Top things to do in Ottawa this July 2026
15 Minute Read
Summary
- Top things to do in Ottawa in July 2026 span Canada Day celebrations, festivals, concerts, markets and outdoor experiences.
- Key highlights include Canada Day events across the capital, the Lebanese Festival, Festival Parasol, and Ottawa Bluesfest.
- Additional activities range from live music and comedy shows to night markets, outdoor movies, sports games, and seasonal experiences like berry picking and swimming.
Summer is in full swing, and while the days are hot and the nights are long, take advantage of all the fun things to do in Ottawa this July.
The month of music and cultural festivals, scenic outdoor workouts and, of course, Canada Day festivities is here. Celebrate Canada’s birthday with activities spread across the capital and evening fireworks.
There are still countless markets to visit for weekly grocery shopping and to discover unique gems. Check out Ottawa teams' sporting events, flower farm days, and unique experiences from beekeeping afternoons to stargazing evenings. There are so many different things to do in Ottawa come July!
Canada Day events in Canada’s Capital Region
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Where: LeBreton Flats Park, Supreme Court of Canada and other locations in Ottawa
When: July 1, 2026
There is nothing like celebrating Canada’s birthday in the capital! There are free events across the city with many attractions and activities around the downtown core.
Play games for prizes, participate in a collective art piece, get personalized pictures in a photobooth, challenge yourself on a climbing tower, sip on Tim Hortons and join a dance party at LeBreton Flats Park.
Start Canada Day with a peaceful yoga session, join a group party bike ride, create some arts and crafts, play in a drumming workshop and join a DJ Boogie Battle at the Supreme Court of Canada. Watch the ceremonial guard band, meet some RCMP horses and watch the Snowbirds aerial show from Parliament Hill. There is something for everyone!
Canada Day At The Museum
Where: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: July 1, 2026
There is a range of activities to check out at the museum on Canada Day. Feast on Canadian treats, make a maple leaf craft and watch livestock demonstrations. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum are hosting similar Canada Day events!
Canada Day Barrhaven
Where: Clarke Field Park, 93 Houlahan St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 1, 2026
Various Ottawa neighbourhoods host their own Canada Day festivities, including Barrhaven! Bring your little ones to the kids’ zone, discover new food vendors, listen to live music and don’t miss the fireworks finale at 10 p.m.
Street Seats
Where: Centretown and Chinatown neighbourhoods, Ottawa, ON
When: Various summer event dates
There’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Four pilot locations are coming to life with free events all summer long to bring energy and gatherings to the city’s core. Check out Canada Day drumming in Chinatown on July 1, salsa dance into the evening on any Friday in July, join a Pow Wow workout on July 7, visit an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party on July 12 and more.
Swim at the NCC River House
Where: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa, ON
When: Daily until September 7, 2026
Summer days mean that you can jump off a dock into the Ottawa River before grabbing an ice cream (or sandwich) inside a century-old heritage building. Lifeguards are on duty evenings and weekends.
The NCC River House is one of the multiple NCC spots where you can soak up cottage vibes in the city. You can also relax in a red Muskoka chair overlooking water at Dow’s Lake, and two new recreational docks are coming this summer at the feet of Major Hill’s Park and at the Canadian Museum of History.
Berry picking at Shouldice Farm
Where: Four locations around Ottawa
When: Daily, depending on the weather
Bring your bestie or the kids out for a sunny day farm adventure picking fresh berries. The Ottawa region is home to multiple berry farms where you can pick fresh fruit, and you can pick your own strawberries and raspberries at Shouldice Farm. Strawberry season begins in June, so it's in full swing by July, followed closely by raspberries, which ripen mid-July (depending on location).
Ottawa Titans
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30 and 31, 2026
Buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack, you may never want to come back after an evening rooting for the home team. There are many opportunities to take the family out to see the Ottawa Titans play, including some themed nights and special summer events with fireworks. Bring your puppy to Bark in the Park on July 30.
CAA will have a kiosk at two games this month, July 1 and 12, and CAA Members will save extra for those events; 50 per cent off! You can also get free popcorn by showing your membership card. For all other home games, Members save 30 per cent on the ticket price when ordering online.
Parkdale Night Market
Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays until October 7, 2026
Gather with the community for a summer evening of browsing local vendors and eating homemade treats. There are different live performances every week to enhance the atmosphere. Their special Birthday Party Market is on July 15, 2026.
The Parkdale Market is also the location of the Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival on July 31.
Songs From The Shed
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON (between Bank St. & O’Connor St.)
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays until October 8, 2026
Take your lunch break outside and listen to the sweet sounds of this free summer concert series. Break up the day and discover new artists performing as soloists or duos.
Hintonburg Night Markets
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W, Ottawa, ON
When: Every Thursday until October 2026
Ottawa boasts markets across the city come summertime, and you don’t need to wait until the weekend to get your browse on. On Thursdays in Hintonburg, you can shop for unique gifts, handmade goodies, fresh eats, vintage finds and more.
There will be two themed market evenings in July: Comic & Geek market on July 9 and Antique, Vintage & Thrift on July 30.
