Welcome to the Jazz Festival goers’ primary information resource page. Here you’ll find the answers to frequently asked questions about the Festival and how to best enjoy your experience at Confederation Park.

When is the 2012 Ottawa Jazz Festival?
The 2012 TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival runs June 21 to July 1.
Can I use the confirmation ticket e-mailed or mailed to me to get into the show?
No, you will need to redeem the confirmation for a physical ticket or pass at either the Festival Venue or at the Festival office at 294 Albert st.
I'm trying to buy a ticket online for the show tonight and it's telling me tickets aren't available. Does that mean the show I want to see is sold out?
No – online ticket sales close at 4p.m. each day for concerts occurring that night. This means that you will need to either call our box office, or purchase a ticket in person at the Festival Box office at the Laurier st. entrance.
Is there parking?
The Festival does not having a designated parking area, however the National Arts Centre, City Hall, Rideau Centre and World Exchange Plaza have parkades within walking distance. Rates may vary. Street parking is also available in the evening.
Is there food at the park?
The Ottawa Jazz Festival has a number of concessionaires ready to satisfy your cravings for anything from mini doughnuts to Indian food.
Are there bike racks at the park?
Yes there are unsupervised bike racks inside the park gates in the south-west corner nearest the Laurier and Elgin st. entrance.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately dogs are not permitted inside Confederation Park during festival hours. Exceptions will be made for Working Dogs.
Can I smoke in the park?
The Ottawa Jazz Festival has partnered with Ottawa Public Health to become one of the first smoke-free Festivals in the city. Smokers are asked to please leave the park in order to light up. Re-entry to the park is quick and painless. Thank you for your cooperation.
What about drink?
The entirety of the gated park area is licensed for the consumption of beer and wine during Festival hours. (11 a.m. – 1 a.m.)
What should I bring?
See Festival Survival kit.
What can’t I bring?

No fireworks. No Chains. No weapons… basically don’t bring anything you wouldn’t bring to the airport.
I am a kick-ass photographer can I bring my gear and shoot the artists on stage?

Professional photography and recording equipment is prohibited. Only official Festival-approved photographers are permitted to take photographs.
Hey that band rocked can I buy their album and tour t-shirt on impulse somewhere?

There is a merchandise and cd sales tent in the centre of Confederation Park where you can pick that up.
It’s raining will tonight’s show be cancelled?

Outdoor shows at the Ottawa Jazz Festival run rain or shine. Concerts may be delayed but will resume shortly after the worst of the rain has subsided.
Hey I was on my way home from work and some joker in a purple shirt told me I couldn’t cut through the park to the bus station. What gives?!

The Park is closed to the public during Festival hours begin in the late afternoon when only ticket holders will be admitted.
Do you have a special section for people in wheelchairs?

A limited seating area has been created for disabled persons to allow for easier access to park facilities during concerts for those in wheelchairs. If you wish to sit in this section please ask a gate volunteer to direct you to the appropriate area.
Can I bring a water bottle?

Yes – a water station is provided on site to refill your bottles and save plastic bottles from our landfills.
Basic Festival survival kit:
Basic Festival survival kit: Before coming down to the park to enjoy one of the city’s finest musical experiences you may want to complete this checklist to make sure you get the most out of the Festival. Here are some suggestions.
1. Tickets and/or passes.
2. Refillable water bottle
3. Lawn chair
4. Rain gear
5. Bug spray
6. Sun screen
7. Wallet/cash
8. Sunglasses (purely to look cool)
9. A friend!
10. A positive attitude
You’re all set! Now you’re prepared for whatever may come through the course of the best 11 days of summer in the city.