Ottawa Festivals
What is going on in Ottawa, Ontario? Check out this list of festivals: film, music, food, theatre, art and family-friendly festivals. If it is happening in Ottawa, it is listed here.
If we are missing your festival in Ottawa it only takes a few minutes to add a complimentary listing.
May 17 to May 21
In early May, Ottawa's official flower, the tulip, is in full bloom. To celebrate, visitors and locals alike tour the beds of bright flowers throughout the city and Major's Hill Park hosts dozens of concerts. History buffs may want to see one bed of tulips in particular. Since the end of the Second World War the Dutch government has sent bulbs in appreciation for Canada's wartime efforts. Some of the flowers now bloom at Commissioners Park.
In early May, Ottawa's official flower, the tulip, is in full bloom. To celebrate, visitors and locals alike tour the beds of bright flowers throughout the city and Major's Hill Park hosts dozens of concerts. History buffs may want to see one bed of tulips in particular. Since the end of the Second World War the Dutch government has sent bulbs in appreciation for Canada's wartime efforts. Some of the flowers now bloom at Commissioners Park.
May 30 to Jun 03
For over 25 years, the Ottawa International Children’s Festival has been holding a five-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences in the community. The Festival has hosted performers from Brazil, Kenya, Peru, Holland, France, England, Germany, Denmark and China, as well as artists from around Canada. An amazing performing arts experience, the Ottawa International Children's Festival will excite and amaze the whole family!
For over 25 years, the Ottawa International Children’s Festival has been holding a five-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences in the community. The Festival has hosted performers from Brazil, Kenya, Peru, Holland, France, England, Germany, Denmark and China, as well as artists from around Canada. An amazing performing arts experience, the Ottawa International Children's Festival will excite and amaze the whole family!
Jun 02
On June second, Les Maîtres d'Armes will be participating, for the fourth time, at the “Fête des Voisins” being held in Lac Leamy park. This event, held every year since 2006 in Québec, aims to fight isolation and bring neighbours together in a festive atmosphere. To the delight of spectators, Les Maîtres d'Armes will perform their traditional “Pas d'Arme”, a type of tournament, as well as martial demonstrations.
Les Maîtres d'Armes are a school of western medieval martial arts, training students in the arts of wrestling, dagger and sword according to techniques outlined by the Italian master at arms Fiore Di Liberi.
On June second, Les Maîtres d'Armes will be participating, for the fourth time, at the “Fête des Voisins” being held in Lac Leamy park. This event, held every year since 2006 in Québec, aims to fight isolation and bring neighbours together in a festive atmosphere. To the delight of spectators, Les Maîtres d'Armes will perform their traditional “Pas d'Arme”, a type of tournament, as well as martial demonstrations.
Les Maîtres d'Armes are a school of western medieval martial arts, training students in the arts of wrestling, dagger and sword according to techniques outlined by the Italian master at arms Fiore Di Liberi.
- Lac Leamy Address: . Hull QC
Jun 08 to Jun 10
This annual open air festival that occurs in June features performing arts from a wide range of cultures. Come celebrate Canada's unity in diversity through music, song and dance. The event will take place at the Astrolabe Theatre at Nepean Point.
This annual open air festival that occurs in June features performing arts from a wide range of cultures. Come celebrate Canada's unity in diversity through music, song and dance. The event will take place at the Astrolabe Theatre at Nepean Point.
Jun 14 to Jun 16
Each year this festival celebrates French culture in the Ottawa-Hull region with parades, art exhibits, concerts, pub crawls and more. There are a number of venues including ByWard Market and major parks throughout the city.
Each year this festival celebrates French culture in the Ottawa-Hull region with parades, art exhibits, concerts, pub crawls and more. There are a number of venues including ByWard Market and major parks throughout the city.
Jun 16 to Jun 26
Showcasing local, national and international artists, the Ottawa Fringe Festival celebrates stage, music, art, film and more. Featuring over 80 companies through indoor and outdoor venues for 10 days of fun on the fringe. Occurs at the end of June.
Showcasing local, national and international artists, the Ottawa Fringe Festival celebrates stage, music, art, film and more. Featuring over 80 companies through indoor and outdoor venues for 10 days of fun on the fringe. Occurs at the end of June.
