Ottawa is widely known as the city of festivals.
For residents looking for something to do on weekends without having to leave the city, the lineup doesn’t disappoint.
Held at Major’s Hill Park, Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake and along the Rideau Canal, nothing says spring in Ottawa like the Canadian Tulip Festival, which kicks off May 7 and runs through May 24. The festival, the largest in the world, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland and the Canadian Naval Centennial Anniversary.
Kids will love the Ottawa International Children’s Festival, and even parents might find something to enjoy. The festival is held May 26 to 30 at Lebreton Flats Park, the Canadian War Museum and Library and Archives Canada.
The capital turns Ottawa’s large running community into a mecca for athletes of all abilities with Ottawa Race Weekend, held over two days on May 29 and 30. Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate.
Whether or not you’re Italian, Preston Street is the place to be during Italian Week, from June 10-20.
The weekend of June 11 to 13 has many offerings, with the Carnival of Cultures and Westfest.
Of course, Canada’s bilingual capital wouldn’t be complete without the Festival Franco-Ontarien, held from June 17 to 20.
Plan to attend
Other festivals happening in coming months include the Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 17-27), the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (June 18-20), the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival (June 19-21) and the TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival (June 24-July 4).
