Things to Do in & Around Ottawa | July 2026

Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this July 2026. Click on the event title for more information.

Canada Day Fireworks Boat Party | July 1st

Ottawa River

Celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa on the water.

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.

Stittsville Canada Day Car Show | July 1st

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!

Canada Day in the capital | July 1st

Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau

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 of course, fireworks (weather permitting).

Our Lady Peace | July 3rd

Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino | 4837 Albion Road

Experience the sound of one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands with a live performance that showcases decades of music and influence. Known for their distinctive style and chart-topping hits, the band delivers an energetic and engaging concert experience. This performance offers a memorable evening of Canadian music and live entertainment.

Ottawa Country Hoedown & Boatcruise | July 4th

Hull Marina

Experience a lively country-themed celebration on the water, where music, dancing, and summer vibes come together along the Ottawa River. This festive cruise invites guests to enjoy country hits in a fun and social atmosphere while taking in scenic views. Blending themed entertainment with an energetic setting, it offers a unique night of music and movement.

The Eddy Street Festival | July 4th

Eddy Street | Gatineau

Celebrate summer at the free Eddy Street Festival—a lively, family-friendly event in the heart of Vieux-Hull. Enjoy entertainment, games, shows, and hands-on activities for all ages as the street comes alive.

Ottawa On Tap Beerfest | July 4th

Canadian Tire | 2135 Robertson Road

Ottawa On Tap Beerfest, presented by Bells Corners BIA, brings together a vibrant selection of breweries alongside a lively atmosphere of entertainment and local flavour. This all-ages event features a dynamic beer garden, a variety of food vendors, live music, karaoke, games, and more. With both familiar favourites and new discoveries to explore, it offers a welcoming neighbourhood celebration for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Gatineau Comedy Festival | July 2nd – 4th

Place de la Cité | Gatineau

A humour festival featuring comedians such as Laurent Paquin, Les Grandes crues, Patrick Groulx, Mehdi Bousaidan and more. The presentations are in French.

African Canadian Association of Ottawa – Multicultural Festival | July 4th

Brewer Park

An outdoor festival featuring cultural performances, food, artisan vendors, family activities, and Ottawa 200 themed programming.

This event is presented with the support of the City of Ottawa through the Community Civic Event Grant.

Natsu Matsuri | July 4th

Sandy Hill Community Centre | 250 Somerset Street East

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

Ottawa River Paddlefest | July 3rd – 5th

OWL Rafting | 40 Owl Lane | Foresters Falls

Celebrate the Ottawa River with a dynamic outdoor festival that brings together paddling, community, and nature. Featuring instructional clinics, live music, film screenings, and hands-on activities, the event invites participants of all experience levels to connect with the waterway and its culture. Set in a scenic environment, it offers an engaging way to explore outdoor recreation and community spirit.

Hog’s Back – A Storied Landscape | July 9th

Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro

Explore the evolving landscape of the Hogs Back area through a guided experience that reveals the connection between nature, engineering, and urban development. This engaging tour highlights the transformation of the Rideau Canal and its surrounding environment through history and design. With scenic views and fascinating insights, it offers a deeper look into Ottawa’s unique heritage.

Adisoke | July 9th

Wabano Centre | 299 Montreal Road | Ottawa (Vanier)

Experience an evening of storytelling that celebrates Indigenous voices, traditions, and cultural expression. Through personal narratives, teachings, and reimagined stories, the event invites audiences to listen, reflect, and connect in a meaningful way. This powerful gathering highlights storytelling as a living practice that strengthens community and understanding.

Hot Girl Hangout | July 11th

70B Beech St

We”re celebrating 1 year of 3 Cuties Thrift and we’re doing it HOT! We’re throwing the ultimate free to attend celebration for our cuties who made it all possible. We will have everything you love in one place; burgers, Italian eats, coffee & matcha, tattoos, piercings, permanent jewelry, tooth gems, local artisans and of course the best thrifting! (duh)! Pull up cute, bring your besties and celebrate with us! Baddie energy all day long. See you there, cuties.

All British Car Day | July 11th

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 general public

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest | July 11th

Mooney’s Bay Park

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.

Ghana Fest 2026 | July 11th

100 brewer way park | 100 brewer way park

Celebrate Ghanaian culture at Ghanafest, a vibrant outdoor event filled with music, food, and lively performances. Featuring traditional cuisine, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities, the festival offers an immersive experience that highlights global traditions. This energetic gathering creates a joyful atmosphere of community, culture, and celebration.

Wendover Western Festival | July 9th – 11th

Wendover

A rural festival with music, crafts and more! Everyone is invited to join the fun for a wonderful week!

Pilates in the Park | July 11th

Lansdowne

Pilates in the Park offers a refreshing outdoor fitness experience in the heart of Ottawa, blending movement with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This all-levels class combines upbeat music with a full-body workout designed to build strength and flexibility while enjoying fresh air and green surroundings. Participants can expect to move at their own pace, feel energized and leave with a sense of balance and connection after a revitalizing session in the summer sunshine.

Pages & Pleasures | July 11th

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre | 200 Coventry Road

Discover a celebration of romance literature that brings together authors, publishers, and creators in an engaging and welcoming setting. Explore a wide range of books and unique literary-inspired goods while connecting with writers and fellow readers. This vibrant gathering offers an immersive experience for those who enjoy storytelling, creativity, and community.

