H.O.P.E. Ottawa's premier event Hope Volleyball SummerFest

Event FAQs

What is HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

HOPE Volleyball SummerFest is the world's largest one-day volleyball tournament that, as of 2022, is now the world's largest two-day charity event!

Each year, five to seven charities are voted in by our Board of Directors and Membrship to become our Recipient Charities for the following July's SummerFest. To date, we have helped over 150 local charities and given back close to $4.7 million since we formed back in 1982!
When is HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

The annual HOPE Volleyball SummerFest typically takes place on the second Saturday in July.
Where does HOPE Volleyball SummerFest take place?

HOPE Volleyball SummerFest is held at Mooney’s Bay Park & Beach - 2960 Riverside Drive (at Ridgewood Avenue) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Who benefits from HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

HOPE's Recipient Charities can be found on our Charities page. They change every year, for each edition of HOPE Volleyball SummerFest!
How can I apply to become a HOPE Recipient Charity?

We typically post the Charity application to our website and social media platforms in August, after we've wrapped up the current year's SummerFest event.

Recipient Charities are voted in by the HOPE Board of Directors and Membership after qualified charities are screened through the application process.
How many people play at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

HOPE Volleyball SummerFest attracts more than 10,000 players, on over 700 teams, in 4 divisions that play on over 60 courts, using 100 volleyballs – all in one day.
How can I volunteer at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

Our Volunteer registration usually opens up in early April for the current year's iteration of HOPE Volleyball SummerFest. Once open, volunteers can register online through the Volunteers page on our website.

Over 500 Volunteers will be on site to make this event happen!
Where is the concert at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

We're not just sun, sports and fun - SummerFest also brings non-stop live Canadian entertainment to the HOPE Main Bar from 12:45pm to 7:00pm.

The Main Bar is located on the big grassy hill at Mooney's Bay Park & Beach - you can't miss it!

Check out the Concert page on our website for this year's lineup and schedule.
Can I bring my kids to the event?

Yes! Spectators are allowed entry to HOPE Volleyball SummerFest at Gates 1, 2 and 3 to watch the games free of charge. Children aged 9 and under are admitted to the Main Bar concert free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Anyone aged 10 and up will need a ticket to access the Main Bar concert.

As HOPE Volleyball SummerFest is a licensed event, please keep this in mind if you would like to bring your kids to the event.
What time does HOPE Volleyball SummerFest start?

Our Kit Pick Up and Pre-Party on Friday begins at 5:00pm.

For Game Day on Saturday, team arrivals begin at 7:00am, Competitive Division Play begins at 8:00am, and both Recreational and Corporate Division Play begins at 9:00am.
What CAN’T I bring onsite?

Participants are not permitted to bring any opened liquids or alcohol. Glass bottles are also prohibited. All bottles, coolers and bags will be checked, and opened liquids and alcohol will be confiscated by security. We do recommend bringing a reusable water bottle; there are free water stations set up all over the beach.

No knives, scissors or cutting utensils will be allowed onsite. No cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia will be permitted. Due to City of Ottawa Bylaws, no smoking (tobacco or cannabis) is allowed on site, as well as mammals, reptiles and avians.

Large golf umbrellas, drones, portable ice baths, pools and hot tubs, and portable BBQs with propane tanks are also prohibited.

Professional cameras with detachable lenses are not permitted in the Main Bar concert area; however, they are permitted on the beach.
What else is there to do at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

Our Vendor Village provides lots to see and do for spectators and participants - food, artisans, exhibitors and more!

Meanwhile, the HOT Zone is party central! DJs TDOT and Paq are spinning the tunes all the, the bar is open, and there is plenty of space for everyone to dance in the sun on the biggest outdoor dance floor!
What’s the best way to get to HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

HOPE encourages participants to bicycle to the event; we have a supervised bike compound on-site.

Public Transit via OC Transpo is also encouraged. You can take bus route 90 to Riverside/Ridgewood, or the new OC Transpo line 2 to Mooney's Bay station (keep in mind that this will still include an approximately 25-minute walk to the beach).

You can also park for free in the Canada Post parking lot at 2701 Riverside Drive; however, this is on a first-come, first-served basis and parking is not guaranteed. It will also be an approximately 20-minute walk to Mooney's Bay Park & Beach.

Ride sharing is also an option but parking is extremely limited (and paid-only). HOPE is not responsible for any parking tickets incurred for parking violations in and around the site.
Is there parking at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

There is NO parking at the Mooney’s Bay lot.

Corporate teams will receive one parking pass per team to park in the Terry Fox lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Paid parking is available at the Marina Parking lot for $25 on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is free parking at the Canada Post lot on 2701 Riverside Drive (an approximately 20-minute walk from Mooney's Bay Park & Beach).

Street parking is sparse and HOPE is not responsible for any parking ticket incurred during event time.
How can I become a sponsor of HOPE?

Let's start that conversation together! Reach out to us at info@hopeottawa.com, or give us a call at 613-237-1433.

Or, you can take a look at all of our fabulous HOPE sponsors right here on our website. Contact us to learn about the different level of sponsorship, and how we can help each other out!
How can I become a Vendor at HOPE Volleyball SummerFest?

Our Vendor applications tend to open in the spring ahead of HOPE Volleyball SummerFest. You can review the application on our Vendors page, or send an email to vendors@hopeottawa.com to learn more.
When and where do I pick up my team kit?

We have a party for that! Come join us on Friday night before Game Day for our Kit Pick Up and Pre-Party at Mooney's Bay Beach. We'll be opening the bar, spinning the tunes, and playing giant games from 5pm to 9pm in the HOT Lounge.

Team kits are filed by your Team Captain's last name, and can be picked up by anyone on your team (the person picking up will have to sign for those kits). Team kits will ONLY be released once ALL WAIVERS have been signed by your teammates - so please be sure to have that done before you come to pick up your kit!

Waivers are signed digitally through your Team/Player Portal account. You will have received an email to activate your Player Portal when your Team Captain added you as a player.
I still have questions; how can I find out more?

If you haven't found the info you're looking for on our website, not to worry! Send us an email to info@hopeottawa.com, or reach out via our Contact page.