Ottawa's August long weekend is one of the best excuses all summer to get outside and soak up everything the city has to offer. Running from Friday, July 31 through Monday, August 3, 2026, the Civic Holiday weekend brings a full slate of festivals, fireworks, and family-friendly activities across the capital — and you don't need to leave the city to find something fun to do.
Fireworks and Waterfront Fun
No Ottawa long weekend is complete without a trip down to the Ottawa River. Locals flock to spots along the Rideau Canal and Major's Hill Park for unofficial gatherings, picnics, and sunset watching, while several community associations across the city typically organize small-scale fireworks displays to mark the holiday. Check with your local Business Improvement Area (BIA) — Westboro, the ByWard Market, and Barrhaven have all hosted evening events in past years — for the latest schedule as details firm up closer to the weekend.
Festival Season Hits Its Stride
August is peak festival season in Ottawa, and the long weekend often overlaps with some of the city's biggest annual draws. Keep an eye on Lansdowne Park and the Aberdeen Pavilion for markets and pop-up events, and check listings for Ottawa Bluesfest's tail end or any late-July carryover programming at LeBreton Flats. The ByWard Market, always buzzing in summer, ramps up its street performers and patio scene for the long weekend crowd, making it a solid go-to for an easy afternoon out.
Get Outdoors on the Trails and Water
With the weather typically hovering in the high 20s this time of year, the long weekend is prime time for Ottawa's extensive trail network. The NCC's pathways along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal are ideal for a bike ride or a walk, and paddlers can rent canoes and kayaks at Dow's Lake or Britannia Beach. If you're looking to cool off, Mooney's Bay and Britannia Beach remain the go-to spots for a swim, with lifeguards on duty and plenty of space for a beach day with the family.
Farmers' Markets and Local Food
August long weekend Saturdays are a great time to hit up the Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne, where local vendors sell peak-season produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. It's a low-key way to spend a few hours, support local growers, and pick up something for a long weekend barbecue. Smaller neighbourhood markets, including ones in Westboro and Manotick, also run through the summer and are worth a visit if you're exploring outside the core.
Museums and Indoor Options
If the heat gets to be too much, or if rain is in the forecast, Ottawa's world-class museums are always a reliable backup. The Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum all typically stay open on the holiday Monday, giving visitors and locals alike a cool, air-conditioned way to spend part of the weekend.
Whatever you choose to do, Ottawa's August long weekend offers something for everyone — whether that's a lazy afternoon by the water, a festival crawl through downtown, or a quiet bike ride along the canal. With summer starting to wind down, it's one of the last big chances to make the most of the season before fall settles in.
Source: To Do Canada
