THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND OTTAWA | JULY 2025

02.07.2025 | Community |
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Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this July 2025. Click on the event title for more information.

Canada Day in the capital | July 1 

Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau 

Join Canadians and visitors dressed in red and white as they take part in the biggest Canada Day party in the country each year on July 1 in Canada’s capital region! 

This epic celebration features a variety of free programming at official sites in Ottawa and Gatineau, including interactive activities, appearances by dignitaries and special guests, live performances by top and emerging Canadian musicians, and impressive fireworks show (weather permitting)!

Ooh Fest | June 28 – July 1 

ByWard Market | 73 York Street

Shop, dance, and celebrate at Ooh Fest, a three-day vintage market and open-air party in the ByWard Market. Browse 120+ vendors, enjoy live DJs, and soak up the good vibes all Canada Day weekend long.

Canada Day Orléans | July 1 

Petrie island | Ottawa

Celebrate Canada Day in Orléans with a full day of family fun at Petrie Island. Enjoy cultural performances, beachside activities, water competitions, and entertainment for all ages.

Stittsville Canada Day Car Show | July 1 

Frederick Banting Alternative High School | 1453 Stittsville Main Street

Celebrate Canada Day in style at the Third Annual Stittsville Car Show on Main Street. Enjoy classic cars, live music, a local market, and a 50/50 draw for participants. Awards will be presented at 3:30 PM—no registration fee this year!

Fireworks Boat Party | July 1 

Ottawa River

Set sail on Ottawa’s top boat party with live DJs, rooftop dancing, and fireworks over the water. Enjoy sunset views, a full-service bar, and a high-energy night on the river.

Pirate Fest | July 5

Pirate Life | 588 Hog’s Back Road

Yo ho ho there mateys! There will be fun family-friendly pirate themed activities throughout the day and crafty local vendors on site. 

Learn how to sword fight with pool noodle swords, bring your lunch and picnic with a pirate, see a fantastic puppet show, make pirate flags, get your face painted, compete in our pirate costume contest and more!

Ottawa On Tap Beerfest | July 5

Canadian Tire | 2135 Robertson Road

At Ottawa on Tap Beerfest, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of local craft beers plus enjoy live music, games for kids and adults, and karaoke. 

Almonte Celtfest | July 4-6

Gemmill Park | Almonte

A fun weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment, a time to share the historical Celtic traditions with today’s local performers. Celtfest also presents a select group of unique artisans and vendors of specialty goods with a Celtic flair.

Cirque Italia Water Circus | June 27 – July 7

St. Laurent Shopping Centre | 1200 St Laurent Blvd

Come along for the ride when a 1950s-obsessed adolescent falls asleep and dreams of living in this revolutionary era.

This high-octane show is guaranteed to captivate and engage every kiddo.

Master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics and even a wheel of death!

Art+ Summer Showcase | July 11 – 12

Arts Court | 2 Daly Avenue

Celebrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and pluralism in the arts, including local artists from all Western and non-Western art disciplines.

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest | July 11 – 12

Mooney’s Bay Park | Ottawa

North America’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, with more than 25,000 players and spectators and a wide variety of entertainment events featuring prominent artists.

Natsu Matsuri | July 12

Sandy Hill Community Centre | 250 Somerset Street East

Celebrate the Japanese community this summer at Natsue Matsuri, the Summer Festival. Enjoy delicious Japanese food, activities, crafts, performances and much more!

Expo Orléans | July 12

Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard

Expo Orléans 2025 celebrates the vibrant artistic and entrepreneurial spirit of Orléans. Discover the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans and creators at this dynamic community event.

Fit Fest Ottawa | July 12

Immaculata Turf field | 140 Main Street

As they explore Fit Fest, visitors will encounter an array of local health and wellness vendors showcasing their products and services, alongside big-name brands bringing the latest innovations in fitness gear and nutrition. Attendees can sample delicious and nutritious food and drinks, curated to nourish both body and soul, supporting their wellness journey.

All British Car Day | July 12

Clarke Fields Park | 93 Houlahan Street

This unique event is dedicated to showcasing legendary classic cars from Great Britain, including Rolls Royce, Bentley, MG, Austin-Healey, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Sunbeam and Mini.

This family-friendly event is free for the public.

