Annual Events

February

• Winterlude – For three weeks every February the Rideau Canal is loaded with skaters, the ice and snow sculptures are on display, and there is entertainment to be had.  There is just something pretty cool about skating on the world’s longest skating rink with thousands of other people.  Stopping for a hot chocolate and beaver tail along the way is also a big part of the fun.

May

• Glebe Garage Sale – Typically held during the same weekend as the Ottawa Marathon.  All throughout this hip and trendy Ottawa neighborhood people bring their stuff out into their driveways and offer it up for sale.  This is a hugely popular event so plan your transportation and timing carefully.  Get there early if you want a chance at the good stuff.
• Ottawa Race Weekend – Take part in anything from a kids 2km run/walk all the way up to a full marathon.  Register early because these events sell out quickly.  This is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Ottawa, so plan early.
• Tulip Festival – Come and see the hundreds of thousands of tulips throughout the Ottawa area and take part in the many events taking place throughout the month.

June

• Doors Open Ottawa – During the Doors Open weekend there are over a hundred heritage and government buildings open to the public for free tours.  Some of the buildings can be seen at other times, but many of them are only open to the public this one time during the year. 
• Fringe Festival – This uncensored, and non-judged series of performances allows these performance artists to push the boundaries of expression and creativity.  The Festival takes place over two weeks and numerous venues.
• Ottawa Jazz Festival – June/July.  Two weeks of Jazz with large variety of performers and venues.

July

• Blues Festival – July.  This is a huge event with such a wide variety of bands that the moniker doesn’t really make much sense anymore.  For example the 2010 lineup has/had bands ranging from bands such as Hole and Iron Maiden to Kevin Costner and the Gypsie Kings.  The festival takes place over two weeks and unfolds at numerous venues around town, but the hub of activity is at Lebreton Flats.  There are usually some free outdoor venues in the ByWard Market

Other Festivals – Many other activities can be found at this link.

More Ottawa Events.