Ottawa Grassroots Festival
When: April 23-26
Where: Canadian Legion Montgomery
Branch, 330 Kent St.
What: A family-friendly indoor celebration of folk music, dance and spoken word, with evening performances and daily workshops, sing-alongs and folk dancing.
Website: www.ottawagrassrootsfestival.com
kick IT – a dance club for kids
When: April 25, 2 p.m.
Where: Centrepointe Studio Theatre,
101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: A hoppin’ afternoon dance club for four to 10-year-olds, where kids can let loose and show off their moves or learn new ones from an enthusiastic in-house dance crew. Kids are free to get creative on the dance floor with bangin’ beats and get crazy in the Flashpoint Photobooth. Adults can check out the Big Kids Coffee Bar, with tasty treats for all ages.
Website: centrepointetheatre.ca
Ottawa PoutineFest
When: May 1-3
Where: Marion Dewar Plaza,
(near Ottawa City Hall)
What: Bring the family downtown for a day of fun, as over 20 poutine vendors offer their take on this delicious Canadian dish, with exotic and traditional poutines from around the world, poutine pairing and a best poutine contest, featuring celebrity judges and Ottawa food personalities.
Website: www.ottawapoutinefest.ca
Ottawa ComicCon
When: May 8-10
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
What: A celebration of pop culture and entertainment with celebrities, personalities, fans and exhibitors from the worlds of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, movies, TV, toys, anime, gaming and more. Also featuring panels, photo ops, collectibles, a masquerade and shopping.
Website: www.ottawacomiccon.com
Bird Day Fair 2015
When: May 30
Where: Andrew Haydon Park,
3127 Carling Ave.
What: A free outdoor community event for families and people of all ages. Educational presentations and activities about nature conservation in urban areas.
Website: www.naturecanada.ca/news/blog/come-out-to-the-bird-day-fair-may-2015
Canadian Tulip Festival
When: May 8-18
Where: Throughout Ottawa/Gatineau
What: A sensational family experience awaits each day of this world-famous festival amid the floral delights of Commissioner’s Park, with buskers, children’s programs and continuous live performances.
Website: www.tulipfestival.ca
Ottawa 67’s
When: Until May 22
(check schedule)
Where: The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
What: The 67’s offer plenty of affordable and family-friendly entertainment. The Ottawa 67’s play 19 regular season home games in 2015; bring the family to enjoy the remaining games and take in the shops and dining at TD Place.
Website: www.ottawa67s.com
Doors Open Ottawa
When: June 6-7
Where: Various locations
What: Building owners across the city unlock their doors and welcome the public inside. Bring the kids to discover the secrets of the city’s architecturally and historically significant
buildings. Free admission.
Website: www.ottawa.ca
Canada Roars – A Musical Taste of our Canadian Heritage
When: June 11
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
What: Over 50 performers come together to showcase the roots and development of our Canadian musical heritage in this exciting 90-minute, multilingual musical production. With world champion performers and music ranging from Aboriginal roots to modern hits, this musical history of Canada showcases a rich tapestry.
Website: www.odysseyshowcase.org
Westfest
When: June 13-14
Where: Richmond Road (between Island Park Drive and Golden Avenue)
What: Bring the family to discover Westboro Village’s festival of music, art and life, with plenty of activities for everyone. Enjoy the biggest free street party in Canada!
Website: www.westfest.ca
Ottawa Fringe Festival
When: June 17-28
Where: Various locations
What: A vibrant, boundary-pushing celebration of the arts, the Fringe Festival is a chance for local, national and international artists to showcase their original work.
Website: www.ottawafringe.com
Tim Hortons Ottawa
Dragon Boat Festival
When: June 25-28
Where: Mooney’s Bay Park
What: This celebration of the historic Chinese tradition of boat racing will delight the family, with a children’s activity area, multicultural performances and more.
Website: www.dragonboat.net
Photo: depositphotos.com © mikeaubry
Photo: depositphotos.com © khorzhevska / urmoments
Photo: City of Ottawa
Photo: depositphotos.com © Dazdraperma / flytosky11