Excited about the Canada Day long weekend? There will be tons of things to do to celebrate! Start making plans and make the most of this national celebration! Check out all the great events that will be happening in Ottawa, and share this post with your family and pals!
Read until the end for Canada Day community celebrations across Ottawa. Have fun!
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Contents
16 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Canada Day
Celebrate Canada Day all day long at Parliament Hill (performances, demos and a fly past) and at Lebreton Flats (free concerts, activities for the whole family and fireworks) FREE. When: July 1 from 9am (Lebreton Flats). From 10am (Parliament).Where: Parliament Hill and Lebreton Flats. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day/calendar
2. RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies
Police officers and their horses will offer a spectacular showcase of riding skills at the RCMP Rockcliffe Stables. No pets allowed. FREE. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. When: June 27-30 at 7pm. Where: 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa.
3. Canada Day with the Northern Pikes
Enjoy a concert by the Northern Pikes and their most iconic songs at the racetrack of Rideau Carleton Casino. There will be a fireworks show. DJ pre and post show. Food and beverages available for purchase. FREE entry. When: Monday July 1 at 8pm. Where: 4837 Albion Road. Details: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm
4. A Symphony of Canadian Pride
A tradition on Canada Day is this free concert featuring the National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, special guests, and a diverse repertoire of Canadian music. FREE. When: July 1, 2:30pm-3:45pm. Where: At NAC, 1 Elgin St. Bracelets pick up: 12pm-2pm. (Bracelet holders will have priority access) Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36283
5. Ottawa Jazz Festival
This is one of the oldest summer festivals in Ottawa. It features a lineup of approximately 300 local artists. There are free and paid concerts. When: June 21-30 Where: At Confederation Park and at Marion Dewar Plaza (City Hall.) Details: ottawajazzfestival.com
6. Latin American Film Festival
Featuring an extraordinary selection of film productions from 16 countries with a wide variety of genres, including drama, fiction, thrillers, and documentaries, among others. FREE. Registration required. When: June 22-30. Where: Jack Turcot University Centre, UCU auditorium, located at 85 University Private, Ottawa. Details: https://www.ottawafestivals.ca/event/latin-american-film-festival/
7. Barrhaven Canada Day Celebrations and Fireworks
Live bands, midway, kidz zone, multiple entertainment stages, family/seniors breakfast, artisans, and many food vendors. FREE. When: June 26 – July 1. Fireworks July 1 at 10 pm. Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St, Nepean Details: https://canadadaybarrhaven.ca/
8. Atlético Ottawa vs Forge FC
Come cheer on Atlético Ottawa, as they face Forge FC in an exciting Canadian Premier League match! Tickets from $20. When: Friday, June 28 at 7:00 pm. Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa. Details: https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca/
9. Ottawa Blackjacks games
Cheer on the Ottawa Blackjacks this weekend in Canada’s CEBL basketball competition! Tickets from $35. When: Saturday, June 29 at 7pm vs Calgary Surge. Sunday June 30 at 7pm vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street. Details: https://www.theblackjacks.ca/
10. The Lyonils along the canal
Enjoy The Lionyls’ vibrant Rock & Soul aboard the Rideau Canal showboat, with live music during a 90-minute round trip. FREE. When: Saturday, June 29 at 4:30 pm. Where: Along The Rideau Canal, Ottawa. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36373
11. Cirque Italia Water Circus
Thrill to Cirque Italia Water Circus: a high-octane show with master jugglers, low wire acts, contortionists, trampoline antics, and a wheel of death! Tickets from $ 35. When: June 27 – July 7. Where: St. Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa. Details: https://gold.cirqueitalia.com/events/1103_Water-Circus-Gold-Unit-Ottawa-ON
12. Jurassic Park in concert
Experience Jurassic Park like never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to the picture. Tickets from $ 15. When: June 27 – 29; Thu-Fri 8 pm; Sat 2 pm and 8 pm. Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street Ottawa. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/33662
13. Indigenous Outdoor Market
Celebrate the end of Indigenous History Month by shopping for their unique wares, hearing a Keynote Speaker, and listening to live music! Admission: FREE. Sunday, June 30, from 10am-4pm. At 991 Wellington Street West, Ottawa.
