Festivals & Events
in Ottawa

Another great reason for visiting Ottawa or living here - the events in Ottawa are spectacular. There is always something going on. There are so many events and festivals that take place here and at various times of year that you are almost certain to find one that interests you while you are here. Some of them are even world famous and attract visitors from all over the world.

We try our best to get to a few events and festivals in Ottawa each year. We love the variety! Some of them we only need to spend a few hours at but others we want to spend an entire weekend.

Here are a few of our favourite events in the Ottawa area (in no particular order):

The Ottawa Tulip Festival
May 2 - 19, 2008
It is difficult to describe how absolutely beautiful this is. There are literally thousands of tulips of varying colour. It sure is a sight to see. But it doesn't stop at just the tulips – there are exciting shows and exhibits too. What a great way to say goodbye to winter and hello to Spring (actually at this point we are nearing the end of Spring and heading into summer). Read more about the Ottawa Tulip Festival.

Fall Rhapsody
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed
This event takes place in Gatineau Park. Two words: Absolutely breathtaking! You haven't seen scenery until you have experienced this. The colour of the trees in Gatineau Park in the Fall is so stunning. The entire park is filled with bright, vibrant red, yellow and orange leaves. You will be surrounded by natural beauty. If we can make one suggestion - please, please don't forget your cameras.

Ottawa Wine & Food Show
It is usually held on one of the first weekends in November. What a great place to sample wines, beers and food from all over the world. You will probably end up with a few new favourites to add to your wine collection. If you don't like wine, don't worry – there is a good selection of international beers as well as hard liquor too. There is something for everyone! Make sure to sample the food (you don't want to be sampling too much alcohol on an empty stomach)!!!

Winterlude
February 1 - 17, 2008
If you haven't heard of this amazing festival then you are in for a treat. There are so many activities for all different age groups. Check out the ice sculptures, catch a skating show, test your own skating abilities on the Rideau Canal (the world's longest skating rink) or sit inside and sip on a hot chocolate and try a Beaver Tail! Read more on our Winterlude page.

Cisco Systems Bluesfest
July 3 - 13, 2008
This is a truly amazing outdoor event. You'll be on your feet in no time! Read more on our Ottawa Bluesfest page.

Canada Day
July 1st (every year)
This national holiday is best spent in the nation's capital. Thousands of people line the streets because there are activities and events for all ages and in every different area of the city. After a fun-filled day, look up in the sky and watch the amazing fireworks display that can be seen for miles. Read more on our Canada Day in Ottawa page.

Other Events in Ottawa:

Air Show Ottawa
June 28 & 29, 2008
Carp Airport
Air demonstrations (including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds), exhibits and fun for the entire family.

Bon Appetit! Ottawa
May 6, 2008
Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
This unique event attracts a couple thousand people who want to sample delicious food & wine and help out some of the local charities.

ByWard Market Auto Classic
Date for 2008 to be confirmed
You can come and check out the vintage & high performance cars for free!

Christmas Lights Across Canada
If you are here in Ottawa during the month of December you should take a drive or a stroll downtown to see the beautiful lights at Parliament Hill and other sites along Confederation Boulevard! What a sight to see!

Caribe-Expo (Caribbean Festival)
August 8 - 17, 2008
Parades, awesome music and delicious food!

Central Canada Exhibition (Ottawa Superex)
August 14 - 24, 2008
Ottawa's Annual Exhibition which features amusement park rides, concerts, entertainment and much more. Read more about the Ottawa Superex.

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
From late June to late August at 10am every morning on Parliament Hill. This is one of the most popular events in Ottawa and shouldn't be missed. If you live here and you haven't seen it yet, you really should go.

Canada Dance Festival
June 7 - 14, 2008
The Canada Dance Festival presents Hip Hop 360 - a pan-Canadian, cross-cultural gathering of professional and emerging breakdancers, graffiti artists, MCs and DJs.

A collection of contemporary Canadian and international dance on film and video will also be presented at Film Dance, a collaboration with the Canadian Film Institute and Moving Pictures

Day Out with Thomas
Ottawa Central Railway's Walkley Yard
August 15, 16, 17 and 22, 23, 24, 2008
www.dowtottawa.ca

Doors Open Ottawa
June 7 & 8, 2008
Various buildings around the city
Read more about this unique event on our Doors Open Ottawa page.

