Top things to do in Ottawa this August 2026
16 Minute Read
Summary
- August brings Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks, Navan Fair, Ottawa Greek Festival and the Capital Fair.
- Sports fans can catch Ottawa Titans baseball, Atlético Ottawa soccer, Ironman Canada and outdoor fitness classes.
- Families can enjoy Corn Maze Festival, outdoor movies, live music, farmers’ markets and water activities.
Make the most of summer in Ottawa with a packed August calendar, from spectacular Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks and the lively Navan Fair to the Ottawa Greek Festival, outdoor concerts, and the Capital Fair. Browse farmers’ markets, catch outdoor movie nights, and dive into waterfront adventures like tubing on the Ottawa River.
Explore the best Ottawa events and experiences to make the most of every sunny day before summer ends. Here are the top things to do in Ottawa this August 2026.
Festivals and cultural events
Some of Ottawa's biggest August events include immersive cultural festivals, international fireworks, and vibrant food celebrations held across the city's urban core.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
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Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC
When: Select dates July 31 to August 15, 2026
The summer’s biggest spectacle begins and ends with a bang! This multi-day fireworks show is much more than lights in the sky; it’s a global pyrotechnic musical journey with on-site activities, games, and food.
Ottawa International Busker Festival
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 7 to 9, 2026
Performers take over Sparks Street for a spectacle of fire, flight, comedy and chaos. Witness fire breathers, jugglers, acrobats and magicians strolling or on stages throughout the three-day event.
Water Lantern Festival
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 8, 2026
Receive your lantern kit upon entry and spend the evening enjoying live entertainment, food vendors, music and family-friendly activities. As the sun sets, decorate your lantern with personal messages, hopes or memories before joining thousands of others in a beautiful lantern launch across the water.
Ottawa Greek Festival
Where: 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates from August 13 to 23, 2026
Experience Greek culture with delicious cuisine, live music and traditional dances. Check out the Zorba Show each evening, a high-energy crowd performance featuring fire.
Ottawa African Festival
Where: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 28, 2026
A taste of Africa is brought to the shores of Britannia Beach with live performances.
Taste Of Ottawa
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 29 and 30, 2026
Celebrate global flavours at this first-time food and culture festival, where you can taste international cuisine, shop for creative items, and enjoy live performances.
Fairs
Capital Fair
Where: Intersection Rideau St. & Albion Rd. S, Ottawa, ON
When: August 14 to 23, 2026
Featuring classic fair events and entertainment for the entire family, bring your favourite people for a day of summer fun. There are more than 25 midway rides, carnival games, various live entertainment, agricultural displays, and food vendors.
Navan Fair
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, ON
When: August 6 to 9, 2026
The ultimate summer country fair will make it clear you’ve left the city with a variety of shows and activities. You can expect animal shows, demolition derbies, tractor and horse pulls, live music, game tournaments, musical performances, and more.
Vankleek Hill Fair
Where: 92 Main St. W., Vankleek Hill, Ontario
When: August 13 to 16, 2026
Featuring an action-packed weekend with a massive monster truck show, the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic, a lively demolition derby, agricultural competitions, and a classic midway.
Russell Fair
Where: 1076 Concession St., Russell, Ontario
When: August 13 to 16, 2026
This historic rural tradition delivers classic small-town fun for all ages with adorable farm animals, live music under the sun, a bustling midway packed with carnival games, and a vibrant community parade that the whole family will love.
Sports and fitness events
From professional sports to free outdoor fitness classes, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and cheer on local teams in Ottawa this August.
Ottawa Titans
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, 2026
Take the family out to the ballgame and cheer on Ottawa’s home team. There are many opportunities to catch a baseball game in the city, with games in both the afternoon and evening. Enjoy some classic stadium eats and rock your red-and-white swag.
Grab tickets using your CAA Membership for 30 per cent off Ottawa Titans home game tickets. Save 50 per cent on tickets to the August 22 game and stop by the CAA kiosk to show your Membership card and get a free popcorn.
