Summer in The Capital

Ottawa truly comes alive in the summer. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant urban life, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Here are some fun things for you and your family to do in Ottawa this summer, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, festivals, cultural treats, or more!

🎉July Activities:

Changing of the Guard – Daily at 10 a.m., July 1–August 20 on Parliament Hill.
Cirque du Soleil: OVO – July 2–6 at Canadian Tire Centre.
Gatineau Comedy Festival – July 3–5 in Gatineau.
The Chef’s Table – July 3–5 & July 10–12 at National Arts Centre.
VegOttawa Fest – July 5, Ottawa Conference & Event Centre.
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest – July 12 at Mooney’s Bay.
Ottawa Lebanese Festival – July 16–20 at St. Elias Centre
Ottawa Chamberfest – July 18–27 at various venues.
Ottawa Bluesfest – July 10–20 at LeBreton Flats (Shania Twain, Green Day, Hozier, Lainey Wilson, Def Leppard)

🌞 August Spectacles

IRONMAN – August 3 at Britannia Park & city bike/run routes.
Canada vs USA Women’s Rugby Test – August 1 at TD Place.
Canadian Track & Field Championships – July 30–August 3 at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival – August 27–31 in Parc de la Baie, Gatineau.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac‑Leamy – July 30–August 16 fireworks & music by the Museum of History.
Spurs & Sparkles – August 13 at Wesley Clover Parks.
Ottawa International Busker Fest – August 8–10 on Sparks Street (free street performers).
Capital Pride Festival – August 22–24 in Centretown (parade, pageants, community events).
Navatara’s Indian Food Festival – August 27–31 at Clarke Fields.
Ottawa Greek Festival – August 16–24 at Hellenic Centre.

🎭 September Spotlight

CityFolk Festival – September 10–14 (or weekends Sept 8–10 & 15–17) at Lansdowne Park: folk, alt-country, hip‑hop with craft beer & artisan vendors.
Ottawa International Animation Festival – Mid‑September (exact dates TBD; annually late Sept) across Arts Court, ByTowne Cinema, NAC etc.
Taste of Wellington – Starts Sept 20 with street food on Wellington West.
PumpkinFest – Opens Sept 20 at Saunders Farm.
Western Fairs – Carp Fair (Sept 22–25), Metcalfe Fair (Sept 29–Oct 2), Perth Fair (Sept 2–5), Renfrew Fair (Sept 8–11).

Many events are happening throughout the city. Too many to list in one article!! Here are some sites to take a look around to see something that may be of interest to you and your family:

CTV News Article: 22 festivals, sporting events and concerts to check out in Ottawa this summer

Written By: Duane Francis

Posted in The Francis Forum