The Ottawa International Animation Festival turns 50 this year, and it is starting the celebration a month early with a free block party at Metcalfe Plaza, the open-air venue that has been running free programming downtown all summer.
What's On
- Pixilation workshop — try stop-motion animation using yourself as the puppet
- Killjoy — a local anime cover band, plus DJ sets through the evening
- Cosplay showcase ball marking the festival's 50th anniversary
Food and drinks are available for purchase from the plaza bar and food truck.
Details
| When | Thursday, August 20, 2026, 5:00–10:00 pm |
| Where | Metcalfe Plaza, 151 Metcalfe St |
| Cost | Free |
| RSVP | Optional, but helps the organizers plan |
The festival itself runs September 23 to 27, 2026 at venues across downtown Ottawa. The OIAF is one of the world's oldest and largest animation festivals, and a registered Canadian charity.
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