Celebrating 45 years with 45+ FREE Shows!

Free Homegrown Series Begins June 12, 2025 

45th Edition of Ottawa Jazz Begins in Just 2 Weeks on June 20

For 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has celebrated the richness and diversity of music—especially jazz—by offering accessible, high-quality performances. A cornerstone of this goal has always been our free programming, which continues to play a vital role in connecting audiences with exceptional live music.

In 2025, we're proud to celebrate our 45th anniversary with 45+ free shows across five distinct series, each crafted to inspire, connect, and engage music lovers of all kinds.

Homegrown Series – Free Week of Live Jazz – Leading Up to the Festival from June 12–19!

We’re thrilled to partner with our new beverage partner,  Beyond the Pale for this year’s Homegrown Series, a celebration of Ottawa’s dynamic local music scene. Enjoy free performances by local jazz artists in some of the city’s best-known venues—all of which regularly showcase live jazz. This series is our way of thanking the musicians, venues, and fans who keep Ottawa’s music community thriving.

Bonus: Festival pass holders can ask about food and drink discounts at participating venues—just show your 2025 pass or email confirmation.

Bear x Orange Octopus Jim Sessions - Thursday, June 12 | 8pm – Med Supper Club

The Art of the Duo - Thursday, June 12 | 7:30 pm – GigSpace

Immersive Jazz Master Class - Friday, June 13 | 7pm – 10,000 Hours/ Steinway Gallery

Justin Duhaime's Gypsy Muse - Saturday, June 13 | 8pm – Night Oat

Nick Adema Group - Saturday, June 14 | 3pm – The Record Centre

Don Sirloin - Saturday, June 14 | 9pm – Art House Cafe

LH Express - Sunday, June 15 | 3pm – Beyond the Pale

Side-Eye & Grace - Tuesday, June 17 | 7pm – Brookstreet Hotel

Pimienta - Wednesday, June 18 | 7pm – Queen St. Fare

The Lionyls - Wednesday, June 18 | 8:30pm – Irene’s Pub

Miguel de Armas and Samantha Christ François - Thursday, June 19 | 12pm – MacKay United Church

Ottawa Jazz Festival – June 20–29

During the Festival, catch the free noon-hour concerts on the OLG Stage:

Sage Reynolds: Solstice Explorations - Friday, June 20

Youth Series - Saturday, June 21: 10:00am - 4:00pm

FASOCANA - Sunday, June 22Brian An Quintet - Tuesday, June 24

Field Notes - Wednesday, June 25

Miranda Ceara & The Odd Fellows Orchestra - Thursday, June 26

Rachelle Behrens Latin Jazzy Quartet - Friday, June 27

The Renaud-Manny Quartet - Saturday, June 28

SoundProof - Sunday, June 29

*New! OLG Bird's Nest Stage at Marion Dewar Plaza:

Jude Zappala Quartet - Saturday, June 21 | 5:00pm

SNACKTIME - Sunday, June 22 | 5:00pm

SNACKTIME - Sunday, June 22 | 10:00pm

Natural Instincts - Saturday, June 28 | 5:00pm

Keith Hartshorn-Walton Trio - Sunday, June 29 | 5:00pm

Jazz at the Castle at 4pm

Don't miss the special atmospheric settings for live jazz performances set against the stunning backdrop in the lobby of the historic Fairmont Château Laurier.

Peter Hum - Saturday, June 21

Danika Painter - Thursday, June 26

Steve Boudreau & Steve Berndt - Saturday, June 28

NAC Jazz Talks at 5pm

Join acclaimed vocalist and special guest host Kellylee Evans for a series of free intimate conversations with Anna Webber (June 21), Kris Davis (June 26) and Bill Frisell (June 28) at the National Arts Centre (locations TBD). Expect engaging conversations with artists, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.

Late Night Jamming at The Lord Elgin Hotel’s Forty One

Each evening over 10 days, the Lord Elgin Hotel’s restaurant, Forty One hosts our Late Night Jamming House Band at 10:30 PM. You never know which of your favourite artists might drop by and join in the improvisational dialogue.

June 20 - 29 Late Night Jamming House Band Lineup includes John Geggie (double bass) with:

Friday, June 20 – Steve Boudreau (piano) & Jim Doxas (drums)

Saturday, June 21 – Peter Hum (piano) & Jude Zappala (drums)

Sunday, June 22 – Steve Boudreau (piano) & José Monchito (drums)

Monday, June 23 – Steve Boudreau (piano) & Nick Fraser (drums)

Tuesday, June 24 – Steve Boudreau (piano) & Nick Fraser (drums)

Wednesday, June 25 – Roddy Ellias (guitar) &  Nick Fraser (drums)

Thursday, June 26 – Roddy Ellias (guitar) &  Nick Fraser (drums)

Friday, June 27 – Roddy Ellias (guitar) &  Nick Fraser (drums)

Saturday, 28 – Roddy Ellias (guitar) &  Nick Fraser (drums)

Sunday, 29 – Steve Boudreau (piano) & Nick Fraser (drums)