Established in 1996, the organization comprises 53 festivals that showcase a diverse range of cultures, arts, and entertainment to the local community.

In response to growing public interest in these new festivals, the president of Ottawa Tourism Commission Authority (OTCA) called a meeting in the fall of 1994.

During this meeting, it became evident that the festivals shared common interests and a desire to coordinate tourism information and enhance their individual events.

This initial group laid the foundation for the network's growth and its collaborations with organizations like the Canadian Tourism Commission, City of Ottawa, and Human Resource Development Canada.

This occasion celebrated Ottawa's festival industry, which had made a substantial contribution to the region's art, culture, and entertainment scene over the past decade.