Franco-Ontarien Festival
June 12 - 14, 2008
Lots of activities for the whole family. Don't miss the concert that they hold each year.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 29 - September 1, 2008
Look up! Look way up! You won't believe some of the balloons in the sky. Over 100 balloons from different countries fly high for your viewing pleasure! You can also come and enjoy the rides and see the exhibits. Read more about the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.

The Great Glebe Garage Sale
Usually the 1st Saturday after Victoria Day
This has grown increasingly popular over the past few years for those that live here.

Help Santa Toy Parade
Held in the downtown area, this event collects toys and cash for the less fortunate children in the region.

HOPE Volleyball BeachFest (Alcatel)
Date for 2008 to be confirmed
Mooney's Bay
Even if you don't play volleyball this is the world's largest beach volleyball tournament. It shouldn't be missed. Over 10,000 players play in over 5,000 games! All of it for a great cause!

Italian Week
Date for 2008 to be confirmed
Held every year on Preston Street (a short walk from Dow's Lake Pavilion) this festival includes great Italian food, music & fun!

Keskinada Loppet
February 15 - 17, 2008
Gatineau Park
Canada's largest cross country ski event

Lebanorama
Date for 2008 to be confirmed
Come and help celebrate with Ottawa's Lebanese performing artists. Try some of the scrumptious cuisine as well.

National Capital Race Weekend
May 23 - 25, 2008
Walk, run or in-line skate along the Rideau Canal. There are 9 different events including a full marathon, half marathon, family run, 10k and 5k runs.

NOONGAM Traditional Powwow
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed
Queen Julianna Park (Preston & Carling area)
Everyone is welcome to this free event. This year will be its 9th powwow in Ottawa.

Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival
June 20 - 22. 2008
Dragon boat races are a sight to see.

Ottawa Fringe Festival
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed

Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Summer Festival - June 20 - July 1, 2008
Held in June and/orJuly, this music festival hosts some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Read more about the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Pride Festival
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed
This parade celebrates the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
July 26 - August 9, 2008
The largest chamber music festival in the world hosts musicians from Canada and the globe. Read more about the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.

Ottawa Greek Summer Festival
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed
Come and eat some Greek food, watch the shows and learn some traditional Greek dances.

CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival (Summer Festival)
August 14 - 17, 2008
This festival hosts musicians from all over North America. Read more about the Ottawa Folk Festival

Ottawa International Animation Festival
Dates for 2008 to be confirmed
Come out and see the amazing animation that is presented from animators & students from around the world.

Ottawa International Writers Festival
April 12 - 19, 2008
Authors & writers from around the globe unite to celebrate different forms of writing.

Remembrance Day - National Ceremony
November 11 (every year)
National War Memorial

Sound and Light Show
July 5 - September 7, 2008
Parliament Hill
Huge images are displayed on the Parliament buildings to words and music. It is a 30-minute, free performance that is held nightly. Read more on our Sound and Light Show page.

WestFest
June 11 - 15, 2008
This is Westboro Village's annual festival which includes music, art, performances, shopping and much more.

Shows & Exhibits:

Ottawa Boat, Sportsmen's & Cottage Show
February 21 - 24, 2008
Lansdowne Park
If fishing, hunting, boating and off-roading is your thing – then this is the place for you. Lots of demonstrations and equipment to see.

Ottawa Spring RV Show
February 29 - March 2, 2008
Lansdowne Park
613-236-4825
Anything you want to know about RVing is all right here under one roof.

Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo
March 29 & 30, 2008
Ottawa Athletic Club
2525 Lancaster Road
Golf, golf & more golf! Golf travel, golf equipment & golf talk!

The Ottawa Spring Home & Garden Show
March 21 - 24, 2008
Lansdowne Park
Hundreds of exhibitors display their products including bathrooms, landscaping, renovating etc. A great place to explore if you have just recently moved here or if you are fixing up your house or if you are first time home buyers. There is something for everyone.

The Wedding Show at Lansdowne Park
March 29 & 30, 2008 and September 6 & 7, 2008
There is a Spring show and a Fall show. Exhibits include photography, flowers, cake, music, registries, locations etc. A great place to get all the information you need to plan your big day!

Ottawa Bridal Fair
January 12 & 13, 2008
Congress Centre

If you are interested in going to a live concert than see our Ottawa Concerts page.

If you can believe it there are still even more events in Ottawa and the region. If you are looking for a particular cultural event or national event, Ottawa is sure to have it!

If you would like to do a search for more information (either on the web or through our website), please feel free to use this search function below:

	Web Ottawa-Information-Guide.com