Ottawa 
Weekend Events & Festivals in Ottawa – July 10 to 12, 2026
A weekly digest of what’s on this weekend in Ottawa, including free fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions.
Before You Travel:
- Weather:
- Ottawa Road Conditions/Traffic/Road Closures: Details
Submit the event online (free) to add to the Ottawa Events Calendar.
Events & Festivals: Things to Do in July
I. Family & Kids Activities
Les souvenirs du sable
July 7 to 11, 2026
Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$7.50 – $15.00
Family Hour at Escape Manor
Pay for 3, the rest play FREE with our Family Hour discounts all summer long ☀️ This offer is open to anyone to enjoy on escape rooms with 6 people or less! Families come in all kinds of packages, so this is open to ALL families; whether it be friends, relatives or spouses!
July 2 to August 31, 2026
Manor Lounge, 292 Elgin Street, Ottawa
$30-$90
Vintage Vehicle Experience
Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum! See partially restored, restored, and un-restored pre-1940 vehicles up close. Discover how Ford Model T and Model A cars transformed over the 20s and 30s. Chat with car owners and ask questions about their vehicles. Check out the Car Games—inspired by car obstacle courses from the 1920s and 30s where drivers tested their vehicle’s steering and maneuverability to complete challenges before crossing the finish line. Details
Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa
$6.65 – $23.83
Jurassic Kingdom Ottawa
Jurassic Kingdom, the largest touring outdoor dinosaur show of its kind featuring more than 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors follow a curated trail of moving and roaring dinosaurs set among natural landscapes. Realistic robotic movements, including swaying tails, moving heads and opening jaws, bring each creature to life. Informational panels accompany each dinosaur, blending learning with the experience. Details
June 26 to July 12, 2026
Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Nepean
$20 to $30
Pirate Life Ottawa
A Pirate’s Life provides an interactive ‘pirate life’ theatrical experience with a boat cruise in a look-alike pirate ship. Join the scurvy crew and live the Pirate Life: Adventure, Theatre and Cruise. An interactive adventure, become a buccaneer with costumes, face paint and a pirate alias! Details
May 16 to Oct 11, 2026
588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
$14 to $44
At the library
Ottawa Public Library offers plenty of free activities for all ages, including toddler storytimes. Plan to attend some of the free activities during weekends:
Details and link for registration.
By City of Ottawa Recreation – Programs
Cineplex Family Favourites: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favourite family film each week for only $3.99 plus applicable taxes.
II. Live Music
Ottawa Bluesfest
July 9 to 19, 2026
July 9 – Cody Johnson, Jessie Murph, Rev Run, Digable Planets, Goat, Lloyd Spiegel, The Longest Johns, Justin Fancy, Jade Hilton, Jermaine Holmes, Satellite Birdhouse, DJ Mace
July 10 – Limp Bizkit, Cypress Hill, Marc Rebillet, Steve Earle, Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band, Miko Marks, Gwenifer Raymond, Alicia Kayley, F!TH, My Son the Hurricane, Sex Bandit, DJ Mace
July 11 – Hardy, BigXthaPlug, Patrick Watson, Cleopatrick, Luna Li, Mo Kenney, Ron Artis II, Aspects, Kat Pereira, Mikhail Laxton, Tiny Horse, DJ Mace
July 12 – The Lumineers, bbno$, Leif Vollebekk, Hazlett, DijahSB, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Kelly McMichael, July Talk, Les Rats d’Swompe, Mehdi Cayenne, Summersets, DJ Karyen
LeBreton Flats Park 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
$52.20 &up
ABBA Celebration
The magic of ABBA’s hits merges with your festive spirit. The Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy is transformed into a giant disco ball that vibrates to the sound of legendary hits. Think “Dancing Queen”, “SOS”, “Super Trouper”, “Take a Chance on Me”, “Mamma Mia”, “Waterloo” and many more. For one night, immerse yourself in the mythical world of ABBA with a dazzling show featuring exceptional artists, iconic costumes and contagious energy. Thirteen talented and passionate artists, musicians and dancers share the stage, presenting a stunning visual spectacle with surprising designs. Details
July 8 to 18, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau
$79 & up
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and his production team have scored each Pirates of the Caribbean adventure for the franchise. The original score raised the bar for thematic complexity with its orchestral swashbuckling flavour, accentuated by the use of horns for melody. Details
July 9 to 11, 2026
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$15.00 – $109.00
Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ottawa. Details
Tribute to Adele – Fri, Jul 10 | 6:30 p.m. @ Knox Church
