13 Summer Festivals in Ottawa
Summer in the capital is short – which means every day that’s warm and sunny is a reason to celebrate. And what better place to celebrate than at a festival? Here is our list of the summer’s best.
The new kid on the festival scene, Music and Beyond, presents hundreds of classical music concerts between July 4 and 14. It may sound stuffy, but there’s tons of great kid-friendly stuff here, including the opening night’s circus-themed performance, carillon concerts on Parliament Hill, a series of Young People’s concerts and even a floating band travelling down the Rideau Canal. Don’t miss Kids’ Music & Arts Day, July 7 at the University of Ottawa, featuring over 150 short concerts, dance performances and interactive activities like painting and making your own instrument.
You won’t want to miss Puppets Up!, an international puppet festival running August 10 and 11 in the charming west-end town of Almonte. Our top highlight is the dazzling Puppets Parade. Tent performances up and down the street, combined with buskers, crafts, food and music means there’s something to delight everyone. In addition, Almonte itself is chock full of quaint shops and fantastic cafes’it’s well worth the day trip.
These two are just the beginning – fete and fiesta all summer long with more Ottawa festivals.
Tested by Lynn J., Ottawa
