Looking for a good time this summer? I gotchu!
Here are some of the best events happening in Ottawa this July!
July 1: Canada Day in the Capital
Nothing says Canada Day like spending time in the market or on Parliament hill! If you want more details on all things downtown, Ottawa Tourism is the best spot to help navigate your day. You can check out their info here.
Not feeling downtown? There will be fireworks all over the city!
Here are some of the best watch spots we found thanks to Ottawa Start.
Orleans: Petrie Island, fireworks at 10 p.m.
Stittsville: Sacred Heart High School football field, fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Kanata: Walter Baker Park), fireworks at 10 p.m.
Carleton Place: Carleton Place Arena along the Mississippi River, fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Barrhaven: Clarke Fields Park, fireworks at 10 p.m.
Riverside South and Findlay Creek: Claudette Cain Park, fireworks at dusk
July 4-14: RBC Bluesfest
From day passes to VIP packages, Bluesfest can be whatever kind of experience you want! With a mix of local talent and major headliners, Ottawa Bluesfest is a super fun option for those sunny July days.
Working during the days? No worries, Bluesfest continues into the weekends and even has some weeknight shows.
Want some wicked festival hair? Be sure to drop by the Chill Zone every single day to get hair glitter, braids, and even barrettes by the awesome women of Hair Republic! You will also be entered into a draw for a free iPad for every picture taken with the tag #HRBF2019! More details to come!
July 6: 613flea
F613flea is an Ottawa flea market featuring the creations of the creative community along with small independent businesses ranging from vintage finds to handmade goodies.
It operates as a monthly market, but the dates move each month!
July 11: Beer & Bites
The Vanier Museopark is hosting a Beer & Bites « 5 à 7 » at the Sugar Shack from 5PM to 7PM. The event promises a selection of 4 bites (3 savory + 1 sweet) by the Sugar Shack chefs and coupled by 4 tastings of local beers brewed by their partner Dominion City Brewery co.
Want in? Tickets are only $20 and you can grab them here!
July 13: Hope Beach Volleyball
It wouldn’t be summer without the annual Hope Beach Volleyball tournament at Mooney’s Bay. You can sign up for a competitive team or for the rec league or just come and hang out in the sun! Entry to the event is free if you’re not playing, but the day itself is a fundraising event for a variety of Ottawa-linked charities.
Learn more about the charities involved here.
July 17: Cinnaholic Day
Who doesn’t love $1 cinnamon rolls?
From 12-4 p.m., Cinnaholic in the Glebe is serving up $1 Old Skool Rolls! One per customer per visit. Ages 3 and up.
Rumour has it last time they did it the lines were long and the rolls were hype, so get there early if you want some!
July 17-21: Lebanese Festival
Who doesn’t love a cultural festival?!
This year is the 28th annual Ottawa Lebanese Festival celebrating Middle Eastern food, entertainment, and traditions.
Want to see what else they’ll have? Check out some more info on specifics here.
July 18: Mix & Mingle Rooftop Social
On top of the Ottawa Art Gallery's rooftop, you can join in on a screening of Creatorland — a documentary about the lives of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs in Ottawa.
Sounds cool, right?!
They’ll also have some summer refreshments by Top Shelf Distillers and Dominion City Brewing Co.
Tickets are $20 BUT all proceeds from this event will go towards the GenNext Social Enterprise Giving Circle, which supports social enterprises right here in Ottawa. Grab your tickets here!
July 19-21: Ukrainian Festival
An event design for you to experience the best of Ukrainian hospitality, culture, heritage, and cuisine! They’ll have live music, beer gardens, nightlife, and cultural workshops!
Find out all about it here.
July 20: 5km Foam Fest
I’m not joking. Foam fest.
According to the event website, 5k Foam Fest has 22 of some of the best and most exciting obstacles in the world including the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits!
Tickets are still available but the price continues to rise! Check out the obstacles or grab your tickets on their website!
July 20: Crafts & Drafts
Freewheeling Craft + Beyond the Pale are putting together three of these this summer! One already happened in June but you can still make it for this one or their August edition!
It’ll be a full day of shopping local crafts, craft beer, live music and DJ sets through the day, artisan food and drinks.
It gets started at 11 a.m. if you want a strong kick off! Check out the Facebook event here.
July 26-28: Chinatown Night Market
If you’ve never been to the Chinatown Night Market, this is the year!
The event is totally free and three days of Asian culture: from street food by chefs across Ontario to dance battles and drag queens.
If you’re around this weekend, definitely check it out. You can see the full hours here.
July 27: Fly Market Vintage Streetwear
If vintage in Ottawa isn’t trendy, I don’t know what is.
This event is going to be arguably the best streetwear event of the summer.
According to the Facebook event, “this is an all ages outdoor retail event with Ottawa's best curated designer, one-of-a-kind and brand name vintage fashion from the 70's 80's, 90's & 2000's eras. Fly Market pairs innovators in the visual arts community together with FLY vintage vendors to bring you a unique shopping experience.”
There will also be a 3-on-3 B-Ball tournament, so even if you don’t have cash to shop, it’ll be fun to come by!
July 28: National Capital Car Show
I don’t know about you, but I can never pass up an opportunity to drool at some cool cars.
Admission is $5 or free for kids under 12 and you’ll be able to see hundreds of cars, contests, activities and vendors.
Register your car or learn more about attending here.
Tag me in your Instagram stories if you end up checking out any of these events - I’d love to hear what you think!
Disclaimer: These recommendations are purely personal opinion. Any businesses mentioned have not endorsed this post.