Entertainment Events in Downtown
View on MapBrowse 161 events - entertainment happenings in the Downtown area including festivals, shows, and activities.
Magic At The Manor
Intimate 90-minute interactive magic and mentalism show with magician Michael Bourada. Mind-blowing mental feats, amazin…
LEGO Halloween Witch Make & Take
Free LEGO Witch building event for kids! Build and take home your own LEGO Halloween creation while supplies last.
Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival
First Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival celebrating adventure, conservation, and diversity through powerful Canadian short fi…
DJs Live from the Booth: Winterlude Edition
Local and diverse DJs perform vibrant sets on Sparks Street during Winterlude. Pause, warm up, and dance along on festiv…
Barbegazi – Freestyle Snowmobile Show
Watch world-class freestyle snowmobilers soar up to 40 feet in the air during this Winterlude weekend event in the heart…
Troupe Vertigo: Cirque Magique with the NAC Orchestra
A spellbinding visual spectacular fusing cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theatre with the NAC Orche…
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Roger Ackroyd goes from prime suspect to victim when murder disrupts a cozy English village, and soon the enigmatic new…
The Ottawa Film Office's 2026 Career Fair
Presented by the Ottawa Film Office
& Juliet - Broadway Musical
Hit Broadway musical reimagining Juliet's story with iconic pop hits from Max Martin. Created by the Emmy-winning writer…
Yoga with Basia Going
Hatha encompasses everything from asana (postures), vinyasa (transitions), and pranayama (breathwork). Here, the practic…
Kimberly Akimbo
Teenaged Kimberly is coping with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, an ex-con aunt planning the ultimate sca…
Rose
This performance includes two 15-minute intermissions.
BABES, BABES, BABES! Burlesque and Drag Show
BABES, BABES, BABES! Burlesque and Drag Show at LIVE! on Elgin
Dirty Bingo
A drag bingo event with some sexy sassy flair.
Eidiot Mubarak Comedy Show
Eidiot Mubarak is the embodiment of community in the form of entertainment to provide the best show imaginable. The show…
“City Boy” with Fabio Ricci
"City Boy” with Fabio Ricci at LIVE! on Elgin
Karaoke Shark
🎤 Karaoke Night at 188 Bank with Karaoke Shark! 🎤
Sunday Submissive Support Circle
Join us for the Sunday Submissive Support Circle, a 90-minute in-person gathering dedicated to fostering growth, sharing…
Sunday Dom/me Discussion Group
Welcome to the Wicked Dom/me Discussion Group, a 90-minute in person gathering designed to support and encourage Dom/mes…
MUSLIM SINGLES COMEDY SHOW & MATCHMAKING VOL.4
MUSLIM SINGLES COMEDY SHOW & MATCHMAKING VOL.4 at LIVE! on Elgin
A One-Night-Only Comedy Show
A One-Night-Only Comedy Show at LIVE! on Elgin
P**** Pleasure with Madds
Let’s talk about pleasure! In this session, we’ll come together to reflect on pleasure—its value, its nature, and the va…
11th House Tarot Readings
Seeking clarity, confirmation, or a cosmic nudge? Settle in for a one-on-one quick tarot with 11th House — direct, intel…
Class of 91, w/ Stoby + Deadwell
Class of 91, w/ Stoby + Deadwell at LIVE! on Elgin
White Rabbit: ZACK BLACK, GROTTOLI, QUEENYY
@whiterabbitottawa #FollowTheWhiteRabbit #OurHouseIsUnderground
Planet Botanix Open House
Astrology, energy healing, intuitive readings, Reiki, reflexology & Tarot mini readings ($25 for 20 min, cash only)
Felt Pennant Making
Design your own felt pennant! Cut, layer & stitch a vintage-style banner perfect for shelves, walls or reading nooks
Beats & Boards
Come on your own or bring some friends, and let Rob hook you up with a group and a game. We will have tons of games in h…
MasHeNKa + Kim & Dro + Runner Up!
