Attention, everyone! There is a party going on, and it’s happening in Ottawa, Ontario. It turns out, we aren’t just the nation’s capital; we are the Festival Capital of Canada. (You can fact-check it right on Google.)

The number of exciting and exhilarating events we put on really makes Ottawa stand out. Whatever the date, whatever the season, a world of festivities is just around the corner.

These events are just one more reason that Ottawa is a great place to live. In this post, we will highlight a few dates you will want to mark on your calendar.

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Winter

Many people dread the winter more than anything. But we are true Canadians here in Ottawa, and we relish the snowy season. Of course, it helps that there are so many festivities to warm our souls all winter long.

Winterlude: Get ready for our signature event of the season! Winterlude encompasses three entire excitement-filled weeks. Breathtaking ice sculptures adorn the landscape, with contests and outstanding spectacles of carving talent that take the prize.

Who knew that ice could be an incredible art form? Luckily, you don’t have to have an artistic bone in your body to partake in the glory of Winterlude.

You might just enjoy skating along the Rideau Canal, which just happens to be the world’s largest natural outdoor skating rink. And there are a variety of other activities to enjoy as well.

Grab a coffee or a hot chocolate, dress warm, and head outdoors. That’s where all the action is. There is even a gigantic snow playground called the Snowflake Kingdom. If that doesn’t sound like a good time, we don’t know what does!

Aurora Ottawa Festival: Darkness comes early through the winter months, and that’s a good thing when this festival is on. Countless lights illuminate the city, filling you and all of your loved ones with a sense of wonder and joy.

Thinking about making the move to Ottawa? Start by browsing a few of our active listings.

Spring

The city is about to come alive — and not just with people heading out to explore the bustling streets. Nature itself is making a grand re-entrance, with colourful flowers and fragrance everywhere. We don’t know about you, but spring sounds like the perfect time for a celebration, and Ottawa rises to the occasion once again.

For a sure sign that spring is in the air, look no further than the upcoming events below:

Canadian Tulip Festival: This is one of Ottawa’s most celebrated and beloved festivals. With millions of tulips in bloom as far as the eye can see, what’s not to love? The sights, the fragrance, and the “oohs” and “ahhs” from attendees make it a true multi-sensory delight. You will see and smell the season with all of your senses.

Roots Festival: Local music and artists take the stage at this community-run event, which features more than just performances. Have you always wanted to learn an instrument? Now is your chance, with various workshops hosted by true professionals. If you don’t care to make a joyful noise, you can just enjoy the food, beverages, and other fun activities.

Ottawa Italian Festival: Any day is a good day for pasta as far as we are concerned. A week-long celebration in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood just provides a valid reason for the feast.

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Thinking about making the move to Ottawa? The neighbourhood spotlights below can help you zero in on a location:

• The Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Commuters
• Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: A Guide
• What are the Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Retirees?

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Summer

De da wop wop, du da DEE, be bop bop BOP, du ba WEE, da da da BOP!

Don’t mind us. We are just gearing up for a tuneful season of Ottawa music festivals!

Escapade Music Festival: Electronic dance music never sounded so good. Here, international DJs and performers showcase their best work that is destined to get your toes tapping.

Ottawa Jazz Festival: We promised you music, and the Ottawa Jazz Festival delivers. Come and enjoy jazz and other related genres as local and international artists put on their best performances.

Ottawa Bluesfest: We weren’t kidding when we said Ottawa summers are all about the music. “Blues” may be in the title, but festival also features other genres, so there’s something for everyone!
Even More Ottawa Summer Fun

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival: Ottawa summers are about more than just the music, if you can believe it. They’re also about boat races, cultural performances, and of course, food. Various vendors at Mooney’s Bay will be offering up their best dishes to allow you to make the most of your afternoon.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival: Though it takes place officially in Gatineau, Quebec, the Hot Air Balloon Festival is close enough to include in our list of things to do in Ottawa. Picture this: the sky is full of colour and flames. It’s not a bird or a plane; it’s the sight of countless hot air balloons soaring upwards. To the background of an explosion of fireworks, because of course!

Capital Pride: Ottawa wants all to know that all are welcome. Our annual Pride Parade puts our friendly community spirit on full display, with a series of concerts, food, and games as a giant parade traverses from Bank Street in Centretown to the Somerset/Gladstone area.

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Gearing up to buy or sell a home in Ottawa? The posts below will help set you up for success:

• Should You Buy a Semi-Detached Home in Ottawa?
• Strategies to Help First-Time Buyers Enter the Real Estate Market
• How to Sell Your Ottawa Home When You Have Kids or Pets

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Autumn

Summer may be winding down, but the festive events are just warming up. A celebration of fall, pumpkins, and all things harvest-related gives Ottawa residents much to look forward to.

Ottawa Multicultural Festival: What’s more Canadian than a celebration of various cultures throughout the world? First up, unsurprisingly, is a long list of live musical performances. Talented artists represent the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and North America. When you’re not dancing to the beat, you’ll be sampling the different flavours the world has to offer. Food and music. What more needs to be said?

CityFolk Festival: The summer may be over, but the music never ends in Ottawa. This multi-day, multi-stage extravaganza features performances in folk, rock, country, bluegrass, and hip hop. The main event is held at the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, but there are several free concerts throughout the city in some of Ottawa’s pubs and restaurants.

Riverside Festival: Also known as Festival Riverside. Whatever you call it, you are sure to be drawn in by its irresistible beat. The festival mostly features electronic dance music, as well as sub-genres including house, techno, dubstep, and more.

Just to give you an idea of how seriously Ottawa takes its festivals and events, consider the fact that we have our very own Ottawa Festival headquarters, located in the trendy Westboro neighbourhood. Living in Ottawa isn’t just safe, scenic, and convenient — it’s a world of fun for all ages.

Are you ready to find your next home? Let our Ottawa real estate agents be your guide. Reach out to us anytime at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com to learn more.