Spring & Summer in the City: Ottawa Rocks!
By train, plane or automobile, even your Harley – however you like to travel, there’s one destination that should be top of your trip list this spring and summer. Celebrating its 200th anniversary year, the City of Ottawa is ready to rock your world with happenings galore!
The Canadian Tulip Festival, Doors Open, Ottawa Bluesfest, just to name a few. There’s something desirable going on in the Nation’s Capital Region for visitors of all ages – including Farmers’ Markets! For a full list of Ottawa 200 events, visit Ottawa200.ca.
Here’s an excellent start:
FESTIVALS
If you’re coming to Ottawa for the fabulous Canadian Tulip Festival (May 8 – 18), make time for a day trip to enjoy Tulipfest at Saunders Farm (starting May 1) – a new three-week spring festival featuring nearly half a million tulips, artistic photo installations, live entertainment, storytelling in English and French and culinary experiences in a six-acre circular orchard anchored by a 30-foot windmill.
Shawarma Fest 2026; World Record Attempt (June 7) – Giza Entertainment will host a Guinness World Records™ attempt to build a 160-metre shawarma in the ByWard Market, accompanied by 60 vendors and live programming, with all portions donated afterward to local food security partners.
Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (June 20 & 21). Experience Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures through interactive activities, live performances, and FREE family fun.
MUSIC Save the dates:
Ottawa Bluesfest (July 19)
Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 19-28)
Ottawa Chamberfest (July 2 – Aug 2)
Bytown 200 – A Musical Journey through Ottawa’s History (July 4 to 17) – a five-concert classical music series presented by Music and Beyond, exploring different eras of Ottawa’s history though performance, French and English narration, archival imagery and new commissions.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA (June 6 & 7)
This FREE annual event invites you to explore more than 100 architecturally and historically rich buildings. In addition to modern design marvels, you can celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary by exploring some of the buildings that have stood watch over most or all of the City’s history. ottawatourism.ca/en/event-calendar/doors-open-ottawa
CANADA DAY (July 1)
Ottawa has plenty of opportunities to proudly celebrate our nation’s birthday – from the main national event downtown to local community celebrations across the city. OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across Ottawa, with free service all day on O-Train lines, buses and Para Transpo.
