Happy Canada Day!!!
If you’re still not sure what you want to do to celebrate our amazing Country on July 1st, here’s a list of all the main events in all corners of our city.
As usual, I’ve divided the list up by region of the city, but at the end are some other little tid-bits that I’ve found that are a little out of the ordinary.
If you’ve got an event that you’d like listed here, just fire me a message and I’ll get it posted.
Cheers and happy Canada Day!
Region:
Downtown (includes the Byward market, and Centretown – also includes LeBreton Flats)
South Ottawa (includes south of hunt club to the southern city limits – Findlay Creek, Riverside South, Greely, Metcalfe, Osgoode)
East Ottawa (includes the east side of St. Laurent to the eastern city limits – Blackburn Hamlet, Beacon Hill, Orleans, Rockland)
West Ottawa (includes west of Westboro and west of Riverside/River and includes Barrhaven, Kanata, Bell’s Corners, Nepean, Stittsville)
Downtown:
Canada Day Celebration in Ottawa (Main Fireworks Show)
There is a full day of festivities downtown to celebrate Canada Day! Here’s a link for all the different shows and activities throughout the downtown core related to the official Canada Day party:
Canada Day events calendar – Canada.ca
National Noon Ceremony: Lebreton Flats, 12:00 – 1:30pm
The national noon ceremony will kick off the celebrations. Get ready for an inspiring and unifying moment, featuring Canadian artists and grand, heartfelt tributes. Featuring Alessia Cara, Loud, TOBi, Adrian Sutherland, and more!
Night Time Ceremony:
Live from the capital, with performances from Moncton and Winnipeg, artists will join their voices and their energy to celebrate what brings us together: our love for our country and the pride of calling it home. The evening show runs from 8 – 10pm at Lebreton Flats and finishes with the Tim Hortons Canada Day Fireworks at 10pm.
Artists include: Alessia Cara, Barenaked Ladies, and many more!
Canada Day Concert 2024 with the NAC Orchestra and Special Guests
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Byward Market
July 1st 2:30pm – 3:45pm
Canada Day Concert 2026: with the NAC Orchestra and special guests
Celebrate July 1 with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in a special concert that brings together artists, music, and stories from across the country.
Led by Music Director Alexander Shelley and Resident Conductor Henry Kennedy, the concert is co-hosted by singer-songwriter Sarah Slean and slam poet and musician YAO. Violinist James Ehnes, Mi’kmaq artist Emma Stevens, choirs, and special guests will join the NAC Orchestra for a vibrant celebration of Canadian artistry and culture.
Byward Market Canada Day Party
Byward Market
July 1st 11:00am – 11:00pm
https://www.byward-market.com/events
Celebrate Canada Day with a trip back to the 80s in the Concert Zone on York Street, from 7 to 11 p.m. Relive the 80s in an unforgettable retro experience brought to you by Ottawa Tourism, with iconic bands that defined a generation: Men without Hats, Spoons, The Box.
Bring friends and family and enjoy activities for all ages in the ByWard Market District. Let the little ones have their fun at the Kids Zone on William Street, open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Discover local artisans and gourmet delights at the Vendor Village on George Street, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Explore a mix of local vendors at the Outdoor Public Market on York Street, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Canada Day at Tavern on the Hill
Tavern on the Hill, 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON
July 1st 11:00am – close
https://www.facebook.com/events/1740270046970765
We’ll be open all day long, and our patio will be the best spot to grab a drink and watch the fireworks happening at Major Hill Park! Here’s what we’ve got going on: Sun During the Day, Free Canada Day Temporary Tattoos, Great drinks & a special menu available, Live music playing from 3pm-6pm (Erica Brighthill) at the Hill. Live music will also be happening at Tavern on the Island, with Mike Hogg from 1pm-4pm and Joe Ray MacDonald from 4pm-7pm
Tavern at Night: Bottle Service available (Reservations available for groups buying bottle service. Please email hill.taverngroup@gmail.com to book. DJ playing from 9pm until close (Jake Hill and Camcherry), Fireworks starting at 10pm.
The Lucky Ron Show – Canada Day Special
Chateau Lafayette, 111 Guigues Avenue, Byward Market
July 1st 11:00am – 2:00am
It’s always a special day on Canada Day, but nothing feels more Canadian than spending part of it at a Lucky Ron Show. Wear your red and white, bring your Canada Day spirit, and join us for an afternoon of music, laughter, stories, and good company. We’ve got some special guests, familiar faces, and plenty of musical treats set to grace the stage before, between, and after Lucky Ron’s sets.
Joe McDonald & Trevor Lubin will be handling both the opening and middle sets, helping make this Canada Day celebration one to remember. Music should get underway around noon, with Lucky Ron bringing the songs, stories, and crowd favourites that have been entertaining Ottawa audiences since 1986. Whether you’re starting your Canada Day celebrations or looking for the perfect place to spend the afternoon, we’d love to see you there. No cover
Ottawa East:
Canada Day in Queenswood Heights
1485 Duford Drive, Orleans ON
July 1st 12:00pm – 9:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/2161190191327420
Join us for an afternoon and evening of community celebration as we come together to celebrate Canada Day in Queenswood Heights! Hosted in partnership with the Queenswood Heights Community Association, this free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, activities for all ages, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and neighbours.
