Ottawa Events Calendar

Songs from the Shed
2025-07-01 - 2025-11-04, 2025-07-03 - 2025-11-06, 2025-07-08 - 2025-11-11, 2025-07-10 - 2025-11-13, 2025-07-15 - 2025-11-18, 2025-07-17 - 2025-11-20 | Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7, Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7
A collaboration between the Downtown BIA and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is bringing local music to The Shed on Sparks Street all summer long! The lunchtime concert series, Songs from the Shed, will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm-1:30pm. Music lovers from the Ottawa region are invited to come enjoy lunch outdoors with a variety of captivating singer-songwriters in solo or duo formations. The project will be run by Ottawa’s own Jessy Lindsay, bilingual singer-songwriter and program coordinator.

Summertime science!
2025-07-02 - 2025-09-01 | 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, K1G 5A3, 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, K1G 5A3
Summertime science! is a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and exploration—all summer long! From immersive dome films and outdoor experiments to vintage train rides and behind-the-scenes tours, visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of science-themed activities, indoors and out.

Relief of the Sentries
2025-07-05 - 2025-08-04 | 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0A1, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0A1
Sentries will be mounted at the front door and front gate of Rideau Hall.
The rotation of sentries between the Guard Room and the sentry posts takes place every hour beginning from 10 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m.

Live from the Booth
2025-07-05 18:00 - 2025-11-08 20:00, 2025-07-12 18:00 - 2025-11-15 20:00 UTC
This summer, Sparks Street pulses with the energy of Ottawa’s electronic music scene through Live from the Booth, a free outdoor concert series presented by the Downtown BIA and Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). Every Saturday evening, local DJs and electronic artists transform the pedestrian mall into a vibrant dance floor, offering music enthusiasts an energetic start to their weekends.

Ottawa Bluesfest
2025-07-10 - 2025-07-20 | , Ottawa, , Ottawa
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 the world’s top-10 outdoor music festivals!
Having long since moved beyond blues to showcase all sorts of music, Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the largest international music events in the world. Crowds have cheered on performers ranging from Sting, Buddy Guy and Donna Summer to Skrillex, Kanye West, The White Stripes, the Dixie Chicks and Lady Gaga. The festival also showcases Canadian artists, like The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, and many local acts.
Dance all day and long into the night at LeBreton Flats, a vast outdoor site next to the Canadian War Museum, just outside of downtown Ottawa. Between shows, fuel up with food and drink from a wide range of vendors and explore fun on-site activities. With hundreds of concerts spread out over almost two weeks in July, this massive festival offers something for just about every musical taste!

Linger | Claire Desjardins
2025-07-10 - 2025-07-26
Wall Space Gallery is proud to present a solo show by Claire Desjardins. This new body of work explores the quiet, lasting emotions that remain as life moves forward. Through softened palettes and abstract forms, Desjardins reflects on memory, loss, and daily comforts—inviting viewers to pause and connect with the stillness within.

THINGS WHICH ARE PER SE CONTINUOUS: The Michael Nesbitt Collection, Winnipeg
2025-07-11 - 2025-12-15 | 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4
This exhibition celebrates a major gift to the National Gallery of Canada from Winnipeg collector Michael Nesbitt. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works, it explores connections between Nesbitt’s transformative donation and the Gallery’s permanent collection. Anchored by Lawrence Weiner’s evocative text piece, the exhibition highlights the enduring impact of artistic continuity across time and space.

Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge
2025-07-14 - 2025-08-31 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
This pop‐up exhibit by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights speaks to decades of human rights violations against 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians who wanted to serve their country and the brave activists who fought back. It is designed to educate and inspire Canadians to help create a future in which the rights of all 2SLGBTQI+ people are respected.

Ottawa Lebanese Festival
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-20
Experience the vibrant flavours and rich culture of Lebanon at the Ottawa Lebanese Festival! Enjoy delicious food, lively entertainment, and cultural heritage. Since 1990, this festival has celebrated the deep roots and traditions of the Lebanese community in Ottawa.

Parasol Festival
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-26 | 15 rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, J8X 0C2, 15 rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, J8X 0C2
What started as a craft beer festival has evolved into a full summer experience — a warm atmosphere, a unique setting, tasty discoveries… a true little getaway.

Always a Bridesmaid
2025-07-16 - 2025-08-02 | 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, K1N 7M7, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, K1N 7M7
Four lifelong friends made a pact on prom night to always stand by each other—as bridesmaids. Now, more than 30 years later, these Southern besties are still keeping that promise, supporting one another through every wedding, no matter how chaotic.
Join this laugh-out-loud journey as the beleaguered bridesmaids navigate the ups and downs of love, marriage, and friendship, proving that true bonds stand the test of time.
Praised as “uproarious… cleverly structured, flawlessly written” by the Smithfield Herald, and described as “heart-warming and hilarious” by Charity Apple of the Times-News, this comedic celebration of friendship and love is not to be missed.

