Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, August 13. 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.
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 festivals, performances 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.
- Saturday, August 15 |Experience Ottawa’s local music scene in an inviting outdoor setting at Bistrofest, a free festival that celebrates original artists and community connection. Held at Hog's Back Park.
- Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 16 | The Carp Garlic Festival returns with two days of garlic-themed food, live music, and family-friendly fun. Held at Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds.
- Saturday, August 15 | Enjoy pyromusical shows of international calibre, open flame culinary experiences at Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy. Held at the Canadian Museum of History.
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 and Parkdale Market. FREE!
- Thursday, August 13 | 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, August 14 | Discover a lively outdoor evening market celebrating local artisans, makers, and small businesses at the Gloucester Night Market. FREE!
For fans of performances…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa in the Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | Spend your sunsets with us as inspirational artists share their musical visions of culture, identity and tradition at the Wood Terrace Series Held at the National Arts Centre. FREE!
- Starting Friday, August 14 | Don’t miss the Capital Fair, featuring a demolition derby, a petting zoo, stunt dogs, and much more!
- Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16 |The Grand PoutineFest is the must-attend event for all poutine lovers! Experience new menu items, poutine-beverage pairings with microbrews, and a sweets food truck to delight foodies. Held at 320 Bd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau.
- Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16 | Panda Fest returns with an all-Canadian lineup of heavy acts from Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec City and Cornwall.
- Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16 |The Chef’s Table is an exclusive farm-to-table dining experience featuring curated menus from top Canadian chefs, presented alongside live music on the elegant patio of the National Arts Centre’s 1 Elgin Restaurant.
- Saturday, August 15 | Celebrate summertime with the National Arts Centre with Music on the Canal. FREE!
- Saturday, August 15 | Experience Evenings at Zibi, a vibrant waterfront series that brings together food, art, music, and interactive programming in a scenic riverside setting.
- Saturday, August 15 | Amit Tandon brings his signature brand of relatable comedy to the stage with Halwa, a heartfelt and humorous look at the evolution of marriage.
- Tuesday, August 18 | Cirquonscient returns to Strathcona Park with free evening Faerie Pop-up picnics featuring circus arts and aerial acrobatics. FREE!
- Tuesday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 19 | This Archaeology Month, take part in public archaeological digs in Leamy Lake Park and Phillippe Lake. FREE!
- Wednesday, August 19 | Deep Purple, one of the most influential bands in rock history, brings its legendary sound to the stage with a career spanning more than five decades.
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!
- Friday, August 14 |Savor a summer evening on the water with an elegant Sunset and Champagne on the Canal cruise that pairs scenic views with a refined atmosphere aboard Ottawa Boat Cruise.
- Saturday, August 15 | 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 15 |Enjoy a movie while working on your latest crochet, knitting, cross-stitch or whatever project you're working on at Crafter's Movie Afternoon at Mayfair Theatre.
- Saturday, August 15 |Experience the beauty of the marsh after dark on a guided boating adventure inspired by the night sky for the Perseids at Eco-Odyssée Nature Park.
- Saturday, August 15 | Experience the excitement of fireworks from a unique vantage point on the water with the Casino Lac-Leamy Fireworks Cruise.
- Wednesday, August 19 | 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.
