What to do in Ottawa this August 2024
20 Minute Read
There is still tons of summer fun to soak up and many events in Ottawa to take advantage of this month. The capital city knows how to end the season with a bang, and there is an epic lineup of things to do in Ottawa this August 2024.
Some of the top Ottawa events to check out include Les Grands Feux fireworks competition, the International Busker Festival on Sparks Street, Les Misérables Broadway musical, Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Water Lantern Festival, Cirque du Soleil Echo and Capital Pride. Don’t miss these hot activities, free outdoor fitness classes, sporting events, farmers’ markets, concert shows, and cultural food festivals.
Ottawa Chamberfest
https://www.instagram.com/chamberfest/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6f72d413-8b4a-4304-b5a9-14eaeaeb3c32
Where: Multiple locations in Ottawa, ON
When: July 25 – August 8, 2024
This summer music festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with performances featuring talented local, Canadian and international musicians. Soak in the warm summer evenings as you discover new artists and an array of instruments, from talented vocals to violins, cellos, clarinets and more. Each night offers different musicians and programs.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC
When: July 31, August 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17, 2024
More than a fireworks display, this dazzling competition is a fun summer festival with delicious food options, immersive artwork, lawn games, pop-up campfires, themed characters and a sparkling atmosphere to complement the pyro-musical shows. Each night showcases a unique fireworks display with varying themes.
SoulRhythms
Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2024
A free workshop event, SoulRhythms will take you on a journey across Africa & The Caribbean through dance and movement. It is a one-hour group class designed for all ages and skill levels.
Storytime at Rideau Hall
Where: 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 1, 2, 8 and 9, 2024
United for Literacy invites you to relax under the reading tent on the grounds of Rideau Hall to read books and participate in literacy activities.
Festival Country Gatineau
Where: 16 Rue Bériault, Gatineau, QC
When: August 1 – 4, 2024
Discover different styles of country music at a four-day music festival. There will be performances sung in both English and French throughout the schedule. For example, the tribute shows to Shania Twain and Alan Jackson on August 3 include the artists’ English songs, whereas the tribute to the Cowboys Fringants on August 4 features songs in French. There are campsites available to book if you want to stay there throughout the festival.
Ottawa International Busker Fest
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 2 – 5, 2024
Fire breathers, magicians, hoola hoop performers, circus acts, juggling unicyclists, acrobatic street artists and more will amaze audiences for four days along Ottawa’s Sparks Street. More than 20 performers will be showing off their skills throughout the street festival with special events, and it’s all free to attend.
Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Where: Locations around Ottawa
When: August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 31, 2024
Soak in the magic of a summer night with an outdoor movie screening that starts at sunset. Enjoy a screening of The Wedding Singer on August 2, The Wizard of Oz on the 9th, Flight of the Navigator on August 16, Mamma Mia on the 23rd or Space Jam on August 31 at different Ottawa locations. There are concessions available, and you can also bring your snacks. Don’t forget a picnic blanket or lawn chair.
Glengarry Highland Games
Where: 34 Fair St., Maxville, ON
When: August 2 and 3, 2024
Celebrate Scottish heritage and honour cultural traditions at the Highland Games. Check out competitions like Heavyweights, Highland Dancing, piping and Dancing, and more. Events include musical entertainment, face painting, kilt run, golf tournament, and harp workshop, among others.
Atlético Ottawa game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 3 and 31, 2024
Cheer with your fellow soccer fans and feel the heat from the players radiating off the pitch. Rep your favourite red, white and blue attire, along with sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself in the outdoor stadium. Look out for the team’s mascot, Wally the T-Rex. Both August home games are themed – Dog’s Big Night on the 3rd and La Fiesta, celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, on August 31.
Buy tickets using your CAA Membership and save 20% on Atlético Ottawa home games.
