Three million tulips adorn the Tulip Route through Ottawa and Gatineau and an 18-day International Pavilion features food, music and culture from 25 countries from around the world. This international showcase of arts and ideas is hosted in a spectacular European Magic Mirror Tent with daily cabaret, circus and Celebridée shows. Tulip Parks & International Pavilion Free; Magic Mirror Tent Tickets $10 and up.

The Ottawa Race Weekend is a weekend of races for all ages and levels of ability. It includes a marathon, half marathon, and 10K, 5K, and 2K events, and attracts runners from around the world.

Featuring some of the jazz world’s most popular, cutting-edge musicians, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival has presented such renowned artists as the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, John Scofield, Sergio Mendes, Arturo Sandoval, Ellis Marsalis & Sons, Wynford Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Omar Sosa, Tony Bennett, and Diana Krall, to name a few. Annually late-June through early-July. The OIJF provides audiences with a unique opportunity to enjoy performances by these internationally-celebrated jazz musicians in the most idyllic settings in Ottawa. Audiences can enjoy jazz performances day and night throughout the festival at Confederation Park.

Some of the biggest names in the biz come from around the world to perform blues, R&B, gospel, world, pop, and rock at the new National Capital Commission festival site at LeBreton Flats, adjacent to the Canadian War Museum. Annually early- through mid-July.

The largest chamber music festival in the world is dedicated to presenting chamber music of the highest possible artistic standard. Indoor and outdoor concerts performed by internationally renowned artists at venues including some of the city's most beautiful churches, museums, galleries and heritage sites will impress new fans and aficionados. Annually late July to early August.

This festival celebrates eco-friendly living, bicycling, flotillas, heritage tours and more, all taking place in, on and around Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal.