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 of 2025.
Upcoming events in Ottawa
Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy
Ten improvisational comedians compete in a fast-paced live competition presented by Westboro Improv Theatre. Performers create scenes and games…
Wanderlust: Improvised Tales of Travel, Love & Longing
Wanderlust is a fully improvised theatre experience following two friends on an unpredictable road trip across Canada. Guided by audience suggestions…
The Box - Deux Voix, Une Capitale
Catch Canadian band The Box live at the Bronson Centre as part of the Deux Voix, Une Capitale series. Led by founding member Jean-Marc Pisapia, the…
Retro Silent Disco
The Amazing Silent Disco lands at the National Gallery of Canada for one unforgettable night of retro beats and dancing. Choose between three live DJs…
A Glow of Love
Celebrate mothers and mother figures with A Glow of Love, a candlelit concert featuring moving vocal performances in an intimate atmosphere…
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…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
56 ByWard
Three unique lounge and nightclub venues housed in one building in the heart of the ByWard Market.
The Palace
Dalhousie Street nightclub and event space boasting two stories of opulence.
Bar Ocelli
Boutique cocktail bar with refined drinks and relaxed vibes.
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.
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
