Events for July 17, 2026
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey
This exhibition traces Impressionist painter Helen McNicoll's career through more than 80 paintings, sketches and works on paper. It also features work by her close painting companion Dorothea Sharp and […]
Wild Colour
Step into a vibrant, photo-worthy world of science at the Canadian Museum of Nature - Wild Colour is Ottawa's most colourful museum experience of 2026. Created by the Field Museum […]
Intertwined – A concurrent exhibition
Intertwined is a concurrent exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery running through August 2, 2026, bringing together artists to explore humanity's increasingly complex relationship to the natural world through their […]
Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa (All-year round)
Ottawa's award-winning lantern-lit ghost tour runs nightly through downtown streets with cloaked storytellers sharing the city's haunted history at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the Bytown Museum, and Ottawa's most infamous […]
Qillaniq
Qillaniq is billed as the world's largest exhibition of contemporary Indigenous circumpolar Arctic art. The show highlights work from artists across the Arctic region with a focus on shimmering light […]
Metcalfe Plaza
Metcalfe Plaza is downtown Ottawa's summer hangout, transformed by the Downtown BIA into a hub of live music, art and culture. The plaza hosts live performances, DJ sets, fitness classes, […]
Light at Night Kayaking
Paddle downtown Ottawa's Rideau Canal at dusk in a glowing LED kayak for one of the city's most romantic and visually stunning evening experiences. The 2.5-hour, 5.5-kilometre guided tour launches […]
Beaver Tales
Beaver Tales celebrates the beaver's role in Canadian history through an interactive exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History. The exhibition explores the beaver's part in the fur trade, early […]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare in the Park Tour
Shakespeare's beloved tale of love, magic, and mischief in an enchanted forest launches its Ottawa touring run on June 29 with the 2026 outdoor production of A Midsummer Night's Dream traveling to parks and outdoor venues across the city through August 15. The production follows four young lovers who flee into the woods and encounter […]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2026 Shakespeare in the Park Tour
A Company of Fools tours Ottawa parks with an outdoor staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream set against a Greek island backdrop inspired by 70s disco. The comedy follows four young lovers, a feuding fairy king and queen, and a group of amateur actors through a night of love potions and mistaken identities. Performances run […]
Drawing in the Galleries
Visitors of all ages can pick up a pencil and sketch artworks on view during this drop in drawing session at the National Gallery. The activity is set up in […]
Ottawa Bluesfest
Ottawa's largest music festival wraps up its 11-day run at LeBreton Flats. July 17 headliners include Sheryl Crow and Ella Langley, and July 18 features Gwen Stefani and Shaggy. Lineup […]
Digital Archive: Experimental Selections from the SAW Video Mediatheque
To mark DARC's 45th anniversary, Digital Archive presents a looped screening of experimental works drawn from the SAW Video Mediatheque's historic digital library. Each staff member selected one archival piece, […]
Summer Maze Days
Family adventure park programming through July with mazes, jumbo jumpers, a splash pad, wagon rides, play structures and a slide. Suited for families with kids of all ages. Event details […]
Akoustik
Akoustik is a free summer concert series presented by the Vanier BIA at St. Charles Market, featuring a different folk, soul, indie, or acoustic artist each week. Evenings run from […]
Ottawa Lebanese Festival
Celebrating its 35th year, this festival brings Lebanese food, live music, dance and culture to Sandy Hill. Complimentary parking with a free shuttle runs from the Canada Post building every […]
Festival Parasol
Turns the casino grounds into a summer escape with beach parties, country music nights, Latin fiestas, family afternoons and DJ sets. Located a short drive from downtown Ottawa across the […]
Oniro – Magical Forrest Walk (Night)
Experience a magical forest walk at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through light, sound, and immersive storytelling. Created by artist Michel Lemieux, ONIRO features 17 illuminated scenes along a 60-minute trail. First departures begin at sunset. the ONIRO night walk: a magical immersion experience As night falls, the trees of […]
Gloucester Night Market
Outdoor evening market celebrating local artisans, makers, and small businesses. Relaxed atmosphere with music, unique finds, and a neighbourhood vibe. Recurring monthly (May–October). Event details can change, so verify with […]