RIDEAU CANAL Skateway
JANUARY - MARCH, 2020
50th season! Every winter, 7.8 km (4.8 miles) of the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, as designated by Guinness World Records.
Tulip Festival
MAY 8 - 18, 2020
This annual world-famous festival centres around Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 300,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
Maple syrup fun
Until April 19, 2020
Traditional Pancake House, special March break and weekend activities include sleigh rides, maple taffy, walking trails, campfires, tobogganing and more!
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
MAY 23-25, 2020
Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon, during the country’s most popular multi-day running event.
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
JULY 19 - July 1, 2020
2020 marks the Festival’s 40th anniversary year! The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival will present hundreds of musicians from across Canada and around the world in an array of vibrant concerts. Announcements will be made this spring.From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado!
Canada Day
July 1, 2020
On July 1, Canadians and visitors from around the world come to the Capital Region to celebrate Canada’s birthday. Offering an attractive lineup of Canadian artists and diverse programming, the festivities are the perfect opportunity to share our national pride. In 2020 we will mark the 153th anniversary of Confederation. See you then!
RBC Bluesfest
JULY 9 - 19, 2020
One of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
Capital Ribfest
July 31 to August 3, 2020
Capital Ribfest, the big BBQ foodie experience, takes over downtown Ottawa. Free admission, lots of ribbers, live music, craft beer gardens and much more!
Capital Fair
August 14-23, 2020
Featuring a demolition derby, a petting zoo, stunt dogs, and much more!
Yoga on Parliament Hill
May 20 to August 26, 2020
Join Lululemon on Wednesdays for a free yoga session on the lawn in front of Parliament. Bring your own mat and water! Exact dates to be confirmed.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
September 3 - 7, 2020
See hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky, enjoy the amusement park, fireworks, and a number of exciting shows!
Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 11, 2020
A moving ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who have served in Canada’s military.
Winterlude
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 17, 2020
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events which transform Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
Ottawa ice dragon boat festival
FEBRUARY 7-9, 2020
See teams use ice-sticks to propel dragon boats outfitted with skates across the frozen Rideau Canal in the world’s largest such festival, offering free entertainment and the excitement of competition!
