Weekly Round-Up: July 6–12, 2026 – Your Guide to Summer in the 613!
July 6–12, 2026
Welcome back, 613! The first full week of July is here, and with it, a vibrant burst of summer activities across Ottawa. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained, groove to some tunes, expand your mind, or simply enjoy the beautiful weather, our city has something exciting in store for you. Get ready to dive into another fantastic week!
Family Fun & Kids' Adventures
- Start the week right by enrolling the kids in one of the many fantastic summer camps, all kicking off on Monday, July 6. Options include Summer Camp 2026 at Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre, Summer Art Camps at the Ottawa Art Gallery, or the unique Tinkering School Summer Camp at the Ottawa Tool Library. For free creative fun, check out Sunbeam Summers- kids summer camp or Street Art Lab - Summer Camp For Kids.
- On Saturday, July 11, make sure to visit the Free Petting Farm for Kids at 5420 Bank St for some adorable animal encounters. The little ones can also meet their favourite characters at the Magical Wayfinder Princess Event at Reverie Princess Palace, or enjoy the charm of Uruguayan Animation for Families: ANINA at 110 Hazel St.
- Cap off the weekend on Sunday, July 12 with a delightful Berry Basket Adventure at Millers' Farm and Market – perfect for a sweet family outing!
Food, Drink & Market Finds
- Foodies, rejoice! On Friday, July 10, treat your taste buds to a delightful Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience; Vineyard Edition at KIN Vineyards. This free event promises an exquisite evening. Also on Friday, explore local produce and culinary innovation at the Factory to Table Event | De l'usine à la table at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, which is also free and returns on Sunday, July 12.
- Kick off your week with Monday Munchies: Ottawa 20's edition | Foodies + New Friends at Restaurant of the Month for a tasty start.
- Saturday, July 11 brings a treasure hunt with the Ottawa Retro & Antique Market at 955A Gladstone Ave. Don't miss the fresh finds at The Cumberland Farmers' Market on Saturday as well.
Music, Dance & Nightlife Grooves
- The city's music scene is buzzing this week! Catch the iconic Ottawa Bluesfest at Lebreton Flats, running all weekend from Friday, July 10 to Saturday, July 11.
- On Friday, July 10, get ready for a high-energy night with HOLY F@$# IT’S DERRICK CARTER at Sky Lounge, or dive into hip-hop at SMOKEPURPP INTO THE VOID TOUR LIVE IN OTTAWA at NUVO Lounge 295, a free event. If you're feeling nostalgic, the 80s DANCE PARTY w DJ Remi Royale + One Vision (80s Pop Hitz Live) at 1077 Bank Street is free and promises a blast from the past. For something a little darker, Emo Night Ottawa - Divorced Dad Rock Night at The 27 Club is calling your name. Don't miss Orléans Unplugged (free) or a Sapphic night with Wysteria Root at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub.
- The nightlife continues on Saturday, July 11 with heavy metal from Six Feet Under, Kataklysm, Wormhole, Gland at Overflow Brewery. Drag fans, you're in luck! Enjoy Drag Bingo at Buster's Bar & Grill Kanata! on Friday, or free Crack the Whip! Drag at Whiprsnapr and Saturday Night Drag with Sunshine Glitterchild & Adrianna Exposée at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub on Saturday. For a different beat, try Milonga La Capital: July 2026 Edition or the free TARG Dance X-Tendamix - 1990-2020 Summer Jamz & Club Classics. Don't forget the free Summer Sizzler! at Buster's Bar & Grill.
- On Sunday, July 12, wrap up the weekend with JUST ME AND YOU. at Armada Lounge.
Workshops, Wellness & Cultural Exploration
- Expand your horizons with several engaging learning opportunities. On Monday, July 6, boost your career with the Fast-Track Corporate Success: 1 Day Workshop at Regus ON, Ottawa. On Friday, July 10, delve into science at The 2026 Great Canadian iGEM Incubator at STEM Complex (STM), or explore critical topics at Human Rights, Sustainable Development & the Law – both free conferences.
- Saturday, July 11 offers unique workshops like Origami and Kirigami: From Art to Engineering at the Embassy of Japan in Canada, get behind the lens at the free BEYOND THE CAMERA: RJM Media Workshop, or get hands-on with Lee Valley Tools Ottawa Store - Carve a Bear. Both are free. Experience Zaytoon - A Palestinian Art Night feat. Nisreen at Love Lyla Books (free) and explore our city's heritage with free Indigenous Walking Tours and Black history in Ottawa Streets.
- For wellness, find your zen with Pilates in the Park | Pilates dans le parc at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, July 11, or the Forest and Flow Yoga Festival at 5 Star Camps, both free. Start your Saturday with a tranquil Sun Up Sound Bath In The Park. On Sunday, July 12, join lululemon Summer Series | Boldly Shine Your Brightest Light Yoga for a refreshing start to your day.
- Connect with nature on Saturday, July 11 at the free July Monthly Outdoor Event at Experimental Farm Ottawa. On Sunday, July 12, enjoy Grounded: A Nature Walk Series - Walk #2 at Hogs Back or the Ottawa Mushroom Society Walk: July at South March Highlands Trail Network – all free. And if you're looking for love, the free Park & Spark: Speed Dating Ottawa| 30-40: Meet Under Open sky at Dominion Arboretum on Saturday could be your perfect match!
Unique Events & Community Buzz
- Looking for something truly different? On Friday, July 10, embark on an Ottawa Evening Champagne & Sunset Cruise from 1 Elgin St for a memorable, free experience on the water.
- Saturday, July 11 brings the excitement of Canada's Circus Spectacular - Circus Rocks at The Arena at TD Place, promising thrills for all ages. For adrenaline junkies, Monster Madness roars to life at The Stadium at TD Place.
- Car enthusiasts won't want to miss the free Cruise To North Of 9 Truck Show at Cabela's on Friday, or the Intro to Offroading with OVO - Open Run on Saturday, also at Cabela's. You can also test your endurance at the free Bring on the Bay 2026 at Nepean Sailing Club. For something truly unique, check out DEA vs Cartel 13 on Saturday.
- Engage with the community by checking out the free Cat and kittens adoption event at Pet Valu in Stittsville or the Fundraising and Awareness Event at Global Pet Foods Bank St on Saturday.
There's so much more happening in the 613 this week! For a complete list of events and to plan your perfect summer days, visit our full calendar at https://613cal.ca. Enjoy the week, Ottawa!