The Impact of Festivals and Events

It’s summer, which means festival season. Ottawa is fortunate to have so many vibrant festivals and events throughout the season. Events like Carivibe, Canada Day celebrations, and Santa’s Parade of Lights have been an Orléans mainstay for many years. However, in Orléans many people would ask the BIA about holding more events right here in our community.

The BIA has worked diligently over the past five years to help attract and support new festivals, such as PoutineFest, the Orléans Craft Beer Festival, the Orléans Ribfest and Orléans Pride – and we are working to bring you more.

Festivals help bring the community together in a common sense of celebration. They can strengthen communities, build awareness of diverse cultures and identities, and provide a sense of community pride.

But what about the economic impacts of festivals and events? In Ottawa, it has been difficult to put a dollar figure on this. 

As our events in Orléans grow and gain a higher profile, they have the opportunity to attract more tourists, which provides a bigger impact. Another way to benefit Orléans is for festivals to work with as many local suppliers as possible – which some of our events are doing already.

This summer and into the fall, we hope you enjoy some of the festivals that Orléans has to offer.