Ironman Canada
Where: Various locations including Britannia Beach and Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa, ON
When: August 2, 2026
The official race day is on the second, but various events, including the athletes' briefing and a kids’ fun run, will take place in the days leading up to it. Watch athletes compete as they swim, bike, and run across the capital city.
Yoga On The Hill
Where: Tavern on the Hill, 1223 Alexandra Brg., Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays until August 29, 2026
Stretch and breathe deeply as you enjoy views of Parliament and the Ottawa River. Start your Saturday off right; the beautiful backdrop creates an idyllic spot for an outdoor yoga class.
Atlético Ottawa
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 8, 19 and 28
Soak in the vibrant energy throughout the stands as you cheer on Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League team. Wear your favourite red-and-white merchandise, indulge in tasty stadium food, and keep an eye out for the mascot, Wally the T-Rex. Make sure to dress for the weather.
CAA Members enjoy a 20 per cent discount on Atlético Ottawa home games plus a 10 per cent savings on merch!
Swing On The Hill
Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
When: August 8, 2026
A unique way to move and groove on Parliament Hill, learn some new dance moves and step back into another era with swing music. No need to have a partner, join the solo lesson or partner sessions, as well as the social dance times.
Parliament Pilates
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 9, 18 and 30, 2026
Grab your mat and water bottle to gather on Parliament Hill for a free mat pilates class. It’s a picturesque way to get in a midday sweat in the sun.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 9 and 22, 2026
Competing at the highest level of women’s soccer in Canada, experience high-energy matches while enjoying the atmosphere at TD Place Stadium. The team hit several milestones in their inaugural 2025 season, reaching the semi-finals. Rock the team colours blue and orange and check out how they’re playing in their second year!
Save 20 per cent on Ottawa Rapid FC home games with your CAA Membership.
Zumba On The Hill
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2026
Break a sweat under the afternoon sun against the iconic backdrop of Parliament Hill. Follow the steps and swing your hips during a free outdoor Zumba class.
City Hall Salsa
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON
When: August 19 and 26, 2026
Gather for an evening of dancing, featuring two salsa workshops followed by two hours of social dancing. All levels are welcome!
There is also a new salsa series taking place at Lansdowne Park on August 5 and 12, 2026.
Local markets
Explore Ottawa's local markets, where you'll find fresh produce, handmade goods, live entertainment and neighbourhood charm.
Carp Farmers’ Market
Where: 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: Saturdays until October 31, 2026
Live music fills the fairgrounds as you browse a variety of local produce and handmade goods. There are many vendors to shop from, including hot sauce, farm meats, pies, kombucha, perogies, pottery, bread, and more.
The Garlic Festival takes place on August 15 and 16, 2026.
Parkdale Night Market
Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays until October 7, 2026
Community gathers on Wednesdays for a lively outdoor market where you can shop for local goods and enjoy live music.
The Parkdale Market hosts special events, including The Hot Wench Market on August 8 and the Pride Night Market on August 22.
Hintonburg Night Market
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: Thursdays until the end of September 2026
Hunt for locally made gifts, vintage gems and tasty treats at this weekly summer market, as live performers entertain you.
Beechwood Market
Where: New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays until October 31, 2026
Do your weekly produce shop, eat some locally made treats and discover handmade artisan products. One of three Ottawa Street Markets, you’ll find similar weekly markets on Elgin Street and in Alta Vista. Listen to live music each week.
Lansdowne Farmers’ Market
Where: Aberdeen Plaza, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Sundays until October 25, 2026
The central market at Lansdowne is one of five weekly neighbourhood markets in Ottawa where you can buy fresh produce, prepared foods, meats, dairy, and more. Listen to the live music as you shop at more than 85 vendors in Aberdeen Square.
Fetch Local Markets
Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd., Orléans, ON
When: August 8, 2026
This community-focused market celebrates all pups with a monthly event. Help them fundraise for local rescues as you shop with dog-specific vendors and take advantage of services like nail trims.
