Top things to do in Ottawa this July 2025
11 Minute Read
Summer is here in Ottawa! Get ready to enjoy everything the season offers, from vibrant food festivals to live music filling the air across the city. Don't miss the newly reopened Westboro Beach, the jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil: OVO, or the legendary Ottawa Bluesfest at Lebreton Flats, featuring headliners like Hozier, Sean Paul, Shania Twain, and Green Day!
Need more ideas for you or your family? We’re here to help with the top things to do in Ottawa this July.
Westboro Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKXFsUZgc0Z/
Where: 745 Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: All year
Explore the newly renovated Westboro Beach, for a family-friendly swimming spot in the city. This transformation has been in the works for several years, and now you can finally enjoy the sun, the sand, and the new ice cream place!
NCC River House
Where: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy., Ottawa, ON
When: Until September 1, 2025
The restored historic NCC River House features a public dock and an enclosed swimming area for those who love to take a dip in the Ottawa River but don’t want a sandy beach. After your swim, explore the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Lab, have a snack on the outdoor patio or rent a kayak next door.
The Comedy Of Errors
Where: Multiple locations in Ottawa, ON
When: Until August 16, 2025
Ottawa’s funniest Shakespeare company, a Company of Fools, presents a unique video game-themed spin on this wacky Elizabethan comedy. This summer, bring your camp chair and join them at a park near you for a night of theatre under the evening sky.
Live From The Booth
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays in June, July, August, September and October, 2025
Who doesn’t love free live music to kick off the weekend? This electronic music concert series is taking over Sparks Street this summer. Dance to the pulse of the beat or enjoy the good vibes from a patio along Ottawa’s iconic pedestrian pathway.
Tea On The Lawn At Billings Estate National Historic Site
Where: 2100 Cabot St., Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays in July 2025
This charming high tea is the perfect complement to your visit to Billings Estate. Enjoy fresh scones and finger sandwiches as you look out over the beautiful gardens. Heritage staff will also highlight the site’s history as you dine.
Learn more
Gibbs Honey Beekeeping Experience
Where: 501 MacCallum's Ln., Vankleek Hill, ON
When: Saturdays and Sundays in July and August 2025
Have you ever wondered how honey gets from the beehive to your table? This beekeeping experience will take you on a journey into the world of bees, from spotting the queen to learning the inner workings of a hive.
National Noon Ceremony And Evening Show
Where: Various locations in Ottawa, ON
When: July 1, 2025
Ottawa’s official Canada Day celebration returns for the nation’s 158th birthday at LeBreton Flats. See iconic Canadian artists like Sarah McLaughlan live, or if concerts aren’t your style, you can watch the Snowbirds on Parliament Hill, attend a drumming workshop at the Supreme Court, or visit the family-friendly activities in Old Hull.
Canada Day Barrhaven
Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 1, 2025
Barrhaven brings the fun this Canada Day with a midway, live music, food vendors and crafts for kids. Soar through the sky on a fair ride or win a prize at a carnival game before you watch the fireworks finale.
Canada Day Orleans
When: July 1, 2025
Where: Petrie Island Beach, 795 Tweddle Rd., Ottawa, ON
Celebrate Canada Day on the beach at this all-ages celebration in Orleans. You can play beach volleyball, check out the magic show, compete in a three-legged race and much more in honour of Canada’s birthday—you won’t want to miss out!
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: July 2 to 6, 2025
Enter the miniature world of OVO, where insect wings flutter, and ordinary objects become larger than life. Breathtaking acrobatics, intricate costumes and stunning visuals come together to tell this story of community and the marvels of nature. Don't miss this unforgettable spectacle!
Gatineau Comedy Festival
Where: Place de la Cité, 570 Bd. de la Cité, Gatineau, QC
When: July 3 to 5, 2025
These francophone comedians will surely entertain with three side-splitting stand-up routines and sketch performances over three days. You can grab tickets for one night or the whole festival if you don’t want to miss out on this barrel of laughs!
The Chef’s Table
Where: 1 Elgin Restaurant, National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON
When: July 3, 4, 5,10, 11 and 12, 2025
This exquisite dining experience brings world-class chefs across Canada to the National Arts Centre for a culinary extravaganza. As you feast on a delectable three-course meal, you’ll also enjoy the live music and the gorgeous views of the Rideau Canal from your table on the patio.
Almonte Celtfest
Where: Gemmill Park, 182 Bridge St., Almonte, ON
When: July 4 to 6, 2025
Celebrate Celtic cultural heritage with live performances, music workshops, artisan vendors and traditional sports demonstrations at Celtfest. Sing some sea shanties, tap your toes to a fiddle tune and bang your head to the bagpipes at this annual festival!
VegOttawa Fest
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 5, 2025
Vendors, eateries and activists are coming together for VegOttawa 2025, a celebration of plant-based lifestyles and a stirring call to action for animal rights and the environment. Have a delicious vegan meal from a local restaurant or listen to informative talks by advocates, chefs and dieticians to learn more about this increasingly popular lifestyle.
Pirate Fest
Where: Pirate Life Ottawa, 588 Hog’s Back Rd., Ottawa, Ontario
When: July 5, 2025
Ahoy mateys! Pirate Fest returns for its second year in Ottawa with a swashbuckling schedule for the whole family. Featuring Jesse Kahat of the NAC’s Toddler Time and a crew of professional pirates, you’ll have the opportunity to dress up, watch a dashing sword fighting demonstration, make pirate puppets and participate in a Pirate Scavenger Hunt at this free event.
Fetch Local Markets
Where: Three market locations in Ottawa, ON
When: July 5, 19 and 26, 2025
Are you a dog lover in the nation’s Capital? This paw-some market series is for anyone who loves to spoil their pup or wants a pet-friendly Ottawa event. Check out the diverse vendors, including services designed especially for your pooch.
Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Where: Multiple locations in Ottawa, ON
When: July 5, 12, 26, and 27, 2025
This free movie event series brings fan-favourite films to a pop-up location near you—no ticket required. Remember to take a lawn chair and snacks, or check out the affordable concessions when you arrive.
Wendover Western Festival
Where: 500 Rue du Centre, Wendover, ON
When: July 9 to 13, 2025
This five-day festival for country music lovers is just a short drive from Ottawa. You'll want to grab your cowboy boots and have a blast jamming out to folksy tunes, getting creative at paint night, playing bingo and more!
Ottawa Bluesfest
Where: Lebreton Flats, Ottawa, ON
When: July 10 to 20, 2025
Each year, Ottawa’s biggest music festival brings artists from around the world to the nation’s Capital. This year’s showstopping lineup features Shania Twain, Green Day, Def Leppard, Hozier and many more. Join the crowd or bring a lawn chair to experience the good vibes, great tunes and sunny summer air.
You can get tickets for just one day or all 10 to enjoy every minute of this genre-spanning festival.
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
Where: Mooney’s Bay Beach, Ottawa, ON
When: July 11 to 12, 2025
Spend an afternoon on the beach volleying, jamming out and raising money for charity. Each year, 10,000 players take over Mooney’s Bay to play in Ottawa’s biggest volleyball tournament, where anyone can register, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. If you’d rather just soak up the sun, grab a ticket to see the all-Canadian musical lineup featuring the Glorious Sons.
Natsu Matsuri Summer Festival
Where: Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset St. E., Ottawa, ON
When: July 12, 2025
Join the Ottawa Japanese Community Association for their annual celebration of Japanese culture. The event will feature tasty Japanese cuisine, live performances and Japanese-themed vendors, including a booth where you can try on a traditional Yukata garment!
Cars & Coffee Ottawa
Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa, ON
When: July 12 and 13, 2025
If you can’t resist the purr of a luxury car’s engine, you’ll need to check out the Lansdowne Automotive Weekend. With over 50 unique and classic cars to admire, this event is your chance to network with other automotive enthusiasts—and raise money for the OSEG Foundation!
SoulRhythms
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 14, 21 and 28, 2025
Take a journey through the beats of Africa and the Caribbean with this free, energetic dance class. Based on traditional folklore with a modern spin, this choreography will exercise your mind, body and spirit.
Summer Maze Days
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, 2025
Ottawa’s most a-maze-ing farm attraction returns for another summer of fun! You won’t want to miss the hayride through lush green farmers’ fields, which will be a highlight of your trip. Play at the splash pad, bounce on a jumping pillow or puzzle through a hedge maze for the ideal summer day in the sun.
Ottawa Lebanese Festival
Where: Saint Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: July 16 to 20, 2025
Ottawa is known for delicious Lebanese food, but you won’t find better flavours than at the annual Lebanese Festival. Enjoy the best of Lebanon and celebrate this vibrant community in the nation’s Capital.
CAA Members can experience the Lebanese Festival for free on opening night—just flash your Membership card at the entrance and enjoy.
Always A Bridesmaid
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: July 16 to August 2, 2025
What would you do to keep a promise to a friend? In this play, four Southern women are about to find out. Head to Canada’s oldest community theatre for a summer comedy about marriage, love and friendship between these lifelong gal pals.
Nature Nocturne: Desert Oasis
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 18, 2025
Have you ever wanted to spend a night at the museum? This after-dark event at the Nature Museum means you can! Immerse yourself in scorching desert days with musical performances, access to the exhibits, a dance floor and more! Don’t forget to dress on theme to get the most out of the experience.
Chamberfest 2025
Where: Various venues across Ottawa, ON
When: July 18 to 27, 2025
Ottawa Chamberfest is a soaring celebration of chamber music worldwide featuring artists from Canada and beyond. Enjoy traditional melodies or boundary-pushing modern interpretations of the genre at venues across the city.
Learn more
Ottawa Flower Market
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: July 20, 2025
At this colourful market, you can pick up some local flowers to bring home. Assemble a bouquet or buy one put together by an expert florist for some fragrant fun!
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 20 and 31, 2025
Northside or Southside? Either way, cheer for your team this July at TD Place. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the REDBLACKS go toe-to-toe with the Tiger-Cats and the Stamps at these home games.
Don’t forget your CAA Membership! Members save 25 per cent on tickets to the game on July 20, 2025.
Fanaticcon
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 20, 2025
Ottawa Fanaticcon is the perfect summer event for self-proclaimed nerds in the Capital. Featuring gaming experiences, collectibles and special guest stars, you’ll want to suit up in your favourite cosplay and check it out.
Learn more
Strathcona Summer Faerie Picnic
Where: Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 22, 2025
This whimsical outdoor circus performance is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Watch the faeries twirl, spin, dance and fly in an aerial acrobatic show that will transport you to a magical world. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in their best faerie costumes to join the fun!
Ottawa Tamil Fest
Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 26, 2025
Join Ottawa’s Tamil community for this lively cultural event. At this celebration for all ages, you’ll spend a day outside enjoying food vendors, watching the dance competition, playing volleyball, and much more.
Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Where: Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Bd. du Casino, Gatineau, QC
When: July 30 to August 16, 2025
Fireworks aren’t just for Canada Day! This experience will take you worldwide with displays from Japan, Australia, Mexico and Canada, outdoor performances, and food vendors to keep the good vibes going all night. Grab a ticket or find a spot along the Ottawa River to see this stunning spectacle!
Carry your CAA Membership with you
Starting at only $30 a year, CAA Members enjoy discounts on everything from museums and sports tickets to restaurants and more. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.
