Events in Downtown Ottawa
When you choose Cartier Place Suite Hotel for your Ottawa accommodations downtown, you’ll know right away why our guests return time and time again. Come on your own, with a group of friends, or with your family – you're sure to have a great time no matter how long you’re here. Our hotel situates you close to all the leading events in Canada’s national capital. Here are a few of the many upcoming things to do in Ottawa that we highly recommend for our guests.
Main Events
WINTERLUDE
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
January 31 - February 17, 2025
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, skating and sporting events which transforms Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
BEAVERTAILS OTTAWA ICE DRAGON BOAT
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
January 31 - February 17, 2025
At the BeaverTails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival, international teams race beautifully decorated dragon boats on the world’s largest skating rink in downtown Ottawa.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 9-19, 2025
This annual world-famous festival centres around Ottawa`s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 24- 25, 2025
This exciting event centers around six races involving over 48,000 participants, many running in support of their favorite charity. Spectators get in on the fun, too, with lots of activities for all ages.
OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
June 20-30, 2025
The biggest annual event in Ottawa, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s confederation with live entertainment from Canadian artists, a pyrotechnic show and other festivities.
CANADA DAY
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
July 1, 2025
The biggest annual event in Ottawa, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s confederation with live entertainment from Canadian artists, a pyrotechnic show and other festivities.
RBC BLUESFEST OTTAWA
July , 2025
The Ottawa Bluesfest is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa.
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
November 11, 2025
A moving ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who served in Canada’s military.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
December, 2024 to January, 2025
National museums, monuments, and other prominent landmarks provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, while the splendor of Parliament Buildings brings a magical winter lightscapes multimedia show to light.
Upcoming Events
TD PLACE STADIUM CONCERTS AND SPORTS EVENTS
Year-round
Located in Lansdowne Park, TD Place Stadium is a recently renovated 24,000-seat venue that regularly hosts both major sports events and live concerts of all kinds.
OTTAWA WINTER JAZZ FESTIVAL
February/March, 2025
This event is full of jazz artists of international acclaim as well a showcase of the best local talent on offer.
OTTAWA WINTER BREWFEST-LANSDOWNE PARK
February, 2025
The Ottawa Winter Brewfest will be celebrating it's 6th year and invites you once again to celebrate our brewing wealth in a warm and festive atmosphere.
GATINEAU WINTER BEERFEST
March, 2025
Discover artisan and local brewers inside the museum and outdoors, among friends and family.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
May 9-19, 2025
This annual world-famous festival centers around Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
May 24-25, 2025
Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon, during the country’s most popular multi-day running event.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA
June , 2025
Building owners unlock their doors and welcome the public in to share the secrets of architecturally and historically significant buildings. Free admission.
TIM HORTON'S OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
June 20-22, 2025
This action packed weekend for the whole family features non-stop boat racing, free concerts with great performers, a children’s activity area and great food, drinks and vendors.
OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 20-30, 2025
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado!
CANADA DAY
July 1, 2025
Don’t miss Canada’s 151st birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC BLUESFEST
July 3-13, 2025
One of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
MUSIC AND BEYOND
July , 2024
A classical music festival that presents concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups small ensembles, and more.
FORTISSIMO: BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY
July, 2025
This annual military and musical spectacular features massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard.
OTTAWA CHAMBERFEST
July 25 to August 7, 2025
The world's largest chamber music festival takes place each summer in Canada's capital. You can enjoy 120 concerts by leading international ensembles and solo musical artists.
CAPITAL RIBFEST
August, 2024
Capital Ribfest, the big BBQ foodie experience, takes over downtown Ottawa. Free admission, lots of ribbers, live music, craft beer gardens and much more!
OTTAWA BUSKER FESTIVAL
August, 2025
Very unorthodox entertainment by street performers from around the world. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats and magic tricks. Free admission but donations appreciated.
LES GRANDS FEUX DU CASINO LAC-LEAMY
July 31 - August 17, 2025
Five international fireworks designers create amazing displays that light up the Ottawa/Gatineau’s sky during 5 nights filled with lights, music and entertainment.
CAPITAL FAIR
August, 2025
Featuring a demolition derby, a critter zoo, stunt dogs, daily magic shows and a great hypnotist, free gate admission and much more!
OTTAWA CAPITAL PRIDE
August 16-24, 2025
Ottawa’s rainbow community will be jumping on the pride wagon. From culture to partying, there’s an event for everyone.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
June - August, 2025
Catch the thrilling spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Come early (9:45 am) to learn about the symbolism, history and proceedings of this free ceremony.
GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
August 28-September 1, 2025
Come to Canada’s largest balloon festival where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky and a number of exciting shows take place.
CITY FOLK
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September, 2025
Every year, Ottawa's CityFolk festival offers more than 30 shows on indoor and outdoor stages.
CANADA ARMY RUN
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 22, 2024
This unique race brings together Canadians with the Canadian Armed Forces using cannons for starter's pistols, dog-tag medals and military-themed bands, equipment, meals, attire and even a kid's zone!
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 25-29, 2024
North America`s largest animation festival showcases the finest new productions from around the world.
CANADIAN POLICE AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICE
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 29, 2024
Join us every year on the last Sunday in September, for the Canadian Police and Peace officers memorial.
FALL RHAPSODY
October, 2024
Enjoy the spectacular fall colours on display throughout Gatineau Park.
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL, FALL EDITION
October 25-29, 2024
A celebration for the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world.
SIGNATURES SHOWS
October, 2024
Signatures Show is the National Capital’s premier holiday shopping event, gathering of the finest talents of the Canadian Handmade community in a landmark destination.
