★★★★★ 4.6(2,500 reviews)10.5 km from hotel~18 min drive
For 10 days each June, Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre host over 300 musicians from around the world. Now in its 46th year, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival combines world-class jazz with funk, soul, blues, and global sounds under the open sky.
Ottawa Jazz Festival is one of Ottawa's signature annual events, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Book your hotel early — Ottawa festivals fill up fast, and Adam's Airport Inn is just 7 minutes from the terminal with complimentary breakfast and free parking for direct guests.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
18 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 18 minutes by car. Paid parking available nearby.
Why Guests Love This
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians to an outdoor stage in Confederation Park for 10 days each June. The intimate setting — nestled between the National Arts Centre and the Rideau Canal — creates an atmosphere that feels more like a private concert than a 10,000-person event. Business travelers often extend a trip by a day to catch an evening set, and couples appreciate the sophisticated programming that mixes jazz with funk, soul, and global sounds. Many performances are free, and the paid headline concerts offer excellent value for the calibre of talent on stage.
The festival runs for approximately 10 days in late June and early July. Performances take place in the afternoon and evening, with headline acts typically going on stage between 8 and 10 PM. The full schedule is published on the Ottawa Jazz Festival website in the spring.
Are there free concerts at the Ottawa Jazz Festival?
Yes. A significant portion of the Jazz Festival programming is free, particularly afternoon and early evening sets on the outdoor stages in Confederation Park. Headline concerts and indoor performances at the National Arts Centre require purchased tickets, typically ranging from $30–80.
What kind of music is played at the Ottawa Jazz Festival?
While jazz is the foundation, the festival programming spans funk, soul, blues, Latin, Afrobeat, and contemporary global sounds. Past performers have included international jazz legends alongside emerging artists. The programming is curated to appeal to both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and general music fans.
Where should I park for the Ottawa Jazz Festival?
Confederation Park is in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The Novotel parking garage on Nicholas Street and the World Exchange Plaza garage on Queen Street are both within a 5-minute walk. Street parking is available on Elgin Street after 5:30 PM. A rideshare from Adam’s Airport Inn takes about 20 minutes and eliminates downtown parking hassles.
How do I get to the Ottawa Jazz Festival from Ottawa Airport?
Confederation Park is approximately 12 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Stay at Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal) and drive about 20 minutes via the Airport Parkway and Highway 417. The Rideau LRT station is a 5-minute walk from the festival grounds if you prefer transit.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 18 minutes from Ottawa Jazz Festival. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.