What festivals happen in Ottawa throughout the year?
Ottawa is one of Canada's most festival-rich cities, hosting events in every season, from January's Winterlude ice sculptures on the Rideau Canal to the massive Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill. Whether you love music, food, film, or cultural traditions, there's a festival on Ottawa's calendar for you.
Winter Festivals (December–March)
Winterlude is Ottawa's flagship winter festival, held each February across three weekends. The Rideau Canal Skateway transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen ice skating rink, and Jacques-Cartier Park hosts ice sculptures, snow slides, and family activities. It's free and beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The Ottawa Christmas Market runs through December in Lansdowne Park, with European-style stalls, mulled wine, and live performances.
Spring & Summer Festivals (May–August)
Canadian Tulip Festival (May) celebrates the 100,000+ tulips planted across the city each spring, a tradition that started after the Netherlands gifted Canada tulip bulbs post-WWII. Major displays bloom around Commissioners Park and the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa Jazz Festival (late June) brings world-class jazz, blues, and soul artists to the outdoor stages at Confederation Park for 10+ days of free and ticketed shows.
Canada Day (July 1) on Parliament Hill is arguably the biggest celebration in the country, free concerts, fireworks, and hundreds of thousands of people on the lawn.
Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (June) is one of the largest dragon boat races in North America, held on Mooney's Bay.
RBC Bluesfest (July) is Ottawa's biggest music festival, held at LeBreton Flats. It draws international headliners across rock, pop, country, and blues over nearly two weeks.
Ottawa Fringe Festival (June) showcases independent theatre from local and international performers across venues in the arts district.
