UP, UP, AND AWAY!
Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
Balloons of all shapes, sizes, and colours take to the skies at the Gatineau Hot-Air Balloon Festival. As one of the largest hot-air balloon gatherings in the world, this fest provides more than just a delightful display: spectators can find a slew of things to see and do. From magic to circus stunts to an amusement park to music by the likes of Finger Eleven, Dennis DeYoung, and Gregory Charles, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the special Night Glow event: when the sun goes down, balloons light up the sky and float to familiar tunes. Of course, guests are free to survey the landscape from way up high by taking a relaxing balloon ride of their own. Day passes $16; children under eight or under four feet tall free. Balloon rides $195 per person. Full festival passes available. La Baie Park, Gatineau, 819-243-2331; 800-668-8383. www.montgolfieresgatineau.com

ONE LOVE
Aug. 23
The heart and soul of the Caribbean is alive in the capital, courtesy of the Ottawa Reggae Festival. The first of its kind in the city, this celebration is making its grand entrance in style—the likes of Maxi Priest, Half Pint, Snow, Collie Buddz, and Trilla U will all hit the stage to perform for the crowds. This fest will have you feeling good in more ways than one: proceeds will help raise funds and awareness for sickle cell disease. This is one show that’s sure to become an Ottawa fave year after year. Tickets are $45. LeBreton Flats Festival Site, 613-806-6731; 613-755-1111. www.ottawareggaefestival.com

Broken Social Scene

STREET TREAT
July 31 to Aug. 4
Gather all that change that’s been accumulating in your wallet and head down to the Sparks Street Mall. For five days, some of the most entertaining buskers from around the world convene on Ottawa’s pedestrian mall during BuskerFest. Jugglers, comedians, storytellers, fire-eaters, magicians, musicians, clowns, and lots more line the street to wow the crowd with their astounding and unique talents. Show your appreciation for your favourites by tossing them some coins—and your applause. Sparks Street, 613-230-0984. www.sparksstreetmall.com

THAT’S ALL, FOLKS
Aug. 14 to 17
Many festivals strive to get that cosy, we-are-family vibe, but few achieve it as well and as naturally as the Ottawa Folk Festival. This annual celebration brings together all things folk: a beautiful setting, environmental workshops, a family area, handmade crafts and instruments, a food court featuring ethnic and festive eats, and of course, the music—by the likes of Broken Social Scene, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dala, Sarah Harmer, The Sadies, and Rufus Wainwright, to name a few. If you’re looking to make your Folkfest experience even more authentic, book a campsite at the Ottawa Municipal Campground (mention Folkfest and you’ll get a 10% discount). For reservations and more information on campsites, call 613-828-6632. Day passes for Folkfest are $15-45; youth (ages 16-19) $8-23; children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult; full festival passes available. Britannia Park, 613-230-8234; 613-599-3267. www.ottawafolk.org

Lumiere Festival

Image © Ryan Pfeiffer

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Aug. 9
Stanley Park comes to life with the glow of 2000 hand-made lanterns during the annual Lumière Festival. An army of volunteers creates the lovely lanterns and arranges them around the park, and roving professional performers of all varieties join with community members to make this an evening you won’t soon forget. Make sure to check it out before the sun goes down—that way you’ll fully appreciate the mesmerizing transformation that happens after dark. Join the festivities by making your own lanterns and helping light up the park! Admission is free, although donations are encouraged. 613-745-2742. www.lumiereottawa.com

LIVE YOUR PRIDE
Aug. 18 to 24
There’s no shortage of fun and goings-on during Capital Pride, when O-town celebrates its gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The weeklong event attracts thousands of revellers with parties, theatre, live music, and more. Each day has a theme that reflects a colour of the rainbow and an event that expresses that colour, culminating in “the full rainbow” with the annual Capital Pride Parade, which starts at the Garden of the Provinces and ends up at City Hall. Other events are held throughout the city. 613-421-5387. www.prideottawa.com

Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival

PUPPET PARTY
Aug. 9 and 10
Kids of all ages will get a real kick out of the Ottawa area’s most enchanting fest, the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival. Masters of the marionettes from all over the world gather in Ottawa’s beautiful countryside to work their magic for the crowds. Day passes: Adults $15; children 12 and under $10; under three: free. Weekend passes: Adults $25; Children under 12 $15; Children under three free. Almonte, 613-256-7886. www.puppetsup.ca

ROCKIN’ ON THE RIDEAU
Aug. 1 to 4
Last year, the Rideau Canal celebrated its 175th birthday and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ottawans know that’s something to celebrate, so we’re doing it in style with the Rideau Canal Festival, which launches this year. Revelers are encouraged to head out to the Canal, Dows Lake, Confederation Park, and the Bytown Museum to take part in the many events the fest has to offer. Come out and celebrate one of Canada’s most esteemed sites. Free. www.rideaucanalfestival.ca