Events in Ottawa from August 8 to 10
Weekend Highlights in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario: A Cultural, Sports, and Arts Extravaganza
The weekend of August 16, 2025, promises a rich tapestry of activities for families, art lovers, sports enthusiasts, and culture vultures in Ottawa and its surrounding areas. From live music concerts to cultural festivals, outdoor markets, and sports events, there's something for everyone.
Bells Corners Summer Bash
Kick off your weekend with the Bells Corners Summer Bash, a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, bouncy castles, and animal fun in the Bells Corners area of Ottawa on August 16.
2025 Masters Indigenous Games
Indigenous athletes from around the world will compete in volleyball, basketball, Arctic sports, and golf at TD Place in Ottawa from August 14-17. The event will also host a cultural village offering live performances, crafts, and food, with free admission.
Live Music Concerts
Notable August 16 shows include Rory Taillon at Little Red Wagon Winery in Shawville, Suzie and the Sunbeamz at the Ottawa Tennis Club on August 17, and other concerts throughout the week.
Riverfront Artscape in Carleton Place
This first-ever outdoor fine art show along the river walkway in downtown Carleton Place features 32 juried artists, live music by Almonte Song Circle, food vendors, and gallery exhibitions.
Outdoor Markets
The Agora Minto-Orléans outdoor market in Ottawa on August 16 from 10 am to 3 pm, featuring 30+ vendors and pet-friendly activities, is not to be missed.
Ottawa Greek Fest
Celebrate Greek culture with cuisine, dancing, music, and shows at 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa from August 14-17.
Capital Pride Festival & Parade
Events across Lansdowne Park and downtown Ottawa including free live performances, kids activities, community picnics, and the Pride Parade on Sunday, August 24, make up the Capital Pride Festival.
Family Horse and Riding Events
Pakenham Community Park hosts classes of various riding disciplines and miniature horse activities on August 16.
Sports and Racing Events
Sunday is race night at the Cornwall Motor Speedway, with racing around the quarter-mile dirt track starting at 6 p.m. Saturday night is race night at the Brockville Ontario Speedway, with racing starting at 7 p.m. The Ottawa BlackJacks are playing twice this weekend at TD Place, and the Ottawa Rapid FC are hosting Calgary on Saturday afternoon at TD Place. The Cornwall Waterfest Dragonboat Races are Saturday in the historic Cornwall Dam.
Cultural Festivals
The Les Grands Feux fireworks festival is happening on Saturday night over the Ottawa River. Mexico is the presenting country with the theme "Bueno Onda." The Rhythm Culture Festival is happening on Saturday and Sunday at Walter Baker Park in Stittsville. The Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg is hosting a Celebration of Canadian Music on Saturday.
Arts and Exhibitions
The Ottawa International Busker Festival is taking place this weekend on Sparks Street. The Ottawa Titans are hosting Quebec for a three-game series this weekend at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium. The Valley Agricultural Festival is happening on Saturday in Arnprior. Broadway Across Canada presents Hamilton at the National Arts Centre until Aug. 17.
Historical and Educational Attractions
Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019. Several locations across Ottawa offer opportunities to cool off, but no specific locations were mentioned. Lifeguards are on duty at various beaches and the NCC River House daily.
Outdoor Activities
NCC bike days continue all weekend, closing parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use. Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard) is open for cyclists, runners, walkers, and other active use from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Barrhaven Farmers' Market is every Sunday at the Nepean Woods Park and Ride, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fairs and Festivals
The Navan Fair is this weekend with the theme Muddy Boots and Country Roots. The Merrickville Fair runs until Sunday in Merrickville. The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival continues until Sunday at the Grass Creek Park. The Williamstown Fair continues until Sunday at the Williamstown Fairgrounds.
The Water Lantern Festival, World-class Performers, and Fireworks
The Water Lantern Festival is happening on Saturday at Andrew Haydon Park. World-class performers will appear on five stages during the festival. The Brockville Ribfest is happening this weekend at Hardy Park, featuring food, live music, a kids zone, family fun, and more. The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival continues until Aug. 16 in Prescott, with shows including Much Ado About Nothing and Sherlock Holmes and the Vanishing Hour.
This weekend offers a myriad of options for families, art lovers, sports enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural festivals or live music across multiple venues in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. Free and paid activities are available, ensuring there's something for every budget. Enjoy your weekend!
- Continuing the weekend's entertainment, live music can be enjoyed at various venues such as Rory Taillon at Little Red Wagon Winery, Suzie and the Sunbeamz at the Ottawa Tennis Club, and multiple concerts throughout the week.
- Sports enthusiasts can catch the Ottawa BlackJacks playing twice this weekend at TD Place, the Ottawa Rapid FC hosting Calgary on Saturday afternoon at the same venue, and racing events at Cornwall Motor Speedway and Brockville Ontario Speedway.
- For those with an interest in culture and lifestyle, events like the Ottawa Greek Fest, Capital Pride Festival & Parade, Les Grands Feux fireworks festival, Rhythm Culture Festival, and the Ottawa International Busker Festival offer a wide array of performances, food, and shows to enjoy.
