Festivals & Events in Ottawa

Canada's largest July 1st celebration featuring live concerts, the RCMP Musical Ride, military flyovers, and a fireworks finale over the Ottawa River on Parliament Hill.

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 kilometres through downtown Ottawa with free skating, warming huts, and BeaverTails stands.

Free nightly light display illuminating Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard, and downtown Ottawa landmarks from December through early January.

Ottawa's signature winter festival featuring ice sculptures on Sparks Street, Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau, and the Rideau Canal Skateway at its festive best each February.

Ten-day June music festival in Confederation Park featuring 300+ jazz, funk, soul, and global music artists across outdoor and indoor stages.

A free nightly summer multimedia show projected onto Parliament Hill's Centre Block, telling Canada's story through stunning visuals, music, and narration.

One of North America's largest outdoor music festivals, bringing 300,000 fans and 100+ artists to LeBreton Flats over 10 days each July.

Annual three-week May festival celebrating over one million tulips in bloom at Commissioners Park and Dow's Lake, commemorating a historic Dutch-Canadian friendship.

Intimate September music festival at Lansdowne Park featuring curated folk, roots, indie, and contemporary acts with food trucks and craft beer.

North America's largest dragon boat festival, featuring over 200 teams racing at Mooney's Bay alongside concerts, food vendors, and cultural performances each June.