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.

Ottawa is a great city for supporting local (and national charities). Here we host hundreds (if not thousands) of Ottawa Fundraisers which are a lot of fun and well worth attending too!

We try our best to get to a few events, festivals or fundraisers 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.

We are going to share some of the major festivals in and around Ottawa but we would love to hear about any upcoming smaller events that are taking place that we haven't listed below. Please add them here.

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

The Ottawa Tulip Festival
May 7 - 24, 2010
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
October 1 - 17, 2010
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
2011 dates to be announced
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 8 - 18, 2010
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.

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Other Events in Ottawa:

Air Show Ottawa
Dates for 2010 to be announced (possibility of no show in 2010)
Carp Airport
Air demonstrations (including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds), exhibits and fun for the entire family.

Bon Appetit! Ottawa
May 4, 2010
5:30 - 9:00pm
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.

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 13 - 15, 2010
Parades, awesome music and delicious food!

Central Canada Exhibition (Ottawa Superex)
August 19 - 29, 2010
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 5 - 12, 2010
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

Doors Open Ottawa
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Various buildings around the city
Read more about this unique event on our Doors Open Ottawa page.

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Franco-Ontarien Festival
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Lots of activities for the whole family. Don't miss the concert that they hold each year.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
September 3 - 6, 2010
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
Date for 2010 to be announced
Held in the downtown area, this event collects toys and cash for the less fortunate children in the region.

HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
July 10, 2010
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
June 10 - 20, 2010
Held every year on Preston Street (a short walk from Dow's Lake Pavilion) this festival includes great Italian food, music & fun!

Gatineau Loppet
Dates for 2011 to be announced
Gatineau Park
Canada's largest cross country ski event

Lebanorama
November 12 - 14, 2010
Come and help celebrate with Ottawa's Lebanese performing artists. Try some of the scrumptious cuisine as well.

Musical Ride
Date for 2010 to be confirmed
You don't want to miss out on this amazing event put on by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). More information can be found on our RCMP Musical Ride page.

National Capital Race Weekend
May 29 - 30, 2010
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
June 18 - 20, 2010
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 18 - 20, 2010
Dragon boat races are a sight to see.

Ottawa Fringe Festival
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed

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Ottawa Jazz Festival.
June 24 - July 4, 2010
www.ottawajazzfestival.com
613-241-2633
The TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival is the premier music event to take place in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Entering its 30th year of consecutive programming, the Festival boasts the biggest loyal audience of any event in Eastern Ontario. It has presented some of the most dynamic jazz artists on the scene, from the traditional to the avant-garde, such as Herbie Hancock, Salif Keita, Dave Brubeck, Roy Haynes, Toots Thielemans, Branford Marsalis, Béla Fleck, Kenny Werner, Stanley Jordan, Sonny Rollins, Terence Blanchard, Diana Krall, D.D. Jackson, Maynard Ferguson, and John Mayall to name only a few.

The Ottawa International Children's Festival
May 26 - 30, 2010
www.ottawachildrensfestival.ca
613-241-0999
For over 20 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 our community. We create programs for children aged four to 15 focused on enriching school curriculum and promoting the arts as an integral part of children's education. We have hosted performers from Brazil, Kenya, Peru, Holland, France, England, Germany, Denmark and China, as well as artists from around Canada. Come and join us for an amazing performing arts experience that will excite and amaze the whole family!

Pride Festival
August 20 - 29, 2010
This parade celebrates the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
July 24 - August 7, 2010
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
August 12 - 22, 2010
Come and eat some Greek food, watch the shows and learn some traditional Greek dances.

CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival (Summer Festival)
August 13 - 15, 2010
This festival hosts musicians from all over North America. Read more about the Ottawa Folk Festival

Ottawa International Animation Festival
October 20 - 24, 2010
Come out and see the amazing animation that is presented from animators & students from around the world.

Ottawa International Writers Festival
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Authors & writers from around the globe unite to celebrate different forms of writing.

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

Rideau Canal Festival
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
Rideau Canal, Dows Lake, Confederation Park and the Bytown Museum
A new festival in Ottawa celebrating the Rideau Canal. Not only will there be activities for everyone, it will also be the first festival in Canada to be a "zerofootprint" festival.
www.rideaucanalfestival.ca

Sound and Light Show
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
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
Dates for 2010 to be confirmed
This is Westboro Village's annual festival which includes music, art, performances, shopping and much more.

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Shows & Exhibits:

Ottawa Boat, Sportsmen's & Cottage Show
February 25 to 28, 2010
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
Dates for 2011 to be confirmed
Lansdowne Park
613-236-4825
Anything you want to know about RVing is all right here under one roof.

Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo
March 27 & 28, 2010
Ottawa Athletic Club
2525 Lancaster Road
Golf, golf & more golf! Golf travel, golf equipment & golf talk!

The Ottawa Spring Home & Garden Show
March 25 to 28, 2010
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.

Originals Spring Craft Show
April 15 to 18, 2010
Lansdowne Park
Homemade clothes, jewellry, art and much more.

Samko & Miko MEGA Ottawa Toy Sale
Spring Sale: April 29 - May 2, 2010
Fall Sale: November 5 - 14, 2010
Lansdowne Park
Brand name toys and books up to 60% off retail prices

The Wedding Show at Lansdowne Park
Spring Show: March 6 & 7, 2010
Fall Show: September 11 & 12, 2010
Lansdowne Park
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!

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!

We have told you about a lot of the major festivals and events that are taking place in Ottawa, now it is YOUR turn to share any others with us. Do you know of a smaller scale festival taking place? Do you know of a special museum exhibit?

Add Other Events In and Around Ottawa

We would love to hear from you if you are planning another event or activity in and around the Ottawa area. Our readers would too. Please tell us all about it and include as much information as you can.

Click below to see contributions about other events from other visitors to this page...