See the Bees at Gees Bees
Where: 538 River Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2024
Play beekeeper and learn the inner workings of a beehive. You can choose to watch from a screened observation area, or for the adventurous ones; you can put on the bee suit and hold the frame of bees yourself. Watch bees gather nectar to create honeycombs and communicate with their fellow bees with dance-like movements.
613 Flea
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 3, 24 and 31, 2024
The Aberdeen Pavilion becomes a bustling marketplace on various Saturdays into November. You’ll find many goods, from antiques and vintage clothing to handmade gifts and fresh food.
Festival Pakistan
Where: Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 3, 2024
Enjoy free entry to this cultural event that features live music, a Meena Bazaar, traditional Pakistani food, a Mangoes festival, activities for kids and more.
Zumba on the Hill
Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
When: August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024
Get active out in the fresh air with your fellow Ottawans and get moving on Parliament Hill during a free Zumba class. Certified instructors will guide you through a class that is an hour and 15 minutes long. Make sure to bring water and stay hydrated!
The LOT Manotick
Where: 5546 Manotick Main St., Manotick, ON
When: Sundays until October 2024
692 Coffee and Bar’s parking lot transforms weekly into Manotick’s new Sunday farmers’ market. Browse a variety of local vendors for goodies like handmade soap, fresh scones, garden produce, floral bouquets, crafty candles and more. Enjoy live music as you browse.
Yoga in Parkdale Park
Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024
Break out your best downward dog and head to Parkdale Park each Sunday until September 15 for a free yoga class. Hosted by PranaShanti Yoga Centre, you can find your zen and get in a good stretch under the sun and trees. Bring your mat and a water bottle.
Free Yoga in Jack Purcell Park
Where: 320 Jack Purcell Ln., Ottawa, ON
When: August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2024
Gather in Purcell Park in Centretown for a free Sunday yoga flow. Everyone is welcome for morning wellness, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi. The class begins at 10 a.m. and is immediately followed by a free Tai Chi class.
Ottawa Titans game
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, 2024
Get to the stadium early for a good parking spot and load up on snacks before enjoying the baseball game. Indulge in nachos, a hotdog, pizza or poutine as you sport some red swag and cheer on the Titans.
Bring your pup to the Bark in the Park event during the August 22 game. CAA will be there giving away free popcorn, as well as dog poop bag holders and treats! CAA Members get a discount of up to 30% on Ottawa Titans home game tickets.
Les Misérables
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 6 – 11 2024
Catch this iconic Broadway musical in Ottawa over eight show opportunities over six days. Transport yourself to 19th-century France for a tale of love, sacrifice, broken dreams, and redemption. Enjoy the magical musical score with recognizable songs such as "I Dreamed a Dream."
Wood Terrace Series
Where: Wood Terrace, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2024
Feel the magic of an Ottawa summer night as you listen to a free concert on the rooftop terrace at the National Arts Centre. Each week features different ensembles performing under the stars. The terrace can be accessed from Elgin Street, the Rideau Canal, or the Mackenzie King Bridge. There is limited seating, so feel free to bring a chair.
Asinabka Festival
Where: Multiple venues in Ottawa
When: Augst 6 – 11, 2024
During this festival, you can watch various films from Indigenous cultures and nations around the world. There will also be curated art exhibits to explore, workshops, panels, industry events, and musical performances.
Summer Sounds Concert Series
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 7 and 21, 2024
Bring your lawn chair to experience an outdoor evening of music set in a picturesque waterfront park. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free.
Ottawa REDBLACKS game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 8 and 24, 2024
Sport your best red and black plaid to cheer on the home team, hoping for the sound of celebrating chainsaws from the end zone. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Lansdowne before and after the exciting game. Dress for the weather because TD Place is an outdoor arena. All that’s left to think about before buying tickets is whether you’re a Northside or Southside fan.
Look out for the CAA kiosk, where you can grab some free swag at the August 8 game! Use your CAA Membership to grab Ottawa REDBLACKS tickets online and save up to 30% on home games. Plus, members enjoy a discount of 10% off merchandise.
