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Introducing the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People
Presented by The Ottawa Children's Festival de la jeunesse We have some exciting news to share! This November, we're launching a special new chapter for the Ottawa Children's Festival de la Jeunesse: Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, presented by the Ottawa Children's Festival. From November 12-15, 2026, we'll transform the Canadian War Museum into a vibrant gathering place for children, families, and world-class artists from Canada and around the globe. This
6 days ago1 min read


Register for the 2026 Digi60 60-Day Challenge
Make a short film – in 60 days! Are you a new, emerging or professional filmmaker ready for a challenge? Digi60's annual 60-Day Challenge invites filmmakers to write, shoot and complete an original short film in just 60 days. It's an opportunity to create, collaborate, and connect with other filmmakers – and get your work on screen. The 2026 Challenge begins at our Kick-Off on Sunday, September 27, 2026, where we will reveal the Catch (theme). You will then have 60 days — unt
6 days ago1 min read


Traffic impacts for the Capital Pride Parade
This article was originally published by the City of Ottawa. Get your flags and your sparkles ready – the Capital Pride Street Festival and Parade return this weekend, bringing vibrant celebrations and some temporary traffic impacts downtown. The following road closures will be in effect during the street festival from 6 pm on Friday, August 28, to 2 am on Sunday, August 30: Bank Street, between Slater Street and Gladstone Avenue The following road closures will be in effect
Aug 272 min read


6th Annual Tortaboyz Block Party Cookout Returns Home to Little Italy
Free, food-first cultural festival launches the Diaspora Cultural Collective and brings together diasporic talent from Ottawa, Montreal and beyond OTTAWA, ON — August 21, 2026 — The Tortaboyz Block Party Cookout returns for its sixth year on Saturday, August 29, transforming the Adult High School parking lot at 301 Preston Street into an 11-hour celebration of food, music and diaspora culture. Running from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., the free event marks a return home to Little Italy
Aug 253 min read


BlokJam Set to Bring Ottawa's Biggest Block Party to the ByWard Market This September
NextFest 2026 winning festival celebrates hip-hop culture with a free, bilingual, all-ages block party on September 5 OTTAWA, ON — August 13, 2026 — BlokJam, Ottawa's newest hip-hop block party, will take over ByWard Market Square on Saturday, September 5, 2026, for a free, all-ages day of programming celebrating all four pillars of hip-hop culture: DJing, rap, dance and graffiti. Delivered entirely bilingually, the one-day festival is the result of months of work by a team o
Aug 183 min read


Lineup announcement: Pique #21
Saturday, September 26, 2026 Arts Court (10 Daly Ave.) Pique returns with its most ambitious edition yet—and for the first time ever, admission is free. Transforming Arts Court into a vibrant playground of adventurous music, immersive art, performance, and unexpected encounters, Pique #21 brings together boundary-pushing artists from across disciplines, genres, and geographies. Featuring artists from across Canada and beyond, this season's programming spans genre-defying elec
Aug 172 min read


Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy: a 29th edition rich in new experiences and emotions
The 29th edition of Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy came to a close Saturday night in an explosion of light and emotion, bringing together 39,786 festivalgoers on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History. From July 29th to August 15th, visitors from near and far experienced unforgettable evenings to the rhythm of exceptional pyromusical shows, new gastronomic experiences and unique cultural performances. A high-calibre international lineup Once again this year, Les
Aug 175 min read


A bigger and better festival for nature! CPAWS announces 2nd Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival
It’s back! After last year’s success, CPAWS is excited to bring you the second edition of the Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival! The event will be moving over to the Bronson Centre Theatre this year in hopes we can grow the community even more. On November 15th, make sure to join CPAWS for some more incredible Canadian films, special guest talks and sweet prizes from sponsors. The event will have an exciting new lineup of Canadian films this year showcasing the beauty of our lands
Aug 101 min read


Broncs and ’Tonks Launches “Hometown Heroes” Campaign to Recognize Outstanding People Across Ottawa and the Surrounding Area
Broncs and ’Tonks is inviting residents across Ottawa and the surrounding area to nominate someone who deserves to be recognized as a true hometown hero. Inspired by Dean Brody and The Reklaws’ Hometown Heroes tour, the campaign will celebrate the everyday people who make a meaningful difference in their communities through kindness, courage, leadership, service or generosity. Nominees may include first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, volunteers, coaches, parents, c
Aug 42 min read


Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy back this Wednesday for a colourful 29th edition
From July 29th to August 15th, six exceptional pyromusical shows will illuminate the shores of Gatineau-Ottawa. At Les Grands Feux, the experience begins long before the sky lights up. Dance performances, gastronomic experiences and brand new animation zones: festivalgoers are invited to arrive early to make the most of everything the site has to offer. Festivalgoers are invited to reserve now at feux.qc.ca to secure their spot at the front row. A cultural journey at the hear
Jul 276 min read


