Ottawa 
Ottawa’s biggest summer tradition is turning 50 — and you’re invited to be part of it.
Head to Albion Road and Rideau Road for ten sunny days of midway rides, eats, treats and entertainment.
Credit: Capital Fair
The 2025 edition of the Capital Fair kicks off this Friday, and you can roam around the grounds, cotton candy in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of a traditional fair. This year’s edition blends long-time favourites with fresh attractions, making it a gathering where you can eat, cheer, dance, and discover something new every day.
What to See and Do
- Ride Eastern Ontario’s Largest Midway: Operated by World’s Finest Shows, the midway offers over 25 rides — from heart-stopping coasters to gentle spins for younger visitors. A new reloadable swipe-card system replaces paper tickets, with ride credits starting at $5 for 33 credits. Most rides require 28–52 credits per person. An all-day bracelet is $50, with an early bird price of $40 if purchased by August 14.
- Enjoy Family-Focused Shows: From Extreme Dogs rescue stunts to the Cutest Show on Earth — where kids become the stars — the fair is packed with crowd-pleasing moments that combine entertainment with inspiration.
- Step Into the Agricultural Tent: Learn about Ottawa’s rural roots with live animals, pony rides, science exhibits, and interactive displays. From flying pig races to the Magic Bean Show, the tent connects food, farming, and fun in ways that engage all ages.
- Experience the Capital Fair Blues Revue: On Saturday, August 23, the main stage hosts a full day of live blues from 12:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Artists like JW-Jones, Angelica Jones, and River City Junction will take the stage, offering an unbroken stream of soulful, guitar-rich performances.
- Watch the Demolition Derby: On Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m., the fairgrounds turn into a roaring arena as drivers smash and grind for victory in a high-energy spectacle of noise, speed, and steel.
- Cheer at the Competitions: The Cornhole Tournament on August 23 offers cash prizes for skilled tossers and newcomers alike ($20 entry). The Armwrestling Championship pits strength and precision against each other in gripping matchups.
- Join in Special Needs Day: On Tuesday, August 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the fair provides a quieter, more accessible experience for children with developmental or physical disabilities, featuring gentle rides, a BBQ lunch, ice cream, and animal encounters.
In addition, you can find merchandise like local arts and crafts and various food options such as hot dogs, hamburgers, corn, french fries, fried onions, donuts, popcorn, ice cream, and much more.
Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for kids 5–12, and free for under 5s, with anniversary discounts sprinkled through the week. Parking is $5, with proceeds going to the Kids Come 1st Foundation.
Special Anniversary discounts include: Aug 18 — $7 adults / $3 kids; Aug 19 — $25 4-hour ride bracelet; Aug 20 — $10 adults / $40 ride bracelet.
It all happens at the fair’s new home:4899 Albion Rd S, Ottawa, corner of Albion and Rideau Roads.