ByWard Night Market
Where: ByWard Market, William St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 8 and 29, 2024
More of a night owl than an early bird? Don’t miss out on market season and enjoy an evening market that starts at 5 p.m. on select Thursdays in the Byward Market. Stroll along William Street to browse vendors and listen to the sweet sounds of live music from George Street Plaza. Grab some dinner bites from street vendors.
Navan Fair
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, ON
When: August 8 – 11, 2024
The small-town fair day awaits, complete with dog shows, carnival games, midway rides, a lumberjack show, alpacas and other animal events, food concessions and more. Live entertainment will be featured each fair day.
The Great India Festival
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON
When: August 8 – 11, 2024
The Great India Festival celebrates Maha Bharatotsav in August. It features dance and music, Indian food, a Garba workshop, and a Handicraft exhibit. Dine on authentic food from different regions of Bharat, prepared fresh at the festival.
A Midsummer Night's Scream
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. A, Ottawa, ON
When: August 9 and 10, 2024
Get a taste of the haunts that come to Saunders Farm each fall and enjoy a sneak peek of Halloween 2024 under the summer stars. For two nights only, pre-book tickets to check out three epic haunting sites and get your scare on. The CiderHouse and Farmshop will be open to grab treats.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: Augst 9 – 11, 2024
Hit up a live comedy show in Ottawa that will be wildly hilarious. Watch comedians Tom Segura, Bobby Lee and Jessica Kirson on August 9, Nate Bargatze, Gerry Dee and Derrick Stroup on August 10, Matt Rife & Friends on August 11, and untamed acts around the venue. This is a 19+ event and will happen rain or shine.
Water Lantern Festival
Where: Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 10, 2024
Decorate a floating lantern, setting it adrift on the Ottawa River as you’re surrounded by thousands of twinkling lanterns hitting the water. Feel the magic of the positive wishes of those around you and watch the soft lights reflect on the river. Admission includes your lantern kit, a souvenir drawstring bag, an LED candle, playing cards, conversation cards, a marker and access to food trucks in the festival area. Lanterns are later retrieved and cleaned up by staff.
Billy Idol: Rebel Yell Canada 2024
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 10, 2024
Legendary rock star Billy Idol hits the stage in Ottawa during his Canadian arena tour with special guest Platinum Blonde. The concert will feature an array of his famous hits, focusing on the album Rebel Yell, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Hammond Hill Market
Where: 861 Du Golf Rd., Hammond, ON
When: August 10 and 24, 2024
Propped on a scenic two-acre outdoor area in front of the spacious Hammond Hill, this market is a lovely blend of local vendors and nature. Browse market tents where you’ll find everything from food and drinks to handmade goods, crafts, jewelry, home decor, woodworking, artwork and more. Enjoy the sounds of live music and grab some hot eats from food trucks.
There is also a night market this month on August 15, starting at 5 p.m.
Wellness in Westboro
Where: Lions Park, 294 Elmgrove Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2024
Get your Saturday morning sweat on with different fitness classes in Westboro, where you can meet new friends and support a good cause. Each class is a minimum of $10, and proceeds go to the Churchill Alternative School playground renewal and outdoor equipment program. You can try yoga, pilates, strength classes, and more without commitment. Secure a spot for any given class online.
New Yam Festival
Where: Vincent Massey Park, Heron Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 10, 2024
Celebrate and discover the Igbo culture through traditional dances, eye-catching masquerades, delicious food and live performances. Look forward to trying cuisines like spicy Ugba, hearty Ji Nmiri Oku, flavorful Nkwobi, and savory Abacha.
Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar
Where: 687 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: August 11 and 25, 2024
Explore an array of Ottawa vendors selling crafts, artwork, preserves, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, home decor, flowers and more.
