Food Trucks, Festivals and Fun!
Some say summer in Ottawa doesn’t really begin until after the Canada Day fireworks. But why wait?
From rooftop tastings to riverside beer gardens, July through September is packed with delicious opportunities to get outside, eat local, and celebrate global flavours right here in the capital. Whether you're vegan-curious, a craft beer connoisseur, or just in it for the tacos, Ottawa’s summer food scene has you covered.
So, mark your calendar, grab your appetite, and get ready to eat your way across the city. Here's what’s cooking for summer 2025.
Dates: June 20–29, 2025
Venue: Confederation Park, 90 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
You can expect a vibrant culinary experience where food trucks, craft cocktails, and gourmet bites perfectly complement the live jazz performances in the heart of downtown.
Admission: Free outdoor shows; tickets ($40–600) for indoor/premium concerts
Tickets: Purchase online; no ticket required for park stages
Tips: Bring lawn gear, use cashless payments, arrive early for daytime shows
Website: ottawajazzfestival.com
Dates: June 20–22, 2025
Venue: Mooney’s Bay Park, 2960 Riverside Dr, Ottawa, ON
This festival offers an energetic mix of dragon boat races, live music, international street food vendors, and a waterfront beer garden, all with a family-friendly beachside vibe.
Admission: Free (races, music, food, beach)
Tickets: None required
What to expect: Dragon races, live tunes, global street eats & beer garden
Tips: Arrive early, bring sunscreen & hydration, use transit or bike rack
Website: dragonboat.net
Dates: June 21–22, 2025
Venue: Wesley Clover Parks, 1575 Russell Rd, Ottawa, ON
This cultural event features authentic Indigenous cuisine such as bannock and game meats, alongside pow-wows, storytelling, and artisan markets celebrating First Nations traditions.
Admission: Free entry; food and crafts sold separately
Tickets: None required
What to expect: Indigenous cuisine (bannock, game), pow-wows, storytelling & artisan vendors
Tips: Engage with stories behind the food; come hungry
Website: summersolsticefestivals.ca
Date: July 5, 2025 (10 am–6 pm)
Venue: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON
This one-day festival showcases plant-based food from local vendors, cooking demos, educational talks, and live entertainment, all centered on vegan living and sustainability.
Admission: Free (donations welcomed)
Tickets: None required
What to expect: Plant-based eats from local vendors, demos, speakers, live music
Tips: This is the first fest since 2019, come early and sample widely
Website: vegottawa.org/fest
Date: July 5, 2025 (1–7 pm)
Venue: Canadian Tire, 2135 Robertson Rd, Bells Corners, ON
Guests will enjoy beer samples from local breweries, live music, lawn games, and a relaxed summer crowd, all in a family-friendly outdoor setting.
Admission: Ticketed (sampling event)
Tickets: Advance purchase required; early bird available
What to expect: Samples from local breweries, live music, games, kid-friendly options
Tips: Book early for the best rates; arrange a ride
Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-on-tap-beerfest-presented-by-bells-corners-bia-tickets-1307407674549
Dates: July 3 - 5, July 10 - 12, Sept 4 - 6, 2025
Venue: 1 Elgin Restaurant (National Arts Centre), 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
This elegant series of events offers chef-curated, multi-course meals served along the Rideau Canal, paired with intimate live music in a fine dining atmosphere.
Admission: Ticketed (multi-course dinners + live music)
Tickets: Purchase via festival website; limited seatings
What to expect: Chef-curated meals by the canal with live performances
Tips: Dress smart-casual; advance booking essential
Website: ontariosmallhalls.com/the-chefs-table-2025/
Date: September 6, 2025
Venue: LeBreton Flats Park, 12 LeBreton St, Ottawa, ON
This high-energy outdoor festival delivers a one-night Latin dance party featuring live DJs, dance lessons, authentic tacos, street food, and Latin-inspired cocktails.
