Ottawa Jazz Festival

What Ottawa Jazz Festival does

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit organization (Charitable Registration Number 11907-1637-RR0001), founded in 1980, that produces an annual multi-venue jazz festival in downtown Ottawa. Now in its 46th edition, the 2026 festival runs June 18–28 across Confederation Park (Main Stage, Elgin St. Stage, Premium Lounge), the National Arts Centre (NAC Fourth Stage, Azrieli Studio), and partner venues including the Lord Elgin Hotel (Forty One Late Night Jamming) and Fairmont Château Laurier (Jazz at the Castle). The festival features approximately 300 Canadian artists annually alongside international headliners, with a programming range spanning traditional to avant-garde jazz and a growing emphasis on international cultural collaborations through embassy partnerships.

The festival's core products are tiered Full Festival Passes (General Admission, Premium, Youth, VIP) and individual day passes, distributed primarily through the Showpass digital ticketing platform with on-site box office at Marion Dewar Plaza. Supporting technology includes a mobile application for iOS/Android (schedules, artist bios, venue maps), cashless point-of-sale infrastructure accepting Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and contactless cards, and live streaming capabilities demonstrated during the COVID-19-era Tenacity series. The organization also runs the Jazz Youth Summit, an annual talent development program in partnership with Carleton University selecting nine student musicians for masterclasses and performance opportunities.

Revenue is generated through four streams: festival passes and ticket sales; corporate sponsorships (THE COUNT $5,000 to THE DUKE $10,000 tiers with recognition and pass benefits); individual donations across five tiered levels (SATCHMO $15–$250 through LADY DAY $2,501+); and a 50/50 raffle operated via Rafflebox supporting emerging artists and the Jazz Youth Summit. The festival is supported by Title Sponsor CF Rideau Centre (Cadillac Fairview), Presenting Partner OLG, and three tiers of government funding (Government of Canada, Ontario Arts Council, City of Ottawa). A core team of approximately 8–10 staff led by Executive & Artistic Director Petr Cancura executes operations from the headquarters at 294 Albert Street, Suite 602, Ottawa.

Name

Ottawa Jazz Festival

Legal name

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

Website

https://ottawajazzfestival.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is a Canadian registered charity that produces an annual multi-venue jazz festival in downtown Ottawa, now in its 46th edition. It serves jazz enthusiasts, tourists, and Canadian artists through tiered festival passes, corporate sponsorships, donations, and educational programs including the Jazz Youth Summit.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Music Festival

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (711320), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Music & Dance Festivals (Non-Commercial/Local) (MPAGAEAH), Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Arts & Culture Community Festivals (Multidisciplinary Arts Weeks) (MPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Live music festival
• Concert event production
• Festival ticketing services
• Arts education programs
• Event sponsorship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Festival Passes and Tickets: Sale of Full Festival Passes (General Admission, Premium, Youth, VIP) and individual day passes for access to festival programming at Confederation Park and National Arts Centre venues.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate donation levels ranging from THE COUNT ($5,000) to THE DUKE ($10,000) with various benefits including tax receipts, recognition, day passes, and logo usage rights.
3. Individual Donations: Personal donation levels from SATCHMO ($15-$250) to LADY DAY ($2,501+) with tiered benefits including tax receipts, merchandise, and VIP access.
4. 50/50 Raffle: Lottery-style fundraising with proceeds supporting emerging artists, Jazz Youth Summit, and festival programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is a registered charity that produces an annual jazz-focused music festival in downtown Ottawa, featuring approximately 300 Canadian and international jazz artists across multiple venues including Confederation Park, the National Arts Centre, and partner hotels. The organization sells tiered festival passes (General Admission, Premium, Youth, VIP) and individual day passes and event tickets via Showpass, and operates the Jazz Youth Summit educational program and a charitable 50/50 raffle to support emerging artists and festival programming.

Product overview

The Ottawa Jazz Festival operates as an annual music festival (celebrating its 46th edition in 2026) rather than a software company. Its core products are festival passes and tickets providing access to live jazz performances across multiple venues in downtown Ottawa. The festival offers tiered General Admission, Premium, Youth, and VIP full festival passes through Showpass, along with individual event tickets and day passes. Supporting offerings include a Jazz Youth Summit educational program, 50/50 raffle fundraiser, e-gift cards via Showpass, and a mobile app for schedules and venue maps. The festival runs primarily in June (June 18-28, 2026) at Confederation Park, the National Arts Centre, and partner venues, with free programming on the OLG Stage and Homegrown Series.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full Festival Passes (General Admission, Premium, Youth, VIP) Tiered full festival passes providing access to outdoor shows at Confederation Park, with tiered benefits including Premium Lounge access, NAC show vouchers, early access to select performances, and merchandise discounts. Sold through Showpass digital platform.
• Individual Event Tickets and Day Passes Single-day passes and individual event tickets for specific performances, including Main Stage shows, NAC concerts, and OLG Stage events. Sold through Showpass digital platform.
• Jazz Youth Summit Annual intensive program selecting nine talented students from Ottawa high schools and universities for mentorship by world-class musicians, masterclasses, performance opportunities at the festival, and potential cash bursaries.
• Donation Tiers (Personal and Corporate) Structured donation levels for individuals (Satchmo $15-$250, Ella $251-$500, Take 5 $501-$1,000, Nina $1,001-$2,500, Lady Day $2,501+) and corporations (The Count $5,000, The Duke $10,000), each with tiered benefits including tax receipts, merchandise, VIP access, and recognition.
• 50/50 Raffle Charitable 50/50 raffle operated through the Rafflebox platform, with proceeds supporting emerging artists, the Jazz Youth Summit, bold artist collaborations, and keeping music alive for tomorrow's stars.
• E-Gift Cards Electronic gift cards for the Ottawa Jazz Festival available for purchase through Showpass, redeemable for tickets, passes, and merchandise.