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 13, 2024
Known globally as the Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo is bringing her gifts and messages of healing to the city of Ottawa. Her performance will include messages from loved ones of the audience members who have passed away and will surely include some comforting and even emotional moments.
Come From Away
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Most dates from August 14 – September 1, 2024
This heartwarming musical presents the real-life story of 7,000 airplane passengers from across the globe landing in Gander, Newfoundland, during the 9/11 attacks and how this small community welcomed these ‘come from aways’ into their homes. This smash hit is an uplifting musical that will have you smiling from ear to ear.
Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits Tour
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 14, 2024
Canadian icon and our favourite small-town skater girl, Avril Lavigne, is bringing her headline tour to the capital city. She’ll be performing some of her biggest songs to date, from Sk8ter Boi and Complicated to Girlfriend, Here’s To Never Growing Up and much more. To make your punk pop night even better, she will be joined by Simple Plan, who will be opening the show along with Girlfriends.
Ottawa Greek Festival
Where: 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: August 15 – 18 and 23 – 25, 2024
Transport yourself to one of the most coveted vacation destinations on the globe, with entertainment, delicious eats and other cultural events. The Ottawa Greek Festival showcases traditional Greek music, The Zorba Show, the Odyssey Dance Troupe and a Multicultural Night. Feast on cuisine like sweet loukoumades to Greek feta poutine, grilled souvlaki and crispy spanakopita, among other meals.
Paranormal Cirque
Where: St Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 15 – 25, 2024
Acrobats of the air, Illusionists, freaks, and mysterious creatures – all the expected circus elements will be on display, but this dark world is anything but normal. A theatrical fusion of circus and cabaret, you’ll be amused, afraid and surprised. If you love spooky things, this is a paranormal experience unlike any other. Guests under the age of 13 are not allowed.
Cirque du Soleil Echo
Where: Under the Big Top, Place des Festivals ZIBI, Gatineau, QC
When: Select dates from August 16 – September 22, 2024
In a colourful universe of wonder, fueled by invention and empathy with some surprising twists, experience daring acrobatics, poetry and stagecraft with Cirque de Soleil. Audiences are invited to participate in this magical world full of possibility in a performance that explores the balance between humans, animals and the world we share.
The Capital Fair
Where: Rideau Carleton Raceway, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 16 – 25, 2024
Laugh, play and ride all day at Ottawa’s largest midway. Surround yourself with the colourful carnival environment as you enjoy live music and other entertainment, including a clown show, seek thrills on rides like the Ferris wheel, the rocking pirate ship and others, play games including cornhole and eat festival treats like cotton candy.
Dief the Chief: October '62
Where: Diefenbunker, 3929 Carp Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 16 and 17, 2024
Embark on a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience at the Diefenbunker Museum, 75 feet below ground. Go back in time to October of 1962 to relive the heart-racing tale of the Cuban Missile Crisis through the eyes of Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, AKA “Dief the Chief.” Watch a unique perspective of history’s closest brush with a nuclear war.
Capital Pride
Where: Various locations in Ottawa, ON
When: August 17 – 25, 2024
Participate in community events across the city throughout Ottawa’s pride festival. Celebrate, advocate and connect with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, sporting your best rainbow attire and recognizing all representations of love. Rainbow parties, concert performances, Drag shows, and family picnics are just some of the events to look forward to, many of which are free. The Pride Parade returns on August 25, 2024, starting at 1 p.m. and CAA will be there giving out some swag.
Pride Glide Roller Party
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: August 17, 2024
Part of Ottawa’s Pride festival, you can glide under rainbow lights to fun music at a roller skate party. All ages are welcome from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the adult-only session beginning at 8:30 p.m. Rentals are available.
Pride Night Market
Where: 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: August 17, 2024
For the third year in a row, head to Parkdale Park for a special Pride evening market. The market shines a spotlight on 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors and local businesses for a special opportunity to support queer and trans makers and entrepreneurs in Ottawa.