Hintonburg 5K and 1K | July 13

Wellington West neighbourhood

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete aiming for a personal best or a first timer, the Hintonburg 5K welcomes walkers and runners of all levels. 

With its urban route and lively atmosphere, this event brings together families, friends and communities for a super fun morning at Parkdale Park – sign up now and don’t miss this one-of-a-kind race experience! 

Cars & Coffee Ottawa (Lansdowne Automotive Weekend) | July 12 – 13

Lansdowne Park | 1015 Exhibition Way

Cars & Coffee Ottawa (Lansdowne Automotive Weekend) is a curated celebration of automotive passion—where collector, rare, and one-of-a-kind vehicles take center stage at one of the city’s most iconic venues. This two-day event transforms Lansdowne Park into a living gallery of design, performance, and innovation. Expect a fresh mix of entertainment, local talent, vendors, and a featured fashion showcase on Sunday that blends car culture with creative expression.

Aloha: Hawaiian Cruise | July 13

799 Rue Jacques-Cartier | Gatineau

Experience the vibrant spirit of the islands on the Aloha Hawaiian Cruise along the Gatineau River. Enjoy music, dancing, and family-friendly fun perfect for hula dancers and those looking to relax. Grab your grass skirt and leis for an unforgettable tropical escape close to home!

Le Sacre de Lila | July 17

National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street

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. 

Hartwells Lockstation | July 19

Hartwells Lockstation | 901 Hartwells Locks Lane

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.

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

Fanaticcon | July 20

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre | 200 Coventry Road

Fanaticcon is Ottawa’s ultimate fan experience, perfect for all pop culture enthusiasts! This convention showcases the best in vintage toys, comics, retro games, unique art, costuming, exclusive show items, entertainment, special guests, and much more. 

With over 140 exhibitor spaces featuring comics, toys, games, and countless other treasures, Fanaticcon is a must-attend event for fans of all ages. Don’t miss out on this expanded unique pop culture celebration!

Ottawa Lebanese Festival | July 16 – 20

Saint Elias Centre | 750 Ridgewood Avenue

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.

Ottawa Bluesfest | July 10 – 20

LeBreton Flats | Ottawa

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!

Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival | July 25

Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue

Snack, shop, and soak in the vibes at Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival! Indulge in delicious vegan treats, shop local art and self-care goodies, and discover amazing small businesses—all at the iconic Parkdale Market. A night of plant-based bites and creative delights awaits! 

Ottawa Tamil Fest – Kondattam | July 26

Clarke Fields Park | 93 Houlahan Street

Tamil Fest Kondattam is a vibrant celebration that brings together all communities to experience Tamil culture through live music, dance, sports, food and cultural displays. All are welcome at this free event featuring performances, games for all ages, traditional cuisine and activities for children and seniors — culminating in an energetic evening of music and dance that highlights community, unity and cultural pride.

Parasol Festival | July 16 – 26 

Clarke Fields Park | 93 Houlahan Street

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.

Commissionaires Ottawa Open | July 21 – 27 

Eagle Creek Golf Club | 109 Royal Troon Lane

The Commissionaires Ottawa Open is an annual PGA TOUR Canada tournament held at Eagle Creek.

Mud Girl Run | July 26 – 27 

Wesley Clover Parks | 401 Corkstown Road

Enter this uniting and empowering experience called MUDGIRL. A 5km walk/run with 17+ obstacles that’s achievable by all.

You’ll face mud, obstacles and inflatables in an amazing atmosphere surrounded by women of all ages and all fitness levels.

your friends, family or even your colleagues and be a part of the strong #PinkArmy community.

Side By Side Weekend | July 25 – 27 

Club SAW | 67 Nicholas Street

Side By Side Weekend is a communal festival with shows curated in collaboration with some of the best indie bookers around, featuring the finest local and regional independent musical talent.

Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour | July 29 

Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive

Multi-platinum global superstar Katy Perry announced a run of Canada dates on her 2025 ‘The Lifetimes Tour.’ The tour supports Katy’s seventh studio album, 143, which was released September 20, 2024 via Capitol Records.

Dance at Zibi | July 31

Warehouse at Zibi | 28 Booth Street

Enjoy free outdoor dance lessons at Zibi, presented by the National Arts Centre. No experience required, just a desire to move and have fun.

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