Canada’s Ottawa Invests $1 Million in Capital Pride, Bluesfest, CityFolk and More to Drive Tourism Growth, Extend Visitor Seasons, and Expand Global Appeal

Ottawa is putting serious money behind the events that help define the city’s cultural calendar. In a new move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening its reputation on the global stage, Ottawa Tourism, working alongside the City of Ottawa, has unveiled the recipients of its Major Festivals Fund — a $1 million investment dedicated to supporting the capital’s biggest and most tourism-driving festivals.

The fund marks a strategic push to reinforce Ottawa’s standing as a leading destination for large-scale cultural celebrations and sporting spectacles. Rather than spreading resources thinly, the initiative focuses on events that operate at a significant scale and have a proven ability to draw visitors from outside the region. These are the festivals that fill hotel rooms, energize local businesses, and generate economic momentum well beyond the summer season.

At its core, the Major Festivals Fund is designed to strengthen events that consistently deliver measurable results. From overnight stays to increased restaurant traffic and retail spending, these gatherings play a direct role in shaping Ottawa’s visitor economy. By backing festivals that already command strong audiences and national or international attention, the program aims to ensure the city remains competitive in an increasingly crowded tourism landscape.

The funding will help organizers enhance programming, expand operations, and secure the infrastructure needed to host large audiences. It is also intended to safeguard the long-term sustainability of marquee events that contribute to Ottawa’s identity as a vibrant and welcoming capital city. With tourism markets evolving and competition intensifying, maintaining a strong portfolio of high-profile festivals is seen as essential to protecting and growing market share.

Eight major events have been selected as beneficiaries of the inaugural fund.

Capital Pride stands as one of the city’s most visible celebrations of inclusion and diversity, drawing visitors for a week of parades, performances, and community gatherings. Its growing national profile has made it a key late-summer attraction.

CityFolk Festival continues to build on Ottawa’s rich music tradition, bringing together acclaimed artists and emerging talent for a multi-day celebration that attracts audiences from across Canada and beyond.

Escapade Music Festival has carved out a reputation as one of the country’s leading electronic dance music events, drawing thousands of young travelers and contributing significantly to hotel occupancy during its run.

Ottawa Bluesfest, widely recognized as RBC Bluesfest, remains one of North America’s premier music festivals. With internationally known headliners and a multi-genre lineup, it consistently delivers some of the highest attendance figures in the city’s annual events calendar.

The Ottawa International Animation Festival adds a distinct cultural layer to the lineup, welcoming filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans from around the world. As one of the most respected animation festivals globally, it positions Ottawa as a creative hub.

Ottawa Jazz Festival, another cornerstone of the capital’s music scene, blends local talent with global icons, offering performances that appeal to both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and broader audiences.

Saunders Farm FrightFest extends the city’s tourism season into the fall. Its immersive Halloween experience attracts families and thrill-seekers alike, reinforcing Ottawa’s appeal beyond peak summer months.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend rounds out the list with a sporting event that draws thousands of participants and spectators. The multi-race format brings runners from across Canada and internationally, filling hotels and energizing the city over an entire weekend.

Together, these events represent a cross-section of music, arts, sport, and seasonal attractions that drive sustained visitor interest throughout the year. By channeling $1 million into this carefully selected group, Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa are betting on festivals as powerful engines of economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

The Major Festivals Fund signals a long-term commitment to ensuring that Ottawa not only hosts large-scale experiences but continues to evolve as a destination capable of competing with other major North American cities. Through targeted investment and strategic support, the capital is reinforcing the festivals that bring its streets, stages, and public spaces to life — and ensuring they remain a draw for visitors well into the future.

“These festivals are cornerstones of Ottawa’s visitor economy and cultural identity,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “By supporting events of this scale, the Major Festivals Fund ensures our destination continues to attract visitation and provide time-bound reasons to visit Ottawa while elevating our destination’s cultural profile in our key tourism markets and enhancing residents’ quality of life.”

“Ottawa’s festivals are celebrations of who we are as a city,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “They bring people together, showcase our creativity, and draw massive crowds, and strengthen our economy. By supporting these major festivals, we’re investing in the experiences that make Ottawa a vibrant, welcoming, and world-class destination for everyone.”

“OFN is very pleased to see this vital investment directed toward our major festivals.” Said Tara Shannon, Executive Director of the Ottawa Festivals Network. “This addresses a critical gap in the funding structure, helping ensure that the festivals driving Ottawa’s visitor economy can access a portion of the tax revenue they generate to support long-term sustainability. The pilot intake process has also provided valuable insight into how the program can continue to evolve and strengthen over time. We are grateful to Mayor Sutcliffe’s Office and Ottawa Tourism for prioritizing this initiative and moving quickly to support a sector that plays such a significant role in our city’s cultural and economic vitality.”

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