Ottawa Events Calendar

Live from the Booth
2025-07-19 18:00 - 2025-11-22 20:00, 2025-07-26 18:00 - 2025-11-29 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.

Songs from the Shed
2025-07-22 - 2025-11-25, 2025-07-24 - 2025-11-27, 2025-07-29 - 2025-12-02, 2025-07-31 - 2025-12-04, 2025-08-05 - 2025-12-09 | 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.

Theatre Under the Stars: The Girl With No Hands
2025-07-31 - 2025-08-24
Escape into a darkly comic fantasy where an unlikely heroine fights to rewrite her fate. Set beneath the stars on the banks of the Rideau River, Odyssey Theatre’s 39th season presents the world premiere of The Girl With No Hands — a bold, imaginative tale where dreams spark transformation. Experience the magic of open-air theatre in beautiful Strathcona Park.

Queer History of Ottawa Tours
2025-08-03 - 2025-08-24 | City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1, City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1
Explore Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ past on a lively walking tour led by local drag king and public historian Morgan Mercury. Discover stories of queer resilience, activism, and joy while visiting historic sites that have shaped the city’s vibrant community.

Cinq à sept: A ByWard Concert Series
2025-08-07 - 2025-09-11, 2025-08-14 - 2025-09-18, 2025-08-21 - 2025-09-25 | 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3, 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3
In collaboration with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), the ByWard Market District Authority is thrilled to present musicians touring through the National Capital Region and local musicians at this free concert series! Enjoy an array of musical acts every Thursday night beside the iconic ByWard clock. This is an accessible, free outdoor event.

Odyssey Theatre: The Girl With No Hands
2025-08-13 20:00 - 2025-08-24 22:15 | Odyssey Theatre: The Girl With No Hands, 25 Range Rd, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J4
Escape to an imaginative world under the stars where an unlikely heroine fights to rewrite her fate. On the lush banks of the Rideau River in beautiful Strathcona Park, Odyssey’s 39th season presents the world premiere of The Girl With No Hands — a darkly comic fantasy where dreams awaken new realities.
The Girl With No Hands runs from August 3-24, 2025 in Strathcona Park. Performances are Tuesdays – Sundays at 8pm, with pay-what-you-wish Sunday matinees at 2pm.

Lansdowne Park Movie Nights
2025-08-14 - 2025-08-28, 2025-08-21 - 2025-09-04
Enjoy free outdoor movie nights in the South Court every Thursday at sunset. Bring your own chair or grab a seat onsite. In case of rain, movies move inside the Aberdeen Pavilion. For updates or rescheduling due to extreme weather, check the event’s Facebook page.

Capital Fair
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-24 | 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, K1X 1A3, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, K1X 1A3
Featuring a demolition derby, a petting zoo, stunt dogs, and much more!

Capital Pride
2025-08-16 - 2025-08-24 | 403 Bank Street, Ottawa, K2P 1Y6, 403 Bank Street, Ottawa, K2P 1Y6
During the third week of August every year, you can join in diverse celebrations of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ community in parks, streets, clubs and other sites across the city.
Highlights of Capital Pride include sporting events, a Rainbow Party, a family picnic and the always-popular Pride Parade. Choose from a dozen signature events and more than 50 community events—many of them free!
On Festival Weekend, the intersection of Bank Street and Somerset Street West, the centre of Ottawa’s Gay Village, becomes an entertainment hub with live music, a community fair and a beer garden.

Nostalgia Music Festival
2025-08-20 - 2025-08-24 | 1777 Aspenview Way, Orleans, K1C 6S5, 1777 Aspenview Way, Orleans, K1C 6S5
Reconnect with the classic rock songs of your youth at this five day event featuring concerts by the best tribute bands on the planet.
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. Enjoy quality outdoor concerts in an environment customized to provide the best music festival experience possible. All festival-goers have access to a wide variety of quality food and drink vendors, as well as the benefit of large-format screens that provide superior concert visibility from any vantage point. Or opt for the special VIP Section which features a cabaret style seating area with comfortable chairs and tables, plus exclusive bar service and private washrooms.