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Live in Concert with the NAC Orchestra | July 9th – 11th

National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street

The National Arts Centre Orchestra presents Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, featuring Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer’s score performed live to the film.

Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and his production team have scored each Pirates of the Caribbean adventure for the franchise. The original score raised the bar for thematic complexity with its orchestral swashbuckling flavour, accentuated by the use of horns for melody. Presented in English with French subtitles.

Hintonburg 5K and 1K | July 12th

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!

Vintage Vehicle Experience | July 12th

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | 2940 Old Montreal Road

Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era! Chat with car owners and see partially restored, restored, and un-restored vehicles from before 1940. Discover how Ford Model T and Model A cars transformed over the 20s and 30s. Take a ride around the village in a vintage vehicle (weather and conditions permitting).

Benin International Musical | July 14th

National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street

BIM (Benin International Musical) brings together five musician‑vocalists who share stories of the African continent and its histories through a powerful blend of sound and storytelling. Rooted in Beninese culture and the voodoo tradition, the group challenges common misconceptions, drawing on voodoo’s life‑affirming philosophy and its deep connection to land and community. Fusing rock and rap with traditional rhythms, BIM transforms each performance into a contemporary ritual.

Coheed and Cambria | July 14th

Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino | 4837 Albion Road

Experience a high-energy concert from Coheed and Cambria, a band known for blending rock, progressive elements, and imaginative storytelling. Featuring dynamic performances and distinctive soundscapes, the show captivates audiences with its creativity and intensity. This engaging concert offers an immersive musical experience for fans of alternative and progressive rock.

Fanaticcon | July 18th

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!

Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival | July 18th

Sandy Hill Community Centre | 250 Somerset Street East

Experience a vibrant outdoor celebration featuring a colourful parade, live music, and cultural performances. This lively festival invites visitors to enjoy interactive activities and a welcoming community atmosphere that highlights global traditions. With engaging sights and sounds, it offers a joyful and immersive cultural experience.

Touch-A-Truck | July 18th

Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue

Get hands-on with the machines that power the landscaping industry during this free, family-friendly event. Kids and adults alike can explore a range of industry vehicles and equipment in a fun and educational setting. A quiet hour runs from 9 to 10 a.m. for a more sensory-friendly experience. Bring a picnic, enjoy the green space and learn more about this essential profession in a welcoming community environment.

Ottawa Lebanese Festival | July 15th – 19th

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.

Mud Girl Run | July 18th – 19th

Wesley Clover Parks | 401 Corkstown Road

Enter into 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.

Ottawa Bluesfest | July 9th – 19th

LeBreton Flats

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!

Dance at Zibi | July 23rd

Warehouse at Zibi | 28 Booth Street

Get ready to hype up your evening at Zibi with Synaptik Dance Crew, as we celebrate the best of BTS in honour of their comeback and summer tour! Join us for a high-energy K-pop dance experience, where you’ll learn some of the legendary boy group’s most iconic moves taught by passionate local dancers! ARMYs, are you ready?

Almonte Craft Beer Fest | July 24th

14 Bridge Street | Mississippi Mills

Enjoy cold craft brews, delicious eats, and live music along the Mississippi River at the Almonte Craft Beer Fest. Back by popular demand, this outdoor summer event features nine local alcohol producers and food vendors like The Almonte Butcher Shop and Hummingbird Chocolate. Kick back to the sounds of Silver Creek outside the scenic Old Town Hall.

Ottawa Central Park Community Association – Family Fun Day | July 25th

200 Central Park Drive

A neighbourhood celebration featuring games, arts, storytelling, and a Bytown 200 “Capsules in Time” activity collecting community memories.

This event is presented with the support of the City of Ottawa through the Community Civic Event Grant.

Ottawa Tamil Fest – Kondattam | July 25th

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.

Fit Fest Summer | July 25th

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.

VegOttawa Fest | July 25th

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre | 200 Coventry Road

Celebrate plant-based living with delicious food, inspiring speakers and local vendors at VegOttawa Fest. Whether you are vegan or veg-curious, enjoy tasty samples, connect with the community and discover a kinder, greener way to live. Do not miss out!

Mud Hero | July 25th

Commando Paintball Action Centre | 4565 Dunning Road | Navan

Conquer 6 km of epic obstacles, mud pits and fun at Mud Hero! Perfect for all fitness levels, this unforgettable adventure combines teamwork, laughs and a party vibe. Gather your crew and join Ottawa’s most thrilling obstacle race experience!

Are you ready to get muddy?

Parasol Festival | July 16th – 26th

Casino du Lac-Leamy | 1 Casino Boulevard | Gatineau

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.

Euro Summer Night : Social Mixer & SpeedNetworking | July 31st

Terrasse Secrète (Boujie) | Gatineau

Join Euro Summer Night for a fun in-person mixer and speed networking to meet cool people and make new connections!

This evening is designed to help ambitious women meet more people in one night than they might otherwise meet in months.

Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, photographer, realtor, marketer, hairstylist, esthetician, makeup artist, wellness professional, or simply looking to expand your circle, this event is for you.

IRONKIDS | July 31st

Confederation Park

Part of IRONMAN Canada’s Race Week celebrations, IRONKIDS Ottawa offers a chance for children ages 1 to 17 to take part in fun, age-appropriate runs. Designed to encourage movement and community spirit, this family-friendly event is an energetic way to introduce kids to the excitement of race week.