Admission: Ticketed (general admission; free for under-12s)
Tickets: Recommended advance purchase; often sells out
What to expect: One-night Latin dance party: DJs, lessons, tacos & cocktails
Tips: Wear comfy shoes; hydrate between dishes
Website: latinsparks.ca
Dates: July 16–20, 2025
Venue: Saint Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave, Ottawa, ON
Visitors will enjoy traditional Lebanese dishes, family-friendly midway rides, cultural music and dance performances, and a vibrant community feel.
Admission: Free before 5 pm; $3+ after (family pack $10; under-12s free)
Tickets: At entry or via shuttle
What to expect: Lebanese cuisine, rides, cultural music/dance, community atmosphere
Tips: Arrive before 5 pm for free entry; use shuttle service
Website: ottawalebanesefestival.com
Dates: August 8–10, 2025
Venue: Sparks St & Confederation Park, Ottawa, ON
This downtown street festival brings together circus performers, magicians, acrobats, and musicians, alongside food stalls that offer quick and tasty bites to enjoy between shows.
Admission: Free (“pass-the-busker” model); food sold separately
Tickets: None required
What to expect: Street performers, circus acts, family-friendly fun with food stalls
Tips: Arrive early for shade; grab a snack between acts
Website: ottawabuskerfestival.com
Dates: August 14–17 & August 22–24, 2025
Venue: Hellenic Community, 1315 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON
From souvlaki and spanakopita to traditional dancing and music, this community event celebrates Greek culture through food, festivities, and joyful traditions like plate smashing.
Admission: Free entry
Tickets: Not needed
What to expect: Greek cuisine, live dances, plate smashing, music, crafts & language demos
Tips: Visit multiple days; food served rain or shine; parking available
Website: ottawagreekfest.com
Dates: August 22–24, 2025
Venue: Clarke Fields Park, 2760 Broadview Ave, Nepean, ON
This festival celebrates Indian culture through a variety of flavourful street foods, live dance and music performances, and a welcoming, family-oriented setting.
Admission: Free entry; pay-per-item food booths
Tickets: None required
What to expect: Indian street food, cultural performances, family-friendly atmosphere
Tips: Bring cash, opt for sample servings to explore variety
Website: https://www.ottawafestivals.ca/calendar/navatara's-indian-food-festival-of-ottawa
Dates: September 10–14, 2025
Venue: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa, ON
Held in the heart of Lansdowne Park, this folk-music festival pairs live performances with gourmet food trucks and craft beer in a laid-back, picnic-ready environment.
Admission: Ticketed
Tickets: Single-day & full-pass options (online or on-site, cashless)
What to expect: Folk music, gourmet food trucks, craft beer, laid-back lawn seating
Tips: Advance tickets save money; bring a blanket; free transit perks apply
Website: cityfolkfestival.com
Date: September 27, 2025 (19+ event)
Venue: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON
Attendees can indulge in creative taco creations and tequila-based cocktails while enjoying live music and Lucha Libre wrestling at this 19+ outdoor celebration.
Admission: Ticketed, 19+ only
Tickets: Must purchase in advance; ID checked at entry
What to expect: Tacos, tequila tastings, Lucha Libre wrestling, live music
Tips: Bring ID, hydrate well
Website: tacosandtequilafestival.com
Dates: Thursdays (evenings) & Saturdays (mornings), June – early September
Venues: ByWard Market, Lansdowne, Parkdale, Westboro, South Keys, Metcalf, Carp, Cumberland, Navan, Main Street, Alta Vista, Elgin Street, Kanata, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Orleans, Manotick
Shoppers will find everything from local produce and prepared meals to baked goods and artisan treats at weekly day and night markets held across the city.
Admission: Free to attend; pay per item purchased
Tickets: No tickets required
What to expect: Fresh local produce, artisan foods, desserts, baked goods
Tips: Visit early for best selection; bring reusable bags and small change
Websites: https://ottawafarmersmarket.ca/
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