Our Origin

Fit Fest Ottawa was created to bridge the gap between fitness, education, and community — bringing people together to move, learn, and grow through shared wellness experiences.

Built on the belief that wellness should be inclusive, holistic, and rooted in connection, Fit Fest Ottawa blends movement, conversation, and community to help people not only strengthen their bodies but also sustain their health long-term.

What began as a small local wellness gathering in 2023 has evolved into a city-wide movement that celebrates preventative health, empowerment, and belonging. Each edition of Fit Fest introduces diverse ways to move, meaningful discussions about wellness, and opportunities to connect with others who value health and community.

From energetic group workouts and educational panels to partnerships with wellness brands across the city, Fit Fest has become a celebration of movement, learning, and empowerment.

A core part of Fit Fest’s mission is to make fitness accessible and to introduce people to a diversity of movement, showing that there’s no one way to stay active or feel strong. Each edition highlights new and exciting ways to move — from step and Afrobeat step to Pilates, strength training, functional training, dance fitness, yoga, and mobility-based workouts. This variety ensures that every participant — regardless of experience or background — can find a form of movement that feels fun, empowering, and sustainable.

What to Expect at Fit Fest

Every Fit Fest event is built around three pillars: Networking, Movement, and Education.

Participants can expect:

• Dynamic group workouts led by Ottawa’s top fitness trainers and instructors
• Occasional educational panels and conversations with health professionals on topics like hormone health, stress, or recovery
• Fitness challenges and team-based competitions that build confidence, teamwork, and excitement
• Vendor markets and brand activations showcasing local wellness businesses, products, and services
• Live DJs, giveaways, photo booths, and networking opportunities that make every Fit Fest edition unforgettable

Community and Collaboration

Fit Fest also serves as a platform for local wellness brands and entrepreneurs, offering vendors and sponsors the chance to connect directly with their ideal audience. This community-driven approach helps local businesses grow while giving attendees access to trusted, health-conscious products and services.

Through collaboration, Fit Fest builds bridges between fitness professionals, wellness experts, and everyday people who care about living well — creating an ecosystem of support that continues long after the event ends.

How Fit Fest Ottawa Is Funded

Fit Fest Ottawa is independently organized and primarily funded through partnerships, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Each event is brought to life through collaboration with local businesses, health brands, and community organizations that share a passion for promoting wellness.

Sponsors and partners contribute both financially and through in-kind support — from venue sponsorships and product donations to brand collaborations and marketing exposure. This community-driven model allows Fit Fest to remain accessible while continuously growing and evolving.

The Vision

At its core, Fit Fest Ottawa exists to create a culture of wellness rooted in connection, education, empowerment, and accessibility. It’s not just about fitness — it’s about helping people feel stronger, more informed, and more connected to their bodies and their community.

From high-energy summer festivals to small, intentional editions like For the Girlies, Fit Fest continues to grow with one mission in mind:

“To make wellness a lifestyle, not a trend; and to remind every attendee, vendor, and community member that they belong in this space.”

By making fitness and wellness more accessible, Fit Fest ensures that everyone regardless of background, experience, or ability can participate, learn, and thrive in a space built for community, not comparison.