Summer is in full force now. How are you coping with the extreme heat? Have you ever imagined that it could be this hot in Ottawa? On my first summer here, back in 2018, Canada Day was the hottest day I have ever experienced in my life, so hot that breathing was difficult. It felt like 43 degrees Celsius because of the humidity. Insane!
Well, let’s go to the weekly roundup of events in Ottawa!
1. Bluesfest
This is one of the most popular events of summer in Ottawa, and is said to be among the top 10 music outdoor festivals in the world. All ages. Children 9 and under can accompany their parents without cost. Tickets prices vary depending on the day. In the line-up this year are Shania Twain and Pitbull.
When: July 6-16.
Where: At Lebreton Flats. Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and Booth Street.
Details and line-up of artist here: ottawabluesfest.ca
2. Northern Lights
This show of lights and sounds at Parliament Hill is back for the last summer! Yes, you read that right! If you haven’t seen the show yet don’t miss it. Learn about Canada’s greatest achievements and key historic milestones through sound and light. New segments this year. FREE.
When: Starting Friday July 7 from Thursdays to Mondays at 10pm. (during July).
Where: At Parliament Hill.
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/sound-light-show.html
3. Capital Pop-Up Cinema
Watch your favourite movie under the stars: The Princess Bride. Bring your folding chair. Pets welcome. FREE.
When: Friday July 7 starting at dusk.
Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave.
Details: capitalpopupcinema.com
4. The World Rugby Pacific Four Series
Canada will take on the World Champion New Zealand Black Fearns on 8th July, with USA vs Australia as a curtain raiser. It’s the biggest day of women’s rugby ever in Canada. Tickets start at $20.
When: Saturday July 8 at 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Details: rugby.ca
5. 613 Flea
150 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great food and more. FREE.
When: Saturday July 8 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way.
6. Atletico Ottawa vs Valour FC
Cheer on Ottawa’s soccer team against Valour FC. Tickets start at $20.
When: Sunday July 9 at 3pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
7. Ottawa Titans vs Tri-City Valley Cats
Cheer on Ottawa’s baseball team in its battle against Tri-City Valley Cats.
When: Sunday July 9
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St
8. Shakespeare in the Park
A Company of Fools opened its 2023 season with Hamlet, bigger and better than ever. They will be touring over 40 parks in Ottawa and beyond. Shows start at 7pm and last 90 minutes. Wednesday July 5 at Andrew Haydon Park, Thursday July 6 at JT Bradley’s (Navan); Friday July 7 at Hiawatha Park, and Saturday July 8 at Windsor Park. Pay what you can. Suggested donation $20. Details: fools ca
9. Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments
Experience the thrill of show jumping. July 5-9 and July 12-16 at Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd. Tickets from $11.98. Details at eventbrite com
10. Latin Fiesta with Miguel de Armas and Friends
Cuban pianist Miguel de Armas will bring a spicy Latin Fiesta, including salsa, merengue, and many other Latin hit songs. They will play on a boat as it weaves down the Rideau Canal to and from Dow’s Lake. Find a spot along the canal, (not at the starting point at the NAC) where you will be able to hear the boat as it approaches and then continues down the canal. Thursday July 6 at 6:30pm.
11. NACO on the Canal
Members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra will play aboard our showboat as it cruises the Rideau Canal. The concert will begin at the Paul’s Boat Line docks located on the canal outside the NAC, under the Rideau Street Bridge. Saturday July 8 at 4:30pm.
12. Latin at Lansdowne
Come for Latin dance lessons and social dancing. FREE. Every Saturday until August 26. Saturday July 8 from 6-11pm. Aberdeen Plaza, Lansdowne.
13. Canada On the March
A long-held tradition is returning to Ottawa this summer. The Canadian Guard’s Band and the Ceremonial Guards will march from Cartier Drill Hall to Parliament Hill to offer a 30 minute concert starting at 10am. This ceremony replaces the Changing of the Guard. FREE.
Everyday from Jun 28 to Aug 25. It starts at Cartier Drill Hall, 1 Cartier Square. Ottawa
14. Relief of the Sentries
Members of the Ceremonial Guard perform daily sentry duties at Rideau Hall. In 2023, the sentries will change every hour from 10am to 5 pm daily from mid-June to late August. Listen for the pipers as they lead the troops down the driveway! FREE. From June 28 to August 25. At Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.
15. A Howling Good Craft Market
Over 40 local artists and craft makers. Jewelry, knitwear, soaps, candles, cookies, pastries. Now there is a relax lounge. FREE. Saturday July 8 from 10:30am to 3pm at Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue.
16. Bachata on the Hill
If you’re a Bachata lover or you want to learn how to dance this sensual Latin dance, head to Parliament Hill this Saturday July 8 from 12pm to 1pm for a free outdoor class, and stay afterwards for some social dancing from 1pm to 4pm. No partner required.
17. Pop Up Haus Market
Local makers + vintage. Saturday July 8 from 3pm to 9pm at 70B Beech Street.
18. OAG’s Summer Exhibition Opening 2023
Welcome to “83 ‘til infinity” an exhibition about stories and experiences of hip-hop in the Ottawa–Gatineau region. Opening reception: Saturday July 8 from 7-8pm. Evening festivities include refreshments, speeches, and a performance at 7:15pm. FREE event registration. Paid party from 8:30pm to 1am. Tickets $15 online, $20 at the door. At the Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Avenue.
19. Glebe Art in Our Gardens and Studio Tours
This is a tour all around Glebe beginning on 195 Strathcona Ave and ending on 14 Fourth Ave. There are 13 different stands, one for each talented artist. FREE admission. Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9 from 10am to 4pm.
20. Elgin Street Market and free yoga in the park
A great line-up of vendors this season starting on Sunday July 9 to October 29. At Boushey Square, 211-A Waverley at Elgin. FREE. You can also join them for one hour of Yoga in the Park. Classes every Sunday (July 9th to September 3rd) from 10am-11am. Located in Jack Purcell Park (320 Jack Purcell Lane) in Centretown. Bring your own mat.
21. Cars and Coffee Ottawa
This event is full of the most luxurious and sporty cars, aiming to create an amazing experience for all Ottawa car lovers. FREE admission. Sunday July 9 from 9am to 4pm at Lansdowne, 1015 Exhibition Way.
22. Japanese Picnic
Come support JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) Ottawa once again for their annual Natsumatsuri on Sunday, July 9 from 11am to 4pm. Located at Annie Pootoogook Park behind the Sandy Hill Community Centre! FREE admission except for the food.
23. The Lost Kingdoms
Featuring over 50 life-size animated dinosaurs and Ice Age beasts with roaring, snarling, and hissing sound effects and robotic moving body parts! Tickets: $20, $24. Jun 23 to July 9 at Clover Wesley Parks, 411 Corkstown Road.
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