About
2026 is a big year for heritage in Ottawa! The City is marking the 200th Anniversary of the founding of Bytown and the start of the construction of the Rideau Canal.
This year's Heritage Day theme is "Voices of a City: Celebrating Two Centuries of Collective Histories and Local Heroes in Ottawa."
Details
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall
What to Expect
- Over 50 local historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations
- Heritage Showcase
- Volunteer recognition awards
- 2026 Proclamation recipient: Bytown Museum
Dress Up!
Come dressed in your most creative, authentic, and fun historic costume representing any era or local figure from the city's past!
Heritage Week
Heritage Day is part of Heritage Week (February 16–22), with activities and events showcasing Ottawa's diverse and vibrant cultural history.
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
I run 613today on my own and I'm not affiliated with this event or its organizer. Event info may not be perfectly up to date. Please double-check with the official website before heading out, or contact the organizer directly for any questions about the event. If you spot anything wrong on this page, let me know.
Event Details
Upcoming Events
culturalJun 6Doors Open Ottawa 2026
Various Locations Across Ottawa
Explore 89 fascinating buildings and sites across Ottawa for free during Doors Open Ottawa 2026, part of the 25th anniversary season of Doors Open Ontario.
culturalMay 30Lego Party/Fête en blocs
Ottawa Public Library — Sunnyside
Create and build with Lego®! Drop-in. For ages 6-12. Last Friday of every month. 3:30pm – 5pm. Architectes en herbe, vos Lego®! Portes ouvertes. Pour les 6 12 ans.Le dernier vendredi de chaq...
culturalJun 20Darkness and Light: reflections of a human rights worker on her experiences in Africa
Ottawa Public Library — Sunnyside
Nancy O’Rourke writes personal essays and memoir that braid lived experience with a lifelong commitment to social justice. Now based in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, Nancy trained as a sociologist and earne...
Celtic Cross Ceremonies
Rideau Canal – Lock 1
Annual ceremony at the Celtic Cross monument honouring Irish immigrants who helped build the Rideau Canal, hosted by the Irish Society of the National Capital Region.
culturalJun 20Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival 2026
Wesley Clover Parks
Celebrate Indigenous cultures with a Competition Pow Wow, drone show, live performances, Indigenous marketplace, culinary experiences, and family fun at Wesley Clover Parks.
culturalMay 29The Sunnyside Adult Book Club
Ottawa Public Library — Sunnyside
Join in stimulating discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere on the last Friday of the month.
Want to add your event to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us→