Downtown Ottawa
Events
Calendar of Events
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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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
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. |
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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5 events,
Downtown Ottawa fills with acrobats, magicians, musicians and dancers for the Ottawa International Buskerfest on Sparks Street. The free outdoor festival brings together street performers from around the world for three days of live entertainment. It runs from 11 AM to 5 PM daily from August 7 to 9, right in the heart of the […]
Free
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6 events,
Featured
UK folk songwriter Grace Petrie brings her politically charged, razor sharp lyricism to the NAC's Fourth Stage for two nights. Her LGBTQ anthem Black Tie has racked up 1.5 million streams, and she has toured supporting Billy Bragg and Frank Turner. Shows run at 7:30 PM on August 11 and 12 in the intimate Fourth […]
CA$19
Featured
Turkwaz and Medusa Quartet unite eight musicians for a free open air concert on the NAC's Wood Terrace overlooking the Rideau Canal. The two groups fuse Sufi devotional songs, Balkan traditions and reimagined string quartet arrangements into a sound they call Hagerophony. Shows run at 7:30 PM on August 11, 12 and 13, accessible directly […] |
5 events,
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Live from the Booth turns Sparks Street into a free outdoor DJ party every Saturday night through the summer. The weekly series showcases Ottawa's electronic music scene with local DJs spinning sets in the heart of downtown. This week's date falls on August 15, running from 8 PM to 10 PM at The Booth between […]
Free
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6 events,
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 century Acadian tunes on concertina, whistle, fiddle and piano, tracing a journey from Poitou to Louisiana to Canada's east coast. Shows run at 7:30 PM […]
Free
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 week's shows falling on August 18 and 20. Each set runs from noon to 1:30 PM at The Shed between Bank and O'Connor Streets. It's […]
Free
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5 events,
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Th3rd Fridays turns ByWard Market Square into an open air dance battle featuring local street dancers competing across all styles. The free monthly series was launched by Moov Ottawa Dance […]
Free
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5 events,
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City Hall Salsa gathers dancers at Ottawa City Hall for an evening of salsa lessons followed by open social dancing. The event includes two salsa workshops for beginners and experienced […] |
5 events,
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The Capital Pride Parade celebrates Ottawa's 2SLGBTQIA+ community with colourful floats and spirited performances through the downtown core. A Grand Marshal and Honoured Group lead the festivities along the parade […]
Free
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