MasHeNKa + Kim & Dro + Runner Up! at LIVE! on Elgin
GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS
general admission/seated floor general admission/seated balcony
Chiron Promotions Presents: Varitones
Chiron Promotions Presents: Varitones at LIVE! on Elgin with Runaway Kit & J. Alexander
White Rabbit: BIGSTUFF, BRINK, SEBASTIAN COUTURE
@whiterabbitottawa #FollowTheWhiteRabbit #OurHouseIsUnderground
Awakening the Senses: A Journey into Tantric Touch
When: Sunday April 19th 2026 Time: 1PM-4PM Where: 327 Bank Street
Arm’s Length There’s A Whole World…Tour North America 2026
w/ The Callous Daoboys, Harrison Gordon, Super Sometimes
CRACKERS & Debate Debacle
## Crackers A story of two parrots who are definitely not “birds of a feather.” Eric, a fifty-year-old scarlet macaw enj…
White Rabbit: MANÜMAN, JOE ROWE, LIAM KYME
@whiterabbitottawa #FollowTheWhiteRabbit #OurHouseIsUnderground
Paper Self-Portraits
Create a paper self-portrait with cut shapes & textures. Playful, expressive, and totally one-of-a-kind
Craft night with Corrina – Girly pop keychains
Create one of a kind keychains of your fav pop divas! A night filled with community, cozy vibes & curated pop playlist!
THE INVISIBLE: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare
A Catalyst Theatre Production What if seven exceptional female operatives were recruited to bring down WWII’s greatest t…
11th House Tarot Readings
Seeking clarity, confirmation, or a cosmic nudge? Settle in for a one-on-one quick tarot with 11th House — direct, intel…
Aroma Circle
A gentle space where you can slow down, explore natural scents, and reconnect with yourself.
Leith Ross
w/ special guest Wyatt C. Louis
Friday Night Folk
Doors at 8:30, Show at 9 PM Tickets: CAD $15 in advance, $20 at the door Sairyo
Relax Circle
A gentle sound, voice & aroma experience - a space to relax, release stress, and reconnect with yourself.
Lowest of the Low
Sat May 2nd, Doors at 7pm, 19+ ID required
White Rabbit: SETOU & SENYO, DAVE STARKS, ELYZE
@whiterabbitottawa #FollowTheWhiteRabbit #OurHouseIsUnderground
Sunday Submissive Support Circle
Join us for the Sunday Submissive Support Circle, a 90-minute in-person gathering dedicated to fostering growth, sharing…
Sunday Dom/me Discussion Group
Welcome to the Wicked Dom/me Discussion Group, a 90-minute in person gathering designed to support and encourage Dom/mes…
CATTLE DECAPITATION
w/ special guests Brujeria, No Cure and Knoll
A (Bad) Night at the Movies: Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II
Ottawa Bad Movie Nights and Ottawa Public Library present a screening of Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987).Please joi…
The Birds and the Bees
Pollination and insemination have never been funnier than in this rural comedy with a huge, honeyed heart. Beekeeper Gai…
Passion simple: An intimate tale of waiting
Three theatrical stars sparkle in a rare alignment: a brilliant director, a radiant actress and the Sun herself, Annie E…
Sooshi Mango: The Home Made World Tour
Sooshi Mango are one of Australia’s most successful and beloved comedy acts, created by brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri…
Youth Chess Club / Club d'échecs jeunesse
Interested in learning chess? Looking for new opponents? Drop in to play with our teen volunteers who can help you impro…
Monday Night at the Movies/ Lundi cinéma
Join us at Sunnyside for our monthly film screening every second Monday of the month.Monday May 11th at 6:15pm -About Ti…
Italian Movie Night with The Dante Alighieri Society
Enjoy a selection of films, each from an Italian director! Films will be presented with English subtitles. Presented by…
Powwow Life-Drawing
Come join us for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their…
Drag Me Through The Decades
Drag Me To Live! is back this May for "Drag Me Through The Decades: An Evening of 80s/90s/00s Hits!" Fabulous hostess Ed…
Voice of Desert: Saburo Teshigawara | KARAS
The quiet mastery of Japanese choreographer and dancer Saburo Teshigawara has been revered by audiences for decades. Sin…
Dreamcatcher Workshop: with Bougie Birch
Join us in the NAC’s Atelier Shenkman Smith for Bougie Birch's Dreamcatcher Workshop. Under the guidance of Indigenous a…
Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish: By Joseph A. Dandurand
From the Kwantlen First Nation village of Squa’lets comes the tale of Th’owxiya, an old and powerful spirit that inhabit…
Dance at Zibi – Bollywood with ArohaFest
On May 21, join the dancers of ArohaFest to discover the beauty and dynamism of Bollywood Dance! Learn basic choreograph…
Capital Sessions with DJ John Arano and Tangent
A free community house dance practice at the NAC with beginner-friendly workshops and deep soulful house music.
