One of the best parts of any folk festival is the opportunity to engage in what’s going on and to get in on dancing, playing music, art projects, and more. The Ottawa Folk Festival is no exception! You may find opportunities to join in around any corner of the festival – we encourage you to take up the adventure.
Here are just a few of the many options for participating at the festival…
Families & kids at the Festival
Whether you’re a big kid or a small one, there’s something for you at the Folk Festival. We have an official KidZone with activities all day Saturday and Sunday as well as many other activities around the site that create a family-friendly experience.
Check out the Musical Petting Zoo (more than 100 instruments to touch and try), the parade (make costumes, instruments, and join in the fun), children’s performers, dance tent activities, and more…
Daytime workshops
This year the Ottawa Folk Festival is proud to present the Workshops On The Point curated by the Ottawa Folklore Centre featuring an amazing schedule of daytime workshops on Saturday and Sunday. Come watch musicians you love perform, chat and interact with other artists in these unique workshops. With the Ottawa Folklore Centre at the helm, there will opportunities for you to learn and participate as well!
Organized jam sessions
Bring your instrument or borrow one from a friend to partake in music-making over the weekend. Back by popular demand, we are working with local session groups in hosting a series of organized jam sessions all day Saturday and Sunday.
Everyone is welcome to participate with the sessions being a great way to try a new folk music style and connect with other musicians around Ottawa. From singing songs to playing Celtic tunes – we cover a wide range of folk styles.
Dance Tent
Now in its fourth year, the dance tent will offer several workshops teaching new dance styles including Bollywood, Step Dancing, and more — the dance floor welcomes all!
NO DANCE PARTNERS OR DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. You don’t even need to know your left foot from your right… we welcome dancers with two left feet.
Come & get that body moving!
Instrument lock-up for all
Instrument lock-up is available to all festival-goers. We want you to feel welcome to bring your instruments on site and join in the fun. (Note – only instruments can be checked in.)
EnviroTent
Check out the EnviroTent on Saturday and Sunday for some fabulous environmental programming. This is a great community-building part of the festival and a super change to engage in a wide range of environmental programming.
Community Tent
Come take a look in the community tent and engage with local groups and organizations working to make the world a better place in which to live!
If you’re interested in applying to be a part of the community tent, follow this link!
And there’s more… make sure to scope the park for your opportunity join in on the fun.
