Festivals

For two weekends in September, live music returns to Lansdowne Park with both Bluesfest and CityFolk offering star-studded lineups. Tickets go on sale August 26.

Jasmine van Schouwen: “Festibière ultimately delivered more “festi” than “bière.” If you’re looking to catch some great bands with friends in a trendy atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.”

Many Ottawa-based music, arts, and performance festivals will receive increased financial support through a new Ontario government funding program. The one-time increase in funding to the festival and event sector will not only help people engage with art and their communities, but will also help festival networks in need of support.

With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to lift, Ottawa Jazz Festival has announced two series of in-person concerts spread over several venues. Read our list of in-person shows here.

Outdoor hip hop festival House of PainT is back for its 18th year this summer with a full slate of activities to celebrate urban arts and culture in Ottawa.

Capital Pride 2021 is going ahead with a mix of virtual and in-person programming.

Escapade Music Festival announces a vaccination requirement to attend the event in September and provides a free vaccination clinic pop-up Saturday, July 24th in collaboration with OPH at 300 Coventry Rd at 10:00am.

With easing COVID-19 restrictions, Ottawa Chamberfest is releasing more in-person tickets. Read on for a list of shows you can see in person at this year’s festival.

This year’s virtual Ottawa International Animation Festival runs from September 22 to October 3, 2021.

SHHH!! Ensemble is a piano/percussion duo that explores the boundaries of music through creativity and playing with complex sounds. Pianist Edana Higham and percussionist Zac Pulak work together to educate and engage communities through presenting programmes and introducing contemporary music to new listeners.

Mirror Mountain Film Festival offers a slew of great local, Canadian, and international alternative and underground cinema. The festival is accessible online July 24–25.

Colin Noden: “SadClown is not a self-indulgent depressive. She’s trying. She’s hopeful that the next thing that comes her way will be life-transforming. Diving right in and giving it her all can get pretty messy. But she’s willing to give it a go.”

Colin Noden: “I’m preparing for my editor’s wrath and red pen. But it was worth leaving with a fond remembrance. I’m thinking of eating a triple pepper pizza just to induce some Triptych dreams tonight.

Barb Popel: “This is a remarkable play… A must-see at this year’s Fringe.”

Barb Popel: “A Toast to Prohibition is a delightful musical full of champagne sparkle.”