Ottawa Events Calendar

Songs from the Shed
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.

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.

Live from the Booth
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.

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.

Wood Terrace Series
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-16 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Spend your sunsets under the stars as inspirational artists share their musical visions of culture, identity and tradition. Access the NAC terrace directly from Elgin Street, the canal, or the Mackenzie King Bridge and take in the best free beats offered in Ottawa this summer.
Outdoor concerts every Tuesday and Wednesday night. Limited seating available. Please bring a chair to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment.

Black history in Ottawa Streets
2025-07-16 | 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.

City Hall Salsa
2025-07-16 | City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1, City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1
Join the summer Latin dance event, free of charge at Ottawa City Hall on Wednesdays in July and August. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, everyone is warmly welcome!

Akoustik at St. Charles
2025-07-16
Akoustik at St. Charles is a free outdoor live music event in Vanier. Enjoy performances by local artists in a relaxed open-air setting at the St. Charles Market. A celebration of community and culture, open to all.

Les Rats d'Swompe
2025-07-16 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Originally from Northern and Eastern Ontario, Les Rats d’Swompe are proud French Canadians, brought together to introduce people to the sound of the traditional violin, call and response songs and the musicality of yesteryear. Based in Ottawa, Les Rats d’Swompe are five plaid lumberjacks who take the stage to fuse elements of traditional folk music, rock, pop and punk. These young but experienced musicians are one of the few groups to bring Franco-Ontarian folklore to life. Les Rats d’Swompe are a high energy act that will make you want to sing and dance.

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.

ByWard Night Market
2025-07-17 | 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3, 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3
The ByWard Night Market is back and better than ever! Shop a curated selection of handmade goods from local artisans, enjoy delicious food from diverse vendors, and immerse yourself in a lively, vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect evening to eat, shop, and take in the sights of the ByWard Market.
Don’t miss the fun—come out and experience it all!

Music on the Canal
2025-07-17 | 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.

Le Sacre de Lila
2025-07-17 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Ismaël Mouaraki explores trance with a group of male dancers in his new creation, drawing inspiration from Lila ceremonies, mystical and musical traditional celebrations from his native Morocco. Through them, he also retraces his own journey in front of the audience. Choreography by Ismaël Mouaraki, a production by Destins Croisés.

High tea on the veranda
2025-07-17 - 2025-07-18 | 335 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, K1N 6R4, 335 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, K1N 6R4
Laurier House National Historic Site and Working Title Kitchen invite you to enjoy decadent pastries, delightful desserts, and high tea on the verandah of this historic home. After tea, explore the residence that was once home to two of Canada’s longest-serving prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Abbas Wahab - The Joyride Tour
2025-07-17 - 2025-07-18
Catch Canadian comedian Abbas Wahab on his North American Joyride Tour at LIVE On Elgin. Known for his sharp, electrifying humor and viral social media series, Abbas brings a hilarious take on life and work. Don’t miss this rising star’s unforgettable performance.

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.

Symphonic Waves
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:30 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1, Canada
Step into a special summer concert that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Come as you are, bring your friends, and let Beethoven sweep you away with pure sound and emotion! You are invited to experience the magic of bold and live orchestral music.
Get ready to be amazed by Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, a Canadian pianist who plays with heart, soul, and incredible talent. His performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 will pull you in from the first note and keep you captivated until the last.
Then, feel the playful energy and joy of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, a spirited masterpiece that sparkles with rhythmic excitement and charm.
As an extra treat, discover Jean Coulthard’s “Endymion,” a dreamy, poetic piece inspired by Greek mythology—perfect for a warm summer evening.
This is your chance to experience music that will move you deeply.
Come as you are, bring a friend, and let the music sweep you away!

Ottawa BlackJacks
2025-07-17 19:30 - 22:30 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
The Ottawa BlackJacks are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Ottawa. They compete in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Edmonton Stingers
2025-07-17 19:30 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Edmonton Stingers
BlackJacks return for the 2025 CEBL Season, taking on Edmonton Stingers

Abbas Wahab LIVE in Ottawa | The Joyride Tour
2025-07-17 19:30 - 2025-07-18 22:00 | Abbas Wahab LIVE in Ottawa | The Joyride Tour, 220 Elgin St #2, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Catch Viral Comedian Abbas Wahab on his North American Joyride Tour, July 17th and 18th at LIVE On Elgin!
Abbas Wahab is a New York-based, Canadian comedian and actor. He’s been featured on Just For Laughs and Edinburgh Fringe festivals, and is best known most recently for his role as SWAT officer in M.Night Shyamalan’s Trap. Wahab has also appeared in TV shows, such as The Boys, What We Do In The Shadows, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He has garnered a loyal following of over 125k fans on Instagram and 220k on TikTok. Abbas is best known for his viral ”job interview” and ”automotive marketing” series, which parody the behind-the-scenes hiring and advertising of major brands. His comedic style has been described as electrifying and sharp, with grounded storytelling. Don’t miss him on the road!
Check out Abbas Wahab on Instagram and TikTok > @abbaswahab

Movies in the Park - The Mitchells vs the Machines
2025-07-17 20:45 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada

Capital Pop-Up Cinema
2025-07-18
Bringing families and friends together to experience classic movies under stars. This is a free event for all!