Tribute to Queen – Fri, Jul 10 | 8:30 p.m. @ Knox Church
Tribute to Drake – Sun, Jul 12 | 6:30 p.m. @ The Gladstone Theatre
The Best of Metal – Sun, Jul 12 | 8:30 p.m. @ The Gladstone Theatre
Various Locations, Ottawa
$34 & up
Vankleek Hill Porchfest
A free, family-friendly celebration of community and creativity featuring live music from 40+ artists performing on porches and lawns throughout Vankleek Hill. Details
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 12 PM to 9 PM
Various Venues, Vankleek Hill
Free
Punk Night at the Rainbow
Brace yourself for Punk Night at the Rainbow with one of Ottawa’s favourite punk bands, Passenger Princess. Also featuring local punk staples Sugar Bomb, and the long anticipated debut EP release for local punk rock trio Lazy Bratz. This is a night you won’t want to miss! Passenger Princess Lazy Bratz Sugar Bombs. Details
Saturday July 11, 2026 | 8 PM
The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St, Ottawa
Online tickets $12 plus HST / $15 At the door
Music and Beyond Festival 2026
With around 40 concerts across multiple locations, we’re happy to offer a variety of performances: from regular concerts to premium shows; from jazz to classical to young musicians to lectures to masterclasses, and more. Come see our five Bytown-dedicated concerts celebrating the Ottawa’s 200th birthday. Details
July 4 to 17, 2026
Various Venues, Ottawa
Varies
Music on the Canal
Hear the vibrant playing of Miguel de Armas, Roxanne Goodman, and many more as they float along the Rideau Canal on Saturdays all summer long. Let these incredible musicians provide a glimpse of joyful sounds as they float by while you run or bike! Details
Saturdays, July 4 to August 22, 2026 | 4:30 PM
under the Rideau Street Bridge, NAC, Ottawa
Free
Live from the Booth
Kick off your Saturday nights at Drop the Beat on Sparks, a weekly outdoor DJ series bringing the best of Ottawa’s electronic music scene to The Booth on Sparks Street. Details
Saturdays, June 6 – October 10, 2026 | 8pm-10pm
The Booth on Sparks Street
(between Elgin St & Metcalfe St), Ottawa
Free
III. Live Theatre
Tear Drops on my Dildo! Comedy Show
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 10:00 PM
Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa, 1394 Richmond Rd, Ottawa
$40 per ticket
YueSpiration: 10 Years in the Making
Ten years is a long journey. For Meng Wei Yue Opera Studio, it has been a decade of passion, dedication, and cultural connection, bringing Yue Opera from China to Canada and sharing its beauty with diverse audiences. YueSpiration: 10 Years in the Making is more than a performance; it is a celebration of perseverance, artistry, and community built through traditional Chinese opera. From graceful movement to poetic expression, timeless classics to living heritage on stage, this anniversary gala honors everything that has been built over the past ten years. Join us for an unforgettable evening where culture transcends language. Details
Saturday July 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Les Lye Studio Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa
$10.00 – $15.00
Company of Fools – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a tale of love, magic, and mischief. The story follows four young lovers who flee into the woods, where they encounter a feuding fairy king and queen, a playful fairy named Puck, and a group of well-meaning amateur actors from the village. With a splash of love potion and a lot of confusion, hearts are tangled, identities are mixed up, and nothing goes quite according to plan. Dream is a celebration that reminds us that love can be unpredictable, absurd, and beautifully transformative. Details
June 29 to August 15, 2026 | 7 to 8:30 PM
Various Parks, Ottawa
By Donation
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
Come be serenaded by our singing Mountie, hockey player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty, and many other special guests. This high-energy, family-friendly production features over 70 songs from Canadian artists, including Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and many more. Details
Various Dates
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, 330 Kent Street, Ottawa
$27.95 to $99.95
IV. Sports/Outdoor Activities
Ottawa Summer Tournaments
July 8 to 12, 2026
Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road., Ottawa
$18.35 & up
Ottawa Titans Baseball Club
Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games from May to September in Canada’s capital at Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown. Details
vs Tri-City ValleyCats – July 10 to 12, 2026
- Friday, July 10 | Love Island Night, Fireworks Show
Coupling up at the ballpark! Love Island Night brings fun, themed music and reality-TV drama vibes. Game presented by Beyond the Pale Brewing Company. - Sunday, July 12 | Dino Day
300 Coventry Road, Ottawa
$15 to $24
