The inaugural YOWFEST, full of Ottawa’s biggest hip-hop and rap artists, is taking place at Lansdowne Park right at the end of summer.
Whatever September has in store for you, you can get off on the right foot with a studded lineup of artists.
YOWFEST poster. Image provided.
YOWFEST—named after Ottawa’s airport code—is split between two days, the “Urban English” day and the “International/Urban French” day. Each day of the festival features over a dozen performers.
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Event organizers view this event as capturing Ottawa’s values while showcasing where the city’s music scene is headed.
“People come to Ottawa from all over the world, and our goal is to be that festival that welcomes them in. YOWFEST is about celebrating what Canada truly represents—multiculturalism, diversity, and community. We want this event to be a space where people from every background can come together through music, culture, and shared experiences,” says organizer J Creole.
“Ottawa continues to evolve year after year, and YOWFEST 2025 is a reflection of that growth,” says Nathan “Thrilla” Gravelle, owner of one of the festival’s sponsors, CapitalCityHipHop. “Bringing together international, Canadian, and local Ottawa talent on one stage sends a strong message about where the city is headed.”
YOWFEST takes place August 29 to 30, 2025, 5pm to 11pm at Lansdowne Park. Passes can be purchased for Day 1 – Urban English or Day 2 – International/French.
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