Winterlude

A guide to Ottawa's festivals

Ottawa is known as the festival capital, with hundreds festivals happening every year celebrating local, national and international culture, music, and seasonal traditions that make this city so unique.

Come any time of year to experience Ottawa's festivals, but peak festival season begins in May with the Canadian Tulip Festival, and winds down in September with CityFolk, an outdoor music festival. Then again, Ottawa's Winterlude festival in February is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Ottawa's warm hospitality, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Major festivals you won't want to miss in Ottawa, Canada

These festivals gather thousands of locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season, enjoy live performances, yummy foods and have fun in Ottawa's many greenspaces!

Winterlude
What to do during Winterlude 2027
Top Winterlude 2027 events and activities for couples, families, and groups.
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Temple's Sugar Bush, maple
Maple syrup fun at Ottawa's sugar shacks
Experience maple magic from late winter into spring! Visit local sugar bushes, see how syrup is produced, eat sweet treats and enjoy the atmosphere!
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Canadian Tulip Festival at Commissioners Park
What to do during Canadian Tulip Festival
Top Canadian Tulip Festival events and activities for couples, families, and groups.
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Canada Day
Canada Day 2026 – fireworks, parties, music and more
Celebrate Canada Day 2026 in Canada’s capital with fireworks, live music, family-friendly activities, and unforgettable parties across Ottawa.
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TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Ottawa’s summer 2026 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer.
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Ottawa food festivals

Ottawa's food festival scene celebrates the region's rich agricultural harvest (there are over 1000 farms in Ottawa city limits) and a diverse, multicultural culinary scene.

Don’t miss out on Shawarma Fest, which won a Guiness World Record in 2026 for the longest line of shawarma sandwiches at 2,451 wraps!

Ottawa music festivals

Ottawa's music festivals cover a range of music, blending genre, culture, local and international performers on the backdrop of remarkable locations!

Chamberfest and Jazzfest present the latest and greatest in their respective genres, while Escapade and Bluesfest offer high-energy nights with the musicians you know and love, from classic rock to cutting-edge EDM. For a uniquely Canadian festival experience, bundle up for Igloofest, a February celebration that's equal parts outdoor rave and winter adventure.

Cultural festivals in Ottawa

Ottawa’s cultural festivals showcase the rich diversity of the people and cultures that call Canada home. With more than 130 embassies and high commissions, the capital offers unique opportunities to experience vibrant performances, sample global cuisines and connect with cultures from around the world.

Ottawa cultural festival highlights include the Chinatown Night Market, Ottawa Greek Festival and Italian Week Ottawa.

Ottawa film festivals

Ottawa has a variety of celebrated film festivals, showcasing international achievement in film across genres!

As one of the world's leading animation events, the Ottawa International Animation Festival has been delighting audiences for 50+ years. Check it out and more upcoming film festivals.

FAQs about Ottawa’s festivals

  • What festivals take place in Ottawa?

    Hundreds of festivals happen in Ottawa every year, but you won’t want to miss Winterlude (February), maple season (February – April), Canadian Tulip Festival (May), Canada Day (July), Bluesfest (July) and CityFolk (September).

  • Are there any festivals in Ottawa this weekend?

    There are always festivals happening in Ottawa, Canada! Check below for the next festivals kicking off in Canada’s capital.

    Upcoming festivals

  • Which Ottawa festivals are best for tourists?

    If you’re planning a visit to Ottawa, consider timing your visit to Winterlude, the Canadian Tulip Festival, or Canada Day celebrations.

More to explore in Ottawa festivals

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