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
The HOPE Volleyball SummerFest in Ottawa is the world’s largest one-day volleyball tournament, attracting over 25,000 players and spectators to Mooney’s Bay Beach. This flagship event combines recreational volleyball with live rock entertainment on the HOPE Main stage. The event promises a day of thrilling volleyball matches and a lively summer party atmosphere. Details
Saturday July 11 | 8 AM – 7 PM
Mooney’s Bay Beach Park, 2960 Riverside Drive, Ottawa
$30 & up
Ottawa BlackJacks
Canadian Elite Basketball League – vs. Brampton Honey Badgers. Details
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM
The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
$25 & up
Light at Night Kayaking
Join us for an enchanting “Light at Night” kayaking experience in downtown Ottawa. This 2.5 hour, 5.5km paddle along the Rideau Canal offers a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty, and camaraderie. Details
June 5th – July 7th | 8:00 PM
Rideau Canal, 524 O’Connor St, Ottawa
$99 – $198
NCC Weekend Bikedays
Every weekend from May to October, the NCC opens parkways in Ottawa exclusively for active use, morning and afternoon. Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, this program is for you! These car-free roads are a great way to experience the beauty of Canada’s Capital Region in a fun, safe and environmentally friendly way. Details
Weekends and Holiday Mondays, May 9 to October 12, 2026
Various Venues, Ottawa
Free
General Activities
- Scenic Lookouts: 15 Scenic Lookouts In and Around Ottawa
- Waterfalls: 15+ Waterfalls to Visit in and Around Ottawa
- Hikes: 25 of the Best Hikes in and Around Ottawa
- Family Hikes: 20 Family Hikes and Walks in and Around Ottawa
- Nature Areas: 25 Must-Visit Nature Attractions and Nature Hotspots in and Around Ottawa
V. Festivals & Other Events
Pages & Pleasures
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Ottawa Conference & Event Center 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa
FREE General Admission from 11 – 4 pm
Night Waves
Get ready for an electrifying evening under the stars! Night Waves is your ultimate night-time escape featuring a breathtaking drone light show lighting up the sky and a live DJ spinning high-energy beats all night long. Feel the rhythm, catch the vibes, and watch the sky come alive in a mesmerizing display of lights and sound. This is the night you won’t want to miss. Bring your energy. Bring your friends. Let the waves and lights carry you into the night. Details
Fridays, July 10, July 24, August 7, 2026 | 7PM – 11PM
DRONE SHOW FINALE on July 10, July 24
Calypso Waterpark, 2015 Calypso Street, Limoges
$44.99 & up
All British Car Day
This unique event is dedicated to showcasing legendary classic cars from Great Britain, including Rolls Royce, Bentley, MG, Austin-Healey, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Sunbeam and Mini. Our Featured Marque: Lotus. The renowned Europa debuted in 1966. Details
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan Street, Ottawa
Free
Ghana Fest Ottawa
The Ghanaian Association of Ottawa proudly presents one of the biggest cultural celebrations of the summer! 🎶 Live Band Music 🍲 Authentic Food 🌍 Rich Culture & Community Vibes Details
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 12 PM – 8 PM
Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way, Ottawa
Free
Ottawa Mushroom Society Walk
This beginner-friendly guided walk is designed to introduce you to mushrooms in a way that’s engaging, approachable, and surprisingly eye-opening. We’ll explore what fungi are, how they grow, and how to start recognizing common species you’re likely to encounter right here in Ottawa. Details
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 10 AM & 2 PM
South March Highlands Trail Network, Ottawa
$17.55 & up
High Tea on the Veranda
Parks Canada invites you to enjoy High Tea on the historic veranda at Laurier House National Historic Site. Wear your best tea attire and join us for scrumptious treats and delicious teas, as the breeze floats over the historic setting on the veranda. Details
June 4 to September 25, 2026
Laurier House National Historic Site, 335 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa
$68+fees
Le Petit Chef
In “The Beginning,” the world’s smallest chef takes you on his very first culinary adventure. Watch as your tabletop transforms into a fascinating 3D landscape, and cheer him on as he battles oversized ingredients with humor and passion to prepare an exquisite multi-course meal. A charming, nostalgic, and captivating dining experience. Details
Various Dates Through September
Tulip Restaurant and Bar, 361 Queen Street, Ottawa
$129 & up
Ottawa City Rafting – Guided River Tour
From the sweep of the river, the Ottawa looks as majestic as when Champlain re-discovered it four centuries ago. This one-of-a-kind trip has everything, right in Canada’s captial – fun, education and just enough excitement to be thrilled at the end of the run. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, families, schools and corporate groups. Details
June 6 – Mid-September
Britannia Beach, 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa
$94 to $109
Beekeeping Experience
Come visit Gibbs Honey for an immersive tour of our home apiary, hives, honey house and wildflower meadows. This experience includes opening a hive. This hands-on experience is the perfect event for friends weekends, team building, or as a part of your visit to the beautiful Vankleek Hill area. Details
Various Weekends
Gibbs Honey, 501 Mac Callum’s Lane, Vankleek Hill
$60
Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Come and experience this hidden jewel just outside Cumberland Village in Ottawa. Discover sculptures carefully placed in a natural setting at this nine-acre wooded ravine with walking trails and quaint bridges over a meandering creek. The Humanics sanctuary and sculpture park is a unique multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-generational Canadian Institution focused on promoting principles of non-violence, human development, justice and peace. Details
May 16 to October 31, 2026
Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park , 3468 Ch. Old Montreal Rd, Ottawa
$7-$10
Nepean Night Market
Nepean Night Market brings amazing vendors, fantastic live music, fabulous food trucks, and the most awesome fun luvin’ summer nights!! Details
Sundays, May 17 to October 18, 2026 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mr.Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Road, Ottawa
Free
Discover the Capital – Historical Highlights Tour
Various Dates
89 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Pay What You Want Public Tour
Whitewater Rafting with OWL Rafting
Experience the great Canadian river trip – this is a travel-path forged by First Nations, traversed by fur traders since the 1600’s and fostered by foresters at the turn of the last century. An introduction to whitewater is a full day natural roller coaster where you’ll paddle as a team – your experienced guide steers from the stern – all you have to do is listen for directions, join in and have fun. Details
May 16 – September 7 | various start times
40 Owl Lane, Foresters Falls
$85 & up
Faith Fyles: In Full Bloom
This exhibition explores the intersection of art and science through the life and work of Faith Fyles (1875 – 1961), the first woman to be appointed as a botanist with Canada’s Department of Agriculture. The exhibition traces her distinctive dual careers at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm (CEF): first as a botanist and then as an artist, with both roles often merging in one project. Details
March 7 to September 27, 2026
Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Free
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there might be oversight errors/Events might be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.
To add events to this list – Submit Event.
What about events geared to young adults with autism
Hi, just drove out to Petrie Island and the Carivibe fest was only yesterday and not today as you have written.
@Various Venues — https://www.todocanada.ca/city/ottawa/event/carivibe-beach-food-festival/
me and my buddy are going next weekend. I cant wait for updated list. lots of fun items to do in Ottawa
Great resource. Thanks a lot!
Thank you
Hello
Does subscribe work?
tried twice, always an error (nothing in my inbox or spam)
thank you
Does subscribing still work? I have checked my spam folders and nothing.
Great site, I look at it almost every week to get ideas on what to do with the kids.
Just to note, there’s a fair with carnival rides this weekend (Aug. 20-22) at the Earl Armstrong Arena. You can see it from the costco parking lot.
Here’s the address for those interested:
Earl Armstrong Arena
2020 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 7N8
To allay any confusion–when you click on “details” under “Shakespeare in the Park–A Midsummer Night’s Dream” there is an error suggesting that the play is “Cymbeline.” That was last year’s Bear production! This year’s show is, indeed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Join us for one of our final three performances, Aug 2, 3, & 4!
Wow wish I had found this site much sooner. So many great events happening in Ottawa this weekend. Thanks for providing this list.
Thanks for the list!!! It really helps me plan my activities with my kids on the weekend.
Great listings! Thanks!
Thanks for including the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival http://ocanfilmfest.ca/ocanfilmfest2018
Useful. Thanks for sharing.
Why is it that the “Subscribe to our newsletter” – on the right hand side of this newsletter/webpage…
https://www.todocanada.ca/things-ottawa-weekend/
… does not include Ottawa in the “Select City News letter list”?
Boom