Events for August 20, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Urban Art Collective Summer Night Market
The Urban Art Collective Summer Night Market sets up at Head Street Square with local vendors, handmade goods, and seasonal treats. Admission is free and the market runs monthly through […]
Ottawa Miniature Gallery
The Ottawa Miniature Gallery brings a mobile showcase of small scale art to the NAC's Atrium O'Brien for a Pride themed exhibition. The show features miniature works created by 2SLGBTQIA+ […]
Corn Maze Festival
Saunders Farm transforms a cornfield into the Ottawa 200 Corn Maze, an immersive outdoor art installation marking the city's 200th anniversary. Visitors wander winding pathways past storytelling installations, Indigenous history […]
Ottawa GreekFest
Ottawa GreekFest celebrates over 50 years of Greek hospitality with souvlaki, gyro, lamb on a spit and live Greek music. The free admission festival features traditional Greek dancing, the Zorba […]
The Capital Fair
The Capital Fair returns for its 51st year at a new Gloucester location, celebrating Ottawa's agricultural fair tradition alongside the city's 200th anniversary. The Gloucester Agricultural Society has hosted the […]
Hard Rock Cafe Ottawa Live Performances
Hard Rock Cafe Ottawa hosts free live music every Friday and Saturday night, with high energy rock bands and soulful acoustic sets taking the stage. Shows run from 9:30 PM to 11 PM inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Gloucester, with performances on both August 15 and August 21 this week. Guests can […]
La Famille Leblanc
La Famille Leblanc brings Acadian and Celtic roots music to the NAC's Wood Terrace for a free open air concert overlooking the Rideau Canal. This family of musicians plays 19th […]
Songs from the Shed
Songs from the Shed turns lunchtime on Sparks Street into a free concert with local singer-songwriters performing outdoors. The series runs every Tuesday and Thursday through the summer, with this […]
Nostalgia Music Festival
Nostalgia Music Festival fills LeBreton Flats with tribute band performances celebrating the hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Acts pay homage to artists like Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, […]
Growth Hack Ottawa Small Business Networking – May 21st
Monthly small business trade show and networking event. 30+ local vendors in a trade-show-style setup. Open to entrepreneurs and business owners. Food provided. Hosted by comedian Matthew Champ. Event details […]
Dance at Zibi – Tango with Siempre Tango Ottawa
Dance at Zibi invites beginners to take their first steps in Argentine tango with instructors from Siempre Tango Ottawa. The free outdoor lesson covers the embrace and basic improvised movement, […]
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 […]