10 Must see Cultural Festivals in Ottawa

Last Updated on 2018-10-31 by Linda

Photo credit Steve Gerecke

Let’s get started shall we. Ottawa is renowned for it’s  festivals so let’s explore the ten I have picked for you for this summer. Plus check out the 10 Best Music Festivals or the 10 Best Food and Drink Festivals.

Cultural Festivals in Ottawa

• Italian Week  June 9-19  Sorry this one has already happened. The Ottawa Italian Week Festival is a collaborative event, brought to you by Settimana Italiana Inc., The Preston Street BIA, the Ottawa Ferrari Festival, the Italian Car Show & Parade and the Preston Street Criterium Bike Race.
• Ukrainian Festival  June 21-23 Singing, dancing and live music / Ukrainian food village and beer garden / Marketplace / Entertainment and nightlife / Cultural workshops and demonstrations / Church tours and sacred music choirs / Children’s activities and sadly I missed this one, Sorry Folks. Mark your calendar 2018.

Photo credit Steve Gerecke

More Cultural Festivals in Ottawa

• Lebanese Festival  July 19-23  Ottawa Lebanese Festival brings the rich diversity of the Ottawa-Lebanese community with five days of marvelous food, Middle Eastern entertainment and heritage. Beginning Wednesday July 19th and running through to July 23rd, the grounds of the St. Elias Cathedral showcase a variety of savory goods and Lebanese culture.
• Asian Festival July 28-30 This year’s Ottawa Asian Fest summer night market once again heads to Ottawa’s Chinatown.  With the beautiful Chinatown Royal Arch as the backdrop, all of our best food vendors from across Ontario will be back, including Night Market favourites such as Hong Kong Bubble Waffles, Twisted Potato Chips, Squid on a Stick and of course CHATIME Bubble Tea! On Somerset between Bronson and Arthur, this market will also include a Beer Garden and Karaoke Nights
• South Asian Festival  August 11-20  Enhance Ottawa’s cultural landscape by showcasing different genres of South Asian performing Arts and supporting Local Artists by providing them an Annual platform to aspire towards.

Photo credit Steve Gerecke

• Greek Festival August 10-20 Over time, the Hellenic Community of Ottawa grew and so did the appetite and interest of local residents. GreekFest eventually became the 11 day event it is today, and one of the premiere Greek Festivals in North America, with festival-goers visiting from around the world. 
• Festival India August 11-13 Their mission is to offer the visitors and residents of the National Capital Region a world-class opportunity to experience and personally learn about the traditions, culture and heritage of India – and thus promote multi-cultural understanding, appreciation, harmony and peace; and enhance inter-cultural connectivity in Canada.
  

  Photo credit Steve Gerecke

  Fall Cultural Festivals

• Latin America Festival and Parade Sept 3 The Latin American Festival – one of Ottawa’s signature cultural events- attracts thousands of individuals from our multicultural community to enjoy local, nationally and internationally known musicians, handmade arts and crafts, authentic Latin American cuisine, traditional folkloric dance performances and children’s activities a true cultural experience for all.
• Ottawa Octoberfest  Sept 28-30 Oktoberfest inspired Fall Harvest contests, games, fantastik food and marvelous musik not to mention not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, but SEVEN craft breweries  – all on-site all, inside the Myers Volkswagen Auto Haus Tent – making this year’s festival a party like none before it! #wearebarrhaven
• Beaus Octoberfest Sept 22-23 The 9th annual edition of Beau’s Oktoberfest will take  place Friday Sept. 22 and Saturday Sept. 23, at the Vankleek Hill fairgrounds. Celebrating Bavarian culture, craft beer and community. Beau’s Oktoberfest is the annual signature fundraising event for craft brewery Beau’s All Natural.

Make sure you add these Festivals to your Calendar, it’s experiencing all that makes this country great.