Ottawa’s bicentennial has arrived, celebrating 200 years since being founded as the smaller city of Bytown. The city is planning a year-long celebration packed with events, exhibitions, and experiences that invite residents and visitors alike to see Ottawa in a new way.
Thanks to the 200th Tourism Animation Fund from Ottawa Tourism, local artists, cultural organizations, and community partners are turning the city into a stage, showcasing everything from immersive outdoor galleries to world record attempts. The celebrations will highlight the people, places, and stories that make Ottawa what it is today. Here’s some of the highlights planned so far.
Deux Voix, Une Capitale (March–December)
Deux Voix, Une Capitale pairs big name francophone performers with rising local talent for nine shows at Bronson Music Theatre.
Saunders Cider TulipFest (Starts May 1)
Ottawa’s tulips are famous. Saunders Farm makes them unforgettable. Half a million tulips, six acres, a windmill straight out of a storybook, and enough photo ops to fill your Instagram feed. Get carried away in the tulip fields and enjoy the long awaited spring.
Ottawa 200+: Portraits, Places, and People (May 15 onward)
Walk down Rideau Street to find the city’s history. A new outdoor gallery will project archival images and animations right onto buildings and sidewalks. You might spot a familiar face from decades ago, or a scene that feels oddly like your own neighborhood. Either way, it’ll be a stroll through time with a little magic on the side.
Shawarma Fest 2026; World Record Attempt (June 7)
A 160-metre shawarma. No, we’re not kidding. The ByWard Market will be hosting a Guinness World Record attempt, surrounded by 60 local vendors. After the attempt, the massive shawarma will be portioned and donated to local food security partners. A little indulgence, a little giving back, Ottawa style.
Ottawa 200 Corn Maze Festival (July 10–Sept 7)
History can be fun, especially when it’s in a cornfield. Saunders Farm will turn three acres of corn into a maze packed with soundscapes, performers, and interactive installations about Ottawa’s 200-year story. Bring friends, lose yourself (literally), and find a few laughs along the way.
Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa! (August 29)
Capital Pride is taking the birthday cake and throwing a party on top of it. Featuring all six Ottawa queens from Canada’s Drag Race, this celebration will be a mix of performance, laughter, and unapologetic joy. English, French, glitter, confetti coming together to make Ottawa’s diversity shine brighter than any birthday candle.
O‑Town Animated (Sept 18–Dec 31)
The year will end with a little sparkle. O Town Animated will light up Rideau Street with projections inspired by historic Bytown photos. Digital art will meet old-school charm, and suddenly the city itself will feel alive. Perfect way to cap off 200 years of stories.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, it is clear that this year Ottawa will be giving you reasons to fall in love with the city over and over again through celebrating the people, moments, and experiences that make the city feel like home.