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Your home for the latest Ottawa festival, special event and fair announcements, previews, updates, and reviews. You'll also find related industry news and research from around the world.
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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
23 hours ago1 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
5 days ago2 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


Take transit to Ottawa Bluesfest and avoid traffic impacts
This article was originally published by the City of Ottawa Ottawa Bluesfest is ready to rock at LeBreton Flats, with concerts from Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19. Residents and visitors travelling in the area can expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity throughout the festival. Take transit to and from Ottawa Bluesfest Travel on OC Transpo is free for event ticketholders. Customers can travel on all buses, trains and Par
Jul 73 min read


Capital Pride 2026 Theme Announcement
“Together, We Shine” celebrates the power of visibility, connection, and community. Inspired by the symbol of the spotlight, this year’s theme recognizes the people, stories, and voices that make Ottawa–Gatineau’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community vibrant, resilient, and proud. Light does more than illuminate—it helps people find one another. Pride has always been about creating spaces where people can be seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Every activist, artist, volunteer,
Jul 71 min read


Ottawa Children’s Festival Announces November 2026 Dates and Programming: Introducing the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People
The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse is pleased to announce its return this November with a special edition of the festival, reimagined as the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, presented by the Ottawa Children’s Festival. Taking place November 12–15, 2026, at the Canadian War Museum, this unique event will bring together exceptional Canadian and international artists in a curated program designed to inspire young audiences and their families. The Blac
Jul 62 min read


Mendelssohn, Physics, 1826 Bytown and Hans Zimmer: Music and Beyond’s 16th Festival has something for everyone
What do Bach, Duke Ellington, Vivaldi and Hans Zimmer have in common? Each composer’s music is featured in Music and Beyond’s 2026 Festival, of course! The festival runs from July 4th to 17th and features events from a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Fans of jazz, storytelling, choir music, and tango dancing will not be disappointed with this year’s lineup. The festival kicks off with Opening Gala: Celebrating Ottawa, a concert that features circus artists from Cirque F
Jun 292 min read


The wait is almost over… Summer at Saunders Farm starts July 15!
You've waited patiently, counted down the days, and now the time is finally almost here! Starting July 15, Summer Maze Days returns for another season of family fun, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable summer memories. From wagon rides and hedge mazes to splash pads, play structures, and all your favourite attractions, everything you love about summer at Saunders Farm is back and ready for another amazing season. And this year, there's even more to explore... keep reading
Jun 221 min read


Canada Day in Ottawa 2026: Your ultimate guide!
Canada Day is just around the corner, have you made plans yet? If not, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in the National Capital Region this July 1st, from downtown fun to local celebrations in your neighbourhood. Don’t forget, OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across Ottawa. Service is free all day on the O-Train, buses and Para Transpo. Read on for your ultimate Canada Day guide, and don’t forget to share your photos wi
Jun 223 min read


30 or under? Here’s the Best Way to Experience Chamberfest This Summer
Ottawa Chamberfest is one of the world’s leading chamber music festivals, bringing together artists from across Canada and around the globe for 11 days of unforgettable live music. But if you’re 30 or under and new to Chamberfest, you might be wondering: where do I start? That’s exactly why we introduced the Curiosity Pass this year. What is the Curiosity Pass? The Curiosity Pass is a special festival pass designed for young audiences aged 13–30. For just $75, Curiosity Pass
Jun 182 min read


Downtown BIA & Aire Commune Launch Metcalfe Plaza Summer Season 2026
Photo of Metcalfe Plaza sourced from Downtown BIA The Downtown Business Improvement Area (Downtown BIA) and Aire commune announce a new full season at Metcalfe Plaza. Building on the successful 2025 pilot, which attracted nearly 10,000 participants over a sixweek period, the 2026 season launches on June 18 and runs until September 26. Metcalfe Plaza will continue to curate live DJ dance events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, adding vibrancy to nightlife in the downto
Jun 182 min read


Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival announces 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge recipient charities
The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) is proud to announce the recipient charities of the 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge and to officially launch its annual summer fundraising campaign in support of essential local programs. The ODBF Pledge Challenge raises critical funds for Ottawa-based charities delivering frontline services to thousands of residents across the city. Funds will be raised through June 30 in support of: Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (Walk This Way program), N
Jun 152 min read


5 Reasons to Check Out the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival this weekend
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival returns to Mooney’s Bay Park this weekend, June 19-21! Here are five reasons to stop by the park this year. Be sure to share your photos using #OttFestLive! Challenge Cups: Celebrate community through competition The heart of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival beats through its Challenge Cups — thrilling races that celebrate diversity, community spirit, and shared purpose. These signature races offer organizations, cultural
Jun 153 min read
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