Downtown Ottawa
Events
Calendar of Events
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Wednesday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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6 events,
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 in Chicago and enhanced with Canadian specimens, this exhibition explores how animals, plants and minerals use colour to communicate, attract mates, and survive. Museum admission […]
CA$17
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 works. The show features multiple artists working across a range of disciplines and takes up space across the OAG's five-floor programming venue at 10 Daly […] 
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 haunted high school. The 75-minute tour departs from the ticket office at 46 1/2 Sparks Street, steps from Parliament Hill, and runs in all weather […]
CA$24.99
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, pop up markets and weekend activities throughout the season. It runs daily from noon to 10 PM, from June 18 through September 20, right in […] 
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 from Patterson Creek, winding past Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, and the Rideau Canal Locks as the city skyline lights up around you. All experience […]
CA$99 – CA$198
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A free, family-friendly drop-in fitness session led by Indigenous instructor Amanda Fox that incorporates Powwow-style movement and dance into an accessible workout format open to all ages and fitness levels. The session takes place in the Peter A. Herrndorf Place at the National Arts Centre, one of Ottawa's most prominent cultural venues on Elgin Street. […] |
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6 events,
Flávia Nascimento and Tio Chorinho bring a vibrant blend of Brazilian choro, samba, and forró to the NAC's Wood Terrace as the sun sets over the canal. Tio Chorinho, Canada's first choro ensemble and 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award winners, join Flávia's soulful vocals and dance-forward stage presence for a high energy evening. Admission is […]
Free
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9 events,
Featured
Large-scale collaborations between world-renowned chamber musicians as part of Ottawa Chamberfest's summer festival. The Signature Series is sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending. 
LOL Ottawa Comedy Festival brings three nights of stand up comedy to venues across the city, featuring some of the funniest voices in Canada and beyond. The festival runs from intimate club sets to bigger showcase performances through July 25. Ticket prices vary by venue and show. This event suits comedy fans looking for a […]
Varies
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Free monthly festival pop-up series across downtown Street Seats locations. July's lineup includes the Ottawa International Busker Festival at Somerset & Cambridge, Capital Pride at Bank & Waverley, and Indian Food Festival Ottawa at Bank & MacLaren. No ticket required. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.
Free
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8 events,
Touring Broadway production of the ABBA jukebox musical, running multiple evening performances. A classic night-out show for couples or groups. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending. 
Sechile Sedare, a Dene sibling duo of songwriters, brings contemporary roots music to the NAC's Wood Terrace as the sun sets over the canal. The group blends storytelling with heartfelt songwriting rooted in their Northwest Territories heritage. Admission is free but space is limited to 400 guests on a first come, first served basis, so […]
Free
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