Join us on Tuesday, February 16th at 12:00 pm for the Heritage Day celebration at Ottawa City Hall!
Celebrate Heritage Day! February 16, 2027 - Seasons Change; History Remains - The Enduring Legacy of our Communities
Celebrate Heritage Day 2027! 
Join us for Heritage Day 2027 on February 16 at noon at Ottawa City Hall (Jean Pigott Place) for “Seasons Change; History Remains – The Enduring Legacy of our Communities”
Tuesday, February 16, 2027
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Free In-Person Event at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue
This year’s event will feature the Heritage Showcase, volunteer recognition awards, and honour our 2027 Proclamation recipient. Together, we’ll celebrate the people, places, and milestones that have shaped Ottawa’s story over the past two centuries, from its early days as Bytown to the vibrant, diverse city it is today. We want to see you bring Ottawa’s history to life! Come dressed in your most creative, authentic, and fun historic costume representing any era or local figure from our city’s past, your look will help make this celebration one to remember. Let’s fill City Hall with colour, character, and community spirit as we honor the voices and stories that continue to define Ottawa
Heritage Day 2027 Proclamation Recipient - To be Announced Soon!
Why celebrate Heritage Day?
Canada’s collective story is told through our special places, whether they are historic buildings or sites, archives, libraries, museums, commercial mainstreets or districts, places of faith, industrial areas, or natural or cultural landscapes.
Our shared heritage and histories in all forms has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Gathering places like town squares, and pow wow grounds, and cultural objects such as artefacts, regalia and family memorabilia are tangible touchstones with the past that can root us in place and nourish the spirit. Intangible heritage – languages, traditional rituals, music, dance, storytelling and more – is at the heart of family and community.
Heritage Day is also a chance to recognize the contributions of the many dedicated staff and volunteers promoting heritage conservation and educating the public about our city’s history. Gathering places like museums, and cultural objects such as artefacts and memorabilia are tangible touchstones with the past that can root us in place and nourish the spirit; and intangible heritage – such as traditions, storytelling and more – is at the heart of family and community.
In celebration of our past and our future, we encourage all – young and old, deeply rooted or new to Canada and its Capital – to visit heritage destinations, cultural landscapes and centres, and connect with traditional knowledge keepers, educators, parents and grandparents to experience heritage on Heritage Day and beyond. Find out how heritage is being celebrated in your community; and learn about services offered by local heritage organizations, public programs and special initiatives, as well as professional development and volunteer opportunities.
