Some streets are closed around Parliament Hill and LeBreton Flats Park, where the stage for this year’s main ceremony is set up.
The national ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern time and will feature performances by Bedouin Soundclash and Montreal artist Marie-Mai.
Those in downtown Ottawa will also witness a special flypast in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featuring the Snowbirds aerobatic team.
Soirée
In the evening, the main show, hosted by Isabelle Racicot, will notably feature the rapper FouKi, the funk duo Chromeo and the singer Corneille.
Also performing will be Toronto rock band Metric, rap legend Maestro Fresh Wes, Nova Scotia duo Neon Dreams and Calgary singer-dancer Kiesza.
Among the other Quebec artists who will participate in the festivities, we find the singer Sara Dufour and the Innu singer-songwriter Kanen, who was crowned revelation of the year at the last ADISQ gala.
Fireworks
The celebrations will culminate in fireworks around 10 p.m., also on LeBreton Flats.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will not attend the events in Ottawa. He will instead be in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he will participate in a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland War Memorial.
On Parliament Hill, where the main event was held before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums Band will perform throughout the day, as will music programs from the air cadet squadrons. SkyHawks parachutists are scheduled to drop by at 3 p.m.
Athletes who will represent Canada at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer will also compete in the LeBreton Flats events.
Elsewhere in the country
Ceremonies, shows and other festivities will also take place elsewhere in the country.
In Montreal, the traditional parade has been cancelled, but events will still take place in the Old Port.
At 1:30 p.m., the celebrations will begin with a 21-gun salute to mark Canada’s birthday. A citizenship swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians will follow at 2 p.m.
In the evening, DJ Hools will provide musical entertainment at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
