Ottawa is gearing up for a vibrant celebration as it marks its 200th anniversary in 2026. To enhance the festivities, Ottawa Tourism has announced funding for fourteen new projects through the 200th Tourism Animation Fund. This initiative aims to develop engaging cultural experiences that will attract visitors and stimulate spending. Each selected project can receive grants of up to $20,000, covering 50% of eligible expenses.
200th Tourism Animation Fund Recipients
The funded projects will take place from March 1 to December 31, 2026. They focus on Ottawa’s rich cultural heritage, aiming to foster collaboration within the tourism sector and promote new experiences for visitors. Below are the highlights of the projects:
- Deux Voix, Une Capitale (March–December) – A monthly music series celebrating francophone music with nine performances at Bronson Music Theatre.
- Saunders Cider TulipFest (begins May 1) – A spring festival showcasing nearly half a million tulips at Saunders Farm, featuring live entertainment and culinary experiences.
- Requiems: Jim Logan (May 1–June 27) – A major retrospective of Métis artist Jim Logan at S.A.W. Gallery, featuring 40+ artworks and public programs.
- Ottawa 200+: Portraits, Places, and People (begins May 15) – An outdoor gallery by the Bytown Museum, transforming Rideau Street with archival images and animations.
- Shawarma Fest 2026 (June 7) – A Guinness World Records™ attempt to create a 160-metre shawarma, featuring 60 vendors, in ByWard Market.
- The Voices of Bytown (June 11–13) – An immersive VR experience at Festival Franco-Ontarien, showcasing local history through music.
- Debaser – Pique (June 12–13) – Indigenous-led performances and installations at Arts Court during the bicentennial edition of Pique.
- The Chief Speaks (June–December) – A touring Algonquin cultural installation featuring stories and a moveable wigwam.
- Bytown 200 (July 4–17) – A classical music series exploring Ottawa’s history through performance and narration.
- A Night of Inuit Excellence (July 11 and November 8) – A concert series featuring Inuit artists and their cultural influence in Ottawa.
- Indigenous History in Motion (July–December) – Short animations by artist Jay Odjig showcased at Ottawa Art Gallery and National Arts Centre.
- Ottawa 200 Corn Maze Festival (July 10–September 7) – A family-friendly maze experience at Saunders Farm, themed around Ottawa’s history.
- Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa! (August 29) – A Capital Pride showcase featuring local drag talent celebrating Ottawa’s diversity.
- O-Town Animated (September 18–December 31) – The Ottawa International Animation Festival will present animated shorts inspired by historical photos.
Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, emphasized the creativity within Ottawa’s tourism community. He stated that these projects will enrich experiences for residents and visitors alike, solidifying Ottawa’s position as a must-visit destination in 2026.
About Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa Tourism aims to promote inclusivity, trust, and collaboration, positioning itself as a leading urban destination in Canada. Annually, the city welcomes approximately 10 million visitors, who contribute around $2.6 billion to the local economy. This initiative reflects Ottawa’s commitment to celebrating its rich history and vibrant culture while boosting tourism in the region.
