Ottawa Festivals and Events
February
Winterlude - Location: Various city venues. Date: February 1 - 18, 2013. 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: Thu, March 07, 2013 – Sun, March 17, 2013 Formerly known as Irish Week, this Ottawa festival features a variety of social and cultural events promoting the Irish history and modern life across town..
April
Maple Sugar Festival - Location: Richelieu Park. Date: March 2-April 7, 2013. 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
Canadian Tulip Festival - Location: Major's Park, Commissioner's Park. Date: May 3-20, 2013. 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.
Ottawa Comiccon- Location: Ernst and Young Centre Date: May 10-12, 2013. The Ottawa Comiccon is the place to be, celebrate and “immerse yourself in the geek spirit”. With special guests and exhibitors that is sure to please all.
Ottawa International Children’s Festival – Location: Lebreton Flats Park Date: May 28-June 2, 2013 Festival of performing arts for children at Lebreton Flats Park and the Canadian War Museum over a 5 day period.
June
Ottawa RibFest - Sticky Social – Chicken & Rib Cook-Off - Location: Sparks Street Mall. Date: June 19-23, 2013. Come stay with us during Ottawa’s Ribfest and be steps away from the festivities. Teams from Canada and the United States will compete for the top rank of best rib choice, best rib sauce, best chicken choice and best chicken sauce!
Tim Horton's Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival - Location: Mooney's Bay Park. Date: June 20-23, 2013. 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 20-July 1, 2013. 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.
July
RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest - Location: LeBreton Flats 1 Vimy Place. Date: July 4-July 14, 2013. This is Canada's largest and most renowned blues festival. Lasting a full 12 days, this event features literally thousands of performers. The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest is a must-see!
Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill - Location: Parliament Hill. Dates: July 10-September 7, 2013 in the evenings. This one-of-a-kind event showcases the culture and history of Canada. Experience the inspiration of music, visual effects, and more. This bilingual event takes place throughout the summer, though mid-September.
Ottawa Lumière Festival - Location: Chrichton Community Centre, Stanley Park. Date: July 29 - August 17, 2013. 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.
August
International Busker Festival - Location: Sparks Street Mall. Date: August 2-4, 2013.
festival as street performers from around the globe gather on Sparks Street. Come enjoy live entertainment acts from magicians, acrobats, fire-breathers, clowns, musicians and a slew of other multi-talented acts as they all come together in one place for you and your family to enjoy.
Capital Pride - Location: Various city venues. Date: August 16-25, 2013. 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 International Animation Festival - Location: Various city venues. Date: September 18-22, 2013. 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.
October
Fall Rhapsody - Location: Gatineau Park. 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.
December
Christmas Lights Across Canada - Parliament Hill and various city venues. Date:
December 5, 2013 - January 6, 2014. 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 1.
After you visit a local Ottawa festival, be sure to see the other things to do in Ottawa.