FESTIVAL
NEWS

From our perspective as a young festival team, BlokJam came together as more than a first-year event; it felt like the beginning of a community platform. We set out to create a free, all-ages space where hip-hop music, dance, DJs, graffiti, vendors, and local culture could meet in the heart of ByWard Square. Seeing more than 2,500 people move through the festival, connect with each other, and show up for emerging artists confirmed that there is real energy behind this concept

A new chapter. A belief in extraordinary art for young audiences. The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse is proud to introduce the BlackBird Festival of the Arts for Young People, a new artistic identity that builds on more than four decades of bringing exceptional performing arts to young audiences. Inspired by the curiosity, freedom, and unexpected spirit of a black bird, this new chapter reflects a belief at the heart of everything we do: young people deserve great

From historic moments of resistance to international festival circuit favourites, the 41st European Union Film Festival (EUFF) takes you on a cinematic tour of the European Union. Presented by the Canadian Film Institute (CFI) with the European Union Delegation to Canada and participating EU Member States, EUFF runs from November 13 to November 28 at the Ottawa Art Gallery. Secure your seat at this year’s festival by ordering your EUFF Pass, EUFF Six-Film Pack, or individual

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has announced its plans to ring in 2027 with Disco Fever, a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live entertainment, dining, casino activities, prizes and a midnight countdown on December 31, 2026. Guests can celebrate throughout the property at 4837 Albion Road, with free admission to the casino floor, free live band performances on the Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak stages, and additional entertainment on the casino floor throughout the day.

Lottery applications for the 30th Ottawa Fringe Festival are now OPEN! Do you have the seed of an idea for a show growing in your mind, a fully written piece you’re dying to stage, or an internationally acclaimed hit in your back pocket? If any of these sound like you, then apply, apply, apply! Our 30th anniversary festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we’d be thrilled to have you play a part. Established in 2026, our two-phase lottery system returns, meani

The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse is pleased to present the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, taking place November 12–17, 2026, at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The festival brings together four exciting Canadian and international productions, with an updated lineup featuring the newly added By Trial and Error — Le Cirque Content Pour Peu from Saint-Thois, France. The program offers children and families opportunities to experience live perfo

With over 30 shows coming to a Small Hall in YOUR community this month, you don't want to miss your chance to be a part of these intimate events with some of the most talented musicians from across Canada. Many shows are already sold-out or have very few tickets remaining, so don't delay! The festival has released a VERY limited number of additional tickets for The White Buffalo, Ashley MacIsaac, and Reuben and The Dark at Almonte Old Town Hall. Click here to buy tickets. F

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival has announced that the 2027 edition will take place June 18-20 on the Rideau River in the beautiful setting of Mooney’s Bay Park. The 2027 edition is a Dragon Boat Canada Race Series Event and promises to be one of the most exciting summer events in Ottawa and a premier dragon boat festival on the North American dragon boat calendar. Registration opens October 1, 12PM EST! Teams include up to 30 members competing in community,

Originally shared on OttawaFireTruckPull.com TEAMS RAISE MORE THAN $44,000 FOR EPILEPSY OTTAWA AND OTTAWA FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION Crowds gather for the first pull of the evening at the 2026 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull in support of Epilepsy Ottawa and the Ottawa First Responders Foundation. OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026 – Mass Electric emerged as the ultimate champion of the 2026 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull , capturing the Best of the Best title following an e

This article was originally published by the ByWard Market District Authority. On Saturday, September 26, Nuit Blanche Ottawa returns for an overnight celebration of art, culture and creativity — and the ByWard Market is proud to be at the heart of it. From 7 PM on Saturday, September 26, to 7 AM on Sunday, September 27, the ByWard Market district will welcome artists, creative installations, performances and visitors for a night that invites everyone to experience Ottawa fro

This article was originally published by the City of Ottawa. OC Transpo is offering a Free Transit Weekend on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. Explore the entire city with unlimited transit services – including on all buses, trains and Para Transpo. Transit will be free on buses, O‑Train Lines 1, 2 and 4, and Para Transpo all weekend. Residents and visitors can ride free to the many major events happening across the city, including the Ottawa Block Party and N

The Day of the Dead Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, bringing a decade of Mexican culture, art and traditions to Ottawa. This is a free, family-friendly event open to everyone. Everyone is invited because we all have someone we love whom we want to honour and remember and Día de los Muertos offers a beautiful Mexican way to do so. From October 3 to November 3, 2026, visitors can experience special exhibitions at Ottawa's ByWard Market, including: Indoor Exhibitions a

There’s nothing quite like spending a beautiful fall day wandering the farm, and that time of the year is almost here! Pumpkinfest begins September 26, and Saunders Farm has so many activities for you to enjoy. How to have the perfect day at Pumpkinfest: Arrive Early & Check-in Plan to arrive early to enjoy the entire day at the farm! Once you check-in, grab your map and head out to explore, or grab a coffee in The Farmshop to fuel your day ☕️ Start with the Classics There’s

We hope you will join us as we Celebrate Together on September 26, 2026! Come enjoy a full day of cultural programming featuring some of the Ottawa 200 artist and creator grants recipients; live entertainment, including a live performance of the new Ottawa Anthem Heart of This Place (Adawe c’est ma ville); local food and drinks and activities for all ages! The full schedule can be found at ottawa200blockparty.ca. Adding to the festivities, the entire downtown district will be

Harvest: A Feast of Fall returns for its fifth year on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Ottawa Art Gallery. One of Ottawa’s premier culinary fundraising events, Harvest brings together some of the region’s most celebrated chefs, restaurants, local producers and artisanal beverage partners for an evening showcasing the flavours of the fall harvest. Proceeds from the event support Youturn Youth Support Services and its programs helping young people overcome barriers, build

Announcing: teknosauna presented by the Embassy of Finland as part of Pique #21 Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM | Daly Ave. Experience Finnish sauna culture with a twist. Sweat, cold plunge, then hit the dance floor with DJ Hulluella, a Sámi DJ, artist and producer from Finnish Arctic Circle known for her radiating high-energy performances. Hulluella's eclectic selection honours music on a planetary scale, weaving percussive bass club, breaks, and techno seam

Presented by Godzspeed, Capital Music Week is back October 2–10 with 100+ artists taking over 25 venues across Ottawa. More than 100 artists across 25 venues will take over Ottawa this fall as Capital Music Week (CxMW) returns for its second year October 2–10, headlined by JUNO Award-nominated artists Bif Naked and Tyler Shaw, with multi-platinum Ottawa artist Jamie Fine serving as 2026 Ambassador. From Southam Hall and major concert venues to neighbourhood cafés, public spac

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

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

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