14. Ooh Music, Arts, & Streetwear Festival
Enjoy a pop culture and vintage apparel experience at the Market. Over 100 vintage vendors, streetwear vendors, food vendors, food trucks, art installations, music and good vibes. FREE. There will be a big open air dance party on the Sky rooftop (paid). June 29 to July 1 from 11am to 10pm. At York St (Ottawa sign to Dallhousie St).
15. Savour Summer Saturdays
Come enjoy a senior-led community BBQ, bringing back the nostalgic flavours and fun of childhood for all generations to enjoy! Admission: FREE. Saturday, June 29, from 12:30pm-2:30pm. At Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa.
16. Saravah Brazilian Festival
Brazilian culture and heritage festival featuring diverse music styles, dance, workshops, food and drinks from various parts of Brazil! Admission: $15 per day or $20 for the full festival pass (children 12 and under are free). Saturday, June 29-30, from 4pm-11pm. At SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
17. Summer Sounds Concert Series at Andrew Haydon Park
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music for all ages. FREE admission. Every two weeks. Wednesdays at 7:30pm – (June 26, July 10 & 24 and August 7 & 21). At Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON.
18. ByWard Night Market
Be serenaded by the Cinq a Sept ByWard Concert Series on select Thursdays nights at George St. Plaza while you shop, eat and discover some of Ottawa’s most awesome artisans and creators. June 27 – August 29, from 5pm to 9pm. At 55 Byward Market Square, William Street (between George and York).
19. Write Em Up, Comedy Roast Show
Tood Van Allen hosts a night of comedy where comics perform. A team of writers write roast -jokes about everything the comics say, do. Todd then collects the roasts and reads them out. Thursday June 27 at 8:30pm. Tickets $20. Absolute Comedy, 412 Preston St., Ottawa
20. Nature Nocturne
‘Underwater dream’ is the theme party of this summer at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Sold out. When: Friday June 28. Where: 240 McLeod St.
Saturday
21. Ottawa Titans Baseball Club
Whether you’re a fan looking to catch every game or just seeking a fun day out with friends and family it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality family-affordable entertainment. Saturday June 29 at 6pm. Ticket price starting at $12. At Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road, Ottawa.
22. Rosas y Espinas Concert
By Mariana De la Rosa, Mexican Mezzo Soprano, accompanied by Jean Wiedrick on piano. This concert of classical voice and piano explores the many stages of love through a repertoire composed mainly of Mexican and Italian pieces. Saturday June 29 at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets from $20 to $27. At Freiman Hall – University of Ottawa, 610 Cumberland St.
23. Fish Ontario License Free
Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario for free. This means you do not need to buy a fishing license. June 29 – July 7. Various Ontario Water Bodies.
Sunday
24. Festi Griot
A food festival celebrating Haitian culture through food and music! Admission: $30 (regular) or $20 (early bird). Sunday, June 30, from 8pm-3am. At 70 Bongard Avenue, Nepean.
25. Redblacks vs Hamilton Tiger Cats
Cheer on Ottawa’s football team against Hamilton Tiger Cats. Live performance by rock band Big Wreck, and a fireworks show. Tickets from $30. Sunday June 30 at 7pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Monday. Canada Day
26. Canada Day by the fountain
Come and celebrate Canada Day by the Fountain at Confederation Park with Ottawa-based Trad Jazz quartet Capital City Stompers! Admission: FREE. Monday, July 1, from 1pm-3pm. At Confederation Park, Elgin St, Ottawa.
27. Otto’s Ottawa Canada Day Races
In support of the Canadian Cancer Foundation, there is a run for everyone: 10K, 5K, 1k kids run and 100m tot trot! Registration fees from $15 to $84. Monday July 1 from 8am, at Earl of March Secondary School, 4 The Pkwy, Kanata, ON.
Canada Day. Community Celebrations
28. Canada Day Food Sale by the Turkish Community
Food, clothes and jewellry bazaar. This is a fundraiser in support of Educational Programs with Senior Volunteers. Free entry. Monday July 1 from 12pm to 7pm at 335 Michael Cowpland Dr.
29. Greely
BBQ, beer graden, live music, inflatables and kids activities, petting zoo, car show, local vendor market and fireworks at 10pm. At Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive.
30. Orleans
Non-stop free activities, music and entertainment. OHHH Canada Kids Festival Jeunesse is the newest Canada Day events in Ottawa, but it has its roots as the famous Canada Day on Petrie Island. Enjoy a spectacular party full of civic pride. Monday July 1, from 11am to 5pm at Millennium Park, Orleans.