Toronto Comedy All Stars: Celebrating 11 years of sold out s…
*This show has sold out for 10 seasons in a row so purchasing advanced tickets is highly recommended* Boasting dozens of…
Va falloir toujours toujours: Dance theatre
Jonathan and Nina are ready to take on the big challenge! These two dancers are pros, and they don’t mess around. But a…
Half-Cocked Trivia
Ottawa-themed Trivia Night in Centretown, collab with Apt 613 Centretown would like to acknowledge that Ottawa is built…
Te Tangi a Te Tūī: By Tainui Tukiwaho and Amber Curreen
In this stunning circus piece, we experience the story of Aotahi who lives peacefully on her ancestral land, in Aotearoa…
Mani reçoit Robert Lepage: Pre-show talk
On Friday, June 5, starting at 6:15 p.m., the public is invited to the NAC’s Peter A. Herrndorf Place for the premiere o…
Macbeth: Shakespearean tragedy meets Robert Lepage
At a time when the news is glorifying the triumph of billionaire despots, Robert Lepage tackles the famous Scottish trag…
Micro Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
Got old paint, batteries, or leftover household cleaners sitting around? This one’s for you. The City of Ottawa is hosti…
Pressure
June 1944: On the eve of D-Day, 300,000 troops are ready to invade Europe, and success or devastating failure hangs on a…
Sunnyside Euchre Club for Seniors
Come play Euchre this summer and make new friends! Even if you don't know how to play, a guide will be there to teach yo…
2026 Cappies Gala
The Cappies Gala awards ceremony recognizes and honors high-achieving high school theater students from over 20 schools…
Got Land?
Got Land? is an Indigenous stand-up comedy show where First Nation, Inuit, and Métis entertainers tell jokes and share i…
Film de fin des examens : Amélie
Vous avez écrit votre dernier examen de l’anée, maintenant venez relaxer avec nous!Nous diffuserons : Le Fabuleux destin…
Pride Month Movie: Better Than Chocolate
For Pride Month, rediscover director Anne Wheeler’s 1999 lustful romp, Better Than Chocolate, a Canadian gem!When univer…
Dance at Zibi – Afro-Caribbean with SoulRhythms
Join us at Zibi for a soul-inspiring dance session that will connect your mind, body, and spirit to the infectious celeb…
Legends
We love to tell stories and nothing brings our performers more joy than to explore dance through the legends that have s…
Michael Blaustein: The Taste Me Tour: The Final Leg
Michael Blaustein is one of the fastest rising stand up comedians working today. His viral stand up comedy clips have am…
End of Exams Movie: La La Land
You’ve written your last test of the semester, now come hang out and relax!We’ll be playing the musical La La Land, star…
Daniel Tosh: My First Farewell Tour
Daniel Tosh is a comedian, host, writer and producer. Daniel is widely known for hosting and creating TOSH.0 on Comedy C…
Les souvenirs du sable: When the storm is fabulous
Les souvenirs du sable is a tale of the depths of grief and the strength of children, recounting the story of a little g…
Yoga with Basia Going
Drag Me To Live!