Five Alarm
2025-08-20 - 2025-09-06 | 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, K1N 7M7, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, K1N 7M7
At the annual Wayne Rose Memorial Chili Cook-Off in Killaloe, Ontario, Ava Rose is determined to break her 16-year losing streak. With the help of a new assistant, Ava takes on her childhood friend-turned-rival in a heated competition. As she searches for the missing ingredients of her late father’s legendary Five Alarm Chili recipe, Ava uncovers more than just culinary secrets—she begins to unravel the mysteries of her own past.
Described by the London Free Press as “a laugh-out-loud journey” and hailed by the Port Stanley News as “an intriguing and delightfully funny romp that keeps you guessing,” this heartwarming comedy promises a perfect blend of humour, heart, and spice.

Big Dyke Weekend
2025-08-21 - 2025-08-23
Maggie May Harder presents the BIG DYKE WEEKEND at Art House, a multi-day celebration of Pride 2025 dedicated to not-cis-man queer communities. Highlights include a low-stimulus craft and social night, an inclusive dance party for trans and gender diverse people, and a dinosaur-themed dance party encouraging creative and playful expression. The venue offers gender-neutral washrooms and one wheelchair accessible washroom; however, there is no wheelchair ramp, and entry involves stairs. A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available. This event takes place on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People.

Metcalfe Plaza
2025-08-21 - 2025-08-23
From August 14 to September 20, the Downtown BIA, in collaboration with Aire Commune and AMASHOWZA, is turning this central space into a high-energy hub of art, music, and culture. Think DJs under the stars, live performances, sweat-worthy fitness classes, buzzing markets, and epic weekend vibes. Whether you’re catching a show, grabbing drinks with friends, or just soaking in the atmosphere, Metcalfe Plaza is where the party’s at.

Oniro
2025-08-21 - 2025-08-25 | 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.

Emily Rose Michaud and Marie Drolet – Illuminated Seasons exhibit
2025-08-21 - 2025-11-02
Illuminated Seasons invites audiences to reflect on the natural beauty woven into the urban fabric of Ottawa and Gatineau. Through their “ecological reflections,” the exhibition celebrates the quiet wonder of rivers, forests, and marshes that shape our everyday surroundings. Artists Marie Drolet and Emily Rose Michaud explore local plant life not as distant subjects, but as living collaborators in both art and life. Their work is rooted in personal connection to the Outaouais region, where memory and landscape intertwine. Free.

Indian Food Festival of Ottawa
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-24
The biggest celebration of Indian cuisine is making its grand return to Ottawa! Enjoy the sizzling sounds (and tastes) of street food, live music, and community coming together to celebrate the rich and diverse flavours of India. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious first-timer, this is your chance to taste, dance, and celebrate like never before.

Gaiafest
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-24
GAIAFEST returns for 2025 with a weekend dedicated to connection, movement, breath, and music. The festival offers yoga, meditation, workshops, guided movement, acro, breathwork, sports, art, nature, and a diverse musical lineup. Set in the beautiful Gatineau hills, GAIAFEST invites attendees to deepen their connection to the land, community, ancestral roots, and themselves.

Public Archaeological Digs
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-24
This Archaeology Month, take part in public archaeological digs. Help recover artifacts at Leamy Lake Park and learn more about the pre-contact (before the arrival of Europeans) history of the region.

North Lanark Highland Games
2025-08-23
The North Lanark Highland Games is a one day event celebrating the Scottish culture and heritage of the Ottawa Valley.
The annual games will be held in the picturesque town of Almonte, Ontario.
The Games offer twenty pipe bands, a hundred dancers and champion heavyweight athletes combining to present what is recognized as one of the Ottawa Valley’s premier summer events.

Driven Ottawa Aftermarket Car Show
2025-08-23 | 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, K1V 2N6, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, K1V 2N6
Visit the Driven Ottawa Aftermarket Car Show to celebrate Canadian car culture! Featuring over 300 vehicles and displays.

Summer Volley & Salsa
2025-08-23
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.

Indigenous Walking Tours
2025-08-23
Explore downtown Ottawa through an Indigenous lens during these guided walking tours led by artist and educator Jaime Morse. Learn how monuments, art, and landscapes reflect the presence and histories of Indigenous Peoples in the city. Tours are offered in English and French, and designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.
