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… -
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 2025, 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…
Crackup Comedy Festival
Fall 2025, dates to be announced
Comedy festival featuring top comedic talent with events in Ottawa, Cornwall, Pembroke and Smiths Falls. Crackup Comedy festival is a week-long…
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…
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…
Nick Maclean's Snaggle featuring the Ali Bros
Led by Juno-nominated pianist Nick Maclean, Snaggle blends jazz, funk, and electric energy in a bold, all-original repertoire. Featuring acclaimed…
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.
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.
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.
