Ottawa Weekend Events Guide: July 18–20, 2025

Ottawa Set for a Vibrant Weekend of Summer Events

Ottawa is buzzing with excitement as the weekend of July 18–20, 2025, rolls in, bringing a diverse lineup of festivals, community events, live performances, and food showcases. From jazz melodies on downtown stages to family-friendly activities along the Rideau Canal, the capital city of Canada promises something for every age and taste this weekend. Here’s a full guide to what’s happening, how to get there, and what to expect.

Major Events and Headliners

Ottawa Jazz Festival Summer Series (July 18–20)
Ottawa’s iconic Jazz Festival, typically held in June, extends its musical influence into July with a special summer series. These open-air shows at Confederation Park and Marion Dewar Plaza feature renowned Canadian and international performers. Expect contemporary jazz, soul fusion, and Indigenous artists showcasing cultural rhythm. Past performers have included Kamasi Washington, Diana Krall, and BADBADNOTGOOD, and the July lineup often maintains that same high-caliber musicality.

Glowfair Festival on Bank Street
One of Ottawa’s most electric street parties, Glowfair transforms downtown’s Bank Street into a vibrant neon-lit zone of entertainment. Stretching for blocks, this free event includes live DJs, drag shows, mural painting, food trucks, dance crews, and immersive light installations. Aimed at youth and young adults but family-accessible, Glowfair is a staple of Ottawa’s nightlife revival.

Night Market at Lansdowne Park
The Lansdowne Night Market returns with its ever-popular mix of local food vendors, craft stalls, and pop-up entertainment. Held beneath the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, this open-air evening event is perfect for date nights or group outings. Guests can enjoy global street food, Ottawa microbrews, and live indie music while browsing handcrafted goods from local artisans.

Family-Friendly Experiences

Movies in the Park – Mooney’s Bay (Friday night)
Bring a blanket and catch an outdoor screening of a family-friendly animated film under the stars at Mooney’s Bay. This event is part of the “Capital Screen Nights” series, often drawing hundreds of families. Admission is free, with popcorn, drinks, and cotton candy available from food trucks. It's one of Ottawa’s top low-cost options for weekend family fun.

The Canadian Museum of Nature – Fossil Exhibit Expansion
The Canadian Museum of Nature debuts its expanded fossil wing this weekend, including hands-on activities for children and guided dino tours. On-site activities include fossil digs, prehistoric puzzles, and augmented-reality displays that allow visitors to see ancient creatures in full movement. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM with late entry on Fridays.

Rideau Canal Bike Day and Pop-up Food Fest
Parks Canada teams up with local cycling groups to host a Rideau Canal “Bike Day” on Saturday, including free tune-up stations, guided bike tours, and safety workshops. Alongside the canal pathway near Dow’s Lake, a pop-up food fest features multicultural booths offering vegan, Halal, Indian, Caribbean, and Indigenous dishes.

Arts and Culture

National Gallery of Canada – Summer Spotlight Tour
The National Gallery offers special guided tours focused on Canadian Impressionism and Contemporary Inuit Art this weekend. These walk-throughs are curated for all audiences and give special attention to the impact of land, identity, and migration on Canadian art forms. Admission is discounted for students and free for kids under 12.

Indigenous Showcase at ByWard Market (July 19)
This Saturday, the ByWard Market will host an Indigenous craft and performance showcase featuring live drum circles, storytelling sessions, and an artisan fair with jewelry, beadwork, and clothing. Organized by Indigenous Experiences Ottawa, the event highlights culture, heritage, and community and runs from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Summer Theatre Series at Strathcona Park
Odyssey Theatre presents its annual open-air summer play series at Strathcona Park, returning with a comedic adaptation of a classical European folktale. The outdoor performances are interactive, family-friendly, and feature masks, music, and movement. Shows begin at 7:30 PM Friday through Sunday with matinees on Saturday.

Food and Drink

Craft Beer & Taco Festival – Sparks Street (July 20)
Sparks Street will welcome dozens of vendors for a beer and taco pairing event hosted by local brewers and restaurateurs. Expect inventive taco creations including jerk chicken, tandoori paneer, and vegan cauliflower—each matched with a local brew. Live music, lawn games, and voting booths for “Taco of the Fest” enhance the experience.

High Tea at the Château Laurier
If elegance is your style, the Château Laurier’s summer tea series continues with a themed afternoon featuring floral desserts, rare teas, and harp music. Reservations are essential, and the menu includes lemon elderflower scones, cucumber mousse sandwiches, and wild berry pavlovas.

Seasonal Outdoor Fun

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking on the Ottawa River
Adventure seekers can head just outside the city for world-class whitewater experiences. Outfitters in Beachburg and Foresters Falls offer weekend rafting tours, while kayaking courses for all levels are also available. These experiences are perfect for active groups or thrill-seeking couples.

Dow’s Lake Canoe Rentals & Arboretum Trails
For a calmer outdoor activity, canoe and paddleboard rentals are available all weekend at Dow’s Lake Pavilion. Nearby, the Arboretum’s walking trails offer a shaded, botanical escape—ideal for a picnic or nature walk.

Gatineau Park Hiking and Stargazing
Just 15 minutes from downtown, Gatineau Park is a hub for hiking, rock climbing, and evening stargazing. The Mackenzie King Estate will also offer storytelling tours at twilight, linking Canadian political history with folklore and landscape.

Transportation and Accessibility Tips

OC Transpo is increasing weekend frequency on select routes to accommodate downtown events. Park-and-ride options at Greenboro and Blair are recommended, especially for visitors heading to large events like Glowfair or Lansdowne Night Market. Bike racks, e-scooter zones, and ride-share hotspots have also been updated city-wide.

Safety and Weather Considerations

Environment Canada has issued heat advisories for the weekend, with temperatures expected to hit 32°C. Hydration stations and misting tents will be available at Glowfair, Jazz Fest, and Lansdowne. Sunscreen and hats are strongly recommended for all daytime events.

Final Thoughts: A Capital Weekend in the Making

This July weekend offers a snapshot of everything Ottawa does best: cultural celebration, outdoor adventure, and community connection. Whether you’re into dance parties, museum tours, riverside walks, or simply a perfect taco and beer combo under string lights—Ottawa is ready to entertain, educate, and inspire.