National Capital Region Music Festival

The National Capital Region Music Festival (1945), known by all as the Kiwanis Music Festival, began its life as the Ottawa Music Festival in 1945. At that time it celebrated the music talents of Ottawa’s young people through a three-day competitive festival. Over time the Festival grew in size and prominence. The Festival now runs a full four weeks every April, featuring over 3,000 entries (over 8,000 participants) and is managed by a small part-time staff and over 300 volunteers. It takes place at various churches and schools around Ottawa. Our Festival concludes with the Highlights Concert, a full-length concert held at Algonquin Commons Theatre featuring some of the best and most entertaining of the young participants. We are a registered charity (118984251RR0001) supported by donations, sponsorships, and participant registration fees and governed by a voluntary Board of Directors.