Ottawa's favourite street festival
Four days of fire, flight, comedy and chaos — live on Sparks Street. Free, family-friendly, unforgettable.
August 5–8, 2027 Sparks Street, Ottawa Free
The festival
For four days each summer, Sparks Street fills with fire-breathers, jugglers, aerialists, magicians and family acts — performing in the round, passing the hat, and pulling off shows you can only see live. Free. Family-friendly. Unforgettable.
Don't miss
Beyond the free daytime street shows — ticketed evening events and daily drop-in fun.
Don't miss a night full of laughs, high-level circus, juggling and burlesque. Performers from the festival deliver their favourite late-night routines — Ottawa's best burlesque, hilarious comedy, incredible circus stunts and more. This show always delivers big laughs and amazed crowds.
Join us at World Exchange Plaza at 5 pm as we wrap up the festival with one last BIG SHOW. Catch 12+ amazing buskers from the festival performing highlight routines from their shows.
Drop into the Circus School each day from noon until 4 pm (on Sparks Street between Elgin and Metcalfe) and learn circus skills at the festival. Our talented instructors teach plate spinning, juggling, hula hoop and more. Be inspired by the shows onsite and learn something new — great for both children and their parents. Who knows, someday you might run away and join the circus…
Plan your day
Shows run daily on Sparks Street — see the hours for each day.
Before you come
The mall is car-free — take the O-Train to Lyon or Parliament and walk. Buses, cycling and downtown parking too.
Getting hereIs it free? Can I bring the dog? Where's the food, and is there first aid? The short answers, all in one place.
Read the FAQStep-free the length of the mall, accessible washrooms on site, and every show at street level.
AccessibilityIn the crowd
Not everything is on a stage. Walkabout characters, surprise sets and one-on-one street magic roam Sparks Street all weekend — unscheduled and unmissable.
Join the street
Want to be part of it? Whether you're a busker, a vendor, a volunteer or a future partner, there's a place for you on Sparks Street.
With thanks to
