Summer festivals and events fill Ottawa's calendar
From Bluesfest and Chamberfest to the Garlic Festival and Greek Festival, here are the major events coming to the city through August.
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Ottawa's summer event calendar is packed with festivals, concerts and community celebrations across the next two months.
July kicks off with Canada Day festivities downtown and across the river in Gatineau. From July 9 to 19, Ottawa Bluesfest returns to LeBreton Flats with major international headliners and Canadian performers spread across multiple stages.
On July 11, H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest takes over Mooney's Bay Park, billed as North America's largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament with thousands of players and spectators expected throughout the day.
July 12 brings the Hintonburg 5K and 1K through Wellington West, designed to welcome participants of all experience levels. From July 23 to August 2, Ottawa Chamberfest—the world's largest chamber music festival—returns with concerts featuring internationally recognized ensembles and solo musicians at venues across the city.
VegOttawa Fest arrives July 25 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, showcasing plant-based food vendors, cooking demonstrations and guest speakers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August events include the Navan Fair (August 6-9) with agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions and demolition derbies. Ottawa International Buskerfest takes over Sparks Street August 7-9 with street performers from around the world performing acrobatics, magic, comedy and music. The Ottawa Greek Festival spans two weekends (August 13-16 and August 20-23) at the Hellenic Event Centre with Greek food, traditional dancing and live music. Le Grand Poutinefest gathers food trucks and vendors in Gatineau August 14-16, while the Carp Garlic Festival celebrates the harvest at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds August 15-16.
