8 Ottawa Food Festivals You Can’t Miss this Summer

Summer in Ottawa means a lot of things for us: sun, walks along the canal, sitting on a patio with a nice drink… But what we’re most excited for is all of the food festivals coming to our city over the next few months! Being the nation’s capital, Ottawa has a huge range of multicultural festivals to experience right here at home. In this article we’ll walk you through our most anticipated festivals of the season, and what days you’ll need to wear stretchy pants! 

Vegans Who Snack 

For those who are already on a vegan diet, looking to switch over, or just someone who loves yummy food, Vegans Who Snack is an incredible food and art market to experience delicious plant-based options. This free event (no ticket needed!) at the Parkdale Public Market in Wellington West is sure to have something for everyone! They have a wide variety of food vendors - from dumplings, noodles, tacos, and bread, to cookies, ice cream, chocolates, churros. There will also be a selection of art vendors selling items like stickers, prints, pottery, jewellery, and other amazing works! Check it out on May 31st from 5pm-9pm! (Pic from @veganswhosnack on Instagram) 

Ottawa Ribfest 

Your favourite BBQ competition has arrived in Ottawa! This free event (no ticket needed!) is being held May 30 to June 2 on Sparks Street from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily (except Sunday when they are closing at 7:00pm). With 9 bbq vendors and different music showcases everyday from noon to 6:00pm, it’s a great place for dinner and a show this weekend! Take a stroll down Sparks Street and enjoy Ottawa Ribfest! (pic from @sparks_street on Instagram) 

Italian Week Ottawa 

Are you looking for Italian food, history, or music? Well, Italian Week Ottawa has you covered! This week-long festival taking place from June 6-16th in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood introduces you to Italian culture in all its forms. There are food and drink masterclasses available to sign up for (purchase required), tours of the neighbourhood and other Italian venues in the city, dances, and even a bike race to wrap up the week! (pic from Italian Week Ottawa website ) 

Orleans Craft Beer Fest

One thing that Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley are known for is our breweries! If you want to experience as many as possible in one location visit the Orleans Craft Beer Fest from June 7-8 (tickets required). Live music, a home brewing competition, lots of beer and wine, and some great food vendors, what more could you ask for? Visit the Orleans Craft Beer Fest for a great weekend of food and beer! (Pic from @orleansfestivals on instagram) 

Ottawa Lebanese Fest 

Another amazing cultural event hosted here in Ottawa is the Ottawa Lebanese Festival from July 17-21 near Mooney’s Bay (750 Ridgewood Ave). Food, music, a classic midway, and much more awaits you at the Ottawa Lebanese Festival. There is free entry before 5pm, and after that it’s only $3 a person. Find fun and food for the whole family!  (pic from Ottawa Lebanese Fest Website) 

The Great India Festival

Experience the warm hospitality (and absolutely incredible food) of India at the Great India Festival. There are a variety of activities to participate in throughout the summer, such as the Yoga in Canada Summit, Music and Dance performances, and food from all 12 regions of India. All events take place at Ottawa City Hall and the next event is on June 23rd. Purchase tickets online at https://www.tgifottawa.ca/  (Picture taken from the TGIF Ottawa Website)

Navan Fair

One of the best parts of going to the fair is all of the decadent, fried, indulgent food available; and Navan Fair is no exception. Grab your kettle corn, cotton candy and hotdogs while enjoying the midway, rides, and over a dozen events happening throughout the weekend. Events include a demolition derby, alpaca show, tractor pulls, softball tournament and more. Navan Fair is definitely a festival for the entire family. Navan Fair is August 8-11 at 1279 Colonel Rd, in Navan. Tickets are available to purchase at the door and vary by activity. (Photo taken from the Navan Fair Website.)

Ottawa Greek Festival

A festival where breaking plates is acceptable (at a designated time)?! Count us in! The Ottawa Greek Festival or Greekfest has bringing the Hellenic community in Ottawa together for almost 50 years. Enjoy feta-filled dishes while watching live performances, including Zorba and an Arts Court with Greek artisans selling various merchandise. This event has free admission and is taking place across two weekends (Aug.15-18, and Aug. 23-25) at 1315 Prince of Wales Dr. (Photo taken from the Ottawa Festivals website).

To learn more about all the festivals taking place in Ottawa year-round, check out the festival calendar on the Ottawa Festivals website.