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2023 Ottawa Events for Spring and Summer: The Complete List

There’s nothing quite like festival season in the capital city. Mark your calendars! From street food fairs to the biggest names in music, the 2023 Ottawa events lineup is looking better than ever.

Ottawa Events for Spring 2023

Ottawa Poutinefest

Ottawa Poutinefest takes place from April 27th to 30th, 2023 at City Hall. Embrace your inner ‘eh as more than 30 poutine food trucks hit the downtown core. Choose from local favorites, or opt for a new flavor combination. The options are truly endless!

Ottawa Children’s Festival

Ottawa Children’s Festival takes place from May 11th to 14th, 2023 at Lebreton Flats Park, the Canadian War Museum, and Arts Court. The weekend aims to educate and engage through theatre, on-site workshops, and other activities.

Canadian Tulip Festival

The annual Canadian Tulip Festival takes place from May 12th to 22nd, 2023 at various locations across the city. Most famously, you can catch the gorgeous views at Dow’s Lake and Major’s Hill Park. For those making a special trip to bask in the beauty, be sure to monitor the daily photos to view the tulip’s progress.

Great Glebe Garage Sale

The annual Great Glebe Garage Sale takes place on May 27th, 2023 and stretches all throughout the neighborhood. Shop through streets and streets of items as homeowners come together for the biggest garage sale of the year.

Kanata Ribfest

The Kanata Ribfest takes from May 26th to 28th, 2023 at the community grounds on 400 March Road. Feast on smoky ribs, cold craft beer, and live entertainment all weekend long at one of the tastiest Ottawa events!

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Canada’s best marathon weekend takes place May 27th to 28th, 2023 across the city. The weekend consists of many race events including their Ottawa Kids Marathon and 59.2-kilometer challenge.

City of Om

Ottawa’s largest health and wellness festival takes place from June 2nd to 3rd, 2023 at Lansdowne Park. Enjoy curated yoga sessions, live music, local artisans, and fitness classes at one of the most highly-anticipated indoor and outdoor Ottawa events.

Doors Open Ottawa

Doors Open takes place from June 3rd to 4th, 2023 at more than 100 significant buildings in the city. Enjoy FREE entry to participating locations all weekend long.

Orléans Craft Beer Festival

Orléans Craft Beer Festival takes place from June 8th to 10th, 2023 at Centrum Plaza. Sip on craft brews from 25 vendors, enjoy some delicious food, and above all, support local at this Ottawa event.

FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival

This annual car festival takes place from June 8th to 11th, 2023 in Ottawa’s Little Italy. Stroll through a Ferrari-lined Preston Street and grab a bite at one of the delicious Italian eateries.

Italian Week

Ottawa’s Italian Week takes place from June 15th to 25th, 2023 along Preston Street. Enjoy annual festivities like traditional cooking classes, film screenings, comedy shows, and sporting events.

Ottawa Events for Summer 2023

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

The highly-anticipated Dragon Boat Festival takes place from June 22nd to 25th, 2023 at Mooney’s Bay Park. Along with the competitions comes family fun, great food, and live concerts. They are known to welcome an impressive roster of Canadian music talent!

Escapade Music Festival

Ottawa’s biggest electronic music festival takes place from June 23rd to 25th, 2023 at Lansdowne Park. Dance the weekend away with some of the biggest names in music.

TD Jazz Festival

The annual TD Jazz Festival takes place from June 23rd to July 2nd, 2023 at various locations across the city. Enjoy the talent from countless artists spanning over 10 days of musical fun (including Canada Day).

Photo credits: Chris Parker

Canada Day

The capital city is home to countless epic celebrations on July 1st, 2023. Their annual lineup is released closer to the date but includes many live performances, interactive activities, a flyover by the Snowbirds, and an evening fireworks display.

Gatineau Comedy Festival

The Gatineau Comedy Festival takes place from July 6th to 8th, 2023 at Place de la Cité. Laugh the weekend away at a whole roster of French comic performances.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Ottawa Bluesfest takes place from July 6th to 16th, 2023 at Lebreton Flats. See some of the greatest names in Canadian music here!

Stewart Park Festival

The Stewart Park Festival takes place from July 14th to 16th, 2023 in Perth, Ontario. Just an hour from Ottawa, you can join the community on the park lawns and soak in live music, shop local vendors, and enjoy festival eats.

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest

The H.O.P.E. Volleyball Summerfest takes place on July 15th, 2023 at Mooney’s Bay. Give back and enjoy a day at the beach on this day of competition and entertainment.

Ottawa International Busker Fest

The Ottawa International Busker Fest takes place from August 4th to 7th, 2023 along Sparks Street. Enjoy world-class entertainment from street performers around the world. From jugglers to magic and all in between, this Ottawa festival has got it all!

Navan Fair

The Navan Fair takes place from August 10th to 13th, 2023 at the Cumberland Township Agricultural Society. With over 75 years under its belt, this annual Ottawa event hosts animal shows, truck and tractor pulls, and an awesome midway section.

The Capital Fair

The Capital Fair takes place from August 18th to 27th, 2023 at Rideau Carleton Raceway fairgrounds. Play in Ottawa’s largest midway, have fun at the Highland Games, listen to live music, and more.

Nostalgia Music Festival

The Nostalgia Music Festival takes place from August 23rd to 27th, 2023 at Lebreton Flats. Enjoy your favorites from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s at this outdoor concert series. Featuring some of the best tribute bands there are!

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

The FMG Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place from August 31st to September 4th, 2023 at La Baie Park. Keep your eyes on the skies as dozens of colorful hot air balloons float above. In addition, you can enjoy a fun midway, live music, and cold drinks on the fairgrounds.


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