
Best Summer Festivals in Ottawa
A guide to Ottawa's biggest summer festivals, from Bluesfest and the Jazz Festival to Canada Day, Dragon Boat, and free street festivals. Includes dates, ticket prices, and locations for the 2026 season.
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One of North America's premier outdoor music festivals featuring 11 days of performances by over 200 acts across multiple stages, ranked among the world's top-10 by Billboard Magazine.

14th annual multi-day music and community festival celebrating diverse cultures and languages with evening concerts and free daytime workshops and performances.

An original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to fifteen, featuring the orchestra with a special spotlight on the percussion section and vivid farmyard narration.

Two-time JUNO Award-winning Indigenous singer-songwriter William Prince performs with special guest Boy Golden on his Further From the Country Tour.

A nationally celebrated concert production featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest songs from Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.

Nate Haller brings his first headlining Country Rising National Tour to Ottawa, featuring Mac Rumbolt as opening act.

Newfoundland folk-rock legend Alan Doyle, former frontman of Great Big Sea, performs with JUNO Award-winning special guests The East Pointers.

A multidisciplinary art exhibition exploring heartbreak and grief through paintings, dance, music, poetry, and interactive elements featuring 10+ local Ottawa artists.

Legendary thrash metal band Megadeth brings their 2026 tour to Ottawa with special guests Anthrax and Exodus.

A spellbinding visual spectacular fusing cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theatre with the NAC Orchestra playing music from Wicked, Harry Potter, and more.

The world's coldest music festival returns to Gatineau with headliners Steve Aoki, Kaskade, and BUNT. during Winterlude weekend.

Special evening events for teenagers and young adults at Snowflake Kingdom, featuring DJs, illuminated attractions, tube sliding, and retro winter vibes until 10 PM.

Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis brings The Epilogue World Tour to Ottawa, featuring Matt Hansen as special guest.

Local and diverse DJs perform vibrant sets on Sparks Street during Winterlude. Pause, warm up, and dance along on festive Sparks Street!

Join the Ottawa Symphony for a festive holiday performance featuring heartwarming seasonal favourites and a special audience carol sing-along.

Free Doobie Brothers tribute performance on Halloween at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Three-day celebration of Mexican culture featuring art, gastronomy, music, and dance in honor of the traditional Day of the Dead.

The NAC Orchestra turns Southam Hall into a playground of sound and suspense with eerie, epic, and haunted music straight out of your favourite Halloween playlist.

Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creative play with instructor Jesse Kahat.

Free Queen tribute performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Free John Mellencamp tribute performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Free live music with Electric Company at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Annual family-friendly Halloween neighbourhood event with music, kids activities, free yoga class, and pumpkin giveaway at Princess Margriet Park.

Free live music with Ambush at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Third annual Day of the Dead celebration with authentic Mexican cuisine, Mariachi band Los Paisanos, local vendors, free hot chocolate, and Day of the Dead vibes! Come dressed as your best Sugar Skull.

Free live Chicks tribute performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Free live Paul McCartney tribute performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open 7PM, show starts approximately 8PM. DJ until 1AM after show.

Free Thursday evening admission with seasonal refreshments, live music, and art-making activities. Presented by BMO at the Scotiabank Great Hall.

The season launches with a powerful program featuring the full symphonic orchestra in its largest performance of the year, exploring themes of heroism, technology, and the human condition.