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 2025 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer of 2025.
Upcoming events in Ottawa
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…
Escapade Music Festival
Summer 2026, dates to be announced
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…
Goldlink
Grammy-nominated rapper GoldLink brings Enoch, his latest album, to the Bronson Centre. Don’t miss this high-energy performance from the Washington…
Halloween Costume Party and Social
Join a lively Halloween Social Mixer for a night of costumes, cocktails, and connections. Friendly hosts welcome everyone, making it easy to meet new…
Latin Sparks Festival
Don’t just watch as Ottawa turns into a night in Havana - be there! Join the thousands at Latin Sparks Festival for a night entrenched in Latin…
Nature Nocturne
Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle with awesome sound! Meet artists throughout the galleries. Discover four floors of world-class museum…
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.
Alchemy Fest
An evening of unique fusion and contemporary dance performances by local and Canadian artists.
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.
Angels & Demons
Experience a night of thrilling performances at Ottawa’s Iron Cabaret with "Angels & Demons." This Halloween show blends burlesque, aerials, pole…
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.
