After Huge Success in Mississauga, MuslimFest Expands to Ottawa with a Vibrant Celebration of Arts, Culture, and Community

Written by MuslimFest

Published in News

Ottawa, ON — Canada’s largest Muslim arts and culture festival, MuslimFest, is bringing its energy, diversity, and award-winning programming to the nation’s capital on Saturday, August 9, at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum — marking its first-ever large-scale event in Ottawa.

Ottawa MuslimFest 2025 (Registration Required)
Saturday, August 9
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
12 PM – 9 PM (Drone Show at Sunset)
FREE ADMISSION | Family-Friendly | FREE PARKING | Follow Instagram for Updates

After two decades of phenomenal success in Mississauga—where it now attracts over 70,000 attendees annually and has been officially designated a Signature Event by the City of Mississauga—MuslimFest is expanding its footprint to Ottawa in response to growing national demand and the need for more inclusive, family-friendly festivals that celebrate Muslim identity, creativity, and culture.

“Ottawa is a natural next step,” said Tariq Syed, Director of Events at MuslimFest.

“This city has a vibrant, diverse, and civically engaged Muslim community. With this festival, we’re not just hosting an event—we’re creating a space for dialogue, joy, family connection, and representation.”

Over 10,000 Attendees Expected MuslimFest Ottawa is expecting over 10,000 people to attend. The response has been tremendous, not only from local residents but also from neighboring regions such as Gatineau, Montreal, and Kingston. The excitement is building across the region, as families, youth, and art-lovers prepare for an unforgettable day.

An Unmissable Lineup

The event will feature internationally renowned artists, including:

Mohammed Tarek – viral Egyptian singer and internet personality
Yahya Hawwa – celebrated Syrian vocalist
Ali Soulfoul – Ottawa-born poet and artist bringing heartfelt spoken word
And many more talented artists

Plus, enjoy two special dabke performances by the Elyady Cultural Group, themed around Palestinian resilience and cultural pride.

Program Highlights

This free, family-friendly festival will include:

Live stage performances from local and global talent
Ottawa’s first Muslim-themed Drone Light Show
Art exhibits, comedy, spoken word, and cultural showcases
A bustling halal food court and marketplace
STEAM activities and creative workshops for children and youth
Exhibits and panels focused on interfaith and Indigenous solidarity

A Dazzling Finale

The event will conclude with a spectacular, high-tech Drone Light Show that will dazzle the skies over Ottawa. This mesmerizing display, set to music and themed visuals, will be a magical and unforgettable experience for families and festival-goers of all ages — a first-of-its-kind drone show in the capital city.

More Than a Festival

MuslimFest is more than an event — it’s a platform for artistic expression, social connection, and cultural education. Since 2004, it has grown from a grassroots gathering into a nationally recognized celebration that uplifts Muslim voices, nurtures youth leadership, and builds bridges across communities.

“MuslimFest is a celebration of identity, faith, and creativity,” said Ayten Muhammed, Bazar Officer. “We’re proud to bring it to a city that deserves more events reflecting its rich diversity and values.”

MuslimFest

MuslimFest is an award-winning annual festival in Mississauga, ON, that celebrates the best in Muslim arts and entertainment. The event features over 80 local and international artists who showcase their talent in various genre or art.

Launched in 2004, MuslimFest is a joint project of DawaNet and Sound Vision. Today, it is considered North America’s largest Muslim festival of its kind, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually.

Concert, comedy, art exhibit, rising talent, spoken word, theatre, kids’ carnival, and multicultural bazaar constitute some of the fun activities and programs one can expect at MuslimFest.

In a post 9/11 world that is filled with violent images, we at MuslimFest believe it is imperative to hold bridge-building events that positively engage young Canadians.

MuslimFest provides youth with opportunities to share their culture with the broader community. We believe in education through the language of art, humour, and meaningful entertainment; something that we feel can break through even the toughest cultural barriers.