Ottawa Lebanese Festival kicks off Thursday

The Ottawa Lebanese Festival is back and is kicking off it’s 33rd year in the capital.

The event celebrates Lebanese food, entertainment and culture and takes place outside the St. Elias Centre starting today until Sunday.

Since 1990, the festival has celebrated Lebanese tradition and diversity of the Ottawa-Lebanese community.

George Hanna, chair of the Ottawa Lebanese Festival and president of Gabriel Pizza, told The Sam Laprade Show with guest host Derick Fage on July 19 the festival has grown significantly over the last few years and noted that the 2022 edition was a record year in its return from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the years, as Lebanese cuisine has become more and more popular with Canadians, it brings great growth to the Lebanese festival because it is the home of traditional Lebanese cooking,” said Hanna.

A committee and team of around 300 volunteers work together each year to make the event run smoothly and they’re inviting everyone across the city to join in the festivities.

Hanna explained his role as chair of the festival is a way to give back to the St. Elias community, as well as the entire Lebanese community.

He added, he’s thrilled to provide sponsorship through Gabriel Pizza.

The mainstage will feature days of entertainment – including traditional Lebanese bands, dancers, dance lessons, competitions and more. Canadian singer and songwriter, Karl Wolf, is set to return to the mainstage Thursday night.

“Karl has been such an amazing supporter of the Ottawa Lebanese Festival,” said Hanna. “As he grew as a performer, he never said no to the festival and continues to come back, give his time and support the community.”

Midway has returned to the festival, featuring new rides they will be debuting this weekend. “Midway brings another element to the festival, where children can come out and have a good time and parents can sit back, relax, enjoy the entertainment and a grab a bite to eat,” explained Hanna.

Adults can also enjoy entertainment in the 18+ lounge located right in front of the mainstage, with food and alcoholic beverages available.

Hanna said he is proud the Lebanese Festival gives back to the community – and one way they do this is the 50/50 raffle powered by the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

“We’re doing one grand draw and the end of the festival”, he said. “The lucky winner will take home 50 per cent of the prize and the rest we will donate back into the community, whether it’s Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, Ottawa Heart Institute, CHEO, and other charities.”

Parking is available at the Canada Post building, with a free shuttle services running every 15 minutes. The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with complementary admission every day until 5 p.m.