Jun 21 to Jul 01
Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Ottawa, the TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival attracts scores of music fans to Confederation Park, as well as other convenient venues, to enjoy some of the most celebrated jazz artists. For more than 30 years the Festival has presented some of the most dynamic jazz superstars, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Roy Haynes, Toots Thielemans, Wynton Marsalis, Smokey Robinson, Diana Krall and many, many more.
Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Ottawa, the TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival attracts scores of music fans to Confederation Park, as well as other convenient venues, to enjoy some of the most celebrated jazz artists. For more than 30 years the Festival has presented some of the most dynamic jazz superstars, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Roy Haynes, Toots Thielemans, Wynton Marsalis, Smokey Robinson, Diana Krall and many, many more.
- Confederation Park Ottawa Address: Elgin Street at Laurier Avenue Ottawa ON
Jun 22 to Jun 24
Ancient Chinese tradition meets the Nation's Capital. Combine the excitement and competition of dragon boat races, multi-cultural food and entertainment, community spirit and charitable fundraising and you have a colourful two-day event that attracts 4,500 paddlers and over 60,000 spectators.
Ancient Chinese tradition meets the Nation's Capital. Combine the excitement and competition of dragon boat races, multi-cultural food and entertainment, community spirit and charitable fundraising and you have a colourful two-day event that attracts 4,500 paddlers and over 60,000 spectators.
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Kick off the event with a Self-Guided Pond Tour, featuring a dozen of Ottawa's most beautiful Water Gardens. Guests are provided with a tour book with directions, to get around town at a leisurely pace. The event is topped of with a cash BBQ reception at the Bott Family Swim Pond, a 60,000 gallons aquatic adventure, with a 14 foot waterfall, and koi! Fun and games for the whole family! Tickets are $20, and ALL proceeds go to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation! Come eat and swim for charity!
Kick off the event with a Self-Guided Pond Tour, featuring a dozen of Ottawa's most beautiful Water Gardens. Guests are provided with a tour book with directions, to get around town at a leisurely pace. The event is topped of with a cash BBQ reception at the Bott Family Swim Pond, a 60,000 gallons aquatic adventure, with a 14 foot waterfall, and koi! Fun and games for the whole family! Tickets are $20, and ALL proceeds go to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation! Come eat and swim for charity!
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Established in 1983, this beach volleyball festival has grown to be the largest of its kind in the world. 20,000 spectators come to watch 100 teams with 10,000 players compete in nearly 5,000 games. In addition, there is a main stage onsite that features six hours of live entertainment throughout the day. The event takes place at Mooney's Bay Beach.
Established in 1983, this beach volleyball festival has grown to be the largest of its kind in the world. 20,000 spectators come to watch 100 teams with 10,000 players compete in nearly 5,000 games. In addition, there is a main stage onsite that features six hours of live entertainment throughout the day. The event takes place at Mooney's Bay Beach.
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The Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest is an outdoor music festival that consists of 6 stages offering 170 performances. The festival is a world-class event that celebrates music and culture from around the world. Annually, the festival attracts over 220,000 spectators.
The Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest is an outdoor music festival that consists of 6 stages offering 170 performances. The festival is a world-class event that celebrates music and culture from around the world. Annually, the festival attracts over 220,000 spectators.
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This festival celebrates Turkish culture, art, food, music and dance and gives visitors a chance to learn about Turkish hospitality and heritage. The events are free of charge and feature a parade, activities for children, authentic demonstrations and souvenirs for sale.
This festival celebrates Turkish culture, art, food, music and dance and gives visitors a chance to learn about Turkish hospitality and heritage. The events are free of charge and feature a parade, activities for children, authentic demonstrations and souvenirs for sale.
- Confederation Park Ottawa Address: Elgin Street at Laurier Avenue Ottawa ON
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This three-day outdoor festival (rain or shine) will raise money for local animal rescue organizations and features 1000 Islands Dock Dogs, agility trials, entertainment, vendors, silent auctions, games and animal related demos throughout the weekend.
This three-day outdoor festival (rain or shine) will raise money for local animal rescue organizations and features 1000 Islands Dock Dogs, agility trials, entertainment, vendors, silent auctions, games and animal related demos throughout the weekend.
- Rideau Carleton Raceway Address: 4837 Albion Rd Ottawa ON CAN K1X 1A3
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Canalfest, Merrickville's annual outdoor salute to the Rideau Canal takes place August Long Weekend in Blockhouse Park in Merrickville. Scheduled daytime festivities include ongoing live musical entertainment, a fine craft show, Voyageur Canoe Races, a floating model boat show, and the Merrickville Lions Barbecue. Children's activities include a fishing derby, free face painting, and Merrickville's own "Bug Lady."
