If you're looking for something exciting to do in Ottawa this weekend, look no further than the Ottawa Ferrari Festival in Little Italy. For one weekend every June, Preston Street transforms into one of the most unique events in the city, bringing together exotic cars, Italian culture, incredible food, live entertainment, and thousands of visitors.
Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun summer event, the Ferrari Festival is one of Ottawa's can't-miss weekends.
📅 When Is the Ottawa Ferrari Festival?
Dates: June 19–21, 2026
Location: Preston Street (Corso Italia), Little Italy, Ottawa
Admission to the street festival and car displays is completely free.
🏎️ What Is the Ottawa Ferrari Festival?
The festival is organized by the Ferrari Club of America – Ottawa Chapter in partnership with the Ottawa Italian Festival and has become one of the largest Ferrari gatherings in Canada. Every year, more than 200,000 spectators visit Little Italy to see some of the world's most beautiful and exotic vehicles.
But this weekend is about much more than just Ferraris.
It's a celebration of:
Italian culture
Amazing food
Family fun
Live entertainment
Community spirit
Ottawa's vibrant Little Italy neighbourhood
🚗 Hundreds of Exotic Cars on Preston Street
The main attraction is, of course, the incredible lineup of vehicles.
Visitors can expect to see:
Ferrari 488s
Ferrari F8 Tributos
Ferrari SF90s
Classic vintage Ferraris
Lamborghinis
Maseratis
Other exotic and rare sports cars
On Friday and Saturday evenings, dozens of Ferraris and exotic cars line Preston Street for public viewing. It's essentially an open-air luxury car show right in the middle of Ottawa.
🌊 The Concorso d'Eleganza at Dow's Lake
One of the highlights of the weekend is the Concorso d'Eleganza, taking place along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway near Dow's Lake on Friday.
This prestigious event showcases some of the finest Ferraris and Italian automobiles in the country, judged on:
Design
Condition
Authenticity
Presentation
The setting along Dow's Lake makes it one of the most picturesque car events in Canada.
🏁 The Ferrari Demo Zone
Want to hear these incredible machines in action?
The Ferrari Demo Zone takes place on Saturday afternoon on Carling Avenue.
This is your chance to:
Hear the engines roar
Watch Ferraris in motion
Experience the sound and excitement of exotic supercars up close
For many visitors, this ends up being the highlight of the weekend.
🇮🇹 Experience Ottawa's Little Italy
Even if you don't know the difference between a Ferrari and a Fiat, the atmosphere alone makes this event worth attending.
Throughout the weekend, Preston Street becomes a little slice of Italy.
Expect:
Extended restaurant patios
Street performers
Live music
Italian flags and decorations
Outdoor dining
Thousands of people enjoying the summer weather
Starting Friday evening, Preston Street closes to vehicles and turns into a pedestrian-friendly festival zone.
🍝 Amazing Food Everywhere
One of the best parts of the Ferrari Festival?
The food.
Little Italy is home to some of Ottawa's best restaurants, and many patios spill directly onto Preston Street during the festival.
Perfect excuses to enjoy:
Fresh pasta
Pizza
Gelato
Espresso
Cannoli
Aperol Spritz on a patio
The combination of luxury cars and incredible food creates one of the best summer atmospheres in the city.
🚴 Italian Car Parade
Saturday also features the popular Italian Car Parade, where more than 100 Italian vehicles cruise through Little Italy.
It's a fun event for:
Families
Car enthusiasts
Photographers
Anyone who loves seeing unique vehicles
❤️ Charity Dream Ride
One of the most unique experiences of the weekend is the Charity Dream Ride.
Participants can purchase tickets for the opportunity to ride in a Ferrari while supporting a charitable cause.
For many people, it's a bucket-list experience.
🌞 Why This Is One of Ottawa's Best Summer Festivals
The Ottawa Ferrari Festival has become one of the city's signature summer events because it combines so many things people love:
✅ Exotic cars
✅ Italian culture
✅ Amazing food
✅ Live entertainment
✅ Outdoor patios
✅ Family-friendly activities
✅ Beautiful summer weather
Even if you've lived in Ottawa for years, it's an event that feels different every time you go.
🧠 Local Tip
If you're planning to attend:
👉 Go in the evening.
The atmosphere on Preston Street after dinner is incredible. The Ferraris are on display, patios are packed, music is playing, and Little Italy feels more like a European street festival than a neighbourhood in Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ottawa Ferrari Festival free?
Yes. Admission to the street festival and car displays is free.
Where is the Ferrari Festival held?
The festival takes place on Preston Street in Ottawa's Little Italy.
When is the Ottawa Ferrari Festival?
June 19–21, 2026.
Can you see Ferraris up close?
Absolutely. Many vehicles are parked along Preston Street for public viewing.
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes. Families, children, and car enthusiasts of all ages attend.
Do restaurants stay open?
Yes. Many restaurants expand their patios onto Preston Street during the festival.
Final Thoughts
The Ottawa Ferrari Festival is much more than a car show—it's one of the best weekends of the summer in Ottawa.
Between the exotic cars, Italian culture, incredible food, and vibrant atmosphere of Little Italy, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
If you're looking for a reason to head to Preston Street this weekend, this is it.
And even if you don't know a Ferrari from a Honda, chances are you'll leave wanting one.