5K Foam Fest
Where: Commando Action Centre, 4565 Dunning Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: August 17, 2024
Proudly supporting Make-A-Wish Canada, get ready to navigate through 25 obstacles for some foamy and muddy fun. Ride down the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, pull yourself through the rope climb, jump into a foamy slip-n-slide and much more. There’s a new inflatable obstacle this year called The Corkscrew. Treats, water stations and some swag are included with your ticket. Check out DJ beats and food vendors post-5K.
Full Moon Yoga
Where: Lansdowne Park – Great Lawn, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: August 19, 2024
Get your stretch on, surrounded by like-minded community members as you breathe and focus on mindfulness under the full moon. You can expect a gentle yoga flow and deep stretches at this free all-levels class. Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Nostalgia Music Festival
Where: LeBreton Flats, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON
When: August 21 – 25, 2024
Throw it back with the songs of your childhood and youth at the ultimate tribute event. If you can’t stop listening to songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, this concert is for you. Some of the legendary bands that will be honoured and played include Supertramp, U2, Abba, Bon Jovi, AC/DC and Doobie Brothers. You’ll also have access to food and drinks throughout the shows.
Historic Cemetery Tour
Where: Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 22, 2024
Discover a lesser-known part of the Billings Estate National Historic Site for a quiet evening cemetery tour. A guide will tell tales of life, death, burial, and disease in 19th-century Gloucester Township. Several of Ottawa’s well-known early settler families are laid to rest in this historic community cemetery. Register in advance online.
North Lanark Highland Games
Where: NLAS Fairgrounds, 195 Water St., Almonte, ON
When: August 24, 2024
Celebrate and honour Scottish heritage within the Ottawa Valley at the 39th Highland Games event in Almonte. Pipe bands, traditional dancers, and heavyweight athletes are some of what you can look forward to, including a mini kids’ version of the games. There will also be vendors where you can browse goods like traditional clothing, souvenirs and Scottish food.
Meat & Grease Ottawa
Where: 1231 Newmarket St., Ottawa, ON
When: August 25, 2024
Check out this thrilling car show featuring classics and sports cars, with proceeds supporting CHEO Hospital. Enjoy food and drinks, enter door prizes and participate in the silent auction. This sizable car show also has live music.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Where: Parc de la Baie, 93 Rue de la Baie, Gatineau, QC
When: August 29 – September 2, 2024
End the summer off on a high at this colourful hot air balloon festival, featuring live music, events and games. Watch the uniquely designed balloons lift into the air for free at 6 a.m. from Friday to Monday morning or in the evenings with your festival access. Feel the enchantment of bright fireworks, hop on carnival rides, be mesmerized by the multimedia night glow, hit up the silent disco, play outdoor lawn games, watch concert shows and enjoy more activities.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market 2.0
Where: Chinatown, Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: August 30 – September 1, 2024
For the first time, Chinatown is hosting a second cultural night market in the same year, thanks to the event’s popularity. Head back to Somerset Street to feast on traditional Asian cuisine and admire captivating cultural performances, immersing yourself in the feelings of Asia.
Movie Night in the Park
Where: 64 Chimo Dr., Kanata ON
When: August 31, 2024
Enjoy an old-school outdoor movie night and watch a summer park screening with your family. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Cattail Creek Park to watch Trolls Band Together. This free event will have complimentary popcorn.
Movie in the Park
Where: Claudette Cain Park, 660 River Rd., Gloucester, ON
When: August 31, 2024
Experience a magical movie night under the stars and watch a showing of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire with your family. The screening starts at 8 p.m. in Claudette Cain Park. You are free to join; just bring chairs or blankets. The Firefighting Ghostbuster will be on-site at 7 p.m., with cash-only concessions for sale.
Don't forget your CAA Membership
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can take advantage of discounts on everything from dining out and fueling up to savings on car rentals and travel insurance, among other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.