Enjoy: Live music and entertainment throughout the day, A local artisan and small business market, Community BBQ, Family Fun Zone with games and activities, Crafts and interactive experiences for kids. Whether you’re looking to shop local, enjoy great food, keep the kids entertained, or simply spend time with your community, there’s something for everyone.
Bring your lawn chairs, wear your favourite red and white outfit, and join us for a memorable Canada Day celebration close to home. Admission is free.
Beacon Hill Party in the Park
Eastvale Park, 2130 Radford Ct, Gloucester, ON
July 1st 11:00am – 2:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/958953897107682
Canada Day Party in Eastvale Park! Hosted by your Beacon Hill Community Association (BHCA)
Come one, come all! There will be music, bubbles, games, hot dogs, hopefully sun, and there will be fun! Parking: available by the park/community centre (behind Annunciation of the Lord church at 2414 Ogilvie Rd.)
What to Bring: Refillable water bottle, chair or blanket, hat, sunscreen, swimsuit if you want to play in the splash pad, and Canadian pride and a big smile!
There will be music outside, but also a “zen den” and tables inside the Community Centre for those who need to cool off or want some quiet time. In case Mother Nature tries to dampen the day, the games will be moved inside.
Ottawa South:
Greely
Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely
July 1st 12:00pm – 10:30pm
Save the date Greely! Greely’s biggest party of the year is back on Wednesday, July 1st!
Inflatables, kids’ activities, bike decorating, vendors, beer tent, entertainment, car show, petting zoo, treats, and more! Followed by fireworks at 10 PM. Bring your crew and celebrate Canada Day close to home with your Greely neighbours!
Vernon
7950 Lawrence Street, Vernon ON
July 1st 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Plan your day in Vernon, ON! Bringing back the Bike Parade at 11am! Family BBQ (while supplies last). Fire Safety Education. Outdoor Family Fun – Soccer themed. Giant Lawn Games (12-4). The Keepers (2-3)
Vernon Ukelele Players (1-3pm). Fireworks at Dusk (around 9:30pm)!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1313402750912271
Riverside South Community Association (RSCA) Canada Day Celebrations
Claudette Cain Park, 660 River Road, Ottawa, ON (Riverside South)
July 1st 10:00am – 2pm and come back for the evening show 8pm – 10:30pm
https://riversidesouth.org/canada-day
Join us at Claudette Cain Park for a full day of family fun, community spirit, and fireworks!
Advance Fun Passes: bit.ly/CanadaDay2026passes
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy: Inflatables, Mini train rides, Rock climbing wall, Mini golf, Face painting & balloon artists, Junkyard Symphony & Little Ray’s Nature Centre, Toddler Zone, Live DJ, Community Marketplace, Dunk Tank fundraiser. *Fun Passes include unlimited access to marked activities for $16 in advance ($18 at the event, cash only) for ages 3+. Children under 3 and non-riders are free. The Marketplace, live entertainment, Toddler Zone, and DJ are all free to enjoy.
Grab a bite from Domino’s Pizza, Kona Ice, Le Donut Stop, and other food vendors, or visit the RSCA Field House canteen for snacks and drinks.
FREE Evening Fireworks Show: Come back at 8:00 p.m. for music, refreshments, and glow products, then enjoy our spectacular fireworks display shortly after sunset (approximately 10:00 p.m.).
Ottawa West:
Barrhaven: – Main Canada Day Celebration
Clark Field, Barrhaven
July 1st: 9:00am – 10:40pm
Live Bands, Midway, Kidz Zone, Multiple Entertainment Stages, Family/Seniors Breakfast, Artisans, and Many Food Vendors.
Crystal Beach: Canada Day Block Party
Crystal Beach, Ottawa ON
July 1st: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/978765974907157
Annual Canada Day block party. Lots of food and neighbours getting together for a good evening together. Everyone is welcome. Bring your favourite dish to share. Food, music, games and fireworks.
Canada Day in Kanata
Walter Baker Park, 100 Charlie Rogers Place, Kanata, ON
July 1st: 10:00am – 10:30pm
Canada Day in Kanata is Kanata’s premier Canada Day event and one of the largest community events in the Ottawa region. We believe that everyone should celebrate this great nation, which is why we have programming for all ages! Live bands, market place, princess parties, ACE Midway, family fun zone and of course, a beautiful display of fireworks! Come join us at Walter Baker Park off Terry Fox Drive in Kanata to celebrate Canada Day in Kanata.
Canada Day in the Gower
North Gower Recreational Association, 2300 Community Way, North Gower ON
July 1st 11:45am – 10:30pm
https://www.northgowerrec.com/canadaday
Canada Day in the Gower is back — and we’re going bigger than ever before with a FIFA-themed celebration that brings the whole community together for a full day of fun, food, and festivities! Expect to see: Slo-Pitch Tournament, Beverage tent and BBQ, Kids zone with inflatables, games, face painting, crafts and soccer skills, Live music, and a fireworks show at dusk.
