Ottawa Jazz Festival returns with broader lineup and open park
The 46th edition (June 18–28) features Wyclef Jean, St. Vincent, Jeff Goldblum, and WILLOW alongside a redesigned Confederation Park experience with cheaper tickets and public-access zones.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival is getting a refresh this year, opening more of Confederation Park to the public and broadening its musical lineup to include genres well beyond jazz.
The 46th edition runs June 18 to 28 and will feature Wyclef Jean, St. Vincent, Jeff Goldblum, and WILLOW (daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith), alongside curated food and wine from local partners GBurger, Paninaro, and Gitanes.
Executive and Artistic Director Petr Cancura said the festival wants to "bust the myth that jazz is only for jazz lovers. This festival is for everyone." That approach is reflected in a major physical change at Confederation Park: the fenced-off concert area will shrink to create a more intimate atmosphere around the stages, while significantly expanding publicly accessible portions of the park. For the first time, the general public will be able to enjoy much of the festival—including food, drinks, and the downtown atmosphere—without purchasing a ticket. Admission will only be required for the stage areas.
The festival has also restructured its ticketing model to lower the cost of general admission day passes. Premium experiences, including a reimagined premium tent with upgraded hospitality, will still be available.
New title sponsor CF Rideau Centre is joined by returning partners Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and Canadian Automobile Association. The festival will feature an extra day of programming on opening day, June 18, made possible by the expanded partnership roster.
With major headliners, affordable entry, and neighbourhood-friendly access, the reimagined festival is positioned to draw crowds across the city.