Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/510262
Ottawa Jazz Festival ( June 18–July 1), or Hey Rosetta! or Yukon Blonde at the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival ( June 25–28). Not surprisingly, the capital pulls out all the stops each year on Canada Day (July 1). That's just the beginning of a month of fun that includes the massive RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest (July 8–19), where the bill encompasses everyone from Deep Purple to Kanye West. At the other end of the musical spectrum, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (July 23–August 6) is one of the world's biggest such events. Street entertainers amuse crowds down- town during Ottawa International Buskerfest ( July 30–August 3). Later that month, fireworks artists from around the world set off pyrotechnics to musical scores during the Sound of Light competition (August 8–22). The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (September 3–7) traditionally marks the end of "summer" in the capital, but the fun isn't over. CityFolk (formerly the Ottawa Folk Festival) moves to Lansdowne Park this year (September 16–20), and nighthawks can get their artistic fix during Nuit Blanche Ottawa+Gatineau (September 19). And why not raise a toast or two to the city during Oktoberfest Ottawa (October 1–3)? FAMILY PLEASURES Many family videos of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill (late June through late August) show cute chil- dren eagerly imitating the red-coated members of the Ceremonial Guard. And who can blame the kids? It's a stirring spec- tacle that rarely fails to move spectators. Also on "the Hill," the Sound and Light Show ( July 10–September 12) is a fun- for-all-ages multimedia show telling tales of Canada's history through music, sound effects and images projected on Centre Block. Combine spectacular red uniforms, lively music and horses, and you get the RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies (June 24–28). Come early to enjoy the face painting, petting zoo and obstacle course, and bring blankets or lawn chairs. SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DREAMSCAPES 29 T R A V E L P L A N N E R Plan your summer capital-bound getaway at ottawatourism.ca. DS