Ottawa Palestinian Festival 2026: Celebrating Culture, Connection & Community
Three days of Palestinian culture, food, music, and community in Canada’s capital
Dates
Aug 21–23
Cost
FREE
Where
Ottawa
Vibe
All Ages
Celebrating Palestinian culture with a renewed vision for community and connection, the Ottawa Palestinian Festival returns August 21–23, 2026, at Lansdowne Park. Three days of live music, traditional dabkeh dancing, authentic Palestinian cuisine, the Jerusalem Bazaar marketplace, family activities, and cultural showcases—with free admission for all.
🍽️ Palestinian Food
🎵 Live Music & Dabkeh
🏛️ Jerusalem Bazaar
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
💡 Since 2014, the Ottawa Palestinian Festival has been bringing Palestinians and Canadians together through music, food, and celebration. Returning in 2026 with renewed leadership and an expanded vision for community connection.
✨ Why This Festival Matters
The Ottawa Palestinian Festival is a celebration rooted in connection. Since 2014, it has created a space where Palestinians and Canadians come together to share culture, cuisine, music, and the joy of community. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a bridge-building experience that honors Palestinian heritage while welcoming everyone.
Returning in 2026 with renewed leadership and an expanded vision, the festival brings authentic Palestinian culture to the heart of Ottawa. From traditional dabkeh dancing to contemporary music performances, from the Jerusalem Bazaar’s 16+ artisan vendors to family-friendly activities and cultural showcases, every corner of the festival invites discovery and connection.
Whether you’re exploring Palestinian culture for the first time, reconnecting with heritage, or simply enjoying great food and music, the Ottawa Palestinian Festival offers something meaningful for everyone. Free admission means accessibility for all—just come and be part of this growing community celebration.
📅 Festival Days
The Ottawa Palestinian Festival spans three days at Lansdowne Park, each with its own focus. Friday launches the celebration, Saturday showcases the full festival experience, and Sunday wraps with family-centered programming and closing festivities.
Friday, August 21 — Opening Evening
Festival opening with food vendors, bazaar shopping, welcome remarks, and live entertainment to kick off the weekend celebration. Exact times to be announced.
Saturday, August 22 — Main Festival Day
The heart of the festival featuring live music, traditional dabkeh, cultural showcases, artisan vendors in the Jerusalem Bazaar, food vendors, family activities, and community programming throughout the day. Peak attendance and energy. Exact times to be announced.
Sunday, August 23 — Family & Closing Day
Closing day with family activities, cultural experiences, bazaar shopping, music performances, food, and the festival’s closing celebration. Exact times to be announced.
🎵 Culture & Music
The festival is built on live talent and cultural performance. You’ll experience traditional Palestinian music, contemporary artists, and the iconic dabkeh—the traditional folk dance that’s as much a celebration as it is a cultural statement.
Live Performances
Local and international artists performing Palestinian and Arabic music, contemporary pieces, and cultural showcases across multiple stages throughout the weekend
Dabkeh Dance
Traditional Palestinian line dancing that brings community together. Learn and participate or simply enjoy the energy and joy of this cultural cornerstone
Cultural Showcases
Storytelling, traditional dress displays, craft demonstrations, and educational programming celebrating Palestinian heritage and contemporary culture
The festival celebrates both heritage and contemporary expression—you’ll hear traditional music alongside modern artists, and witness cultural traditions alive and evolving within the Canadian community.
🍽️ Food & The Jerusalem Bazaar
Two core experiences define the festival: authentic Palestinian cuisine and the Jerusalem Bazaar marketplace, where you can discover handcrafted goods and support Palestinian and local artisans.
🍴 Palestinian Food Vendors
Traditional shawarma, kebabs, musakhan (Palestinian national dish), traditional sweets, kunafa, Palestinian coffee, and contemporary interpretations of Palestinian cuisine
🏛️ Jerusalem Bazaar Vendors
16+ artisan vendors selling fashion, perfume, embroidery, accessories, handmade goods, books, gifts, florals, keepsakes, and cultural products from Palestinian makers and community artisans
Bazaar Highlights: Whether you’re looking for a special gift, traditional wear, handmade embroidery, or unique finds, the Jerusalem Bazaar offers direct access to artisans and makers. Every purchase supports Palestinian and local communities.
ℹ️ Festival Essentials
🎟️ Admission
FREE — Completely free admission. Everyone welcome, all ages
📍 Location
Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
All ages welcome. Family activities and children’s programming throughout the weekend
ℹ️ Information
Website: ottawapalestinianfestival.ca
For updates, follow social media channels
For updates, follow social media channels
🚗 Getting There
Lansdowne Park is centrally located in Ottawa, accessible by car, public transit, and bike. The venue is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it easy to make a full day of your festival experience.
By Car: Lansdowne Park is in central Ottawa at 1525 Princess Patricia Way (near Bank Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway). Ample parking available at the venue and surrounding areas.
By Transit: OC Transpo bus routes service Lansdowne Park and downtown Ottawa. Check OC Transpo for the most convenient route from your location.
By Bike: Lansdowne Park is accessible by bike, with bike parking available at the venue. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal pathway and network make biking a scenic option.
📍 Get Directions
❓ Common Questions
Details may change — always confirm on ottawapalestinianfestival.ca before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsLansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5J3
