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
W.A.S.P.
Experience an unforgettable night of heavy metal with W.A.S.P., one of the most influential bands to emerge from the Los Angeles metal scene. Known…
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…
Josh Thomas: jiggle, jiggle
Australian comedian, writer and actor Josh Thomas brings Jiggle, Jiggle to Ottawa, a stand-up show that trades life lessons for pure fun and laughter…
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…
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…
Ann Wilson: The Voice of Heart & Tripsitter
Experience the powerhouse vocals of Ann Wilson, the celebrated singer-songwriter and iconic voice behind the legendary rock band Heart. Renowned for…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
Room 104
Unique nightlife spot in the Historic ByWard market.
Sky Lounge Ottawa
Night club boasting a rooftop patio with sliding windows overlooking York Street in 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.
56 ByWard
Three unique lounge and nightclub venues housed in one building in the heart of the ByWard Market.
Happy Fish
Elgin Street bar and nightclub where it’s all about good drinks, great friends and unforgettable memories.
The Palace
Dalhousie Street nightclub and event space boasting two stories of opulence.
