What's on in the Outaouais July 5-11
Summer is off to a great start, and so is the summer event program in the Outaouais. This week, there’s truly something for everyone: family festival, sport event, multimedia show, music festival, comedy festival and cultural experience. What are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy it!
Photo credits: Michel Rathwell
Activities and Events
Wonders of Sand Festival
This popular family festival returns to Lac Beauchamp this year! Admire professional sand carvers at work in the Sand Zone, cool off with inflatable games and water guns in the Chill Zone, and dance to the beat of the drum in the Culture Zone. There will be contests, exhibitors, entertainment, food trucks and more, for the enjoyment of young and old alike.
Lac Beauchamp Park – 741 Maloney Blvd. East, Gatineau.
Friday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 6 from9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Site access is free; admission charge for some activities.
Gatineau Triathlon
This weekend, your enthusiasm and encouragement are needed at Lac Leamy! Bring your horns, signs and banners and give it up for the athletes of all ages participating in the Gatineau Triathlon. From the Fun Team Relay to the Junior Quebec Cup, the sprint duathlon and the aquabike challenges, there’s a race for everyone—and the cheering section can never be too big or too loud!
Lac Leamy – 100 Atawe Street, Gatineau.
Saturday, July 6. Races start between 7 a.m. and 3 :20 p.m. depending on the race and age bracket.
Free for spectators.
The Outaouais Tourism team will be competing in the Gatineau Triathlon Corporate Challenge. Come cheer us on!
The Ottawa Bluesfest is 25 years old!
Backstreet Boys. Eric Church. Kygo. Charlotte Cardin. Elle King. Snoop Dogg. The Killers. And that’s barely a third of the artists in this year’s Bluesfest lineup. I-MA-GINE. The festival has pulled out all the stops for its 25th anniversary edition. Whether you’re a diehard blues fan or just out for a fun evening with friends, this event is for you. And foodies will be happy with the world cuisine and vegan options available on site!
LeBreton Flats, Ottawa.
July 4–14.
Prices vary depending on age bracket and date selected. Three- and five-day wristbands and VIP tickets also available.
Indigenous Experiences
The name says it all. Enjoy an immersive experience in First Peoples culture with this popular National Capital tourist attraction. On the Canadian Museum of History site, you can ask questions directly to First Nations people who are proud of and deeply attached to their cultures, roots and traditions. Through dances, songs and re-enactments, learn more about the peoples who settled in this region … well before we did!
Canadian Museum of History – 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau.
July 2–September 2. Performances daily at 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
To attend one of the daily performances, visitors must purchase a ticket at the Museum’s Box Office ($10).
Northern Lights
The perfect way to end your evening in the National Capital? The Northern Lights multimedia show on Parliament Hill! In sound and images, relive key moments in Canada’s history during this fascinating presentation. It’s accessible, free and fun!
Parliament Hill –Wellington Street, Ottawa.
Nightly from July 9 to September 8. Show times: July at 10 p.m., August at 9:30 p.m., and September at 9 p.m.
Free.
Reminder: Gatineau Comedy Festival
The Gatineau Comedy Festival is in full swing in the Outaouais. Don’t miss the outstanding artists appearing this weekend. Come share a laugh with family and friends!
Place de la Cité – De la Cité Blvd., Gatineau.
Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Day pass: $40 | Three-day pass: $85
Ride the STO bus to the festival for free when you show your festival ticket or wristband!
Looking for more ideas for summer fun? Consult the event calendar on our Facebook page and read our blog post about new summer activities in the Outaouais!
