Food, festivals, fairs and fun
- Francie Healy
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
August means we’re nearing the last part of summer, which sounds sort of sad.
But the good news is that there’s time yet to enjoy it ‒ and September is always something to look forward to, too.
August in Ottawa is a season of festivals, fairs, food, fun, music and community, with lots for families to do outdoors.
Here are some of the events the Lagois team thinks you might enjoy.
Storytime at Rideau Hall
August 1, 10 am to 12 pm
1 Sussex Drive, the Tent Room
This is part of a free, family-friendly summer literacy program for children when guest readers, including authors, guest speakers, and the Governor General herself, bring Canadian stories to life.
The program is a cornerstone of the Governor General's summer calendar to promote reading and lifelong learning among young visitors.
More information: guide@gg.ca; 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422
IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa
August 2
Starting at 6 am at Britannia Beach and finishing at Major’s Hill Park/Parliament Hill.
Watch this full-distance triathlon in the city that transforms Ottawa into a high-energy event celebrating the achievement of superb athletes.
It consists of a 3.8 km swim in the Ottawa River, a 180 km closed-road bike course, and a 42.2 km marathon run, culminating in a grand finish line in front of the Parliament buildings.
Here are the IRONMAN-suggested spots to cheer on the athletes:
National Gallery of Canada – for the switchover from biking to running
Marion Dewar Plaza / City Hall – for the running
Experimental Farm – for the running
Parliament Hill – for the finish line
For more information, see Ottawa Tourism.
Country fairs
Have fun at a good old-fashioned summer fair with agricultural tents, midways, demolition derbies, arm-wrestling championships, live entertainment, vendors and concessions, a lineup of fabulous musicians, and beverage gardens.
Here are three local fairs we think will be a lot of fun.
Navan Fair
August 6 – 9
1279 Colonial Rd, Navan
Complete with all the things you expect a country fair to have… including a Baby Show. (Some of the categories include: Least Hair; Most Hair; Curliest Hair; Chubbiest Cheeks; Rosiest Cheeks; Biggest Smile; Most Teeth; Bluest Eyes; Longest Lashes, and more. (The Lagois team believes every baby should win a prize.)
More information here.
Vankleek Hill Fair
August 13 – 16
92 Main St W, Vankleek Hill
Each day brings new adventures, including a Monster Truck Show, the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic, Antique Tractor Pulls and dancing in the Show Barn.
More information here.
Capital Fair
August 14 – 23
4899 Albion Road South
This is a big fair in Ottawa with a country fair feeling. It goes on for 10 whole days.
More information here.
Ottawa International Busker Festival
August 7 – 9
Live on Sparks Street.
Free and family friendly.
Get immersed in the excitement of more than 20 performers on five stages. See fire-breathers, jugglers, aerialists, and magicians do their amazing stunts right in the open on Sparks Street.
There are also (ticketed) special events in the evening.
See the amazing schedule here.
Ottawa Greek Fest
August 13 – 16; August 20 – 23
1315 Prince of Wales Drive
Free admission; free parking; free shuttle
Experience delicious Greek cuisine (traditional lamb on a spit, souvlaki, saganaki, Greek poutine and more), live music Greek music, dance performances, and the famous Zorba show of high energy and crowd interaction. There is an Arts Court and gift shop with the works of Greek artisans on sale.
More information here.
Nostalgia Music Festival
August 19-23
LeBreton Flats
2 Vimy Place
If you enjoy the music of the 70s, 80s and 90s, then you will love the Nostalgia Music Festival. It features professional tribute bands, and a customized environment that recreates the sights, sounds and all-around good vibes of these eras.
There are sit-down areas with full-service bars and a variety of quality food vendors. Large-format screens make it possible to see everything from any vantage point.
More information here.
North Lanark Highland Games
August 22
Fairgrounds – 195 Water St, Almonte
Free admission for kids 11 and under.
Celebrate Scottish culture and heritage of the Ottawa Valley. Experience 20 pipe bands, 100 dancers, champion heavyweight athletes, and children’s mini-highland games.
More information here.
Art in Strathcona Park
August 22
25 Range Rd
Rain or shine. Family-friendly.
Art in Strathcona Park brings together more than 100 local artists and artisans in a beautiful park setting. Explore a diverse selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, glass, textiles, fashion, home décor, and garden art.
There is a community BBQ, silent auction, and live music. Dogs are welcome. A popular destination for cyclists.
More information here.
Taste of Ottawa – Festival of Flavours
August 29 – 30, 11 am to 11 pm
Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive
Free admission
Your tummy might grumble at the thought of this: a two-day outdoor celebration of food, culture, and community in Ottawa. It’s an annual celebration of the culinary excellence and diversity that Ottawa has to offer.
It features global cuisine, food trucks, artisan vendors, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. Sample the superb dishes and creations of professional chefs. Many of the vendors sell prepared foods and specialty ingredients.
Paddle with the Turtles
Throughout August
Launch location:
3651 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland, ON K4C 1H7 (east end of Ottawa, about 25-30 minutes from downtown).
Explore the peaceful wetlands of the Grand-Maître Ecological Reserve by kayak, where painted turtles bask on sun-warmed logs; and herons, muskrats and other wildlife are common sights. The self-guided paddles are ideal for couples, families with older children. Rentals include a kayak, paddle and life jacket. Advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Schedule and booking information here.
Wishing you a beautiful August in Ottawa and area with family and friends. Some say it’s one of the best places to be.
We think so, too.
For more stories about the exciting people, events and places in Ottawa and surrounding communities, please sign up for Perfecting the Art of Living®, our monthly newsletter, here.
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