Canada Day Performance Lineup and Activities Unveiled

Various festivities will be held in 4 locations around the Capital Region.

A member of the Skyhawks Parachute Team floats above the Canada Day noon hour show during a flypast celebrating the RCAF centennial, at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on July 1, 2024. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park will host the July 1 Canada Day festival with a lineup of musical performances and family entertainment. Various festivities will also be held in three other locations around the Capital Region.

The 2025 celebrations mark the 158th anniversary of Confederation.

At LeBreton Flats Park, the day will begin with a ceremony at noon that features performances by Amanda Marshall, Garou, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Rafaëlle Roy, and Alli Walker.

An evening concert starts at 8 p.m. with performances by Sarah MacLaughlin, Tom Cochrane, and Randy Bachman.

Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Muzion, Coeur de Pirate, Billie du Page, Josh Ross, Morgan Grace, Mitsou, Édith Butler, TALK, Fredz and Aasiva will also take the stage.

Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Steven Guilbeault unveiled the official program for Canada Day on May 29. He encouraged all Canadians to join in the festivities and “show the world what it means to be proudly Canadian.”

“This year, more than ever, Canada will shine with its shared energy, diversity and the spirit of unity that connects us from coast to coast to coast,” Guilbeault said. “Whether you are here at home or abroad, July 1 is a time to come together, enjoy great music, share our stories and reflect on what makes us unique.”

Guilbeault also said Canada becomes stronger when we “honour the ties that bind us and celebrate together.”

As part of this year’s celebration, Canadians can record a short video saying why they are proud of their country. Videos can be made online or at one of the video booths that have been set up at major VIA Rail stations across the country.

Those who share a video will get a chance to win one of two trips on VIA Rail. The trips are worth up to $15,000.

LeBreton Flats Park

LeBreton Flats Park will be the main location for the day’s activities, with fun things to do for all ages.

There will be a climbing tower, bubbles workshop, mural painting, plenty of photo opportunities, a medicine wheel bracelet workshop, and a dance floor.

The park will also have an outdoor screen where short Canadian films will be shown, from documentary to fiction to animation. It will also host the annual fireworks show, which is set to begin at 10 p.m.

Parliament Hill

On Parliament Hill, Canada Day activities will include  traditional entertainment, such as the changing of the Ceremonial Guard Band, and performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums.

Attendees can also enjoy aerial demonstrations by the Snowbirds and a giant screen broadcasting the noon ceremony from LeBreton Flats Park.

Supreme Court of Canada

A new venue this year is the Supreme Court of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Family-friendly activities will be taking place at the site. Attendees can take yoga and drumming workshops, as well as watch live broadcasts of the national celebration.

Other activities include workshops for those new to camping, a makeup station, and a creative space where attendees can make a Canada Day bookmark.

There will also be a live painting tournament called Art Battle Canada. Guests can watch artists create a piece of work in minutes, and then vote for the one they think is the best.

Old Hull

Canada Day festivities will also be held at Old Hull, where visitors can take in performances like hoop dancing, and challenge friends and family to oversized interactive games. For younger Canadians there will be inflatables for bouncing, face painting, and a live DJ.

R&B performer Naïma Frank, P’tit Belliveau, and The Strumbellas will also entertain the crowds at Old Hull.