Ottawa Festivals and Events

JUNO Awards, Scotiabank Place, March 26 – April 1
A week long celebration of the Canadian Music Awards with a final Awards Ceremony at Scotiabank Place on April 1st.  Read more…

April

National Ballet of Canada – The Seagull, National Arts Centre, April 12-14

Contemporary ballet at its best.

Ottawa Gala, The Government Conference Centre, April 14. Read more...

May

Canadian Tulip Festival, Across Ottawa, May 4-21

A world-renowned festival celebrating Ottawa’s beautiful tulips. Read more…


Victoria Day Festival, Juliana Park, May 11-21

A wonderful festival celebrating Victoria Day with a finale or spectacular fireworks.


Ottawa Race Weekend, Across Ottawa, May 26-27

Put on your running shoes or cheer on the athletes as they race through Ottawa. Read more...

Ottawa International Children’s Festival, LeBreton Flats, May 30 – June 1

Young audiences love this celebration of the performing arts.

June

Magnetic North Theatre Festival, National Arts Centre, June 13-23

The national festival of contemporary Canadian theatre in English.



Canada Dance Festival, National Arts Centre and other venues, June 9-16

Celebrating the very best in Canadian contemporary dance.



Franco Ontarian Festival, Festival Plaza, June 14-16

An exciting celebration of Franco Ontarian culture.



Tim Hortons’ Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Mooney’s Bay Park, June 22-24

Enjoy the thrilling competition of traditional Chinese dragon boat racing. Read more...



 Ottawa Fringe Festival, Various locations, June 14-24

A fun and eclectic demonstration of art and song from international and Canadian artists.



International Chicken & Rib Cook-Off, Sparks Street Mall, June 20-24

Bring your appetite! A delicious BBQ extravaganza. Read more...

TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival, 
Confederation Park and other locations, June 21-July 1

The very best in jazz descend on the capital. Read more…

Unisong Choir Festival, National Arts Centre, June 28-July 2

Enjoy free choral concerts from choirs across the country.

July

Canada Day, Downtown Ottawa, July 1

Celebrate Canada in the heart of the National Capital! Read more…



HOPE Volleyball SummerFest, Mooney’s Bay Park, July 14

Whether you’re a player or a fan, you’ll love the world’s largest one-day beach volleyball tournament.



RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest, LeBreton Flats, July 4-15

Much more than blues, expect to see some of the world’s biggest stars deliver thrilling performances. Read more…



Ottawa City Chase, Across Ottawa, July 21

It’s like the Amazing Race, but in Ottawa.

August

Ottawa Chamberfest, Various locations, July 26-Aug. 10

The world’s largest chamber music festival features beautiful concerts across the city.



Rideau Canal Festival, Along the Rideau Canal, August 3 – 6

An eco-friendly celebration of Ottawa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Capital Hoedown, Walter Baker Park, Aug. 10-12

Kick up your heels to country music stars Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow and many more. Read more...



Sound of Light / Les grands feux, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Que., Aug. 4-18

International teams come together in this loud and exciting fireworks competition.



Capital Pride Festival, Various locations, Aug. 19-28

Ottawa’s GLBT community comes together to show their pride. Read more...


September

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Gatineau, Que., Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

Watch as the skies are filled with dozens of beautiful balloons.

Ottawa Folk Festival, Hog’s Back Park, Sept. 6-9 

An eclectic celebration of music and storytelling.

Ottawa International Animation Festival, Various locations, Sept. 19-23

North America’s largest animation festival showcases productions from across the globe.

November

Ottawa Wine and Food Festival, Ottawa Convention Centre, Nov. 9-13

Charm your senses with the very best of tastes and smells.



National Remembrance Day Ceremonies, National War Memorial, Nov. 11

Join thousands of Canadians to honour our country’s soldiers.