Frequently Asked Questions.

The 2026 Ottawa Jazz Festival will run from Friday, June 18th to Sunday, June, 28th. Festival hours are from 12:00pm to 12:00am. There will be no programming on Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.

The 2026 Ottawa Jazz Festival takes place on several stages conveniently located within just steps away from each other. Confederation Park is the site of the Main Stage and the Elgin St. Stage. The Fourth Stage and Azrieli Studio are at the National Arts Centre (NAC), and Grill 41 at the Lord Elgin Hotel  is the site of the Late Night Jamming Series.

Download the Ottawa Jazz Festival app for Apple or Android to view the Festival map.

Ottawa Jazz Festival is cashless and there will not be any ATM’s on site at the festival. Be ready to make any purchases with Debit, Credit, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Wallet.

Yes! Download the Ottawa Jazz Festival app for a map of the venue locations.

The app is available for both Apple and Android.

Yes! Children under the age of 11 are free for outdoor shows at the Main Stage, and Ellgin St. Stage . Youth aged 11 to 21 can purchase a Youth ticket.

Children under the age of 11 do require a ticket or pass for all indoor shows (National Arts Centre) and admission to the Spotlight Section and Premium lounge.

The Festival doesn’t have a designated parking area but parking is available at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa City Hall, Rideau Centre and World Exchange Plaza. Rates may vary. Street parking is also available in the evening.

Both the Main Stage and the Elgin St. Stage at Confederation Park are conveniently accessible:

- We offer a designated accessible seating area at the Main Stage in Confederation park (in front of the Premium Lounge). Please see a volunteer or staff member for directions. 

- Each disabled patron requiring special assistance is entitled to an additional entry for their attendant. Their attendant will be given a wristband upon entry to the park, which will allow them access.

- Para Transpo pick up and drop off locations will be at the CAA Member Entrance - Gate 5

- Accessible Washrooms are located at both Confederation Park.

- Collapsible lawn chairs are permitted throughout Confederation Park and we encourage those who may have difficulty standing for long periods to bring them.

Yes, there are unsupervised bike racks at City Hall and the south-west corner of Confederation Park nearest the Laurier and Elgin St. entrance.

The entirety of the gated park area at Confederation Park is licensed for the consumption of beer, wine, cider and more during Festival hours (12 pm – 12 am).

A selection of refreshing Ontario wine, beer, cider and ready-mixed cocktails will be available for purchase on festival grounds.

Here are our house policies concerning alcohol service:

All patrons must be at least 19 years of age and must have a valid government issued, photo identification.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

- valid Ontario (or other provincial) driver’s license with a photograph

- valid 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 and/or will be refused service and ejected from the premises.

Only alcohol purchased from licensed Festival concessions may be consumed, and must not be taken off site. No other alcohol may be brought onto the Festival 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 the Festival responsibly!

No outside alcohol is permitted at any Ottawa Jazz Festival concerts (see above for information on licensing and the house policies concerning alcohol consumption).

Non-alcoholic beverages in sealed containers are permissible. The festival volunteers, staff, and security appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival has partnered this year with high quality local restaurants to bring a number of delicious dishes to the festival.

More information will be announced soon.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted inside the park during festival hours. Guide and service dogs (as well as other service animals) are permitted.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is a smoke-free festival. Smoking, including the use of cigarettes, cannabis, and vaping are not permitted on the festival grounds. Smokers are asked to please leave the premises in order to smoke. Ticket and Pass holders can re-enter the premises. 

Festival volunteers, staff, and security appreciate your cooperation.

No outside food is allowed on site except in special circumstances.

No fireworks. No alcohol. No Chains. No weapons. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t bring to the airport.

Professional photography and recording equipment are prohibited. Only official Festival-approved photographers are permitted to take photographs.

If the band brings their CDs or t-shirts, they will be available at the Merchandise kiosk at Confederation Park.

Outdoor shows at the Ottawa Jazz Festival will run rain or shine! 

Concerts may be delayed but will resume shortly after the worst of the rain has subsided. Branded ponchos are for sale at the Merchandise kiosk in Confederation Park.

Yes, we do, generously provided by the Government of Canada!

You can purchase an Ottawa Jazz Festival E-Gift Card through Showpass: https://www.showpass.com/o/ottawa-jazz-festival/gift-cards/

Here are the steps for activating your Ottawa Jazz Festival E-Gift Card through Showpass: https://help.showpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/19103062770455-Activating-Your-Organizer-Gift-Card