31. Riverside South
Enjoy inflatables, miniature train ride, rock climbing wall, laser tag, mini golf, obstacle course, dunk tank, shows by Little Ray’s and Junkyard Symphony, toddler zone, live DJ, face painting, balloon clowns, and more! Fun passes for unlimited access to the rides and entertainment only costs $14 in advance (or $18 at the event, cash only) for ages 3+. Food trucks on site, snacks and drinks available for purchase. Monday July 1 from 10am to 2pm at Claudette Cain Park.
32. Kanata
Live bands, family fun zone and fireworks! Sunday June 30 enjoy a movie in the park. Monday July 1 from 6:15 to 10pm, live bands, bouncy castles, balloon art, magic time, and more. Fireworks at 10pm. At Walter Baker Park off Terry Fox Drive in Kanata
33. Stittsville
Live music, free birthday cupcakes, inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides, reptile shows, face painting, aerial performances, food truck court and much more! The fireworks will be the grand finale at 9:45pm. Monday July 1 from 1pm to 10pm at Sacred Heart Catholic High School, 5870 Abbott St, Ottawa.
34. Beacon Hill North
Picnic in the park at Beacon Hill Community Centre. Free hotdogs while supplies last from 10am to 1pm. Fireworks show at 9:30pm at Loyola Park.
Other recurring events in Ottawa
35. An Act of Grace
From the writer of Burn comes this dark comedy/thriller production that won Best Production, the People’s Choice Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting! Admission: $30 ($26 for seniors, $14 for students). June 12-29, at 7:30pm. Matinées on Sundays at 2:30pm. At Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
36. Wellness in Westboro
Join the Wellness Community of Westboro and nurture your soul and body with a variety of fitness classes guided by professional instructors. From kickboxing and strength classes to restorative Pilates and mindfulness meditation, the Westboro Village encourages all participants to stay active while having fun! Cost: $10 minimum per class. All proceeds will go to the Churchill Alternative School playground renewal. When: every Saturday until August 31 from 10 am to 11 am. Where: Lions Park at 294 Elmgrove Ave. Ottawa.
37. 2nd annual Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest
Check out the second annual Ottawa BagelShop MusicFest this summer! Enjoy the performances of 40 local talented musicians while you shop. The show is FREE. The event will be taking place every Wednesday and Sunday at 2:30pm until August 11. At 1321 Wellington Street West. Ottawa.
38. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Spend a delightful day in nature at the Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park, where you can explore stunning sculptures in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-generational Canadian Institution. Tickets from $7 to $60, Kids under 10 years old free. The Sanctuary will be open every weekend until October. At 3468 Old Montreal Road Cumberland, Ottawa.
39. Hintonburg Night Market
You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W. Ottawa.
40. Zumba on the Hill
Come, dance, and enjoy the Zumba Party at Parliament Hill with certified instructors. FREE. When: Sundays, 4pm-5:15pm Where: Parliament Hill Details: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaontheHill
41. Pirate Life Ottawa
An immersive, family pirate adventure. Climb aboard a ship and sail in search of a treasure at Mooney’s Bay. From May to October. Tickets are $45, $40 or $35. Children 3 and under are free. At 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa.
42. NCC Weekend Bikedays
The NCC will close three parkways to vehicles on the weekends for the active use of the public whether it is biking, roller skating, walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. When: Weekends (including holiday Mondays) between May 11 and Oct 14. From 8am. Where: Kichi Sibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Ottawa. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays
43. Outdoor Public Market
Come explore the Market, filled with artisanal goods, food makers, and retailers. FREE. Open everyday. At Byward Market Square and George St, Ottawa.
44. Metcalfe Farmers Market
Over 45 vendors offering all products locally made, grown or created by the vendors. FREE. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
45. Lansdowne Market
Shop from over 75 vendors offering the finest local produce, baked goods, pantry essentials, crafts, hot meals, and much more. Pets are allowed. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way. Ottawa.
46. Nepean Night Market
Bringing amazing vendors, food trucks, music and family fun. FREE. Every Sunday from 5pm-9pm. At Mr Lube Parking Lot, 1442 Baseline Rd, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook
47. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Lots of FREE parking (but please stay out of the reserved Agriculture Canada spots).
Enjoy!!