Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, July 30. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
NEW | Don’t miss Wild Colour’s unforgettable debut in Ottawa! This limited-time exhibition invites you to explore the science of colour in nature, with nearly 200 specimens, colourful spaces, and hands-on fun for all ages. Included with general admission.
For festivals, performances and city-wide events…
- 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!
- Saturday, August 8; Wednesday, August 12 | 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.
- Twist Fibre Festival is a 2-day event featuring dozens of workshops, activities, a local food fair, a textile art exhibit with a modern twist and over 125 exhibitors from all trades of the fibre industry.
- Saturday, August 8 | As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, the Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns on the water as we turn on the water together.
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 6 | 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!
For fans of performances…
- Saturday, August 6 | Hollywood Undead brings their signature rap rock sound to the stage with a high-energy performance rooted in bold style and underground charisma. Held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
- Friday, August 7 | Kam Patterson brings his fast-rising comedy career to the stage with a sharp, high-energy performance defined by quick wit and magnetic presence. Held at Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Saturday, August 8 | Celebrate summertime with the National Arts Centre with Music on the Canal.
- Tuesday, August 11 to Wednesday, August 12 | Catch Grace Petrie, one of the UK’s most urgent and passionate songwriters, at the National Arts Centre.
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!
- Friday, August 7 | Dance to live DJ sets, float under the stars, join the foam party, and catch a spectacular drone light show over the water at Calypso Waterpark.
- Saturday, August 8; Wednesday, August 12| 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 8 | Explore downtown Ottawa through Indigenous guided walking tours led by artist and educator Jaime Morse. FREE!
- Saturday, August 8 | Catch soccer action with Atlético Ottawa at TD Place, where the crowd roars and every goal fuels the city’s soccer fever.
- Saturday, August 8 | Explore Ottawa’s Chinatown with local artist Don Kwan, who grew up in the neighbourhood and shares his unique perspective on this dynamic area.
- Until Sunday, August 9 | Launched in 1946, the Navan Fair has all the countrified events one would expect from a great country fair.
- Sunday, August 9 | Cheer on Ottawa Rapid FC, Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team at TD Place.
- Wednesday, August 12 | Experience the excitement of fireworks from a unique vantage point on the water with the Casino Lac-Leamy Fireworks Cruise.
- Sunday, August 9 | Explore the origins of Ottawa through a guided walking tour that brings the history of Bytown to life.
- Wednesday, August 12 | 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.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Enjoy live entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. FREE!
