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.
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…
Mike Epps
Enjoy an evening of laughter with Mike Epps, the acclaimed American comedian and actor known for his quick wit, engaging storytelling and memorable…
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…
Bed By 10pm
Relive the energy of classic club nights at Bed By 10, a dance party created for adults who love great music and a lively atmosphere without the late…
STAR WARS and beyond – The music of John Williams
Feel the power of the Force in John Williams’s legendary music from the Star Wars saga! Since the release of the first Star Wars film in 1977, the…
Watson's Mill Haunt Nights
Watson's Mill will put a tingle in your spine and a chill in your bones as you explore our maze of haunted horrors! Not recommended for children under…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
Bar Ocelli
Boutique cocktail bar with refined drinks and relaxed vibes.
56 ByWard
Three unique lounge and nightclub venues housed in one building in the heart of the ByWard Market.
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.
Hard Rock Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with incredible casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment—all at Ottawa’s one and only casino.
Room 104
Unique nightlife spot in the Historic ByWard market.
