One thing is certain, in the summer months there is no shortage of festivals in the Ottawa region. With plenty of live entertainment to chose from one festival stands out, the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. For over 20 years the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival has brought FREE family entertainment to the banks of the Rideau River at Mooney’s Bay.
The Sheepdogs
As the event grows in popularity so does the level of entertainment it offers. Last year saw Sam Roberts and Raine Maida, of Our Lady Peace, headline the event and this year is already proving to take the bar up one more notch. Just last week it was announced that one of Canada’s hottest exports, The Sheepdogs, would be performing this June and then today the festival unveiled that The Arkells along with Hey Ocean, Northcote and Amos the Transparent have been added to the schedule.
ARKELLS have become one of Canada’s most acclaimed alternative rock outfits. Touring coast-to-coast, they quickly garnered attention for their foot-stomping, adrenaline infused live shows, impressing fans and critics alike and earning them several coveted music awards along the way, including the 2012 JUNO for Group of The Year. ARKELLS continued to win new fans over throughout 2013 with their infectious performances both at home and abroad, most recently touring with Lights, Billy Talent, and The Tragically Hip. The ARKELLS new album is slated for release in Fall 2014.
“We are very pleased to have the ARKELLS headlining” says Antony Cooper, the festival’s artistic director. “Hey Ocean are a spectacular addition, as are Ottawa based Northcote and Amos The Transparent. It should be a great night that you don’t want to miss.”
Taking place June 19 to 22 at beautiful Mooney’s Bay Park, the festival is a chance to see 5,000 dragon-boat paddlers compete on the Rideau River, enjoy some fantastic free entertainment and have a great time at the beach.
Other acts to note at the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival include Cuff The Duke, Harlan Pepper
Admission to the event is completely free, for more information visit www.dragonboat.net