Drag Me To Live! presents "Ex-Wives! A Drag Tribute Show To SIX The Musical"! Divorced, beheaded, died Divorced, beheade…
Young Adult Challenge: Escape Room 101
Have you ever wanted to learn how escape rooms are created -- or how to create your own?? Join us for an escape room wor…
Theatre Games with Chancz Perry: The Feeling of Free
Unleash your creativity and embark on an exhilarating journey of movement and improvisation with our engaging workshop.…
White Rabbit: Sokotta, Josh Robertson, Vaughn Lucyk
Movie Night at Rideau | Soirée de film à Rideau
Join us at the Rideau Branch for a movie night!July 13 - Woman of the Hour (2023)A stranger-than-fiction story of an asp…
Appearing This Evening
It’s opening night of Henry VIII, Wives VI, but the leading actor hasn’t arrived! In true community theatre spirit, a su…
Beats and Boards
Come on your own or bring some friends, and let Rob hook you up with a group and a game. We will have tons of games in h…
Dance at Zibi – K-pop with Synaptik Dance Crew: The Best of…
Get ready to hype up your evening at Zibi with Synaptik Dance Crew, as we celebrate the best of BTS in honour of their c…
Planet Botanix Open House
Youth Film Screening: Jaws
Drop in for a screening of Jaws. Come for the iconic monster, stay for the delicious old-school special effects! Goodie…
Trivia For a Cause at the Royal Oak
Join us at The Royal Oak Bank for Trivia For a Cause — fun questions and great vibes all for charity! Join us for an exc…
Ohé, moussaillon! ( Famille 4+)
Naviguez sur les sept mers et partez la chasse au trésor! Nous allons jouer un jeu de cherche et trouve et bricoler des…
Chess Hive @ Art House
FREE EVENT Optional Paid Tournament: CAD $15 Registration for Tournament here Chess Hive will be curating a beginner che…
Summer Action Flick: The Matrix
The Wachowskis’ The Matrix, released in 1999, inspired by sci-fi, conspiracy theory, Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles and…
The Big Bounce Canada - Ottawa (CANCELLED)
CANCELLED — The Big Bounce Canada is not coming to Ottawa in 2026. The organizer has confirmed the tour is not running t…
Family Movie Showtime: Flow
Drop in for a free viewing of Flow. Participants are welcome to bring a light snack and a covered drink. Drop-in program…
Youth Film Screening: Mean Girls (2004)
Drop in for a screening of Mean Girls. Come for the comedy, stay for the delicious drama! Goodie bags with snacks and dr…
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Following sold out performances in May and September 2025, The Golden Girls are back, better than ever! Picture it. 2026…
Family Movie Showtime: Finding Nemo
Drop in for a free viewing of Finding Nemo. Participants are welcome to bring a light snack and a covered drink. Drop-in…
Family Movie Showtime: Finding Dory
Drop in for a free viewing of Finding Dory. Participants are welcome to bring a light snack and a covered drink. Drop-in…
Youth Film Screening: Die Hard
Drop in for a screening of Die Hard. Come for the action, stay for the quipy one-liners! Goodie bags with snacks and dri…
Death of a Salesman
Faltering salesman Willy Loman has returned early from a road trip plagued by memories of the past and his realization t…
What Lies Beneath
From the deepest and darkest depths of the sea, explore the mysteries of the ocean. Trapped beneath the waves in a resea…
Teen Social: Escape Room Challenge
Search for clues and solve puzzles before the time runs out. Registration only, 6 participants max. Teen-specific librar…
Dance at Zibi – Tango with Siempre Tango Ottawa
On August 20, take your first steps in Argentine Tango with the team from Siempre Tango Ottawa. Learn to create a great…
Capital Pride Pageant
Do you know what it takes to be crowned Capital Pride royalty? Join us at the National Arts Centre as local drag perform…
“Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa!” A Drag Talent Showcase
The “Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa!” Drag Talent Showcase is a special takeover birthday bash at the Capital Pride TD Mai…
Beautiful Scars: By Tom Wilson and Shaun Smyth
