Your ultimate guide to a sensational summer in the National Capital Region

Home of maybe the prettiest spring season in the country, Ottawa got a head start celebrating the warmer months with an explosion of colour and fragrance at the annual Tulip Festival. The city’s cultural vibrancy only grows brighter throughout summer, with live music, fabulous foods, cultural celebrations, charity events, and more.

Take time to explore everything our nation’s capital has to offer during the sunniest months of the year!

Ottawa Jazz Festival l June 21-30: Spanning all genres and inspirations of jazz, from rhythm and blues to pop, rock, and more, the annual Ottawa Jazz Festival is back with a packed lineup for 2024. Music fans have a huge collection of musical options and venues to choose from, with performances at Confederation Park, Ottawa City Hall, and the National Arts Centre. This year’s headlining acts include Norah Jones, Lake Street Dive, Laufey, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Kathleen Edwards, Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton, and many more. Snag your tickets early--this popular festival always draws a crowd!

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest l July 13: Bringing good vibes to Mooney’s Bay Beach, H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest is the largest one-day volleyball tournament, and entertainment festival in the world! Each year, close to 12,000 spectators hit the beach for a sunny celebration in support of local charities. Ready to dig in and serve? Join 1000 co-ed teams of 6 to 10 players to compete for prizes and bragging rights - there are divisions for every skill level: Competitive, Competitive Plus, Corporate and Recreational. Not the sporting type? Head over to the festival’s main stage to check out the concert series, featuring The Trews, Dear Rouge, and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, along with a variety of DJs spinning tunes in the festival’s HOT Lounge.

The Capital Fair l August 16-25: An annual sign that summer is starting to wind down, the Capital Fair returns to the Rideau Carleton Raceway this August for 10 days of family-friendly fun and festivities. With Eastern Ontario's largest midway, the Fair offers a thrilling mix of rides and games for kids of all ages, along with a wide variety of mouth-watering food stalls, a beer garden, cornhole tournament, and more. Other highlights include the Kids Big Tent with a packed lineup of entertainment, an agricultural showcase with livestock displays and horse shows, and live music at the Fair’s Blues Revue. The Capital Fair culminates in a fantastic fireworks display, making it a fabulous way to celebrate the end of summer.

FMG I August 29-September 2: Renowned for its diverse artistic programming and entertainment, FMG offers an array of surprising activities in a magical atmosphere over five days. This year, once again, dozens of hot air balloons will take to the skies, allowing you to see multiple lift-offs. Plus, you can experience your own hot air balloon flight and see the region from above. In addition to the hot air balloons, you will enjoy live music, fireworks, amusement park rides, car shows, and more. It's the perfect activity for the whole family.