Ottawa Festivals

The Ottawa Festival Network (OFN) is a not-for-profit service organization and the only industry association representing festivals, special events, and fairs in Canada's Capital Region. Established in 1996 — marking 30 years of service in 2026 — OFN advances a dynamic festival industry through advocacy, research, education, and networking, working cooperatively with members and partners toward a vibrant, inspired, and prosperous festival capital.

Ottawa Festivals:
Represents 200+ not-for-profit festival, fair, and special event member organizations through a barrier-free membership model
Members collectively produce more than 300 annual events across the city of Ottawa
Supports a sector powered by more than 16,000 dedicated volunteers each year
Programs run nearly year-round, with activity concentrated from May through September and peaking in September
Delivers member programming and initiatives including the Festival Summit and NextFest
Provides marketing, promotional, and professional development support to member festivals, special events, and fairs
Negotiates on behalf of, and builds meaningful partnerships with, organizations that serve the needs of festival members
Acts as a centralized resource and a unified voice for Ottawa's festival industry
Advocates on issues affecting festivals, special events, and fairs, and contributes to the growth of the local economy