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
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…
Baba & Da Boyz — An Intimate Night of Live Jazz
Enjoy an intimate evening of live jazz with Baba & Da Boyz at Night Oat in Ottawa. Led by vocalist Betty Ann Bryanton, the five-piece group performs…
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…
Queers & Beers
Connect with community at Queers & Beers, a welcoming social gathering that celebrates inclusivity and local queer culture. Bringing people together…
Wheeler Walker Jr. - Pullin' Out: The Farewell Tour with Channing Wilson
Wheeler Walker Jr. brings his signature country music style to HISTORY as part of the Pullin’ Out: The Farewell Tour. Joined by special guest Channing…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
Sky Lounge Ottawa
Night club boasting a rooftop patio with sliding windows overlooking York Street in the ByWard Market.
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.
Hard Rock Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with incredible casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment—all at Ottawa’s one and only casino.
Happy Fish
Elgin Street bar and nightclub where it’s all about good drinks, great friends and unforgettable memories.
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
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.
