Suggested visit
Day 1
Opening headliner · riverfront picnic
Day 2
Blues stage · ByWard Market dinner
Day 3
Closing headliner · Parliament light show
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Music · Summer
RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
Ottawa, Ontario Early – mid July · 10 days
One of North America's largest outdoor music festivals — blues, rock, hip-hop, pop.
Type
Music
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Outdoor
About This Event
The story of RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
One of North America's largest outdoor music festivals — blues, rock, hip-hop, pop.
Held on the LeBreton Flats beside the Ottawa River, Bluesfest hosts hundreds of acts across four stages with world-class headliners and a genre span far broader than its name suggests.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes RBC Ottawa Bluesfest unforgettable.
01
Four-stage riverside site
02
300+ artists
03
Global headliners
04
Views of Parliament Hill
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- Andaz Ottawa
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Ottawa the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Parliament Hill
- Canadian War Museum
- ByWard Market
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of RBC Ottawa Bluesfest and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Ottawa.
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors