One of the summer’s brightest events, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, returns to the Canadian Museum of History. The annual competition features six evenings of dazzling fireworks launched from the Ottawa River on Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 30 through to August 16.
The competition kicks off with an opening night show on July 30 featuring live performances by DJs Carl Müren and Chris Alary. Japan takes the stage on August 2, followed by Australia on August 6, Mexico on August 9, then Canada on August 13. The grand finale is August 16 and a winner will be crowned!
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Each year, I look forward to hearing about the new experiences offered at the official site: from gourmet picnic boxes in 2023 to a pop-up fire restaurant in 2024, the team keeps coming up with new ways to enjoy a night out. While there are many spots in Ottawa and Gatineau to catch the fireworks, I’ve learned that for the best vibe, musical experience, and food, the Canadian Museum of History is the place to be. Looking for alternative (free) spots to watch the show? Pick a spot with a good view of the sky above the river such as Major’s Hill Park, Parliament Hill, behind the Supreme Court of Canada, along the Rideau Canal, or on a bridge (like the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge or the Portage Bridge, but note that the Alexandra Bridge is closed during the fireworks).
To learn about this year’s culinary offerings, I reached Chef Jean-Philippe Cloutier by email.
Apt613: What kind of food and beverage experience can attendees expect?
Chef Jean-Philippe Cloutier: For the past few summers, Les Grands Feux has become a must for food lovers. Visitors can expect a wide variety of street food trucks — both savoury and sweet — the return of our Table Champêtre, an exclusive VIP experience that’s already sold out for every evening, and a brand new addition this year: our Gourmet Pop-Ups. These nightly pop-up stations shine a spotlight on a different local chef or restaurateur each evening, offering small plates representative of their talent — paired with products from our region’s best microbreweries.
These nightly pop-up stations shine a spotlight on a different local chef or restaurateur each evening, offering small plates representative of their talent — paired with products from our region’s best microbreweries.
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Can you tell us about the experience of cooking on site at the Canadian Museum of History during the festival?
It’s a unique setting — both inspiring and demanding. You’re outdoors, in a heritage site, with fireworks overhead and the Ottawa River just a few steps away. It calls for precision, adaptability, and strong collaboration with the team. But when it all comes together — the setting, the energy, the people — it’s amazing!
How do you incorporate local products and restaurants into the event?
We collaborate with local chefs, regional producers, and caterers who share our values — fresh ingredients, diverse menus, and a commitment to local sourcing. Sustainability also matters to us: every night, unsold dishes are donated to BASE, a local food bank.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy. Photo: Hannah Manning
What are you most excited about for this year’s festival?
Definitely the Gourmet Pop-Ups. It’s exciting to see how each chef brings their own signature to the experience. The energy will be different every night. It’s a way to taste something new, something that only exists in that moment. And for me, that’s what festival cooking is all about.
Is there anything else Apt613 readers should know?
Come early, take it all in — the beauty of the site, the time with family or friends, a good cocktail or a local beer, and a few bites to share. It’s the perfect setting for the celebration to begin long before the fireworks.
The 2025 edition of Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 30 to August 16. Tickets to the festival site at the Canadian Museum of History (100 Laurier Street, Gatineau) are available online. General admission tickets to the festival site are $20 for adults and $8.50 for children under 12. Reserved seats are available at an additional cost and tend to sell out year after year. As per the FAQ car parking at the Canadian Museum of History will not be open to the public during the festival but there will be a designated bike parking area. The event is cashless: only debit and credit will be accepted. Follow Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy on Instagram @grandsfeuxducasino for the latest updates.
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