An Update on Saturday's Odesa Classics Performance
Ottawa Chamberfest announced the following update on the upcoming Odesa Classics Performance on July 25 as part of the 2026 festival series. "With regret, pianist Alexey Botvinov has had to withdraw from this performance due to serious illness. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him to Chamberfest in the future. We are honoured to welcome Anna Sagalova in his place. An Honoured Artist of Ukraine and internationally acclaimed concert pianist
Jul 211 min read


Latin Sparks Festival Brings the World Cup Final to ByWard Square
OTTAWA, ON — Ottawa residents and visitors are invited to watch the World Cup Final on an outdoor screen during a free, all-ages celebration at ByWard Square on Sunday, July 19. Presented by Latin Sparks Festival, the ByWard Market District Authority, the Office of Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Stéphanie Plante, and Aire Commune, the event begins at 12:00 p.m., giving fans three hours of entertainment before the 3:00 p.m. kickoff. The celebration extends well beyond the ma
Jul 172 min read


Summer Maze Days starts TOMORROW!
The wait is finally over! Summer Maze Days returns tomorrow, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another season of outdoor adventure, family fun, and summer memories. From wandering through our famous hedge mazes to cooling off in the splash pad, there's a full day of fun waiting for the whole family. Pack your sunscreen, gather your crew, and get ready to kick off summer at Saunders Farm! Click here to grab your Summer Maze Days Tickets! Level up the fun Ready to turn
Jul 142 min read


Nine things you should know about free family events at Ottawa Bluesfest Sunday, July 19
This article was originally published by the City of Ottawa We assume you already plan to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary with free, family-friendly fun at Ottawa Bluesfest. But, in case you’re still undecided, look closer at what’s going on at Lebreton Flats on Sunday, July 19, between noon and 4 pm. Day 200! Sunday, July 19 is the 200th day of 2026. You have an opportunity to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary on the 200th day of the year. That’s just cool! You can’t
Jul 133 min read


I met a man named Alexey… The Story Behind Odesa Classics in Ottawa
In the spring of 2025, I was attending the European Festivals Association conference in Edinburgh when I met Ukrainian master pianist Alexey Botvinov. Alexey Botvinov. Source. Like so many conversations at networking gatherings, it started with a simple introduction. We were sipping Prosecco surrounded by stunning works at the National Galleries exchanging bits and pieces of our stories. Where we’re from, what we do…I was immediately drawn to Alexey’s warmth and sincerity. An
Jul 93 min read


OMIC unveils the official Ottawa 200 Song - Heart of This Place (Adàwe c'est ma ville)
Congratulations to Ottawa Music Industry Coalition for releasing "Heart of This Place (Adàwe c’est ma ville)" - the official song celebrating Ottawa's 200th anniversary. OFN was thrilled to attend the official unveiling of the the original song yesterday alongside the artists, community leaders and partners. Bravo! To learn more about the song head over to a feature article on Apt613.
Jul 91 min read


The Ottawa Lebanese Festival: A Summer Celebration for 36 Years!
Live it. Love it. Lebanese Style! The Ottawa Lebanese Festival, proudly presented by Gabriel Pizza, celebrates 36 years of summer tradition on the grounds of the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral from Wednesday, July 15th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026. One of the summer’s biggest celebrations is back with delectable cuisine, exciting entertainment, and traditional culture. The festival is open from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM Wednesday to Friday and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturda
Jul 94 min read


Ottawa International Animation Festival's Competition Films Revealed for 50th Anniversary
The Ottawa International Animation Festival’s film programming centres on three sections: the Official Competition, out-of-competition programs, and special screenings and retrospectives. Explore the full festival program here. Every year, the OIAF receives upwards of 2,800+ submissions from countries around the world. From those submissions, the OIAF programming team selects the films for the Competition and out-of-competition programs. Competition Films The Official Competi
Jul 95 min read


Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse Announces Madame Diana Fox Carney as Honourary Patron
The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse is delighted and deeply honoured to announce that Madame Diana Fox Carney has accepted the role of Honourary Patron of the Festival. A longtime supporter of the arts and of Ottawa’s cultural community, Mme Fox Carney has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Festival over many years, attending performances with her own children and championing the importance of arts experiences for young people and families. Her acceptan
Jul 92 min read


Announcing Cranium Festival 2026 & Summer Events
2026 Cranium Festival | 5 Days of Live Music and Late Night Parties | September 9 to 13, 2026 In the coming weeks the festival line-up will be announced. You can be sure the event will feature heavy hitters from Canada and beyond. Cranium Festival will continue to bring you the best in local Hip-hop, R&B and Afrovibes. The 2026 Festival is coming soon. But first lets soak up the summer! Join us this Saturday for Summer Sixteen Day Party, brought to you in collaboration with
Jul 91 min read
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