IIHF WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP
December 26, 2024-January 5, 2025
The 2025 IIHF World Juniors Championship will be played in Ottawa, Ontario bringing back to Canada's capital for the first time since 2009.
BELL CAPITAL CUP
December 27, 2024 - December 31, 2024
The world’s premier tournament for young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada.
WINTERLUDE
January 31, 2024 - February 17, 2025
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events which transform Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
WINTERLUDE (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
February 3- 20, 2023
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, skating and sporting events which transforms Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 12-22, 2023
This annual world-famous festival centres around Ottawa`s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 27- 28, 2023
This exciting event centers around six races involving over 48,000 participants, many running in support of their favorite charity. Spectators get in on the fun, too, with lots of activities for all ages.
OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
June 23-30, 2023
Ottawa International Jazz Festival is held since 1980. The festival known artists from Canada as well as from all over the world.
CANADA DAY (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
July 1, 2023
The biggest annual event in Ottawa, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s confederation with live entertainment from Canadian artists, a pyrotechnic show and other festivities.
RBC BLUESFEST OTTAWA
July 6- July 16, 2023
The Ottawa Bluesfest is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa.
NORTHERN LIGHTS SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
February 7-11, 2023
Take an unforgettable journey of sound and light, as you explore Canada`s physical, historical and cultural landscapes. A free bilingual evening show.
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
November 11, 2023
A moving ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who served in Canada’s military.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
December 8, 2022 to January 8, 2023
National museums, monuments, and other prominent landmarks provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, while the splendor of Parliament Buildings brings a magical winter lightscapes multimedia show to light.
TD PLACE STADIUM CONCERTS AND SPORTS EVENTS
Year-round
Located in Lansdowne Park, TD Place Stadium is a recently renovated 24,000-seat venue that regularly hosts both major sports events and live concerts of all kinds.
GATINEAU WINTER BEERFEST
March 9-11, 2023
Discover artisan and local brewers inside the museum and outdoors, among friends and family.
TD OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL WINTER
February 3-4, 2023
This event is full of jazz artists of international acclaim as well a showcase of the best local talent on offer.
OTTAWA WINTER BREWFEST-LANSDOWNE PARK
TBD
The Ottawa Winter Brewfest will be celebrating it's 6th year and invites you once again to celebrate our brewing wealth in a warm and festive atmosphere.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
May 12-22, 2023
This annual world-famous festival centers around Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
May 27 and 28, 2023
Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon, during the country’s most popular multi-day running event.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA
June 3-4, 2023
Building owners unlock their doors and welcome the public in to share the secrets of architecturally and historically significant buildings. Free admission.
TIM HORTON'S OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
June 22, 2023
This action packed weekend for the whole family features non-stop boat racing, free concerts with great performers, a children’s activity area and great food, drinks and vendors.
TD OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 30 to July 9, 2023
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado!
CANADA DAY
July 1, 2023
Don’t miss Canada’s 151st birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC BLUESFEST
July 6-17, 2023
One of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
MUSIC AND BEYOND
July 4-16, 2023
A classical music festival that presents concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups small ensembles, and more.
FORTISSIMO: BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY
July, 2023 TBD
This annual military and musical spectacular features massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard.
OTTAWA CHAMBERFEST
TBD
The largest chamber music festival in the world - is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018!
CAPITAL RIBFEST
TBD
Capital Ribfest, the big BBQ foodie experience, takes over downtown Ottawa. Free admission, lots of ribbers, live music, craft beer gardens and much more!
OTTAWA BUSKER FESTIVAL
August 4-7, 2023
Very unorthodox entertainment by street performers from around the world. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats and magic tricks. Free admission but donations appreciated.
CASINO DU LAC-LEAMY SOUND OF LIGHT
August 2-19, 2023
Five international fireworks designers create amazing displays that light up the Ottawa/Gatineau’s sky during 5 nights filled with lights, music, entertainment. See performances from Spain, United States, Germany, China, and the grand finale!.
CAPITAL FAIR
August 18-27 , 2023
Featuring a demolition derby, a critter zoo, stunt dogs, daily magic shows and a great hypnotist, free gate admission and much more!
OTTAWA CAPITAL PRIDE
August 2023 TBD
Ottawa’s rainbow community will be jumping on the pride wagon. From culture to partying, there’s an event for everyone. Parade and show on Sunday, August 26.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
TBD
Catch the thrilling spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Come early (9:45 am) to learn about the symbolism, history and proceedings of this free ceremony.
GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
August 31-September 4, 2023
Come to Canada’s largest balloon festival where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky and a number of exciting shows take place.
CITY FOLK (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September, 2023 TBD
Located in Lansdowne Park, TD Place Stadium is a recently renovated 24,000-seat venue that regularly hosts both major sports events and live concerts of all kinds.
CANADA ARMY RUN (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 17, 2023
This unique race brings together Canadians with the Canadian Forces using cannons for starter's pistols, dog-tag medals and military-themed bands, equipment, meals, attire and even a kid's zone!
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 20-23, 2023
North America`s largest animation festival showcases the finest new productions from around the world.
CANADIAN POLICE AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICE (WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September, 2023 TBD
Join us every year on the last Sunday in September, for the Canadian Police and Peace officers memorial..
FALL RHAPSODY
October, 2023 TBD
Enjoy the spectacular fall colours on display throughout Gatineau Park.
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL, FALL EDITION
TBD
A celebration for the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world.
SIGNATURES SHOWS
October 19-22, 2023
Signatures Show is the National Capital’s premier holiday shopping event, gathering of the finest talents of the Canadian Handmade community in a landmark destination.
BELL CAPITAL CUP
December 2023-January , 2023 TBD
The world’s premier tournament for young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada.
WINTERLUDE
February 2024 TBD
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events which transform Ottawa into a winter wonderland.