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
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…
Celtic Woman
The internationally celebrated ensemble Celtic Woman brings a stunning live concert showcasing Irish music and vocal artistry. Featuring accomplished…
Two Asian One Mic Standup Comedy Tour
Two acclaimed Asian Canadian comedians take the stage for an evening of stand-up comedy. The touring show highlights diverse comedic perspectives and…
Dueling Pianos with Jeff Rogers & Mellow Dee
Enjoy an evening of Dueling Pianos featuring Jeff Rogers and Mellow Dee. Seating is allocated based on group size and availability, with larger tables…
The Price is Right Live
Inspired by the legendary television game show The Price Is Right, The Price Is Right Live™ brings the excitement of the classic format to the stage…
Jane Siberry
Canadian singer-songwriter Jane Siberry has been inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and won the Polaris ‘Legends’ Award for her…
Nightlife hotspots in Ottawa
The Show
Expansive ByWard Market bar catering to the college and university crowd.
Afterlight
Speakeasy lounge and listening bar with music curated by some of the capital's most prominent music selectors.
Sky Lounge Ottawa
Night club boasting a rooftop patio with sliding windows overlooking York Street in the ByWard Market.
Room 104
Unique nightlife spot in the Historic ByWard market.
Hard Rock Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with incredible casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment—all at Ottawa’s one and only casino.
City At Night
Underground electronic music venue programmed and hosted by the capital's most prominent DJs and promoters.
