top of page

Event Submission Guidelines

Ottawa Festival Network member organizations have the advantage of listing an unlimited number of qualifying festival, fair or special event listings to our popular and highly ranking web calendar. Event calendar submissions must meet our set eligibility requirements, listed below. 

​

Not yet a member?

Definitions

Festival

A themed celebration or series of activities held over one or more days, typically including entertainment, food, music, and community participation.

Fair

A public gathering that combines entertainment, exhibitions, and often commercial activities such as food vendors, games, and rides. Fairs may focus on agriculture, crafts, education, or amusement.

Special Event

A planned, infrequent occasion that stands out from day-to-day activities due to its scale, purpose, or organization. It is often designed to engage the public or a specific audience through unique experiences such as sporting events, performances, or community gatherings.

Eligible Event Criteria

Events must be events or activities in which the general public, including tourists, can participate.

 

Events must take place within the National Capital Region.

 

Events that are unlikely to be approved include (but are not limited to):

  • Deals, discounts, coupons or promotions for businesses

  • Happy hours

  • Dining specials

  • Business grand openings

  • Regularly scheduled courses, classes or events

  • Permanent exhibitions or tours

  • Events that are discriminatory to any individual or group

  • Small scale craft shows

  • Fundraisers, benefits or galas

  • Political activities

  • Meetings or conferences

  • Religiously focused ceremonies or functions

  • Events that are in conflict with any applicable laws, City By-laws or policies

  • Membership or networking events

  • Job fairs

  • Summer camps

  • Seminars, lectures or workshops

  • Book signings

  • Auditions

  • Demonstrations

  • Karaoke, bingo or trivia night

 

If your event meets these criteria and showcases what makes Ottawa a vibrant place to live and visit, we welcome your submission!

​

Still not sure if your event qualifies or if you have questions about membership, contact us, membership@ottawafestivals.ca. 

bottom of page