FESTIVAL
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For five years, Pique has been a meeting point for artists pushing at the edges—now, for our 20th edition, we are bringing that community into focus. After five years of reshaping Ottawa’s underground arts landscape, Pique arrives at its 20th edition with momentum, reflection, and an eye firmly on what’s next. On June 13, 2026, our award-winning festival series marks its 5th anniversary and 20th edition with a milestone event that honours its evolution from a pandemic-era exp

The Ottawa Jazz Festival announces its third wave of artists for its 46th annual edition, taking place June 19–28, 2026, further expanding its diverse and genre-spanning lineup. The third wave of artists will be announced on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. EDT, with tickets going on sale Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. EDT. Returning to downtown Ottawa, performances will be presented at Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC). By bringing the Festival’s outdoor progr

The Group of Embassies of Latin American Countries (GRULA) in Canada, in collaboration with Saint Paul University, is honoured to announce the 29th edition of the Latin American Film Festival (LAFF), which will take place from April 24th to May 16th, 2026 , at the Saint Paul University Amphitheatre G1124, located at 110 Hazel St, Ottawa . This year’s festival will showcase an extraordinary selection of film productions from 14 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colomb

Ottawa Bluesfest—in partnership with the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism—will celebrate Ottawa 200 on Sunday, July 19 with a special event to recognize the 200 th birthday of Canada’s capital. It all begins with an afternoon of FREE programming for the whole family from noon to 4 p.m. in the lead-up to an evening of blockbuster performances. The free Daytime Lineup will feature outstanding musical entertainment by Natalie MacMaster & Family, Choir!Choir!Choir! and Les P

Consider this our petition to make SummerFest registration opening day the official first day of spring… because it sure feels like it! No, seriously. Milder weather, incredible excitement, and the feeling that warmer days are just around the corner all converge into this one magnificent day that is honestly probably one of our Top 3 Favourite Days of the Year ( alongside SummerFest event day, and the Celebration of HOPE where we present the funds to our recipient charities )

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy have unveiled the countries featured in the event’s 29th edition, taking place July 29 to August 15, 2026 at the Canadian Museum of History. This year’s program will once again bring together internationally renowned pyromusical performances alongside cultural experiences, gastronomy, digital arts and interactive programming throughout the festival site. Tickets are now available at feux.qc.ca . “For nearly 30 years, Les Grands Feux have b

The 2026 Canadian Tulip Festival is a celebration of culture, history, and nature, offering something for everyone. With new and thrilling experiences, educational tours, and vibrant displays of tulips, this festival is an event not to be missed. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, the Canadian Tulip Festival has something for you. See below to learn more about some of this year’s new experiences! Tulip Trail

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Creative Excellence with 40 films from around the globe! #OBFF26 celebrates Black creativity with powerful, diverse, and innovative programming–an inspiring showcase of stories that push boundaries and spark dialogue. After five successful editions, the Ottawa Black Film Festival ( #OBFF26 ) returns in person & online to amplify Black voices with an exciting and impactful 6th edition. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF is pleased

As the city approaches the 200th anniversary of Bytown, the Scottish Society of Ottawa and acclaimed Ottawa actor and playwright Pierre Brault presents a powerful new solo performance exploring the Scottish roots of Canada’s capital. Lairds of the Locks: The Scots of Bytown is a one-person historical drama that examines the profound Scottish influence on the early development of Bytown, told through the pioneering life and legacy of Thomas McKay—stone mason, canal builder, e

Join us this July for nine nights of incredible music at LeBreton Flats. 1-Day Presale starts tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25th, at 10:00 AM ET. All Full Festival Pass types will be available during the 1-Day Presale at our special presale pricing until 11:59 PM ONLY! Single Day Tickets will be available during our General Onsale on Thursday, February 26th at 10:00 AM ET. Pick-3 Passes will be available for purchase starting Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM. Purchase your fe

