City receives 26 noise complaints on first night of Escapade Music Festival, Ottawa councillor says

Escapade Music Festival on the grounds of the RA Centre on Saturday, June 21, 2025. (Scott Rook/CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa fielded a wave of complaints on the first night of the Escapade Music Festival Friday evening.

Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr tells CTV News Ottawa that Bylaw Services received 26 complaints related to the electronic music festival on Riverside Drive.

She adds that her office received additional questions and grievances through email and social media.

Some of the biggest artists in EDM took to the stage Friday night, including Gryffin and Kygo.

It’s the first time since 2013 the festival is being held on the grounds of the RA Centre since moving to Lansdowne Park in 2017.

Escapade was granted an exemption of the city’s noise bylaw and was allowed to play music above the normally allowed sound threshold on Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Carr says that all readings by the city were below the allowable sound threshold.

“City staff are proactively monitoring sound levels and are working closely with the event organizer to ensure compliance with noise by-law,” Carr said in a post on Facebook.

“Residents who believe the sound exceeds permitted levels are encouraged to contact 311. Staff will respond and take on-site sound measurements to determine if a violation has occurred and follow up with the organizer.”

Escapade will also be allowed to play loud music from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Sound from the festival is not allowed to exceed 65 dBA when measured at homes nearby.

There were no serious injuries on first night of Escapade, according to the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

A spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa that crews assessed eight festival goers, with five requiring transport to hospital. All are said to be in stable condition.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Marano

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