Ferrari Festival Ottawa — June 19–21, 2026
In collaboration with Vespazitas & Friends
All fees donated to Villa Marconi
Festival Description
Ferrari Festival Ottawa brings together Ferraris, Italian 2‑wheelers, and the wider community for three days of heritage programming in Little Italy. Riders receive supervised VIP parking all weekend, access to festival activities, and the opportunity to participate in historic reenactments, parades, and community rides that celebrate Italian design, culture, and mechanical ingenuity.
Friday — Concorso d’Eleganza
The festival opens at Dows Lake Pavilion with arrival and race‑kit registration at 9:00 AM, followed by Concorso d’Eleganza judging and awards from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The afternoon features an open‑brand obstacle course showcasing slow‑speed control and rider technique. Participants then depart for the Italian 2‑Wheel Display at Preston Square, followed by a community BBQ at Kelman’s House and an evening social on Preston Street.
Saturday — Parade & Demo Zone
Italian 2‑wheelers gather at 347 Preston Square at 10:30 AM for staging and designated parking. Parade registration begins at 12:30 PM at Scotiabank, with parade formation at 1:00 PM. Ferraris lead the procession, followed by Concorso winners, Vespazitas riders, and Italian‑heritage participants. At 2:00 PM, riders enter the Ferrari Demo Zone at Carling & Preston for a reenactment of the 1947 lightweight ¼‑mile Time Trial. The day concludes with festival activities in Little Italy and the Ferrari Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at 6:00 PM.
Sunday — Scenic Community Ride
The final day begins with breakfast at Duke’s in Little Italy at 10:00 AM, followed by the Ferrari Dreamride collaboration at 11:00 AM. Riders join Ferrari owners for a scenic NCR ride, culminating in a formal group photo at the Italian Embassy.
Registration
Weekend Pass: $50
Demo Pass: $75
Gala Dinner: $125
Lambretta Club of Canada members: No fees (sponsored value $200)
Registration deadline: June 12, 2026
www.fcaottawa.com
Hotel Block
Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre
1274 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
$212/night — 2 Queen Beds
Reserved under: FCA Ottawa Chapter
Reservation support: kelmany@vespazitas.ca
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If you plan to attend, please let me know at kelmany@vespazitas.ca.
🍞 Sourdough & Sidecars – A Bicentennial Celebration of Bread, Community, and Heritage
As Ottawa marks its bicentennial, Vespazitas & Friends invites you to reflect on one of the most enduring symbols of community and care: bread.
From the kitchens of Italian grandmothers to the hands of modern cottage bakers, sourdough has always been more than food — it’s a ritual, a gift, a basic need. Inspired by St. Zita, the patron of domestic workers and bread givers, our club honours her legacy through public-facing cultural programming that blends heritage, generosity, and community connection.
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, we host our first Sourdough & Sidecars Festival, a one-day celebration that pairs a sourdough workshop and bread competition with a Fall Colours Scooter Ride through Gatineau Park. The festival runs from 9AM to 3PM, followed by the ride from 3PM to 5PM.
This year, we launch our Bake 2, Donate 1 initiative — inviting every participant to bake two loaves: one to showcase, and one to donate to those in need. All donated bread will be distributed through local food programs in honour of St. Zita’s legacy.
We especially welcome:
• Youth sourdough makers
• Cottage bakers
• First-time fermenters
• Heritage bread enthusiasts
Whether you’re shaping your first boule or perfecting your crust scoring, we invite you to be part of this cultural moment.
To get involved, learn more, or register for Bake 2, Donate 1, please contact Kelmany@vespazitas.ca.
Let’s honour Ottawa’s 200 years with bread, scooters, and community care.