Live music and performances
Enjoy outdoor concerts, tribute festivals, theatre productions and live performances taking place across Ottawa throughout August.
Cole Swindell
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 4837 Albion Rd. S., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 2026
Grab your cowboy boots and sing along to hits such as She Had Me At Heads Carolina, Single Saturday Night, Break Up in the End and his new single Girl Dad. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this 19+ event.
Wood Terrace Series
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates from August 4 to 27, 2026
On a scenic downtown rooftop, vibe along to different music each week as the sun sets over the city. The concert series is free to attend, but with limited space, make sure to get there early.
Akoustik
Where: St. Charles Market, 135 Barrette St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 5, 12 and 26, 2026
Tune in to Vanier for a free outdoor summer concert series featuring 21 artists over 10 Wednesdays. In August, you can enjoy the sounds of Shawn Tavenier Band, Edra Silva, The Vanier Playboys and other artists.
Signal Hill - East Coast Party
Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 6, 2026
Let the night of music transport you to Canada’s East Coast during Signal Hill’s debut at Overflow. Their sound is a blend of traditional Newfoundland, Irish, and Cape Breton music, with some random hits thrown in.
Groove Oasis
Where: Metcalfe Plaza, 151 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 2026
Food and drinks will be on-site as you dance the night away to a lineup of DJs. Metcalfe Plaza is an outdoor social club that hosts free events throughout the summer.
Orléans Unplugged
Where: 290 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026
A new free concert series has hit the East End of Ottawa, featuring a different local performer each week. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and bring your own chair or grab a bite on a nearby patio as you listen to tunes.
Music On The Canal
Where: Rideau Canal under Rideau St. Bridge, Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays until August 22, 2026
Bring a blanket and a picnic to find a cozy spot along the canal for a soothing summer concert experience of joyful music floating along the Rideau Canal.
Live From The Booth
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays until October 10, 2026
Start your Saturday evening with a free DJ set on Ottawa’s pedestrian street. Let the electronic tunes take you away, dancing into your night.
Max McNown - The Summer Vacation Tour
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 4837 Albion Rd. S., Ottawa, ON
When: August 11, 2026
From his breakout single A Lot More Free to more recent hits including Better Me For You (Brown Eyes) and First Born Daughter, you can catch Max McNown and his heartfelt blend of folk and country performing in Ottawa.
Music In The Park
Where: Parc Tesasini, Gatineau, QC
When: August 12, 2026
A musical summer series in the park features a dynamic lineup of artists across genres from funk to African harp.
Panda Fest
Where: Dominion Tavern, 33 York St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 14 to 16, 2026
It’s about to get loud. Panda Fest returns with 22 Canadian metal bands playing over three days. Some bands in this year’s lineup are Last Dance Among Wolves, Dead Velvet and Taming Sari.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Where: Multiple park locations across Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until August 15, 2026
Pack your picnic blanket for a Shakespeare-in-the-Park experience. Follow along with the story of four young lovers who flee into the woods and encounter quirky characters, including a feuding fairy king and queen. This passionate performance will transport you to the islands of Greece, featuring music from ABBA and Davie Bowie.
Nostalgia Music Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: August 19 to 23, 2026
Throw it back to the 70s, 80s and 90s during an evening of professional tribute band performances. Sing along to your favourite tunes by Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, KISS, Rush and more.
Rock Of The 80s
Where: The Bronson Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 19, 2026
Throw your evening back a few decades as the bands China Crisis, Big Country, The Icicle Works, and The Vapors transport you to the 80s with their music.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Where: Overflow Brewing Co., 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 29, 2026
As one of the defining bands of the mid-2000s alternative music boom, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is taking its breakout album Don’t You Fake It on a 20th anniversary tour. Scream sings hits like Face Down and enjoys special guest bands Calling All Captains and Losers Club.