Our Lady Peace
Where: Hard Rock Ottawa, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 3, 2026
Jam out to one of Ontario’s most well-known and iconic rock bands at this new Ottawa venue. You’ll know Our Lady Peace for hits like Superman’s Dead and Somewhere Out There.
Ottawa River Paddlefest
Where: OWL Rafting, 40 Owl Ln., Foresters Falls, ON
When: July 3 to 5, 2026
Join a celebration of the Ottawa River with kayak rolling workshops, BBQ eats, paddling films and live music at OWL Rafting. You can add on overnight camping or a pontoon cruise to your visit.
Summer Series: Yoga On The Hill
Where: Tavern on the Hill, 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON
When: Saturdays until August 29, 2026
Start your weekend morning with an all-levels flow overlooking the city and Ottawa River from Tavern on the Hill. Reset and enjoy the summer air. The yoga class is one hour, and pre-registration is required.
The Eddy Street Festival
Where: Eddy St. (between Wright St. and Papineau St.), Gatineau, QC
When: July 4, 2026
Bring your crew across the bridge for a family-fun day full of activities. A climbing tower, a cycling course, circus performance workshops, bouncing structures, food vendors, face painting, giant games, and more will be available to enjoy.
Evenings At Zibi
Where: Zibi, 310 Miwate Pvt., Ottawa, ON
When: July 4 and 25, 2026
This interactive experience blends music, art activations, food, hands-on activities, and unique programming. Expect to feel inspired and entertained against the backdrop of Chaudière Falls. Every Saturday is a new experience with rotating vendors, challenges, installations, and demonstrations.
Capital Pop Up Cinema
Where: Multiple Ottawa locations
When: July 4, 18 and 24, 2026
Picture an atmosphere like a backyard screening or a drive-in theatre; Capital Pop Up Cinema provides free outdoor movie screenings across Ottawa. Watch The Princess Bride at Zibi, Romeo and Juliet at Beechwood Cemetery or The Little Rascals in Westboro Village this month.
Lavender Mills Farm
Where: 2243 Beach Rd., Oxford Mills, ON
When: Events on July 4 and 19, 2026, and visits on Thursdays and Fridays
Don’t miss out on visiting a nearby lavender farm during this short season of purple blooms. Lavender Mills Farm is one of many lavender fields around Ottawa where you can stroll through fragrant rows of blooms. Visit on Thursdays and Fridays in July to enjoy a picnic with fresh lemonade and pick your own bouquet. Soiree in the Field is on July 4, and North Grenville Lavender Festival is on July 19, 2026.
Atlético Ottawa
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 4, 17 and 26, 2026
The energy around the stadium is sure to be electric as you cheer on Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League team. Grab an early dinner near Lansdowne before the July 17 evening game, or bring your little ones sporting their red-and-white swag to the July 4 and 26 afternoon games.
Get deals on soccer game tickets! Use your CAA Membership and save 20 per cent on Atlético Ottawa home games, plus 10 per cent savings on merchandise. There is a special discount of 30 per cent off for the July 4 game!
Bistrofest
Where: Hog's Back Park, 600 Hog's Back Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 4 and 18, 2026
Looking for free events this summer? Catch live music performances at one of these concert series evenings in the scenic Hogs Back Park. Fans of electronic music won’t want to miss the July 4 event, a special DJ EDM night with Marèva headlining. Noise Hotel headlines on July 18 during a family-friendly indie-rock evening.
613Flea
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 4 and 18, 2026
This ever-changing marketplace is free to visit and full of unique vendors where you can shop for everything from hot food, preserves, and desserts to vintage pieces, handmade ceramics, jewelry, and bath products.
See The Bees
Where: 538 River Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2026
Live out your apiary dreams, getting closer than ever to busy honeybees. Pick a summer weekend to watch a real beehive in action, taste some sweet honey and hold a frame of buzzing bees. Eat some ice cream in the garden after your bee experience.
Natsu Matsuri
Where: Sandy Hill Park, 260 Somerset St. E, Ottawa, ON
When: July 4, 2026
Celebrate Japanese culture featuring a variety of Japanese performances, activities and food vendors.
Beach Volley & Salsa
Where: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Every Saturday, summer 2026
Jump or spin into a lively summer evening playing volleyball on the beach and learning salsa moves on the sand. Experience one of the best Ottawa sunsets during a waterfront dance party.
The music and dance class is hosted by Salsa Rehab, which also hosts other free salsa events in Ottawa. On select Fridays and Sundays in July, bring your energy to Bank and Waverley Streets for a live DJ, beginner dance class and social dance event.
Sunday Yoga Practice
Where: Parkdale Park, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Sundays until August 30, 2026
Breathe in the Sunday morning breeze and enjoy a community yoga practice in the park.
Nepean Night Market
Where: Mr. Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Every Sunday until October 18, 2026
Spend a summer evening browsing local vendors, eating food truck cuisine, listening to live music and connecting with the community.
Elgin Street Market
Where: Boushey Square, 211-A Waverley St., Ottawa, ON
When: Every Sunday until October 11, 2026
There are many unique markets around Ottawa each summer where you can shop for fresh produce and local gifts. Ease into your Sunday morning with a treat and stroll around this street market downtown.
