41+ events in and around Ottawa, August 4 to 10, 2025

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Summer is certainly in high gear all over Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais this week! From buskers on Sparks Street and Caribbean rhythms in Stittsville to motorcycles in Smiths Falls, dragon boats in Cornwall, outdoor fun in Petawawa and needle crafts in Saint-André-Avellin, there’s an event for just about every taste. You can even cheer for sheepdogs, do yoga on an island or try your luck in a corn maze!

Paint in a garden in Carleton Place

The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum is hosting An Evening in the Museum Gardens on Friday, August 8. Guests can enjoy mocktails, snacks and live jazz while painting note cards under the guidance of Janet from Paint with Janet.

Catch a puppet cabaret in Almonte

Noreen’s Night of Nonsense is an adults-only cabaret night at the Almonte Old Town Hall on Saturday, August 9. The night of uncensored fun will feature some of the popular performers from the biannual Puppets Up! festival. Proceeds will support the Noreen Young Award for the Arts and the 2026 Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival.

Buy books in the Byward Market or Stittsville

The ReStore Reads Book Fair (August 8 to 10) is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa. Money raised from the sale of thousands of used books will help the organization build safe, affordable homes for local families. The sale is taking place at the Habitat ReStore at 3 Iber Drive in Stittsville, from 10am to 8pm on Friday, and 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

And on Saturday, August 9, the All Things Bookish Market will be coming to the Byward Market from 11am to 5pm. You can meet local authors and shop for cool books from independent booksellers.

Shop for art in Dunvegan or Wakefield

The Glengarry Artists’ Collective Art Show opens with a vernissage at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan, about an hour southeast of Ottawa, on Saturday, August 9 (11am to 1pm). It runs at the museum until Sunday, August 31.

And Art in the Park continues in Parc Roquebrune (Turntable Park) in Wakefield on Saturday, August 9, from noon to 4pm.

P.S.: If you love discovering new art, don’t miss my roundup of studio tours.

Take in a baseball, soccer or basketball game in Ottawa

The Ottawa Titans baseball team has a very busy week of home games ahead of it, with games against Trois-Rivières on August 5, 6 and 7, and matches against Quebec City on August 8, 9 and 10.

The Ottawa Rapid FC soccer team will be facing Calgary Wild FC on Saturday, August 9.

And the Ottawa Blackjacks basketball team has two home games this weekend—one against the Montreal Alliance on Friday, August 8, and another against the Vancouver Bandits on Sunday, August 10.

Revel in ribs in Brockville

In Brockville, you can check out live music, a kids’ zone, an arm-wrestling competition, a fishing derby, bouncy castles, a Ribfest Idol competition, a beer garden, a volleyball tournament and, of course, lots of tasty ribs at the Brockville Ribfest (August 8 to 10). It’s happening in Hardy Park, across from 80 Water Street West in downtown Brockville. Free admission.

Get a good scare in Munster

Can’t wait for Halloween? Then you might like A Midsummer Night’s Scream at Saunders Farm in Munster on August 9 and 10. It will be a preview of some of the spooky attractions you can expect at the farm’s FrightFest this fall.

Rev your engine in Smiths Falls

Bike Nights on Beckwith are a celebration of all things motorcycle, when Smiths Falls rolls out the red carpet to riders. The next Bike Night runs from 5pm to 9pm on Wednesday, August 6 (if you can’t make it then, there will be another on Wednesday, September 3). Enjoy live music and other entertainment, along with food and drink. Shops in downtown Smiths Falls will be open late, too.

Marvel at buskers on Sparks Street

The Ottawa International Busker Fest will light up Sparks Street throughout the long weekend (August 8 to 10). More than 20 acts from around the world—including acobats, a fire eater and a one-man band—will amuse the crowds.

Enjoy a fair in Navan, McNab-Braeside, Merrickville or Williamstown

There will be lots to see and do on Ottawa’s southeastern edge at the Navan Fair (August 7 to 10), including a midway, a cornhole tournament, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, a baby show, line-dancing lessons, a parade, and lots of live music (including Kim Mitchell on August 9). It’s all happening at the Navan Fairgrounds (1279 Colonial Road, Navan). Bradley Bus Lines is providing free shuttles from Place d’Orleans, the Ray Friel Recreation Complex and Millennium Park.

The Merrickville Fair (August 8 to 10) offers sheep shearing demonstrations, a horse show, a kids’ zone, a beer tent, live music and more. Hours of activities vary. The fairgrounds are at 446 Main Street West in Merrickville.

