Canada Day Festival

2025

Celebrate Canada Day in true Ottawa style—with four days of non-stop music, art, shopping, and family-friendly fun in the ByWard Market District.

From June 28 to 30th, wander through OohFest and Fly Market—Ottawa’s largest open-air market—featuring over 100 vendors across the area. Experience live mural painting on William Street by the world-renowned Secret Walls collective.

Then on July 1, the District comes alive with live performances presented by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) on George Street Plaza, acts on the Red Bull Stage, and a Molson Stage on York Street in the licensed patio area. If that’s not your style, keep the little ones entertained with a dedicated Kids’ Zone on ByWard Market Square!

Whether you're here to shop, dine, dance, or discover, there's something for everyone this Canada Day weekend in the heart of the city.

EVENT LINE UP

June 28, 29 & 30

  • Known worldwide for its high-octane live paint battles, Secret Walls is bringing its signature blend of creativity, competition, and community to Ottawa for a three-day takeover during Canada Day weekend. This global phenomenon unites emerging and established artists in epic showdowns that turn blank walls into jaw-dropping masterpieces—right before your eyes.

    Event Lineup:

    • June 28 & 29: Watch live mural painting unfold in real time on William Street, between George and York Streets. Artists will be working throughout the day, weather permitting—swing by and catch them in action as they transform public space into an open-air gallery.

    • June 29, 2 PM – 4 PM: A special Secret Walls art workshop will be held at a secret location in the ByWard. Want in? You’ll need to be exploring the Market to get the invite.

    • June 30, 6 PM – 8 PM: The weekend wraps with the 3-vs-3 live art battle showdown at the plaza at York and William Streets, where artists go head-to-head in front of a live audience. Expect energy, creativity, and a whole lot of crowd participation as the final murals are revealed and a winner is crowned.

    This is art like you’ve never experienced it—raw, live, and unforgettable.

  • Get ready for a full-on street takeover as Fly Market brings the energy to York Street on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. Anchored at the iconic Ottawa Sign, this vibrant pop-up transforms the ByWard Market into a bustling hub of fashion, food, and live entertainment.

    Event Lineup:

    • June 28 & 29:
      Fly Market showcases an incredible roster of vendors from across Canada, offering a curated mix of streetwear, vintage finds, and handmade goods. Come ready to shop the best of independent fashion and design—right in the heart of the ByWard.

    • All weekend long, the street will pulse with DJs, dancers, open-air dance parties, and live performances, creating a dynamic festival atmosphere. Add in food trucks and culinary pop-ups, and you’ve got a weekend full of flavour, style, and street-level culture.

    This is where community meets creativity—don’t miss your chance to experience it.

  • Downtown Ottawa’s favourite vintage shopping experience and open-air dance party is back for a three-day celebration of music, art, fashion, and food in the heart of the ByWard Market—from Saturday, June 28 to Monday, June 30.

    Event Lineup:

    • June 28 & 29, 11 AM – 7 PM:
      The Ooh Fest x Union LA x Fly Market takes over the Ottawa Sign on York Street with free daytime programming, featuring live DJ sets by @messemupbeats, @eazyeldee, @iamdjmace, and more. Expect dancers, open-air performances, food trucks, and a curated market of standout streetwear and vintage vendors from across Canada.

    • June 28, 3 PM – 9 PM:
      Celebrate at the Solé 3rd Year Anniversary Party at Sky Rooftop, 73 York Street with a high-energy lineup of DJs including @stfdjs, @kamgilani, @iamchrisdubbs, and others. (Ticketed event)

    • June 29, 4 PM – 9 PM:
      Keep the vibes going at Groovy Sunday at Sky Rooftop, with a feel-good mix from @dj.yktv, @badgalannie, @messemupbeats, and more. (Ticketed event)

    • June 30, 5 PM – 10:30 PM:
      Close out the weekend at the Grown-Ass Pizza Party, also at Sky Rooftop, featuring beats by @mikeroc, @musicspasms, @djsonice, and @eazyeldee. (Ticketed event)

    From fresh fits to unforgettable sets, this is Canada Day weekend in the ByWard—powered by culture, creativity, and community.

