During the warm summer days and evenings, Canada’s capital beats to the sound of countless outdoor (as well as indoor) music festivals. From June through September, you can see big name stars in massive live concerts or intimate shows during world-class festivals, attend fun sporting events that feature free live musical acts from across the country, and discover local happenings that highlight local, regional and international culture and talent. Here are some of Ottawa’s annual music festivals you won't want to miss in the summer months.
June
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival features racing, free concerts, free family fun, local cuisine, live performances and more.
Festival L'Outaouais en Fête
It's the pleasure of getting together, sharing local culture and discovering others from elsewhere. With more than 40 years of existence, the festival…
Ottawa Jazz Festival
During this summer jazz festival, outdoor stages, theatres, galleries, restaurants and clubs throughout downtown Ottawa buzz with fans enjoying every kind of jazz—from big band to avant garde—and more.
Escapade Music Festival
Escapade Music Festival is the first festival of its kind in the NCR.
July
Canada Day
Take part in the biggest Canada Day party in the country each year on July 1 in Canada’s capital region!
Music and Beyond
Experience a unique blend of classical music and other disciplines, such as drama, poetry and even science, during Ottawa’s Music and Beyond festival.
Almonte Celtfest
A fun weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment, a time to share the historical Celtic traditions with today’s local performers. Celtfest also…
RBC Bluesfest
Each July, Ottawa’s RBC Bluesfest presents hundreds of musical acts in all genres to some 300,000 fans. Don’t miss this event, which Billboard Magazine has ranked as one of the world’s top-10 outdoor music festivals!
Wendover Western Festival
A rural festival with music, crafts and more! Everyone is invited to join the fun for a wonderful week!
Stewart Park Festival
Three days of free music by the water held in the beautiful Stewart Park located in downtown heritage Perth.
H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest
North America’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, with more than 25,000 players and spectators and a wide variety of entertainment…
Ottawa Chamberfest
The largest chamber music festival in the world presents the genre's top ensemble and solo musical performers each summer in Canada's capital.
Kemptville Live Music Festival
A great weekend of live blues, rock, folk, roots, and more music featuring Tom Cochrane, Bachman-Cummings, Glass Tiger, Honeymoon Suite, Andy Kim and…
August
Festival Country du Grand Gatineau
More than 40 country music artists perform on outdoor stages under big tops, as well as indoors.
Nostalgia Music Festival
Reconnect with the classic rock songs of your youth at this five day event featuring concerts by the best tribute bands on the planet.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Each summer, this family-friendly event launches colourful balloons over the Ottawa-Gatineau region and hosts concerts, fireworks, amusement rides and more.
September
CityFolk
This five-day September celebration of music, dance and community at Lansdowne Park and throughout the Glebe area features an eclectic mix of musical performances on multiple stages.
Festival franco-ontarien
Celebrate francophone culture through concerts, street art and entertainment at this annual outdoor event in Canada’s capital.
Riverside Festival
This three-day electronic music festival is back and bigger than ever with its largest stage and epic lineup. Do not miss your chance to get tickets…
