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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9 of the best live music spots in Ottawa
Experience the best of Ottawa’s live music nightlife scene at these eight bars and music venues. -
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
A Knight at the Symphony
Hark! Ye of questionable lineage and even more questionable taste in footwear — the Ottawa Pops Orchestra summons you for a quest through realms of…
Brazilian CARNIVAL
Experience the energy of Brazilian Carnaval, presented by Saravah. Celebrate Brazilian culture with live music, a DJ, delicious food, drinks, carnival…
Bruce McCulloch: The Dark Purple Slice Tour
A Canadian comedian, known for their work with Kids in the Hall, presents a live show featuring new material exploring humour, human experience, and…
Capital Pride
Summer 2026, dates to be announced
During the third week of August every year, you can join in diverse celebrations of Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ community in parks, streets, clubs and other…
DARCY & JER – Average At Best Tour
Comedic married duo Darcy and Jer present Average at Best, a live stand up show featuring their signature observational humour and relatable takes on…
Escapade Music Festival
Escapade Music Festival is the first festival of its kind in the NCR. It is an event dedicated to the development of the electronic music scene and…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
56 ByWard
Three unique lounge and nightclub venues housed in one building in the heart of the ByWard Market.
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
ALÉA Nightclub
Located in a spectacular structure overlooking the Casino Lac-Leamy gaming area, ALÉA is the destination nightclub par excellence to appreciate the best in nightlife.
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
Escape Manor
Choose a themed escape room to get locked into with friends and try to puzzle your way out of it—before the clock runs out.
Room 104
Unique nightlife spot in the Historic ByWard market.
