Summer Family Festivals in Ottawa
In the summer, the whole city is our backyard and it’s always hopping with one party or another. Make the most of the gorgeous sun and get out to one of the fantastic festivals Ottawa has to offer.
Kids and classical music aren’t always an obvious match, but Chamberfest aims to change all that by offering a fun ‘Bring the Kids!’ series as part of their late July/early August festival. This year’s family-friendly acts include everything from Hip Hop Hayden to ballerina Evelyn Hart to Babar the Elephant. All these events take place at city hall and are (bonus!) free, so arrive early for good seats. We’ll also be heading out for DJ Kid Koala’s matinee showing of Nufonia Must Fall, an offbeat presentation of his graphic novel using music, puppets, robots, and video (tickets required).
Summer is the perfect time to spoil the kids with a special late night party, and there’s no better way to show them the wonders of the night than the Sound of Light fireworks festival in mid-August. Although the pyrotechnics can be seen from several spots along the river, it’s worth it to buy tickets so that you can also experience the Museum of History’s family fun zone, which opens at 6 pm and features snacks, face painting, and musical acts onstage until the big show starts at 9:15. Countries including Spain, Greece, and Venezuela put on amazing firework displays set to music that are sure to dazzle and delight.
Ready for more fun fetes? We’ve got 12 more lively festivals picked out. See our complete guide to Summer Festivals in Ottawa.
