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.

 

House Policies concerning alcohol service
 

  • All patrons must be at least 19 years of age and must have valid, one-piece, government issued, photo identification

 

  • Acceptable forms of identification include:
    • A valid Ontario driver’s license with a photograph
    • Canadian Passport
    • Canadian Citizenship Card with a photograph
    • Canadian Armed Forces identification card
    • An LCBO BYID photo card

 

  • Staff and Management reserve the right to refuse entry or service to any individual or party

 

  • Individuals demonstrating signs of intoxication will not be allowed to enter or will be refused service and ejected from the premises

 

  • Beverage alcohol containers are not permitted to be brought onto or removed from the premises

 

  • Staff and Management reserve the right to inspect personal effects at any time

 

  • The following behaviors are grounds for ejection:
    • Rowdiness, violent or aggressive behavior
    • Use or possession of illegal narcotics
    • Use of counterfeit currency
    • Vandalism or theft
    • Showing signs of intoxication
    • Engaging in conduct that may cause harm to yourself or others
    • Non-compliance with a staff request
    • Disobeying any house policy

Please Enjoy Responsibly!

I have a delicious 1993 Chateau Ausone I think pairs nicely with jazz, may I bring it with me to the park?
Audience members are not permitted to bring outside alcohol to TD Ottawa Jazz Festival concerts. A selection of premium wines will be available for purchase on festival grounds. House wine, beer and ready-mixed beverages continue to be available for purchase. Non-alcoholic beverages in sealed containers are permissible. The Ottawa Jazz Festival volunteers, staff, and security appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
I'm lost! Is there a map of the park and side venues?
Yes.
I bought my tickets online, how do I get them?
We stop sending tickets out in the mail one week before the first scheduled performance. Tickets purchased after the one week cut off will be held for you at Will Call in the main box office on Laurier Ave. If the first show you’ll be seeing is at the National Arts Centre, OLG Stage or First Baptist Church they will be moved to the appropriate venue 30 minutes prior to show time. If you have any questions about your tickets please just give us a call at 613-241-2633 and we will be happy to assist you!
When is the 2013 TD Ottawa Jazz Festival?
The 2013 TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival runs June 20 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 booze. 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.
Can I get into the OLG Stage concerts with my Park ticket?

Yes. Yes you can… Have fun. Go. Go now. Why are you still reading this…
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.