The Ottawa Dog Festival is an outdoor event in June for families and their four-legged friends, with games, competitions, food trucks and more. www.bigstockphoto.com @Viorel Sima
Beauty and the Beast
When: May 13, 2017, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: Les Petits Ballets, with professional guest dancers, presents its interpretation of the popular and much loved children’s fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, with colourful costumes, moving sets and lively music. A great opportunity to introduce your family to theatre and dance.
Website: www.centrepointetheatres.com
Ottawa International Children’s Festival
When: May 10-14, 2017
Where: LeBreton Flats
What: A celebration of the performing arts for young audiences and their families, featuring the finest in theatre, dance, arts and music from highly acclaimed international and local artists.
Website: ottawachildrensfestival.ca
www.bigstockphoto.com @ viki2win
NAC Orchestra Family Adventures Series
When: Until May 20, 2017 (check schedule for show times)
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.
What: Lively bilingual one-hour performances featuring the NAC Orchestra, accompanied by puppeteers, actors and even scientists, including Principal Youth and Family Conductor Alain Trudel. Plenty of hands-on fun for the whole family, whether you’re five or 105!
Website: https://nac-cna.ca/orchestra/packages/family-adventures
Canadian Tulip Festival
When: May 12 to 22, 2017
Where: Throughout Ottawa and Gatineau
Billie MacDonald photo
What: This annual world-famous festival focuses on Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip. This year’s special 65th anniversary program offers activities at four official sites, as well as breathtaking Tulipmania Fireworks set to music, guided tours, vintage military displays paying tribute to our veterans, the Second World War liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops, and more. Be sure to visit the Children’s Tulip Garden and see hundreds of wooden tulips painted and planted by local children and family visitors.
Website: www.tulipfestival.ca
Ottawa Dog Festival
When: June 10-11, 2017
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr.
What: The Ottawa Dog Festival is an outdoor event for families and their four-legged friends, with games, competitions, food trucks and more, there’s fun for people and pooches alike. Watch the pro pups from the Rideau River Dock Diving, try out the Lure Course, and shop, watch, play, compete and have fun with your dog!
Website: ottawadogfestival.ca
www.bigstockphoto.com @Yastremska Yastremska
Touch A Truck
When: June 11, 2017
Where: Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre, 2525 Carling Ave.
What: Kids get the chance to see more than 50 vehicles up close, with tons of family activities and entertainment.
Website: www.facebook.com/touchatruckott
GlowFair
When: June 16-17, 2017
Where: Bank Street, between Slater and Gilmour
What: Music, light and art at its best, with 10 blocks of musical performance stages, street installations and performers. From the popular “silent disco” to hot bands and electrifying installations and décor, GlowFair presents an Ottawa you’ve never seen before. And for free!
Website: http://glowfairfestival.ca
www.bigstockphoto.com @ Mark Spowart
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
When: June 20-25, 2017
Where: Vincent Massey Park
What: In honour of National Aboriginal Day, experience some of Canada’s best Aboriginal talent, featuring music, thrilling family programming and more!
Website: www.ottawasummersolstice.ca