The Williamstown Fair (August 8 to 10) has staked a claim as Canada’s oldest fair; it started in 1812. This year, the fun includes a midway, mini-putt, horse shows, karaoke, a free corn roast, live music and an antique car show, among other attractions. The fairgrounds are at 19629 John Street in Williamstown.

The Valley Agricultural Festival is happening in at the Murray Yantha Centre (2473 Russett Drive, McNab-Braeside) on Saturday, August 9. It’s basically a fair by another name, with competitions for everything from livestock and quilting to photography and woodworking.

Go to the dogs (and sheep) in Kingston

I’ve always thought it cool that dogs can be trained to herd sheep. If you have, too, why not check out the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival (August 8 to 10)? As well as marvelling at the feats of working sheep dogs, you can also see spinning and weaving demos (on Friday and Sunday), cheer on competitors in the Sheep to Shawl competition (Saturday), and watch dogs tackle an agility course (daily). The action takes place at Grass Creek Park, about 20 minutes east of downtown Kingston (2991 Highway 2, Kingston).

Enjoy a market in Hammond

Just beyond Ottawa’s eastern boundary, the Hammond Hill Market on Saturday, August 9, offers you the chance to shop for food, beverages, crafts, jewellery, art, antiques and more. The market, which runs from 10am to 2pm, also features a food truck, a beer garden, children’s entertainment and live music. You can also check out the property’s other amusements, which include a golf course, an outdoor gym, fishing spots and nature trails.

Launch a water lantern in Andrew Haydon Park

At the Ottawa Water Lantern Festival in Andrew Haydon Park on Saturday, August 9, participants will design their own water lantern, illuminate it with an LED light and set it afloat on the Ottawa River. Food trucks will be on hand, and you can enjoy a scavenger hunt and live music, too. The admission fee includes all the supplies for making your lantern.

Watch a boating poker run in Kingston

The 1000 Islands Poker Run (August 8 to 10) will see more than 80 power boats set off from Kingston to collect the best poker hand as they travel a route through the 1000 Islands. On shore, visitors can check out Electric Avenue, a display of EV boats and cars. The video above, from the 2019 event, gives you an idea of what the event—one of the largest waterfront festivals in Canada—is all about.

Drop into a festival in Winchester

Winchester Dairyfest (Saturday, August 9) offers family-friendly fun in a community about 45 minutes southeast of downtown Ottawa. Activities will include a vendor market, live music, Lego car races, a beer garden, a “biggest splash” contest, a car show and more. Most events take place at the Sam Ault Arena in the Joel Steele Community Centre (577 Main Street West, Winchester). Check the link for dates and times of individual events.

Get outdoors in Renfrew County

Attention, outdoorsy types: The Water and Dirt Festival (August 8 to 17) offers activities for just about every sports lover, including a triathlon, a fundraising “doggy paddle,” kayak fishing, yoga, a volleyball tournament, a regatta and a whole lot more. Events take place across a wide swath of Renfrew County, with Petawawa as a major hub. Check the website for registration details and fees, which vary from event to event.

Browse for antiques in Odessa

Billing itself as Eastern Ontario’s largest such event held outdoors, the Odessa Antique Show is happening on August 9 and 10 at the Odessa Fairgrounds, just west of Kingston. More than 100 dealers, some from as far away as the Maritimes, try to tempt browsers with vintage housewares, textiles, china, glass and other goodies. The show will go on rain or shine. The video above, from a past event, gives you some idea of what you can expect.

Cheer for dragon boat racers in Cornwall

At Cornwall Waterfest (Saturday, August 9), you can cheer for dragon boat racers, check out a food and vendors market, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s all taking place at Lock 19 on the Old Cornwall Canal (near the corner of Power Dam Drive and Second Street West), from 8am to 4pm.

Enjoy a craft, music and art festival in Killaloe

The Killaloe Craft and Community Fair is an outdoor music, crafts and art festival taking place at 2789 Mountain View Road just outside Killaloe from August 8 to 10. Along with lots of live performances—lasting late into the night—there will be educational workshops, kids’ activities, an arts and crafts market, local food vendors, and lots more.

See fireworks in Gatineau

Les Grand Feux Casino Lac-Leamy continues at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, presenting gorgeous fireworks synched to cool soundtracks. The event is happening every Wednesday and Saturday night from July 30 to August 16. Each show night, a different country takes responsibility for the fireworks. On Wednesday, August 6, Australia will take the helm; on Saturday, August 9, Mexico will be doing the honours.

