Build your Schedule
Do you find three-day festivals tough on the bones? Got things you and yours want to experience in Ottawa, beyond the festival? Why not construct your own experience including only your top must-see shows? RBC Bluesfest doesn’t force you to choose between full weekend or one-day passes only; attendees also have the options of Bluesfest’s Pick-3 and Pick-5 passes, effectively sidestepping the potential stress of a full festival experience in favor of catching just three or five acts you can’t bear to miss. Best of all, these passes stay the same price no matter which headliners you pick.
Getting There
If you’re lucky enough to live near festival grounds, organizers recommend you keep your transport green. While swimming the Ottawa River fits this guideline, RBC Bluesfest doesn’t recommend the rapids; instead providing a free supervised bike valet service. The Bike Park is located just north of the festival across Booth Street. Out-of-towners should look to Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport in getting to town, and from there your festival pass lands you free service to and from the festival through OC Transpo. Alternatively, cabs from the local Greyhound station run just over $10 and sanctioned festival parking is in the Canadian War Museum underground garage and must be purchased in advance.
Lodging
Ottawa has a robust airbnb community welcoming to out-of-towners, but Bluesfest partners with local hotels to offer exclusive discount festival rates. Be sure to contact the hotel directly to reserve your room.