Fairs and Festivals to Visit in Ottawa This Month

There’s something magical about the nostalgia of a midway and country fair. And you’ve got to appreciate the enthusiastic vibe of a local festival. No matter what you have planned this month, you’ll want to make time to check out one of these fairs and festivals that we think your entire family will love.

The Navan Fair

The annual fair in Navan is back and ready to welcome families from all over Ottawa and the Ottawa area. Between August 9 and 12, the Navan Fair will be buzzing with live entertainment, the midway, live animal demonstrations, and shows, plus a wide variety of activities specially designed with the kids in mind. We know they will all rally around Little Ray’s Reptiles and the Super Dogs special shows. Your family can grab a bite at one of the food vendors, or go early on Saturday for the Navan Fair Parade and the parade breakfast that follows. Tickets are available online or at the gate and weekend passes give you the opportunity to go to the fair all weekend long. Visit the website for full details about opening times, entertainment each evening and more.

Westboro Fuse

Once again, this block party in Ottawa is gearing up for a few days of excitement and fun. Westboro Fuse is a free street festival taking place on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19. Each day offers visitors a special series of activities, events, and party features to take in. Watch the buskers, join in the dance parties, or enjoy a patio together. The kids will love the Family Adventure Zone with the rock climbing wall, bouncy castle and Snow Cones. Full details about each activity and their locations can be found on the Westboro Fuse website.

Ottawa Capital Pride

Ottawa Capital Pride returns for twelve days between August 19 and 26. The event sets out to create opportunities to celebrate, advocate and connect people in Ottawa while respecting the diversity of the LGBTQ2+ community. There are many events your family can be a part of including the free family picnic on August 19. In Hintonburg Park between 2 pm and 5 pm, bring the family to celebrate LGBTQ2+ families of all kinds with crafts, games and activities the kids will enjoy. Capital Pride also has their annual Pride Parade on August 26 that is popular with Ottawa families. Visit the website for full parade route details and timing.

Shakespeare in the Park

Are you ready to introduce the kids to Shakespeare the way the Bard himself would have encouraged many people to see it? Outdoor, park editions of Twelfth Night are happening all summer long, possibly at a park near you (or at least one that is within driving distance). A Company of Fools is sharing their production until August 18. The family-friendly performances take place at 7 pm every day of the week, with Saturday having an additional 2 pm matinee show. This is a 90-minute performance and the ticket price is set as a ‘pay-what-you-will’ feature. Don’t think the weather is interrupting this show; the show must go on in rain or shine!

The Ottawa Capital Fair

Your kids will be wide-eyed with excitement and ready to shove as much cotton candy in their faces as they can at the Ottawa Capital Fair. This 10-day fair is Eastern Ontario’s largest Midway and also includes tasty fair food, the Birds of Prey Show, a petting zoo, pony rides and more live entertainment. The fair runs from August 17 until August 26 and the gate admission is $4 while children 36 inches or less are free. You can find full details for the fair on their website, including the daily schedules so you and your family can start planning.