Toronto 
Ottawa will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026 with a dedicated day at Ottawa Bluesfest on Sunday, July 19.
The event will blend live music and community celebration as part of the citywide Ottawa 200: Celebrate Together festivities marking two centuries since the founding of Bytown in 1826.
July 19 will see performances by The Guess Who, with many more to be announced. The performance is part of The Guess Who – Takin’ It Back Tour, which reunites Canadian rock icons Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman for their first tour together under the band’s name in 23 years. Their appearance will cap a full day of music, reflection, and civic pride at Bluesfest’s RBC Stage.
The City of Ottawa, led by Economic Development Services, is coordinating the anniversary events with support from heritage, cultural, Indigenous, Francophone, youth, and community organizations. An advisory committee co-chaired by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Stefanie Siska, past chair of the Ottawa Tourism Board of Directors, is guiding the initiative.
The anniversary program aims to celebrate Ottawa’s cultural legacy, encourage civic participation, support local industries, and deliver lasting community projects. Funding for some of the activities is included in the 2026 City Budget, to be tabled on November 12 and considered for approval on December 10.
The bicentennial celebrations will continue into 2027, when Ottawa marks the 200th anniversary of the ByWard Market, first established in 1827.
