Ottawa Festivals at Your Doorstep
February
Winterlude - Location: Various city venues. Date: Weekends February 5-21, 2011. The perfect winter wonderland, Ottawa Winterlude is perfect for the whole family. Skate on the Ridaeu Canal as the world's largest ice skating rink, marvel at glittering snow sculptures, flock through a giant snow playground and be sure not to miss exciting outdoor shows.
March
Ottawa Irish Festival - Location: National Irish Canadian Culture Centre. Date: March 9-16, 2011. Formerly known as Irish Week, this Ottawa festival features a variety of social and cultural events promoting the Irish history and modern life.
April
Maple Sugar Festival - Location: Richelieu Park. Date: April 7-17, 2011. As North America's only urban sugar bush, the Canadian Maple Trees of Richelieu Park (just a 10 minute drive from Parliament Hill) are tapped during this annual Ottawa family festival and served with great pride and enthusiasm.
May
Victory Day Festival - Location: Queen Juliana Park. Date: May 12-22, 2011. This family-friendly festival incorporates the Tulip Festival and Dow's Lake Victory Day celebrations and includes a petting zoo, pony rides, amusement rides, face paintings, live entertainment and varied concession stands. This event does not include an admission fee.
Canadian Tulip Festival - Location: Major's Park, Commissioner's Park. Date: May 12-22, 2011. Experience spring renewal with over three million tulips! The world's largest tulip festival is a top Ottawa attraction and draws local and international visitors every year. This year, this renowned Ottawa festival celebrates the 65th anniversary of Holland's liberation and the Canadian Naval Centennial Anniversary. Be sure not to miss the excitement of this unforgettable event, which this year includes a Liberation street party on Sparks Street. Street performers, an international food, and music await you along with the spectacular display of tulips.
June
Tim Horton's Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival - Location: Mooney's Bay Park. Date: June 17-19, 2011. Escape to Ottawa with friends and family and take in one of the city's most unique festivals. This event includes over 190 competing dragon boat teams, and over 5,000 participants. This Ottawa festival is North America's larges dragon boat race.
TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival - Location: Confederation Park, other venues. Date: June 22-July 3, 2011. 2010 marked the 30th anniversary of one of Canada's top jazz festivals. With summer in full swing, Ottawa is the ideal setting for a musical journey. Experience talent from around the world at exciting venues throughout the nation's capital. Though some performances require tickets, many concerts are free. Please contact our concierge for further details.
Canada Day Arts Festival - Location: Andrew Haydon Park. Date: June 29-July 3, 2011. Celebrate Canada's birthday with a festival to remember! With world-class performers, a water park, petting zoo, games, fireworks, cultural events, and more, this is a festival that your family will love. the Canada Day Arts Festival is easy on your wallet as well - admission is free!
August
Capital Pride - Location: Various city venues. Date: August 2011 dates TBD. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Ottawa Capital Pride festival promotes international diversity and acceptance of the LGBT community. The 10-day long party is capped off with the Pride Parade and outdoor Pride Stage.
September
Ottawa Lumière Festival - Location: Chrichton Community Centre, Stanley Park. Date: 2011 dates TBD. A truly unique artistic event, this festival transforms Stanley Park into a sea of candlelight. Be sure not to miss the multitude of performances offers at this festival.
147th Annual Carp Fair - Location: Carp Fairgrounds. Date: 2011 dates TBD. Labeled the "Best little fair in Canada", the Carp Fair is a mainstay to the Canadian farming and agriculture community. Enjoy shows, classes, displays and fun attractions for the whole family.
October
Fall Rhapsody - Location: Gatineau Park. Date: 2011 dates TBD. Each autumn the National Capital Commission welcomes visitors to enjoy the beautiful fall leave change colour in Gatineau Park - just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill.
Ottawa International Animation Festival - Location: Various city venues. Date: 2011 dates TBD. As the largest animation festival in North America, this Ottawa film festival features film screenings, panel discussions and workshops that are open to the public and industry executives.
Ottawa International Writers Festival - Location: Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts and Humanities. Date: 2011 dates TBD. Celebrating the world's best writing from Canada and abroad, this Canadian writer's festival encourages discussions on ideas such as science, history, arts, economics, drama, music and much more.
November
Lebanorama - Location: University of Ottawa. Date: 2011 dates TBD. A perfect event for visitors who are looking for a unique cultural experience, Lebanorama showcases artists throughout Canada who enjoy classic or contemporary Lebanese music, dance, theatre and culture.
3i Summit: Imagine, Interact, Inspire - Location: Great Canadian Theatre Company. Date: 2011 dates TBD. A diverse mixture of guests ranging from the fields of world renowned architects, artists, poets, Olympians, youth activists and musicians are brought together to discuss their passions, struggles and future visions for Ottawa and the greater world.
December
Christmas Lights Across Canada - Parliament Hill and various city venues. Date: December 12, 2010 - January 7, 2011. More than 300,000 lights are strewn throughout the capital as the city comes alive in a beautiful glow. Be sure to kick off the holiday season in style with the glorious lighting ceremonies on December 12.