Quantifiable outcome

• 295,000 total attendance in 2011
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CF Rideau CentrecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCF Rideau Centre, owned and operated by Cadillac Fairview, serves as the Title Sponsor for the 46th Ottawa Jazz Festival. The partnership includes free live performances at CF Rideau Centre throughout the festival period, enhancing the festival experience while supporting Ottawa's creative community.
• Cadillac FairviewcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOwner and operator of CF Rideau Centre, providing title sponsorship for the Ottawa Jazz Festival through their shopping and lifestyle destination property.
• OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Partner of the Ottawa Jazz Festival. OLG's long-term commitment enables the curation of talented musicians on the OLG Stage, which has become a celebrated showpiece of the festival.
• Government of CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal government funder supporting the Ottawa Jazz Festival through cultural funding programs.
• Ontario Arts CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvincial arts funder supporting arts and cultural programming in Ontario.
• City of OttawacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal government funder supporting local arts and cultural festivals.
• National Arts CentrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner hosting Fourth Stage and Azrieli Studio performances during the festival. Provides world-class indoor venues for intimate jazz performances.
• National Capital Commission (NCC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustodian of Confederation Park, the main outdoor venue for the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
• Ottawa TourismcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism partner supporting festival expansion and promoting Ottawa as a cultural destination. Supported the addition of June 18 opening day programming.
• CAA North & East OntariominorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomobile association offering exclusive member benefits including 15% discounts on passes, priority access, and free services.
• Lord Elgin HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner hosting the Late Night Jamming Series at Forty One restaurant, home of the festival's late-night programming.
• Fairmont Château LaurierminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner hosting Jazz at the Castle performances in the Grand Lobby during the festival.
• Stingray MusicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMusic company supporting the Jazz Youth Summit program as a presenting sponsor.
• Carleton UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner through Jazz Youth Summit program, with faculty member Mike Tremblay serving as Program Director.
• WPBS TelevisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal television station as media partner covering festival events.
• CKCU-FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity radio station as media partner for festival coverage.
• Ottawa FestivalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUmbrella organization for Ottawa festivals providing collective marketing and support.
• Axé WorldFestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on programming including Kombilesa Mi and La Pambelé performances celebrating Afro-Colombian culture.
• Saunders CiderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal beverage partner providing cider products at festival venues.
• Beyond the Pale BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal brewery partnering on Homegrown Series venue discounts for festival pass holders.
• French Embassy in CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmbassy partner supporting French cultural programming and artists at the festival.
• Embassy of France in Canada / Institut FrançaisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural institute partner for French cultural programming at the festival.
• Korean Cultural CentreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural center partner supporting Korean artists and cultural programming.
• Long & McQuademinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMusical instrument retailer supporting festival production needs.
• Steinway Piano Gallery OttawaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPiano provider for festival performances.
• Stream WaterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal water brand as official water partner.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Festival International de Jazz de Montréal: Canada's flagship jazz festival, also a non-profit event-driven organization presenting hundreds of jazz and adjacent-genre concerts annually across multiple stages in downtown Montreal. Directly comparable in mission (jazz-focused community festival), revenue model (passes, sponsorships, government funding), and operating geography (Canadian downtown core).
• Detroit Jazz Festival: Free-admission non-profit jazz festival in Detroit operating across multiple downtown stages with major corporate sponsors and foundation support. Closely comparable as a similarly-structured, multi-stage, free-cored jazz festival with deep corporate sponsorship stack.
• Calgary International Jazz Festival: Annual Canadian jazz festival produced by a non-profit society, featuring tiered passes, corporate sponsorship tiers, and free outdoor programming in a downtown core. Highly comparable event-driven model and sponsorship-driven nonprofit structure.
• Halifax Jazz Festival: Atlantic Canada's longest-running jazz festival, a non-profit charitable event presenting Canadian and international artists across multiple stages with tiered passes and corporate sponsorships. Directly comparable in non-profit festival structure, Canadian context, and multi-venue programming.
• Toronto Jazz Festival: Annual multi-venue jazz festival in downtown Toronto featuring international and Canadian artists with tiered passes, sponsorships, and free outdoor programming. Directly comparable in business model, pass structure, and event-driven festival format serving Canadian jazz audiences.
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival: Coastal Jazz & Blues Society's annual multi-venue jazz festival in Vancouver with tiered passes, corporate sponsorships, and a similar non-profit charitable structure. Compares on Canadian jazz-festival operations, multi-stage downtown format, and ticketing/passes business model.
• Chicago Jazz Festival: Long-running free-admission civic jazz festival in Chicago's Millennium Park produced by a non-profit organization with multiple stages and foundation/corporate funding. Comparable as a major urban jazz festival with multi-stage free programming and non-profit governance.
• Rochester International Jazz Festival: Annual multi-venue jazz festival in downtown Rochester, NY featuring tiered passes, corporate sponsors, and free outdoor stages with a non-profit operational model. Comparable in cross-border Great Lakes regional positioning, pass structure, and downtown venue partnership approach.

Others

• National Arts Centre (NAC): Federal performing arts venue in Ottawa hosting Fourth Stage and Azrieli Studio performances during the festival and year-round. Comparable as the primary indoor venue partner providing intimate jazz programming, with adjacent relationship rather than direct competition.

Broad incumbents

• North Sea Jazz Festival: Largest indoor jazz festival globally, held annually in Rotterdam with multi-stage ticketed programming, premium passes, and major corporate sponsors. Compares as a large-scale international jazz festival operator with similar pass tiers and sponsor model, but at materially larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ottawajazzfestival

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ottawa Jazz Festival