  • Celebrate Canada Day weekend by exploring the indoor and outdoor vendors at the ByWard Market Heritage Hall, open daily with extended hours to keep the festivities going. Whether you're looking for artisan goods, locally prepared foods, or hot meals cooked on the spot, there's truly something for everyone.

    Vendor Hours:

    • June 28, 9 AM – 9 PM

    • June 29, 9 AM – 6 PM

    • June 30, 9 AM – 6 PM

    With dozens of local vendors to choose from, it's the perfect place to pick up a unique gift, grab a bite, or simply enjoy the energy of the Market. Show your Canadian pride by supporting small businesses and discovering the best of what Ottawa's maker community has to offer—all under one historic roof.

    For more information, check out our vendor directory.

  • This Canada Day weekend, take your celebrations beyond the main events and discover everything the ByWard Market District has to offer. From patio drinks to proudly Canadian eats, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and explore the city like a local.

    What to Expect:

    • Restaurants & Bars: Sip, snack, and celebrate with a wide range of options—from craft beer and cocktails to patios serving Canadian classics and global flavours.

    • Retail & Boutiques: Shop everything from homegrown fashion and beauty to gifts, books, and one-of-a-kind finds from local retailers.

    • Services & Experiences: Book a spa service, get a fresh cut, or enjoy a casual stroll through one of the city’s most walkable neighbourhoods.

    Whether you're planning a day out with friends, a date in the city, or just want to show your Canadian pride while supporting local, the ByWard Market has something for everyone.

    For a full list of businesses, check out our business directory.

EVENT LINE UP

July 1

  • This Canada Day, don’t miss your chance to check out “The Final Boss”—a brand new interactive mural unveiled on William Street. Designed for kids and kids at heart, this playful installation brings street art to life with vibrant visuals, retro video game vibes, and built-in games you can actually play. From hopscotch to bold visuals that level up your selfie game, it’s more than just a mural—it’s a full-on experience. Come explore, play, and discover the final boss yourself.

  • Start your Canada Day in the Family Fun Zone on ByWard Market Square, between George and York Streets! Check out these amazing workshops for you and your little ones below.

    Schedule:

    Face painting | 10 AM–12 PM & 4 PM–6 PM

    Hip-hop & Afrobeat dance workshops by Bikkurim Studios | 10:30 AM–2:30 PM (3 sessions of each style)

    Watercolour painting with Yulia | 12 PM–6 PM, or while supplies last

    Flag-making & rock painting with our team | 10AM–1PM

    Lawn games | All day long

  • Celebrate Canada Day with non-stop live music at the OMIC Stage on George Street Plaza, featuring a full day of talented local artists and vibrant performances hosted by Nick Packer.

    Host: Nick Packer

    Sound Tech: Mathieu (Cayle)

    Canada Day Lineup:

    • 12:00 – 12:45 Satellite Birdhouse

    • 1:15 – 2:00 OK Naledi

    • 2:30 – 3:15 Jayla Kirkey & Skyler Radmore

    • 3:30 – 4:15 Jayla Kirkey & Skyler Radmore

    • 4:45 – 5:30 Mat Falvai Band

    • 6:00 – 6:45 Erica Brighthill

    • 7:15 – 8:00 Kyle Ivan

  • This Canada Day weekend, kick back and relax at the Molson licensed patio right out front of Lowertown Brewery. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cold one after exploring the Market or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere with friends, the patio offers the perfect spot to sip, socialize, and celebrate.

    Patio Hours: (insert times here)

    Please remember to drink responsibly—this is a 19+ licensed area. Enjoy the vibes, support local, and celebrate safely!

  • Details Coming Soon…

Canada Day Road Closures

Please be advised of the following road closures in the ByWard Market District on Tuesday, July 1, from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. to accommodate Canada Day programming:

  • George Street between ByWard Market Square and William Street

  • York Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street

  • William Street between George Street and York Street

  • ByWard Market Square between George Street and Clarence Street

We encourage visitors to walk, cycle, or take public transit when visiting the District on Canada Day. Thank you for your cooperation, and enjoy the celebrations!