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
-
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. -
-
Ottawa’s summer 2026 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer.
Upcoming events in Ottawa
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…
Latin Thursdays
Feel the rhythm of Latin music every Thursday at an energetic dance night filled with vibrant beats and a lively atmosphere. Whether you're an…
Passarim
Following a sold-out performance at the National Arts Centre's Azrieli Studio in 2024, Passarim returns to Ottawa as part of Latin American Heritage…
Nature Nocturne
Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle with awesome sound! Meet artists throughout the galleries. Discover four floors of world-class museum…
Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
Disney Concerts, Disney+ and AEG Presents jointly revealed tour dates and on-sale information for the next “Worlds Collide Concert Tour” of North…
Rythmik Nights
Experience unforgettable live entertainment every Friday and Saturday as live bands and DJs bring energy to the dance floor well into the evening…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins is a francophone theatre and gathering place near the lively ByWard Market area that presents plays, concerts, festival events and more.
Happy Fish
Elgin Street bar and nightclub where it’s all about good drinks, great friends and unforgettable memories.
The Show
Expansive ByWard Market bar catering to the college and university crowd.
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.
Hard Rock Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with incredible casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment—all at Ottawa’s one and only casino.
