Summer in Ottawa is made for getting outside, making memories, and discovering new reasons to explore. Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for a unique date idea, or simply hoping to soak up every bit of the season before fall arrives, Saunders Farm has a lineup of events that makes it well worth the drive.
From returning favourites to brand-new experiences celebrating Ottawa’s history, here’s what’s coming up at Saunders Farm over the next few weeks.
Summer Maze Days Are Back
There’s something timeless about spending a summer day at Saunders Farm. The wagon rides, towering hedge mazes, playgrounds, splash pad, and open green spaces have become a tradition for many Ottawa families, and Summer Maze Days are officially back for another season.
Running throughout the second half of July, visitors can explore the world’s largest collection of hedge mazes, climb observation towers, tackle puzzle mazes, enjoy live entertainment, and let kids burn off energy across the farm’s many attractions. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, Summer Maze Days offer plenty of reasons to spend an entire day outdoors.
Of course, no visit is complete without stopping by MacIntosh’s CiderHouse, where wood-fired pizza, farm-fresh snacks, and Saunders’ own locally crafted ciders make for the perfect midday break.
A Brand-New Corn Maze Festival Celebrates Ottawa 200
One of the biggest additions to Saunders Farm this year is the debut of the Corn Maze Festival, launching August 1.
Created to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary, this immersive experience transforms farmland into a giant interactive corn maze that tells the story of the city’s people, agriculture, and history. As visitors navigate the maze, they’ll discover educational stops highlighting the moments and communities that helped shape the capital region.
It’s a fresh take on one of Saunders Farm’s signature attractions, blending outdoor adventure with local storytelling in a way that’s designed for visitors of all ages.
The Corn Maze Festival runs throughout August and joins the farm’s existing attractions, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring everything the property has to offer.
One Night of Summer Scares
Halloween fans don’t have to wait until October.
On August 8, Saunders Farm hosts A Midsummer Night’s Scream, a one-night-only event that offers an early taste of FrightFest. Guests can expect haunted attractions, eerie entertainment, and plenty of jump scares as the farm transforms into a summer horror experience for one unforgettable evening.
It’s become a popular event for thrill seekers looking to experience Saunders Farm’s signature scares months before the official Halloween season begins, and tickets are expected to sell quickly.
Looking Ahead to Fall
While summer is in full swing, it also marks the beginning of the countdown to Saunders Farm’s biggest season.
PumpkinFest and FrightFest will return later this year with the attractions visitors know and love, including pumpkin patches, live entertainment, haunted experiences, family-friendly activities, and one of Canada’s best-known Halloween destinations. Event details and schedules will be announced closer to the season.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure, an outdoor date, or a day exploring one of Ottawa’s most beloved attractions, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Saunders Farm this summer. With returning favourites, exciting new experiences, and the promise of fall festivities just around the corner, it’s shaping up to be another memorable season on the farm.