Zumba On The Hill
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 5, 12 and 26, 2026
Break a sweat and feel the sunshine on Parliament Hill with a free summer Zumba class.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 16, 2026
As with many women’s sports teams recently, Ottawa Rapid FC is bringing heat to the city’s sports scene. Fans can expect action-packed games in the lively TD Place Area at Lansdowne.
Crescendo Concert Series
Where: Outside Rideau Hall,
When: July 5, 2026
Seating outside is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’re welcome to bring your own to enjoy music from the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Parliament Pilates
Where: 111 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 7, 19 and 28, 2026
Bring your mat and water bottle for a free mat pilates class in the warm sunshine. Enjoy a lunch break from your downtown office or head into the city to take advantage of the unique experience of working out on Parliament Hill.
Wood Terrace Series
Where: Wood Terrace at NAC, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Various July and other dates 2026
Experience a stunning city sunset from the National Arts Centre’s rooftop terrace to the sweet sounds of live music. There are various artists to check out throughout the summer, and this free concert is available on a first-come, first-served basis due to venue capacity limits.
There is also an indoor Atrium Series of free music events at the NAC on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 12 p.m.
Ottawa Blackjacks
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: July 8, 12 and 22, 2026
Sport your best Ottawa swag to cheer on the Blackjacks basketball team. Feel the energetic environment at Lansdowne as you watch fast breaks and epic dunks.
Summer Sounds Concert Series
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: July 8 and 22, 2026
Bring a lawn chair to relax by the Ottawa River and listen to a free concert presented by the Nepean Concert Band.
City Series Salsa
Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON
When: Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2026
No matter what your skill level is, all are welcome to spend a Wednesday dancing the night away. A social dance party follows two salsa workshops.
Ottawa Bluesfest
Where: LeBreton Flats, Ottawa, ON
When: July 9 to 19, 2026
Long since moving from the blues to highlight every genre of music, this massive concert festival is a top event in Ottawa every summer. This year, some artists to watch include The Lumineers, Ella Langley, HARDY, Gwen Stefani, The Sheepdogs and Limp Bizkit, with hours of other musicians performing across multiple stages.
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
Where: Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach, Ottawa, ON
When: July 11, 2026
An epic summer bash awaits where you can volley, bump and dance all day. Sign up with a volleyball team, with a chance to win prizes or grab concert tickets to enjoy the live music and beach atmosphere. Proceeds are donated to charity!
Pilates In The Park
Where: Lansdowne Park, 325 Marche Way, Ottawa, ON
When: July 11, 2026
Stretch and strengthen your body with an all-levels pilates class outside in the fresh air. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle for a fun, full-body workout with upbeat tunes.
Ghana Fest
Where: Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way, Ottawa, ON
When: July 11, 2026
July is packed with cultural events, including this celebration of Ghanaian culture. Experience traditional music, authentic cuisine, and family activities.
Faerie Picnics
Where: Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 14, 2026
A spectacle of a summer evening in a picturesque waterfront park awaits. Whimsical characters and flitting faeries from Cirquonscient, an Ottawa-based contemporary circus collective, put on an enchanting show of aerial acrobatics.
Lebanese Festival
Where: 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: July 15 to 19, 2026
Celebrate the best in Middle Eastern food, culture and entertainment at this five-day festival in Ottawa. Attractions include midway games, carnival rides, live performances, a relaxing patio, tons of hot food, and more.
CAA Members get free admission on July 15, 2026, when you show your Membership card at the gate.
Festival Parasol
Where: Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau, QC
When: July 16 to 26, 2026
The ultimate summer festival experience is not to be missed, with live music concerts, dance sessions, fresh food options, a pool with pedal boats, a Ferris wheel ride and lawn games.
Public Star Party
Where: Ottawa Public Library - Carp, 3911 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: July 17, 2026
Anyone from an avid space enthusiast to an amateur astronomer, and those who just love to admire the night sky, can gather to gaze at the stars. Bring your telescope or binoculars if you have some, but no need! Beginners of all ages are welcome to learn more about what stars and planets are in view. Arrive early so the headlights don’t interfere with stargazing and dress for the weather. Ask any volunteer to look through their telescope and answer any questions you may have.
Gloucester Night Market
Where: Earl Armstrong Arena, 2020 Ogilvie Rd., Gloucester, ON
When: July 17, 2026
Once a month, celebrate your community with a neighbourhood market that feels like a block party. Shop from a variety of local makers, catch up with friends, and enjoy the music.
Fanaticcon
Where: 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: July 18, 2026
Create your best cosplay for Ottawa’s ultimate fan convention. The day will be full of presentations, panels, mini-concerts, question-and-answer sessions, and more.
"Weird Al" Yankovic
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: July 26, 2026
Weird Al brings his legendary comedy rock multimedia show to Ottawa on his Bigger and Weirder Tour. Known for his parodies of popular hits, you can expect to hear some fan favourites and iconic songs from the years.
Get the summer adventures started
Wherever your 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.
