Unique nightlife ideas in Ottawa – from museums at night to summertime music festivals and everything in between.
Ottawa comes alive after the sun goes down with a vibrant nightlife scene including live music venues, nightclubs, cocktail spots, pubs and restaurants that are open late. Here are the best ways to experience nightlife in Canada’s capital region.
Ottawa nightlife inspiration
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Live music in Ottawa - the best venues, restaurants and bars
Experience the best of Ottawa’s live music scene: bars, restaurant and venues where you can dance, drink and groove. -
Nightlife in Ottawa's ByWard Market
Canada’s capital awakens when the sun goes down! If you’re looking to go out in downtown Ottawa, the ByWard Market neighbourhood is where you want to be. -
Great cocktail spots by Ottawa neighbourhood
You can easily find the perfect place to have drinks in Canada’s capital. -
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Ottawa’s summer 2026 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer of 2025.
Upcoming events in Ottawa
Free Live Entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
Live music is featured at the Hard Rock Cafe every Friday and Saturday starting at 9:30 PM. Guests can also enjoy live performances at Council Oak…
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Blues rock legends George Thorogood & The Destroyers bring their electrifying live show to Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa. Known for their gritty guitar sound…
Goo Goo Dolls - Canada Spring 2026
Attend Goo Goo Dolls live in concert and experience the songs that have defined generations. From the iconic “Iris” to a catalogue of chart-topping…
La Cocktailerie : Dan Livingstone Concert
Canadian guitarist and singer Dan Livingstone performs an intimate acoustic concert at La Cocktailerie in Old Chelsea. Known for his expressive…
Chamberfest Concert Series
Make sure to catch an incredible music show from this Concert Series this fall and winter. Featuring Canadian and international artists, this season’s…
United Promotions Presents: Live Championship Boxing
United Championship Boxing presents an evening of professional boxing at Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa. The event features a lineup of professional fighters…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
Happy Fish
Elgin Street bar and nightclub where it’s all about good drinks, great friends and unforgettable memories.
Casino Lac-Leamy
Enjoy gaming, live entertainment, great food and much more fun at the Loto-Québec entertainment resort located just minutes from downtown Ottawa in Gatineau, Québec.
Room 104
Unique nightlife spot in the Historic ByWard market.
Bar Ocelli
Boutique cocktail bar with refined drinks and relaxed vibes.
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff)
History in the Making! From classy tavern and hotel to restaurant, pub, dive and everything in between, Lafayette first opened its doors in 1849 and although it's never closed since, this Ottawa establishment has gone through many changes.
The Show
Expansive ByWard Market bar catering to the college and university crowd.
