Live Music Festivals in Ottawa
There is no shortage of live music in the National Capital Region - over 60% of all annual festivals, fairs and special events have a live music component in their program. Everything from folk, jazz, rock, and electronic, to classical, blues, and hip-hop is celebrated. Here's a run down of signature events for all music fans to have on their festival lineup.
February
IglooFest Gatineau
Every winter, Igloofest brings together thousands of electronic music fans. With its icy backdrop, striking architectural setup, and a lineup featuring some of the most sought-after DJs, Igloofest has become one of the coolest and most talked-about events in Canada.
March, June, September, December
Pique
A forward-thinking, artist-driven event series like no other, Pique brings together diverse artistic communities to explore, experiment and connect. Expect an evening of adventurous music, immersive art, and unexpected discoveries.
March
Kiwanis Music Festival
The Kiwanis Music Festival has been in continuous existence since 1945. In 2026, about 8,000 talented youth musicians performed for audiences over 15,000 people.
April
Ottawa Grassroots Festival
Founded in 2012 by Bob Nesbitt and a passionate team of volunteers, the festival has grown into a beloved community event. It's a music festival dedicated to cultivating community at the local level through a vibrant annual festival of concerts and participatory workshops.
March
Kiwanis Music Festival
The Kiwanis Music Festival has been in continuous existence since 1945. In 2026, about 8,000 talented youth musicians performed for audiences over 15,000 people.
April
Ottawa Grassroots Festival
Founded in 2012 by Bob Nesbitt and a passionate team of volunteers, the festival has grown into a beloved community event. It's a music festival dedicated to cultivating community at the local level through a vibrant annual festival of concerts and participatory workshops.