Ottawa School of Theatre presents the Susan M. Flemming Playwriting Awards - a playwriting contest for aspiring writers in the National Capital Region! Thanks to an anonymous $5,000 donation from a community member in honour of Susan M. Flemming, former OST teacher and writer, OST’s playwriting contest is expanding. Winners in the 12-14 and 15-18 age categories will have the chance to see their plays performed on stage by OST students. Winners will also receive a $150 cash pr

OTTAWA, ON (February 18, 2026) – Building on the momentum of its initial 2026 announcement, the Ottawa Jazz Festival is proud to unveil the second wave of artists for its 46th annual edition, running from June 19th to 28th. The second wave of artists will be announced on Wednesday, February 18th at 10am EST, with tickets going on sale Thursday, February 19th at 10am EST. As the festival prepares to transform Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC), this latest

This year’s Festival provides cinephiles with an eclectic mix of films that have won awards and made waves in the international film circuit over the past year. In IFFO’s Official Selection, programmers curated 22 Canadian and international feature films and select a new Canadian short film to accompany each feature screening. Other film programs in the Festival include the established CFI series Canadian Masters , getting in-depth discussions with some of Canada’s greatest a

On March 3, Elizabeth Hay will sit down with Michael Ondaatje , the acclaimed author of seven novels — including The English Patient , Coming Through Slaughter , The Cat’s Table , and Warlight — a memoir, Running in the Family ; a nonfiction book on film-editing, The Conversations ; and several books of poetry, including A Year of Last Things , The Collected Works of Billy the Kid , The Cinnamon Peeler , and Handwriting . Among many international accolades, Ondaatje won the

Nuit Blanche Ottawa will make its long-awaited return on Saturday, September 26, 2026, under the theme Where Innovation Meets Art . For this new edition, the ByWard Market will be transformed into a vast, free, immersive nighttime art experience, bringing together local, national, and international artists.  Produced by Les Forains, Nuit Blanche Ottawa invites the public to experience an entire night dedicated to contemporary art, where innovation, creativity, and civic enga

It’s that time of year again! Winterlude returns January 30th until February 16th, and we’ve got everything you need to know about this iconic winter festival. What can visitors expect at this year’s festival? The 2026 edition of Winterlude will introduce new events and bring back old favourites… It’s sure to be fun for the whole family! Explore this year’s featured events below, and click here to see a full list of all the upcoming activities. 2026 Winterlude Ice-Carving Ex

Ottawa StoryTellers invites audiences to experience Recovering Romantic from its Signature Series on Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 pm at the Arts Court Studio, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. This live storytelling event offers an honest look at modern love with humour and heart. Recovering Romantic is an immersive performance set in the weekly meetings of “Romantics Anonymous,” a support group for people trying to make sense of dating, heartbreak and hope. Through three sessions, story

The Ottawa Jazz Festival announces a soul-stirring evening of music and philanthropy: Jazz Night Out 2026. On April 14, 2026 , the legendary, six-time GRAMMY Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama will take the stage at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre for a powerful performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s iconic album, Songs in the Key of Life . This annual event serves as a vital fundraiser for the Ottawa Jazz Festival , supporting its year-rou

The Ottawa Jazz Festival seeks candidates to fill three vacancies on its Board of Directors. Having just celebrated its 45th year, the festival is a significant event that contributes to the city’s vibrancy by bringing world-class music to Ottawa’s downtown. The ideal candidate will participate in the renewal of the jazz festival, deploying leadership skills, fundraising experience, networking abilities, organizational proficiency, and a passion for live music. Candidates wit

Save 20% on your IFFO 2026 pass! Take advantage of our Early Bird Pricing of $152 CAD until February 10. An International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO) Pass includes admission to all screenings and events for a single person, plus 10% off Screen Summit and SAVE AS Passes. Read on for more IFFO Pass perks! Skip the Line Enjoy the Passholders' fastlane, no need to wait in line to access IFFO screenings. Free Merch Show your support for your favourite local indie film festival