Outdoor adventures
Make the most of summer with outdoor activities ranging from water sports and paddling to nature walks and family-friendly adventures.
Corn Maze Festival
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Munster, ON
When: Select dates August 1 to 31, 2026
Corn mazes around the city are ready to be explored this month, and Saunders Farm has a brand-new Corn Maze Festival to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary. Get lost in the Ottawa 200 Corn Maze, full of exhibits and stories. You can also enjoy the kids’ playgrounds, wagon rides, zipline, shows and food that you can typically expect at the farm.
Yard, Play & Create Days
Where: Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 15 and 29, 2026
Drop in to The Yard near the food court at Tanger to discover a variety of activities to keep your little ones busy. No need to register, show up to play lawn games, create crafts, join mindfulness exercises and more.
There is a kids' train nearby where your kids can ride around the mall.
Indigenous Walking Tours
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON
When: August 8, 12, 22 and 26, 2026
Explore Ottawa’s landmarks, art and monuments from an Indigenous perspective during a 90-minute walking tour. Celebrate the Indigenous roots across Ottawa’s streets.
Summer At The Farm
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd., Nepean, ON
When: Thursdays through Sundays in August 2026
Meet the farm animals, from sheep and cows to goats and rabbits, and bring your children to the Kids Barn where they’ll discover weekly themed tabletop activities. There is a sensory table, play stations, hay bales to climb on, and plenty of space to use their imagination and run free.
Lansdowne Park Movie Nights
Where: Great Lawn at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2026
Gather your crew to relax under the stars for an outdoor movie screening. The featured August films are Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, Hoodwink Too! Hood vs Evil, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Smurfs.
Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Where: Multiple Ottawa locations
When: August 8, 15, 21 and 29, 2026
It’s movie night! Bring a blanket, chairs, and snacks to settle in for an evening screening under the stars. The featured films being shown in August are Office Space, A Mighty Wind, Turner & Hooch, and Uncle Buck.
Calypso Waterpark
Where: 2015 Calypso St., Limoges, ON
When: Daily in August 2026
Cool off and get your adrenaline pumping with all sorts of waterpark thrills. Race your friends on the Fast Track slide, brave the dark in the Black Hole tunnel, fly down with twists and turns on the Adrenaline, gather your buddies on a raft to slide down the Boomerang, float on an inner tube along the Kongo Expedition and more.
Ottawa Turbo Tubing
Where: Bate Island, Ottawa, ON
When: Daily in August, weather dependent
Paddle, splash and float on the Ottawa River during Ottawa’s only tubing adventure. Board your personal rafting tube, practising your skills on class I and II rapids, taking time to relax and jump from nearby cliff rocks during a 2.5-hour water adventure. A tube, lifejacket, return shuttle, and everything you need are included; bring water-friendly shoes and your bathing suit.
Escape Tours And Rentals
Where: NCC River House, 501 Prom. Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier, Ottawa, ON
When: Most days throughout August 2026
Experience the Ottawa River from a kayak seat or stand-up paddleboard. Float by scenic landmarks, enjoying the breeze from the water on a gorgeous summer day, then head to the NCC River House for a swim or a bite to eat.
Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals also offers bike tours and rentals, and if you’re a CAA Member, you’ll save 10 per cent using coupon code ESCAPECAA1025.
Ottawa Mushroom Society Walk
Where: NCC Greenbelt P18, Ottawa, ON
When: August 2, 2026
Learn how to spot, understand and appreciate wild fungi on this calm outdoor walk. It’s geared toward beginners and combines practical information, fun facts, and time for questions. The morning walk is meant for adults and a general audience, whereas the afternoon Fungi For Families walk is kid-focused.
Get summer savings with CAA
Wherever your summer adventures take you, bring your CAA Membership along for the ride. Get discounts on sporting events, online shopping, entertainment, and dining out.
Sign up today for as low as $30 a year, or stop by your nearest CAA Store, such as CAA Ottawa.
