Head to one of Ottawa's most anticipated music festivals

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Monday, 07 May 2012 17:26

The RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest is the biggest multi-day party in Ottawa! Held each July, the festival is not exclusive to blues music –many other artists covering a range of musical styles will be featured on stage as well, delighting audience members of all tastes with nearly two weeks of shows and activities.

The roots of the festival can be traced back to the early 1990s when Clarence Clemons took the centre spotlight during an outdoor show in Major’s Hill Park in downtown Ottawa.

In the past, the roster of performers has featured everyone from Bob Dylan and Buddy Guy to the Tragically Hip and the White Stripes. This year promises to be just as impressive, with headliners including Awolnation, Paul Oakenfold, LMFAO, Iron Maiden, Nora Jones and Skrillex. This is only a small sample of the acts that will be playing in eight venues on LeBreton Flats from July 4-15.

Besides the music, guests to the festival can visit "Bluesville," which has booths for silent auctions and vendors with instruments and other equipment for sale. Guests can stroll by the Giant Tiger Autograph tent to meet some of the bands and then grab a brew at one of the local pubs supporting the festivities.

Proceeds from the event go to the Blues in the School organization, which exposes Canadian schoolchildren to the wonders of music education. With funding, this organization hopes to interest a new generation of aspiring musicians through special programs in art, culture, heritage and, of course, music.

Even though the festival is not until mid-summer, travellers will want to make plans now, as it is very popular. More information about ticket sales, the lineup and options for accommodation can be found at www.ottawatourism.ca or on the event's official website or through its Twitter and Facebook pages. This is one of several must-see occasions happening this summer that travellers will want to be a part of when taking tours of Ottawa.