Here’s what’s happening in the National Capital Region this summer
What: Canada Day in Barrhaven
Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St.
When: July 1, 9 a.m. to 10:40 p.m.
Why: The free shuttle bus from McDonough’s Independent and the Heart & Crown will get visitors to the festivities at Clarke Fields Park with ease. Canada Day in Barrhaven kicks off with a family and seniors’ breakfast and features a midway by Robertson Amusement Ltd. Midway and the Kidz Zone. There will be multiple entertainment stages featuring live music, including Monkey Rock Music, Almost Friday and ViBz. Check out the artisans and food vendors and enjoy birthday cake courtesy of the Lions Club.
Website: canadadaybarrhaven.ca/
What: Canada Day in downtown Ottawa
Where: Parliament Hill, LeBreton Flats, in front of the Supreme Court of Canada and in Old Hull
When: July 1, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why: Celebrate Canada’s birthday in the heart of the capital. With four locations, there are too many activities to name, but at Parliament Hill, activities include a 360-degree photo booth, Changing of the Guard Ceremony, performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums and a Snowbirds aerial show. At LeBreton Flats, there will be a climbing tower, giant bubbles workshop and dance classes. The musical lineup includes Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate, Josh Ross, Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine and more.
Website: canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day/capital-region.html
What: Glengarry Highland Games
Where: 34 Fair St., Maxville
When: August 1 and 2
Why: The Glengarry Highland Games consist of a series of traditional Scottish competitions including the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve tug of war, heavyweights, Highland dancing, Piobaireachd, piping and drumming and rugby. With an annual attendance of over 20,000 people, these are the largest Highland Games outside of Scotland. Other activities include children’s events, clans, a golf tournament, harp workshop, kilt run, official ceremonies, Scottish fiddling, tartan ball, tattoo, and whisky tasting.
Website: glengarryhighlandgames.com/
What: Navan Fair
Where: Navan Arena
When: August 7 to 10
Why: The Navan Fair features agricultural shows including cattle, alpaca and horse shows, horse and tractor pulls, antique tractors and machinery, demolition derbies, a parade, a 4-H demonstration, competitions, education and more.
Website: navanfair.com
What: Ontario’s Learn to Fish Program
Where: Sharbot Lake Provincial Park,
25467 Hwy. 7, Sharbot Lake
When: August 9 and August 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.
Why: This two-hour free program consists of a one-hour practical teaching session and one-hour of supervised hands-on fishing. Children under the age of 18 must be registered by and accompanied on site by an adult. All required fishing equipment will be provided. Participants are not required to have a fishing licence.
Website: ontario.ca/page/learn-fish
What: Hey Ma! Celebrating Motherhood and Street Dance
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.
When: August 9 and 10, 12 to 8 p.m.
Why: A day of celebration, food and drink, real talk and of course dance and music, this event’s street dance battles will be judged by a panel.
Website: eventbrite.ca/e/hey-ma-panel-battle-tickets-1388045855519?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
What: Russell Fair
Where: Russell Fairgrounds
When: August 14 to 17
Why: Although the exact lineup is yet to be determined, here’s what we can expect from the Russell Fair: a midway, children’s entertainment, mainstage entertainment including live music, a baby show, a talent show, a demolition derby, a truck pull and animals.
Website: russellagriculturalsociety.com/russell-fair/
What: Spartan Ottawa
Where: Calabogie Peaks, 30 Barrett Chute Rd., Calabogie
When: August 23 and 24
Why: There’s an event for participants of every ability: a kids’ race, Sprint 5K (20 obstacles), Super 10K (25 obstacles) and two Hurricane Heats (four hours and 12 hours). The event features steep inclines, steeper declines, and the occasional flat meadow.
Website: ca.spartan.com/en/races/ottawa
What: Stormont County fair
Where: 25 Fairground Dr., Newington
When: August 29 to September 1
Why: The Stormont County Fair has been providing the eastern Ontario community with a fun-filled Labour Day Weekend since 1867. Activities include 4-H, beef cattle, dairy cattle and horse shows, a demolition derby, live entertainment, a three-pitch tournament, and kids’ entertainment including face painting and a petting zoo.
Website: stormontcountyfair.weebly.com/
What: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
When: October 18 and 19
Why: The Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest running parenting and kids’ show and one of the best values for fun, learning, new products, services and entertainment for families. Admission includes play areas, activities, and learning zones, 75 local parenting exhibitors, free mainstage entertainment and free show bags for the first 1,500 families each day.
Website: parentandchildexpo.ca/
What: Capital Pride (Street Festival and Parade)
Where: Downtown Ottawa
When: August 23 and 24
Why: Capital Pride offers a list of things to do, but the fan favourites are the street festival on August 23 and 24 and the parade on August 24.
The street festival, held from 12 to 8 p.m. daily, features community organizations, political groups, a craft fair and more. More than 225 groups and over 11,000 community members are expected to take to the city’s streets for the parade.
Website: capitalpride.ca/
What: Money that Almost Was
Where: Bank of Canada Museum
When: Through April 2026
Why: Explore an exhibit of proposed bank note designs from 1935 to 1999. When the Bank of Canada creates a new bank note, many designs are proposed—and many rejected. Each contributes to the collage of ideas, images, colours and composition that becomes a new bank note. See more than 25 bank note designs that offer a glimpse into the creative process, the designers’ art and the identity of a nation.
Website: bankofcanadamuseum.ca
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