**Inspired by the book Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home by Tom Wilson** **Uncover…
Son of a Preacherman: Written and performed by Ins Choi
A Pacific Theatre Production Forgive him Father for he has chosen theatre. Ins Choi, the creator of Kim’s Convenience, c…
Divining Spirits
Are heroes and villains a social construct? Do whom we consider heroes and villains change over time? Who gets to decide…
The Cottage
At Sylvia’s annual naughty weekend with her lover Beau, her hopes for their permanent future together are derailed when…
Mommy, le retour: Gore, rap and political musical satire
She may have died in a long-term care facility, but she comes back to life to wreak revenge! Is she a traditional mother…
MÁM: Teaċ Daṁsa │Michael Keegan-Dolan
The works of Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan are defined by feeling and collective connection. His exceptional…
Post-show Dance Party: Traditional music and dance with La D…
NAC Dance invites you to a traditional dance party in the Canal Foyer, designed to enhance your experience of the show M…
Constant Companions
Alan Ayckbourn is back at the Gladstone—with another North American premiere! Private Fears in Public Places packed audi…
Neige sur Abidjan: Autofiction between here and Africa
In this touching and intimate work of autofiction, Iannicko N’Doua takes us on a coming-of-age journey across years and…
John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50: Not dead yet!
## An Unmissable Night of Absurdity, Laughter, and Legendary Comedy! Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrat…
danses vagabondes: Louise Lacavalier │Fou Glorieux
Untethered and Unstoppable Louise Lecavalier’s latest solo has enraptured audiences in Canada and Europe. In danses vaga…
Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Due to popular demand, TotoToo is bringing back our sold-out hit production of Richard O’Briens The Rocky Horror Show! G…
An Evening with Zadie Smith: Bestselling author of White Tee…
Zadie Smith, born in North London in 1975 to an English father and Jamaican mother, studied English at Cambridge and gra…
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë’s haunting novel comes to the stage in a new adaptation by one of Canada’s most exciting playwrights. E…
CBC Massey Lectures 2026: Housing Inc.: A Global Takeover an…
After all these years and all these recommendations, why are we still in a housing crisis? Why haven’t we been able to b…
Stravinsky Stories: Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
With the NAC Orchestra From Folklore to Fantasy For Christopher Stowell’s first programmed season as RWB’s new artistic…
À poils: Explosive, immersive stage experience you can dive…
Don’t miss this mind-blowing Unidentified Furry Object from France! To the sound of electric guitars, three rather tough…
L'Orestie: The iconic classical trilogy revisited by Alice R…
After taking on Michel Tremblay’s body of work in the unforgettable Traversée du siècle, Alice Ronfard tackles the semin…
Dracula
Jonathan Harker has been warned by Dr. Van Helsing, his close friend and world-famous scientist in England, to be wary o…
The King James Bible Play: Written by Charlotte Corbeil-Cole…
A Stratford Festival Production ## A holy text. An unholy number of opinions. What could a pineapple possibly be doing i…
Rhino: Out Innerspace
A Lingering Lynchian Adventure The imaginations of Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond, co-directors of Vancouver’s Out…
Skin Flick
Middle-aged couple Daphne and Rollie and their friend Alex have found themselves out of work and out of luck. So when th…
The Comeback: By Trish Cooper and Sam Vint
**A co-production with The Citadel Theatre (Edmonton)** **A love story. With baggage.** The Comeback, written by real-li…
The Nutcracker: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
With the NAC Orchestra A Delight for All Ages Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ The Nutcracker has been a family tradition s…
Ethan Claymore’s Christmas