Oniro
2025-07-17 - 2025-07-21 | 399, route 323 North, Montebello, J0V 1L0, 399, route 323 North, Montebello, J0V 1L0
Experience a magical forest walk at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through light, sound, and immersive storytelling. Created by artist Michel Lemieux, ONIRO features 17 illuminated scenes along a 60-minute trail. First departures begin at sunset.

Stewart Park Festival
2025-07-18 - 2025-07-20
Three days of free music by the water held in the beautiful Stewart Park located in downtown heritage Perth.

Ottawa Chamberfest
2025-07-18 - 2025-07-27 | , Ottawa, , Ottawa
During the world’s largest chamber music festival each summer, you can delight in 120 concerts in Canada’s capital by leading international ensemble and solo musical artists.
For two weeks in late July and early August, some of the city’s most beautiful—and acoustically marvellous—churches, museums, galleries, theatres and heritage sites host indoor and outdoor performances by internationally renowned artists. Plus, the festival offers unique late-night Chamberfringe programming, which combines classical music with comedy, film, fantasy…and, sometimes, even cannabis!
Festival headliners have included Quatuor Danel, Kuné, Adrianne Pieczonka, Suzie LeBlanc, Angela Hewitt and the Canadian Brass.
Ottawa Chamberfest also hosts special programming throughout the year, so you can always get your chamber music fix!

Light at Night Kayaking
2025-07-19
Join in for an enchanting “Light at Night” kayaking experience in downtown Ottawa. This 2.5 hour, 5.5km paddle along the Rideau Canal offers a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty and camaraderie.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paddler, this leisurely-paced tour is an excellent opportunity to meet other paddling enthusiasts while exploring one of Ottawa’s most iconic waterways.

Yoga at the Gallery
2025-07-19 | 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0G8, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0G8
Start your weekend with Pure Flow yoga on the patio at Tavern at the Gallery. Join Brittany Bryden every Saturday morning this summer for an energizing outdoor class surrounded by art and nature.

Fetch Local Markets
2025-07-19
Celebrate local love (and pups!) at Fetch Local Markets, a monthly dog-friendly event featuring 30+ local makers, great vibes, and free entry. From May to October, explore unique finds and community fun — leashes encouraged!

Black history in Ottawa Streets
2025-07-19 | W.E.P., 111, Albert Street,, Ottawa, K1P 1A5, W.E.P., 111, Albert Street,, Ottawa, K1P 1A5
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. Each stop shares stories of resilience, culture, and community.

Cumberland Farmers' Market
2025-07-19 | 1115 Dunning Rd, Cumberland, K4C 1P6, 1115 Dunning Rd, Cumberland, K4C 1P6
Cumberland Farmers Market offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere filled with music, fresh food, and community spirit. Discover fresh vegetables, pasture-raised meats, local chicken and mushrooms, maple syrup, honey, berries, garlic, and more.

Don Kwan's Chinatown Walking Tour
2025-07-19 | City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1, City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1
Explore Ottawa’s Chinatown with local artist Don Kwan, who grew up in the neighbourhood and shares his unique perspective on this dynamic area. Learn about the history, public art, and vibrant culture through stories and personal insight. Each tour ends with a special guest activity.

Hartwells Lockstation
2025-07-19 | 25 Eddy St 6th Fl (25-6-Y), Gatineau, K1A 0M5, 25 Eddy St 6th Fl (25-6-Y), Gatineau, K1A 0M5
Join Parks Canada and hundreds of your fellow paddlers for this free mass paddling event on the Rideau Canal.
Paddlers of all skill levels and backgrounds will come together for a special event celebrating our community.
Imagine a ‘flash mob’ of colourful canoes and kayaks, descending upon of Hartwells Lock for a celebratory lockage.

No cost to register; all abilities are welcome
Bring your own canoe/kayak + PFD’s for all participants
Spectators are encouraged to watch from land

Come feel the excitement with Parks Canada at this unique event in your own backyard.

Music on the Canal
2025-07-19 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Celebrate summer with Music on the Canal, the NAC’s floating concert series on Thursdays and Saturdays in July. Featuring artists such as Miguel de Armas and DYSTOH perform live as the boat glides between the National Arts Centre and Dow’s Lake, filling the Rideau Canal with joyful sound.

Summer Volley & Salsa
2025-07-19
Spend your Saturday evening on the beach with volleyball, an intro salsa lesson, and dancing. Equipment, music, and good vibes are provided—just bring your swimsuit, water, and sunscreen. Free event.
