UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Children’s Storytelling Festival
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The Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival returns for its 32nd year on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Ben Franklin Place. Families can enjoy a full day of live storytelling in English and French, with sessions designed for children ages 3–10, along with hands-on workshops and activities. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the event.
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Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Families can reserve their place through the Ottawa StoryTellers website. Registration helps us manage room capacities and ensures families can plan around the storytelling sessions and workshops they would most like to attend.
Witches & Warlocks Walk - October 24
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Season Launch Event
Saturday, October 24, 2026
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Featuring Gail Anglin, Colette Laplante & Jack PylWhat could be more fun and frightening than donning your witch and warlock clothes and joining a walk around the spooky Billings Estate? Then gather round the fire for spine tingling stories told by ancient crones and toast the haunting season with cider.
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The Witches Walk is the only Signature Series event that will not take place at Arts Court. This show will be held at Billings Estate National Historic Site.
Story Café - October 14
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A Monthly Evening of Captivating Tales
Immerse yourself in the magic of live storytelling at Story Café, where voices come alive and stories take flight.
Each month, seasoned and emerging tellers share a lively mix of autobiographical stories, folk tales, traditional tales and original narratives in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Story Café is now held at Heart & Crown on Preston Street, with dates confirmed month by month. Be sure to check the latest event details and reserve your seat through the Ottawa StoryTellers website.
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(Upcoming Story Café
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Heart & Crown, Preston StreetFeaturing Kathie Kompass & Mary Wiggin
Reserve your seat through the link below.
LEARN MORE
Ottawa StoryTellers is a vibrant collective of voices - professional tellers, emerging artists, and passionate listeners all brought together by a shared love of story. We celebrate the power of oral storytelling to connect, inspire, and build community across generations and cultures. From intimate performances to bold stage productions, our events invite audiences into the timeless magic of a well-told tale.
Ottawa StoryTellers brings stories to life all year long with a wide range of events and programs for every age and interest. Our professional season runs from October to June, featuring performances by some of the region’s most accomplished tellers in both classic and contemporary storytelling formats. Whether it’s an intimate evening at the Arts Court Theatre, a family-friendly performance at your local library, or a collaborative project with artists from across disciplines, our calendar is filled with opportunities to experience the power of spoken word in all its forms.
Beyond our mainstage shows, we also offer free and ticketed events, hands-on workshops, open mic nights, and community storytelling festivals that invite everyone to join in. From beginner storytelling workshops to monthly open mics where anyone can take the stage, to large-scale cultural celebrations, each event is designed to inspire connection, creativity, and a shared appreciation for the stories that shape us. Explore our upcoming events and discover what’s next in Ottawa’s vibrant storytelling scene.
We hope to see you at an upcoming show, workshop, or open mic soon. If you have any questions about our programming or need more information, please reach out to us at info@ottawastorytellers.ca.
Our Story Begins
With Community
Stay Connected With the Story
The stories don’t stop when the curtain falls. Follow Ottawa StoryTellers on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes moments, event announcements, and storytelling inspiration all year long. Join our growing online community and be part of the conversation.
Community Engagement:
Storytelling in Community
Storytelling brings people together by sharing experiences, histories, and perspectives that foster understanding and connection. In a community setting, it can inspire participation, strengthen relationships, and create a shared sense of identity.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ottawa StoryTellers’ events and performances take place on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. We respectfully acknowledge that they are the original caretakers of this land. Ottawa StoryTellers is not just acknowledging land; we’re acknowledging Indigenous cultures that have been telling stories since time immemorial. We are dedicated to working with our indigenous partners to honour and learn from their traditions.