On Christmas Eve, struggling egg farmer Ethan is confronted by the loveable grump next door who announces that after fiv…
The Vinyl Cafe Christmas Musical: Based on The Vinyl Cafe St…
An NAC English Theatre Production Originally produced by the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton ## Holiday mishaps in the key of…
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
“Safe?... don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.…
Je suis William: An unruly Elizabethan musical theatre piece
To be or not to be Shakespeare: that has been the question for 400 years! Adding to the vast array of theories about the…
The Diviners: Based on the novel by Margaret Laurence. Text…
An NAC Indigenous Theatre/NAC English Theatre Co-production Originally produced by the Stratford Festival ## Some truths…
The Snow Queen
Step into a magical winter wonderland in The Snow Queen, a heartwarming family adventure adapted by Stacey Lane from the…
OTTAWA SUITE
Ottawa Suite invites audiences into a vivid, time‑traveling celebration of the city’s musical soul. Created by award‑win…
SWEAT
Based on extensive research and interviews, SWEAT follows a tight-knit group of coworkers who have shared their lives bo…
Tout ça: A woman’s whole life in a single breath
The incomparable British playwright Alistair McDowall, skilfully translated here by none other than Fanny Britt, manages…
JOSIAH
JOSIAH unfolds as a tapestry of history, illuminating Josiah Henson’s journey from the shadows of enslavement to the daw…
Midsummer Night Dreams: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
With the NAC Orchestra What becomes of love over time? An enchanted forest, themes of love, illusion and desire, mischie…
The Crucible
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a 1953 drama depicting the 1692 Salem witch trials, allegorizing McCarthyism through int…
Danza Contemporánea de Cuba: Cuba, Here and Now
Danza Contemporánea de Cuba is internationally recognized for its electrifying repertoire, and its high-powered dancers…
Half-Cracked
Who knows exactly how long sisters Sissy and Yewina have been on their own? It’s just them - and their chickens - in a w…
Bashir Lazhar: The charismatic professor returns to the stag…
A sensation when it premiered in 2007, this multi-voiced monologue by Evelyne de la Chenelière still resonates with audi…
2par2: Ebnflōh Dance Company
The Power of Connection Choreographer Alexandra ‘Spicey’ Landé is a major player on the Québec Hip Hop dance scene whose…
Romeo & Juliet
Passions soar and hearts break as first love fractures boundaries and shatters norms. We conjure the warring families of…
FORBIDDEN: Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company
Reclamation of Desire Considered a maverick in India and around the world, Aditi Mangaldas is a leading dancer and chore…
Leaving Home: By David French
A Matchstick Theatre Production Like father. Not like sons. Meet the Mercers, a Newfoundland immigrant family living in…
Proxima Centauri
Local playwright David Whiteman gives a secular nod to life-in-review classics like A Christmas Carol, by way of A Brief…
Alice in Wonderland
After a successful run of Pride and Prejudice, Morph Arts returns this year with a re-imagining of Alice's adventures in…
RED
In 1958, abstract expressionist Mark Rothko received his largest ever commission - murals for the Four Seasons Restauran…
The Cripple of Inishmaan
When news arrives that the Hollywood director Robert Flaherty is coming to the neighbouring island of Inishmore to film…
Frankenstein Ai
Mary Shelley’s original novel was published when the Industrial Revolution and scientists, “playing God”, transformed so…
Dear Elizabeth
Elizabeth and Robert are the very dearest of friends, yet only meet a handful of times in real life. Their deep relation…
Animal KinkDom
The snow has melted, the flowers are in full bloom, and as the temperatures rise, a palpable heat takes over. Love is in…
11th House Tarot Readings
Seeking clarity, confirmation, or a cosmic nudge? Settle in for a one-on-one quick tarot with 11th House — direct, intel…