Ryan Farm: Canada Day Celebration
Ryan Farm Park, 5 Parkglen Drive, Nepean, ON
July 1st: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1855128804901149
Looking for some Family Oriented Canada Day fun? Look no further! Join us for the Canada Day Celebration at Ryan Farm Park! Hosted by Nepean Night Market, we’ll be there on Wednesday, July 1st from 1pm-6pm for a super fun day in the park! We’ll have live music, yummy food, sweet treats, local vendors lots of fun and games, face painting, free glow sticks, and bubbles!
Come on out and meet your neighbors! Bring your family, friends, and puppers too! Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, footballs, hula hoops get ready for Fabulous Canada Day in Nepean! We’ll have Live Music from 1pm-2pm, and a kids dance party with DJ Dancey Pants from 3-4:30pm! Come dress in your favorite costume, and show off your craziest dance moves!
Algonquin Collage has graciously allowed us to us parking for the day. They’ve given us parking lots 15 and 17 directly behind the park to use. Please feel free to park there as the walking distance is the same from the street.
Canada Day in Stittsville
Sacred Heart High School, 5870 Abbott Street, Stittsville ON
July 1st: 4:00am – 10:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/979850771179224
Join the Stittsville Village Association in Celebrating Canada Day on July 1st from 4pm – 10 pm at the Cardel REC / Sacred Heart fairgrounds. We will have Live performances, Interactive games and activities, free cake, Fireworks.
Canada Day in Dunrobin
Dunrobin Community Centre, 1151 Thomas A. Dolan Parkway, Dunrobin, ON
July 1st: 4:30pm – 10:30pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1020313467065007
Join us on July 1st at the Dunrobin Community Centre, starting at 4:30 p.m. for an evening of fun, food, live music, and a spectacular fireworks finale! Vendors: Bay-yo, Covered Bridge Brewing, The Parish of West Carleton-March, Baybees Honey, Krazy Lemon Lemonade and more!
Stittsville – Canada Day Car Show
1496 Stittsville Main, Stittsville ON
July 1st: 12:00am – 4:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1506490034291613
Come celebrate Canada Day on Stittsville Main! The “Canada Day Promenade” will feature The Royal Canadian with Free Hot-Dogs for the kids from 12- Noon until they run out. Live Music in the Cavanagh Stage, A Charity “Jail” Bouncy House, Food Truck & LLBO Patio along with other games for the kids. The market will feature 50 vendors, plus the Car Show with estimated 150 cars +.
Other Canada Day/Weekend Options a Little Outside of the Ordinary:
Red and White Party Cruise – Day Party
Ottawa River (Gatineau Dock), 160 Rue Laurier, Gatineau QC
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ottawatours/items/622238/calendar/2026/06
Kick off July 1st with the most vibrant afternoon party on the water! Step aboard our premium vessel for the ultimate holiday celebration. Dress in your best red and white attire, soak up the summer sun, and join a lively crowd ready to honor Canada’s birthday in spectacular fashion.
Sun-Drenched Decks: Dance and mingle under the open sky with gorgeous summer weather.
Sizzling DJ Sets: Move to high-energy beats spinning the best summer anthems and hits.
Refreshing Holiday Drinks: Sip on chilled themed cocktails and local brews at our fully stocked bars.
Stunning Sightseeing: Capture perfect, sunlit photos against the city’s beautiful waterfront skyline.
What’s included: As a special treat, each guest will receive a complimentary drink with their ticket!
Canada Day at the Diefenbunker
Diefenbunker, 3929 Carp Road, Carp ON
July 1st: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Canada Day at the Diefenbunker | Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be opening its blast doors with discounted admission for visitors on Canada Day.
Entry time slots are every 15 minutes beginning at 10:00 a.m. The last entry time is 2:00 p.m. and the museum closes at 3:00 p.m.
Admission: Discounted general admission at 50% off the regular ticketed price. Parking is always free!
Details: Due to capacity and demand, tickets must be purchased in advance. Walk-up visitors may not be admitted. Please arrive during your scheduled entry time slot. Due to capacity, late arrivals may not be admitted. Explore the museum and enjoy family-friendly activities like a Canadian-themed scavenger hunt and outdoor games. There will be no guided tours available, only self-guided exploration of the museum. We encourage you to check out the free Interpretive Trail outside the museum.
Our free ten-language Audio Guide can be accessed on your own device using the museum’s Wi-Fi. Water and juice are available for purchase. Outdoor toilets are available in the museum parking lot for public use. Fully accessible washrooms are available inside the museum.
Please note that the multiple levels, stairs, and narrow hallways in the Diefenbunker make the museum difficult to navigate with a stroller. We recommend bringing a baby carrier instead, if this is a feasible option for you. Learn more about accessibility.