Do yoga by moonlight on Wolfe Island

On Sunday, August 10, you can do yoga under the full moon on the Wolfe Island Commons Pier, a short ferry ride from Kingston. The evening will also include meditation, journaling and a bonfire. If the weather’s bad, the event—minus the bonfire, of course—will take place indoors at the Hotel Wolfe Island.

Head to a street festival in Winchester

This week’s Meet Me on Main Street celebration in the Township of North Dundas is taking place on Wednesday, August 6, in Winchester. Local vendors and food producers selling their products will include King’s Lock Distillery, Kemptville Brewing, Smokie Ridge Vineyard and Windmill Brewing, and Ken Workman will be providing the live music.

Bring the kids to Trainfest in Smiths Falls

All aboard! The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls is hosting Trainfest on August 9 and 10, with the chance to learn all about vintage trains! There will be rides in an old-time caboose, children’s activities, live music, a food and artisans market, and lots of other fun. The museum is at 90 William Street West in Smiths Falls. NOTE: If you want to ride in a caboose, buy your tickets in advance, as they often sell out!

Admire antique boats in Westport

The Manotick Classic Boat Club and the Village of Westport are holding an Antique and Classic Boat Show in Westport Harbour on Saturday, August 9, from 10am to 4pm. Boat lovers from all over the region will be showing off their prized wooden and classic crafts.

Try your luck in a corn maze in Vankleek Hill

Sure, we’ll still deep into summer, but there’s no surer sign of the approach of fall than the opening of local corn mazes. Ouimet Farms in Vankleek Hill is one of the first off the mark; its seven-acre corn maze, and a whole host of other family amusements (like pedal carts and a giant jumping pillow), opens for the season on Friday, August 8.

Discover fabulous fibres in Saint-André-Avellin

Knitters and other crafters, take note: the huge Twist Fibre Festival (August 8 to 10) is coming to Saint-André-Avellin, Quebec. With 100 vendors, along with activities focusing on crochet, rug hooking, appliqué and more, this is like Disneyland for textile fans. If you’re interested in the workshops, check them out now, as many require pre-registration. French, English and bilingual workshops are available. Other amusements at the festival include a food fair, kids’ activities and sheepdog demonstrations.

Explore Indigenous culture in Montreal

The International First Peoples’ Festival in Montreal (August 5 to 14) features a big slate of performances and presentations by Indigenous filmmakers, musicians, visual artists and many others. The main location is the Place des Festivals, a large chunk of downtown Montreal bounded by Saint-Hubert, City Councillors and Sherbrooke streets, and René-Lévesque Boulevard.

Enjoy a music festival in Spencerville

The South Grenville Bluegrass Festival brings bluegrass bands galore—including acts from Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee, as well as Canada—to the Spencerville Fairgrounds (22 Ryan Street, Spencerville) from August 7 to 10. In addition to shows throughout the day and evening, you can enjoy a euchre tournament, a scavenger hunt and more. Food and rough camping are available, too.

Join a huge celebration in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls Old Home Week (August 2 to 9) is an epic celebration of the Rideau Canal community and its history. Events this week include a nightshirt parade on Thursday and live music on Thursday and Friday.

Celebrate world cultures in Ottawa

This year, Ottawa’s Pakistan Festival is being held at the Greely Community Centre on Saturday, August 9, from noon to 6pm. Come enjoy cultural performances, live music, a bazaar, a cricket championship, kite flying, Pakistani foods and more.

And in the west end, the Rhythm Culture Festival (August 9 and 10) will be bringing the music, foods, dances and other traditions of the Caribbean to Walter Baker Park in Stittsville.

Learn about pioneer music in Morrisburg

Ever wondered what kind of music Canadian pioneers enjoyed? Wonder no longer: Upper Canada Village (13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg) is hosting a Celebration of Canadian Music on Saturday, August 9. As well as hearing live performances of 19th-century music that was popular in Upper Canada, you can learn some Victorian dance steps.

SAVE THE DATE

Here are a few upcoming events you might want to add to your calendar, if you’re planning ahead. (Look for details on these events and many others in upcoming posts.)

• August 14 to 17: Ottawa Greek Festival
• August 16 to 24: Capital Pride, Ottawa
• August 22 and 23: Ottawa Valley Buskerfest, Pembroke
• August 22 to 24: Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival, Maniwaki
• August 24: Tour de Bonnechere, Eganville
• August 27 to 31: Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
• September 6: Latin Sparks Festival, Ottawa
• September 10 to 14: Cityfolk, Ottawa
• September 19 and 20: Kanata Craft Beer Festival
• September 20: Taste of Wellington, Ottawa
• September 24 to 28: Ottawa International Animation Festival

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.