Canalfest, Merrickville's annual outdoor salute to the Rideau Canal takes place August Long Weekend in Blockhouse Park in Merrickville. Scheduled daytime festivities include ongoing live musical entertainment, a fine craft show, Voyageur Canoe Races, a floating model boat show, and the Merrickville Lions Barbecue. Children's activities include a fishing derby, free face painting, and Merrickville's own "Bug Lady."
- Rideau Canal Address: 34A Beckwith Street South Ottawa ON K7A 2A8
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Thrills, Chills, and Trills
Music at every turn; your favourite composers interpreted with creative new intensity; traditional and fringe alike, performed to the bravos of folk who truly love their song… these are a few of the impressions you’ll take home from Ottawa Chamberfest.
This year’s two-week international chamber music festival brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance, capped at both ends with the hottest three tickets of the summer concert season.
Thrills, Chills, and Trills
Music at every turn; your favourite composers interpreted with creative new intensity; traditional and fringe alike, performed to the bravos of folk who truly love their song… these are a few of the impressions you’ll take home from Ottawa Chamberfest.
This year’s two-week international chamber music festival brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance, capped at both ends with the hottest three tickets of the summer concert season.
- Rideau Hall Address: Sussex Drive Ottawa ON
- Dominion-Chalmers United Church Address: 355 Cooper St Ottawa ON CAN K2P 0G8
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In the churches and halls of Ottawa, the chamber music of Haydn and Mozart attracts music lovers in late July and early August. The Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival even records some of the performances.
In the churches and halls of Ottawa, the chamber music of Haydn and Mozart attracts music lovers in late July and early August. The Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival even records some of the performances.
Aug 10 to Aug 12
Afrikan Festival-Ottawa is facilitated by the Pan-Afrikan Coalition of Canada. It's 3-days of cultural expression in the form of music, song, dance, fashion, food and performance arr that enables you to have a brief glimpse of the continent and his Pan-Afrikan family without leaving Canada's National Capital region.
Afrikan Festival-Ottawa is facilitated by the Pan-Afrikan Coalition of Canada. It's 3-days of cultural expression in the form of music, song, dance, fashion, food and performance arr that enables you to have a brief glimpse of the continent and his Pan-Afrikan family without leaving Canada's National Capital region.
Aug 10 to Aug 12
Following two successful years, Capital Hoedown Country Music Festival is proud to announce an exciting line-up for Capital Hoedown 2012.
The star-studded line-up of artists performing at Capital Hoedown includes super star Taylor Swift, along with Reba, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, Terri Clark, Gord Bamford, Dean Brody, Tara Oram, Marshall Dane, Chad Brownlee and High Valley.
Following two successful years, Capital Hoedown Country Music Festival is proud to announce an exciting line-up for Capital Hoedown 2012.
The star-studded line-up of artists performing at Capital Hoedown includes super star Taylor Swift, along with Reba, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, Terri Clark, Gord Bamford, Dean Brody, Tara Oram, Marshall Dane, Chad Brownlee and High Valley.
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Located in Britannia Park on the Ottawa River, the Ottawa Folk Festival features the finest in Canadian and international acoustic music. Past headliners have included Sarah Harmer and Judy Collins.
Located in Britannia Park on the Ottawa River, the Ottawa Folk Festival features the finest in Canadian and international acoustic music. Past headliners have included Sarah Harmer and Judy Collins.
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One of the largest fireworks competitions in Canada, the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light event gives visitors the chance to see amazing fireworks displays created by pyrotechnic artists from across the globe. A variety of other activities are on offer and there is a beer tent, a concessions area and a family zone onsite.
One of the largest fireworks competitions in Canada, the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light event gives visitors the chance to see amazing fireworks displays created by pyrotechnic artists from across the globe. A variety of other activities are on offer and there is a beer tent, a concessions area and a family zone onsite.
- Leamy Lake Ecological Park and Archaeological Site Address: Leamy Lake Parkway Hull ON
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The Lumière Festival is a well planned and safe lantern festival, designed so that the community can be creative and come together for a night of calm and enjoyment. This amazing festival features imaginative lanterns made from tissue paper and bamboo made by locals. Children are delighted to be part of the magic, wings bumping behind them as they proudly carry their very own jam jar lantern. The Lumière Festival is a chance to witness the beauty of light!
