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What to Do in Ottawa This Weekend (July 10–12, 2026): Festivals, Bluesfest, Markets & Summer Fun
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Looking for things to do in Ottawa this weekend? Discover the best events happening July 10–12, 2026, including festivals, live music, farmers' markets, outdoor movies, family activities, and summer attractions across the city.
Summer is in full swing, and Ottawa has no shortage of things to do this weekend. Whether you're looking for live music, cultural festivals, outdoor activities, local markets, or family-friendly fun, there is something happening in every corner of the city.
If you're trying to make the most of the beautiful weather, here are some of the top events and activities worth checking out this weekend.
🎵 Enjoy Ottawa Bluesfest
One of the biggest highlights of the summer is officially underway.
Ottawa Bluesfest continues this weekend with major artists, local performers, food vendors, and thousands of music fans gathering at LeBreton Flats.
Even if you're not attending a headline concert, the atmosphere around the festival is always worth experiencing.
Summer in Ottawa simply wouldn't be the same without Bluesfest.
🚗 Check Out All British Car Day
Car enthusiasts won't want to miss this annual event.
All British Car Day brings together hundreds of classic British vehicles, including:
Jaguars
MGs
Triumphs
Austin-Healeys
Minis
Aston Martins
It's one of the largest British car gatherings in the region and makes for a great family outing.
🌍 Experience Ghana Fest
Looking for something different?
Ghana Fest celebrates Ghanaian culture through:
Live music
Traditional performances
Food vendors
Cultural displays
Family activities
It's a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Ottawa's vibrant cultural communities.
🎸 Orleans Unplugged
If you're in the east end, Orleans Unplugged offers a relaxed summer evening of live local music.
Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the atmosphere, and support Ottawa-area musicians while spending time outdoors.
🌊 Cool Off at Calypso's Night Waves
With Ottawa temperatures continuing to climb, Calypso's Night Waves event offers a unique summer experience.
Guests can enjoy:
Water slides
Wave pools
Live entertainment
Evening activities
Drone shows
It's a fun way to beat the heat while enjoying one of the region's most popular attractions.
🎬 Outdoor Movie Night
Summer movie nights continue across Ottawa.
Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars with friends and family.
Outdoor screenings remain one of the city's most popular free summer activities.
🥕 Visit an Ottawa Farmers' Market
Fresh produce season is at its peak.
Some great options include:
Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Westboro
Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne
Main Street Market
Orléans Market
You'll find local produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan products, and plenty of great food.
🚴 NCC Weekend Bikedays
One of the best free activities in Ottawa.
Several NCC parkways are closed to vehicle traffic, allowing residents to:
Cycle
Walk
Run
Rollerblade
Popular routes include the Ottawa River Parkway and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.
If you're looking for an active weekend activity, this is hard to beat.
🏖️ Spend a Day at Petrie Island
The forecast looks perfect for a beach day.
Petrie Island offers:
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Nature trails
Sandy beaches
Arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly during hot summer weekends.
🚣 Ottawa River Paddlefest
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ottawa River Paddlefest is one of the most unique events happening this weekend.
The festival celebrates paddling, nature, and Ottawa's connection to the river through a variety of community activities and water-based events.
🍝 Patio Season Is Calling
Not every weekend needs to be packed with events.
Some of Ottawa's best patio districts include:
Little Italy
Westboro
The Glebe
Elgin Street
ByWard Market
Grab lunch, enjoy a cold drink, and take advantage of one of Ottawa's best stretches of summer weather.
My Perfect Ottawa Weekend
Friday Night
🎵 Bluesfest
Saturday Morning
☕ Coffee followed by a local farmers' market
Saturday Afternoon
🚗 All British Car Day
Saturday Evening
🍝 Dinner on Preston Street
Sunday
🏖️ Petrie Island or NCC Bikedays
Simple, local, and very Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest event in Ottawa this weekend?
Ottawa Bluesfest remains the city's largest summer attraction and one of Canada's premier music festivals.
Are there free things to do this weekend?
Yes. Farmers' markets, NCC Bikedays, outdoor movie nights, Orleans Unplugged, and many cultural events offer free or low-cost entertainment.
What are some family-friendly activities?
Petrie Island, Calypso, farmers' markets, outdoor movies, Ottawa River Paddlefest, and All British Car Day are great options.
What's happening in Orleans this weekend?
Orleans Unplugged offers live local music, while local markets and outdoor activities continue throughout the weekend.
Where can I cool off during the heat?
Petrie Island, Mooney's Bay, Calypso Waterpark, splash pads, and air-conditioned museums are all excellent choices.
What's a good date idea this weekend?
Dinner in Little Italy followed by Bluesfest or an outdoor movie makes for a great summer evening.
Final Thoughts
July is one of the best times of year to be in Ottawa, and this weekend is packed with things to do. Whether you're checking out Bluesfest, exploring a local market, relaxing at Petrie Island, attending a cultural festival, or simply enjoying a patio with friends, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the city.
If I had to pick my top three events this weekend:
🥇 Ottawa Bluesfest
🥈 Ottawa River Paddlefest
🥉 All British Car Day
Get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of another fantastic summer weekend in Ottawa.
