-wide events…
- Ongoing | Celebrate Ottawa’s history through a large-scale outdoor experience that transforms farmland into interactive landscape art, the Corn Maze Festival held at Saunders Farm.
- Friday, August 21 to Saturday, August 22 | YOWFest is a cultural music festival this summer in Ottawa that celebrates Canadian and global music culture with a different theme each day.
- Saturday, August 22 | The Queenswood Heights Music Festival brings the community together for a day of live music, local food and family-friendly fun in the heart of Orléans.
- Saturday, August 22 to Sunday, August 23|Celebrate the rich flavours, traditions and culture of Africa at the Ottawa Jollof Festival, a vibrant community event centred around one of the continent’s most beloved dishes. Held at Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau.
- Until Sunday, August 23 | The Ottawa Greek Festival showcases live Greek music, traditional dances, excellent Greek cuisine and more! Held at the Hellenic Event Centre.
- Until Sunday, August 23 | Each summer, the Nostalgia Music Festival presents some of your favourite tunes from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s at Lebreton Flats near downtown Ottawa.
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!
- Various dates throughout the week | Discover local produce, artisanal products and more at Beechwood Market, Elgin Market, Metcalfe, and Nepean. FREE!
For fans of performances…
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | Discover inspirational artists share their musical visions of at the Wood Terrace Series Held at the National Arts Centre. FREE!
- Thursday, August 20 | Feel the rhythm of Latin music every Thursday at an energetic dance night filled with vibrant beats and a lively atmosphere at Casino du Lac-Leamy.
- Friday, August 21 |Enjoy summer evenings filled with live music at Orléans Unplugged, an outdoor concert series showcasing local talent in the heart of the community. FREE!
- Friday, August 21 |Check out Th3rd Fridays, a dance battle series launched in 2018 by Moov Ottawa Dance. Held in the ByWard Market. FREE!
- Friday, August 21 | Head to the ByWard Market every Sunday with open-level dance classes at 3 pm, followed by social dancing at 4 for Salsa Street Seats. FREE!
- Saturday, August 22 | Celebrate summertime with the National Arts Centre with Music on the Canal.
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Thursdays through Saturdays | Experience the energy of summer at Metcalfe Plaza, a vibrant downtown gathering place filled with art, music, and cultural programming. FREE!
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
- Saturday, August 22 | Hop on a historic bus tour through the streets of Ottawa and uncover the vibrant tapestry of Black history in the capital and across Canada. Starting at the YMCA.
- Saturday, August 22 | The North Lanark Highland Games is a one-day event celebrating the Scottish culture and heritage of the Ottawa Valley.
- Saturday, August 22 | Don’t miss the 5K Foam Fest, a one-of-a-kind fun run that includes a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam. Held at Wesley Clover Parks.
- Saturday, August 22 | Check out the Ottawa 200: Celebrating Our Screen Legacy special at the ByTowne Cinema. Learn the stories, talent and creativity that have shaped the city’s screen legacy across genres and formats over the past two centuries. FREE!
- Saturday, August 22 to Sunday, August 23| This Archaeology Month, take part in public archaeological digs in Leamy Lake Park and Phillippe Lake. FREE!
- Wednesday, August 26 | Ottawa’s iconic summer lunchtime activity returns. Every Wednesday at 12 pm, join local yoga instructors for a one-hour outdoor yoga on the lawn of Parliament Hill.
