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
The Box - Deux Voix, Une Capitale
Catch Canadian band The Box live at the Bronson Centre as part of the Deux Voix, Une Capitale series. Led by founding member Jean-Marc Pisapia, the…
Retro Silent Disco
The Amazing Silent Disco lands at the National Gallery of Canada for one unforgettable night of retro beats and dancing. Choose between three live DJs…
A Glow of Love
Celebrate mothers and mother figures with A Glow of Love, a candlelit concert featuring moving vocal performances in an intimate atmosphere…
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…
Arising - The Canadian Irish Dance Company
Experience Irish dance through a bold, contemporary lens in Arising, a dynamic performance by the Canadian Irish Dance Company. Rooted in tradition…
Magic at the Manor
Get ready to experience an intimate and interactive 90 minute magic and mentalism show with feats you never thought were possible; you don't just…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
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.
Hard Rock Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with incredible casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment—all at Ottawa’s one and only casino.