The Lumière Festival is a well planned and safe lantern festival, designed so that the community can be creative and come together for a night of calm and enjoyment. This amazing festival features imaginative lanterns made from tissue paper and bamboo made by locals. Children are delighted to be part of the magic, wings bumping behind them as they proudly carry their very own jam jar lantern. The Lumière Festival is a chance to witness the beauty of light!
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The Ottawa Greek festival gives the city's Greek populace the chance to celebrate their heritage while educating the public. Visitors can enjoy Greek cuisine, dance demonstrations, language and dance lessons, live music, a Zorba show, theme days and more.
The Ottawa Greek festival gives the city's Greek populace the chance to celebrate their heritage while educating the public. Visitors can enjoy Greek cuisine, dance demonstrations, language and dance lessons, live music, a Zorba show, theme days and more.
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There have been pride celebrations in Ottawa since 1987 and each year participation and attendance has grown. Recent events have seen thousands of city residents attending and joining in on a number of events including a pride parade, an info fair, an outdoor festival with a kid's area and live entertainment, parties, pub crawls and more.
There have been pride celebrations in Ottawa since 1987 and each year participation and attendance has grown. Recent events have seen thousands of city residents attending and joining in on a number of events including a pride parade, an info fair, an outdoor festival with a kid's area and live entertainment, parties, pub crawls and more.
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A major event for animation fans, the Ottawa International Animation Festival presents a range of innovative and exciting work by filmmakers from across the world. Activities at the festival include workshops, panel discussions, screenings, parties and more.
A major event for animation fans, the Ottawa International Animation Festival presents a range of innovative and exciting work by filmmakers from across the world. Activities at the festival include workshops, panel discussions, screenings, parties and more.
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You had better dress warmly because the forecast for February in the Capital just got a whole lot cooler. That’s because the Ottawa Jazz Festival, in partnership with the National Capital Commission and Winterlude, launches the first annual Winter Jazzfest which blows through town in venues throughout downtown Ottawa. The inaugural event is piled with jazz artists of international acclaim as well a showcase of the best local talent on offer including; Oliver Jones, the Quinsin Nachoff’s Quartet, the Christine and Ingrid Jensen Quintet, Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble, Megan Jerome and Renée Yoxon and many more.
You had better dress warmly because the forecast for February in the Capital just got a whole lot cooler. That’s because the Ottawa Jazz Festival, in partnership with the National Capital Commission and Winterlude, launches the first annual Winter Jazzfest which blows through town in venues throughout downtown Ottawa. The inaugural event is piled with jazz artists of international acclaim as well a showcase of the best local talent on offer including; Oliver Jones, the Quinsin Nachoff’s Quartet, the Christine and Ingrid Jensen Quintet, Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble, Megan Jerome and Renée Yoxon and many more.
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Held in conjunction with events occurring across the river in Ottawa, this annual winter festival features a wide selection of activities for all ages, including fun at a snow sliding park, a dazzling fireworks opening ceremony, outdoor concerts and culinary experiences.
Held in conjunction with events occurring across the river in Ottawa, this annual winter festival features a wide selection of activities for all ages, including fun at a snow sliding park, a dazzling fireworks opening ceremony, outdoor concerts and culinary experiences.
- Canadian Museum of Civilization Address: 100 Laurier Street Hull QC J8X 4H2
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To the rhythm of steel drums, brightly customed performers walk down the streets of Ottawa in a parade for Caribe-Expo. Elsewhere in Ottawa the annual festivities include concerts and a marketplace during this celebration of Calypso and Soca.
To the rhythm of steel drums, brightly customed performers walk down the streets of Ottawa in a parade for Caribe-Expo. Elsewhere in Ottawa the annual festivities include concerts and a marketplace during this celebration of Calypso and Soca.
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This year’s festival will feature live performances by some of the hottest artists, featuring reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, soca, R&B and hip hop and will incorporate a dance and a dub poetry showcase.
This year’s festival will feature live performances by some of the hottest artists, featuring reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, soca, R&B and hip hop and will incorporate a dance and a dub poetry showcase.
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Since its inception in 1997, the Ottawa International Writer's Festival has brought in writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, film and drama from across the world. A range of interactive events are offered in French and English.
Since its inception in 1997, the Ottawa International Writer's Festival has brought in writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, film and drama from across the world. A range of interactive events are offered in French and English.
- Mayfair Theatre Address: 1074 Bank Street Ottawa ON
