Celebrate Ottawa’s rich Franco-Ontarien culture and history at the 50th edition of the Festival Franco-Ontarien. The annual festival takes place in Major’s Hill Park and has grown since the first edition in 1976. Whether you’re a Francophone, a Francophile, or a fan of festivals, this weekend’s activities are a great way to celebrate all things Franco.
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La musique a la capacité de connecter les gens quelle que soit la langue, et les performances tout au long du festival transcendent un seul genre de musique. Le festival commence jeudi avec Joly, Carbonne, et Fredz. Le passé, le présent et l’avenir de la musique franco-ontarienne réunis sur une seule scene vendredi soir lors de Aujourd’hui pour demain, mettant en vedette CANO, Robert Paquette, Michel Lalonde, Mélissa Ouimet, Manon Séguin, DJ Uniper, et LeFLOFRANCO. Les Bilinguish Boys et Les Trois Accords monte sur scène samedi soir. Il y aura beaucoup d’options de restauration (y compris la poutine et les crêpes!) ainsi qu’une bière édition spéciale de Brauwerk Hoffman Rockland.
Ahead of the festival’s opening night, we reached Sophie Bernier, Programming Director, by email to learn more about this milestone event.
Apt613: Congratulations on celebrating 50 years of the Festival Franco-Ontarien! How does that feel?
Sophie Bernier: It feels both humbling and exhilarating! Fifty years is a major milestone, not just for the festival, but for the Franco-Ontarian community as a whole. It’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, to honour the artists and leaders who built this legacy, and to celebrate the vibrant, diverse francophonie that continues to grow across Ontario.
Fifty years is a major milestone, not just for the festival, but for the Franco-Ontarian community as a whole. It’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, to honour the artists and leaders who built this legacy, and to celebrate the vibrant, diverse francophonie that continues to grow across Ontario.
For someone who has never been to the Festival Franco-Ontarien, what can they expect?
You can expect three days of high-energy music, family-friendly programming, great food, and a welcoming community vibe. The festival takes place outdoors at Major’s Hill Park in Ottawa, with a big stage, food trucks, and our signature Café communal — a tented space where you can meet community organizations, discover emerging artists, enjoy crêpes and coffee, and take in 50 years of festival history. Whether you’re a die-hard Franco music fan or just curious, you’ll feel at home.
What’s an aspect of Franco-Ontarian culture that you’re excited to highlight with the festival?
I’m especially excited about how we’re celebrating intergenerational connection this year. Our main stage lineup honours Franco-Ontarian music legends like Robert Paquette, CANO and Garolou, while also shining a spotlight on new voices like The Bilinguish Boys, Fredz, and Joly. And in our Café communal, we’ve created a more intimate second stage where eight emerging artists from Ottawa will perform throughout the weekend. It’s a beautiful reflection of how Franco-Ontarian culture continues to evolve.
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Are tickets for all the shows still available or have any sold out? Will tickets be available at the gate?
Tickets are still available for all three nights, and yes — they will be available at the gate, space permitting. You can buy tickets online at www.ffo.ca.
Is there anything else Apt613 readers should know?
We’d love your readers to know that the Festival Franco-Ontarien is for everyone — whether you speak French fluently, a little, or not at all. If you’re curious about francophone music and culture, this is the perfect place to experience it in a fun, welcoming environment.
We also have a free family morning on Saturday, featuring a show by Daniel Coutu, a magician who delights kids and adults alike. So whether you’re coming with friends, family, or just looking for something new to discover — don’t hesitate to come out to the Franco. It’s a celebration of language, culture, and community, open to all.
The Festival Franco-Ontarien takes place June 12-14 at Major’s Hill Park. Secure bike parking is available. The full festival schedule is available online along with single day and full festival passes.
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