Your Guide to Ottawa Summer Festivals
1. Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 13-23)
This annual festival showcases an eclectic mix of productions from across Canada and around the world at various venues throughout downtown Ottawa. Fringe is known for featuring edgy, thought-provoking works that push boundaries and give voice to underrepresented artists and perspectives. With dozens of shows ranging from comedy to drama to avant-garde performances, there's something for every theatre lover at this vibrant festival.
2. Escapade Festival (June 21-23)
Escapade Music Festival is returning to Ottawa's Lansdowne Park from June 21-23, 2024, delivering an unforgettable weekend of electronic music. While tickets for the event are currently sold out, fans can join the waitlist for a chance to purchase any additional passes that may become available. If you manage to secure tickets, you can expect performances by The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Zedd, Armin van Buuren, Lost Frequencies, James Hype, Steve Angello, and so much more.
3. Jazz Festival (June 21-30)
Get ready for an electrifying musical experience at the Ottawa Jazz Festival from June 21-30, 2024! This year's lineup is a true celebration of jazz's rich diversity, featuring a stellar array of artists across generations and genres. Highlights include the funky New Orleans sounds of Trombone Shorty (June 21), jazz-rock guitar hero Al Di Meola (June 26), and a powerful lineup of female vocalists like Kathleen Edwards, Lake Street Dive, Laufey, Norah Jones, and Veronica Swift. The festival also welcomes the legendary Parliament-Funkadelic, adding an extra dose of funk to the event. From intimate club shows to main-stage spectacles, the Ottawa Jazz Festival promises an unforgettable fusion of jazz, funk, and soul for music lovers of all kinds.
4. Dragon Boat Festival (June 21-23)
Paddle into summer with the exhilarating Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, a dynamic blend of dragon boat races, live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities held at Mooney’s Bay Park. Join the spirited teams on the water, cheer from the shoreline, and enjoy the festival's energetic atmosphere. With food vendors, artisanal crafts, and entertainment, the Dragon Boat Festival is a summer highlight not to be missed.
5. Canada Day Celebrations (July 1)
Ottawa will be the epicentre for Canada's 157th birthday celebrations on July 1st. The main festivities will take over LeBreton Flats Park, featuring concerts, activities, and a stunning fireworks display over the skyline at night. The iconic Parliament Hill area will also host satellite events and experiences. Across the capital region, streets will come alive with parades, cultural exhibits, and plenty of Canadian pride on display. Whether attending official events or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, Ottawa is the place to be for an epic nationwide party marking this Canada Day.
6. Bluesfest (July 4-14)
The iconic Bluesfest is returning to Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park this July for an unforgettable 11-day celebration of music. This year's lineup is truly world-class, featuring a diverse range of artists that will cater to every musical taste. Headlining the festival are some of the biggest names in the industry, including Maroon 5 (July 7), Nickelback (July 5), 50 Cent (July 6), Carly Rae Jepsen (July 7), Zac Brown Band (July 10), Neil Young & Crazy Horse (July 11), Tyler Childers (July 12), Mötley Crüe (July 13), Nas (July 14), and more! Whether you're a fan of pop, hip-hop, or rock, RBC Bluesfest promises an immersive experience for all music enthusiasts, from legendary performers to rising stars. reStays is a proud sponsor of this event!
7. International Buskerfest (August 2-5)
The Ottawa International Buskerfest returns to Sparks Street, delivering four days of world-class street performances and family fun. Spectators can expect to be amazed by the festival's diverse lineup of buskers showcasing acrobatics, comedy, music and more. With four stages, 20+ performers and 175,000 expected attendees, the 2024 Buskerfest promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Admission is free, so don't miss the Grand Finale on August 5th at 5PM.
8. Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (August 9-11)
Comedy fans are in for a treat with the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival taking over LeBreton Flats Park. This massive three-day outdoor event will feature hilarious headliners like Nate Bargatze and Matt Rife performing on stage. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and festival activities while soaking up the summer sun and big laughs. With reserved seating options and in-seat ordering, this 19+ event promises to be a unique comedy experience in the heart of Ottawa.
9. Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (August 29-September 2)
The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Parc de la Baie, located a 13-minute drive away from reStays. Ottawa River, with morning and evening launch times weather permitting. The festival also features live music, food trucks, artisans, and children's activities on the ground. While admission is free, rides in the balloons are ticketed and subject to change or cancellation based on conditions. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of hot air ballooning!
10. CityFolk Festival (September 11-15)
As a key sponsor of this event in previous years, we’re excited that The CityFolk Festival will be returning to Ottawa's Lansdowne Park this September, bringing an exceptional lineup of folk music's biggest stars. The four-day celebration features a diverse mix of musical performances on multiple stages. Past acts include Van Morrison, Lorde, Robert Plant, and Bon Iver. You can also explore new brews at the craft beer fair, shop local artisan products, and enjoy family-friendly activities on-site.
The Ottawa Festival Scene gives you ample reason to visit. Discover reStays Ottawa luxury hotel's summer offers and book your dream stay today!
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Top photo taken by @Marissa Dubrofsky
This Ottawa travel blog article was updated on May 23, 2024