Zibi is happy to unveil its free summer event lineup, with something for everyone! From world-class jazz concerts and high-energy dance classes to community events, Zibi continues to build its reputation as a top national capital destination for culture and connection. 

Dance at Zibi returns in partnership with the National Arts Centre 

Dance at Zibi returns for its third season this summer. In partnership with the National Arts Centre (NAC), and with the support of Dream Community Foundation, Zibi invites the public to Head Street Square on Chaudière Island for a series of free immersive dance classes with some of the region’s top dance crews. Each event takes place on the third Thursday of the month, starting at 7:00 p.m. 

  • May 21: Bollywood with ArohaFest – Join the dancers of ArohaFest to discover the beauty and dynamism of Bollywood Dance!  
  • June 18: Afro-Caribbean with SoulRhythms – From traditional to modern Afro-Caribbean folklore-based movement, Suzan Richards from SoulRhythms will lead you through an energizing 1-hour group class designed for all levels. 
  • July 23: K-pop with Synaptik Dance Crew *The Best of BTS* – Join us for a high-energy K-pop dance experience, where you’ll learn some of the legendary boy group’s most iconic moves taught by passionate local dancers! ARMYs, are you ready? 
  • August 20: To be announced  

NEW! Free Music in the Park series debuts in partnership with the Ottawa Jazz Festival 

New this year, the smooth and funky sounds of the Ottawa Jazz Festival will be heard on the shores of the Ottawa River, as Zibi brings top local jazz musicians to Tesasini Park and Head Street Square for four exclusive Music in the Park nights, starting at 7:00 p.m. 

  • June 10: The Commotions – Get ready to move to the grooves of this 12-piece powerhouse funk band. Led by former Funk Brothers saxophonist Brian Asselin, this ensemble features three powerhouse vocalists and a blistering five-piece horn section. 
  • July 8: Florquestra Brasil – A staple of the National Capital’s jazz scene and a frequent collaborator at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Regina is a captivating vocalist known for her sultry, sun-drenched interpretations of samba and bossa nova.   
  • August 12: Brass Tax – Experience the brilliance of Ed Lister, a JUNO Award-winning trumpeter as he takes us on a world-class musical journey with his newest band, the Brass Tax. 
  • September 9: Fasocana – Enjoy the West African fusion beats of the African harp with this phenomenal artist from Burkina Faso. 

Sustainability in motion 

True to its One Planet Living principles, Zibi celebrates eco-friendly transit throughout the summer: 

  • June 10: The Urban Bike Crawl, organized by EnviroCentre, will be making a stop by Zibi for live music and refreshments from Dominion City Brewing Co.  
  • June 22: Join us for a free EnviroCentre eBike repair clinic.  
  • September 15-17: Zibi is proud to welcome some of the world’s best cyclists as they take part in the Tour de Gatineau.  

Markets, movies and fitness 

Zibi and the Dream Community Foundation continue their commitment to social responsibility through key events for the community: 

  • Repair Café – Why toss it when you can fix it? Join the Ottawa Tool Library’s volunteers at The Warehouse on Albert Island for one of their popular Repair Cafés on June 20 or September 26. 
  • Evenings at Zibi – Urban Arts Collective’s Curated Night Market Series – On Saturdays from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. between June and September, visit Head Street Square to enjoy local vendors, music, art activations, food and interactive programming.  
  • Farm Stand – Every Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. between June 23 and October 20, visit the Ottawa Street Markets’ farm stand at Head Street Square to pick up your farm-fresh fruit and vegetables. 
  • Capital Pop-up Cinema: Kids of all ages are invited to join us on Albert Island for free outdoor screenings of our favourite movies, including the Princess Bride, Office Space and 10 Things I Hate About You, on Saturdays throughout the summer starting July 4.  
  • Candlelight Pilates – On August 21 and September 18, people can register for Candlelight Pilates events in the beautifully refurbished La Ruelle in Gatineau. 

Make sure to follow us on Instagram and on Facebook, and to keep an eye on our What’s Happening page, so that you don’t miss any of Zibi’s events this summer!