Cultural Events in Downtown
View on MapBrowse 155 events - cultural happenings in the Downtown area including festivals, shows, and activities.
EEPMON
Come to the Jackson Café to discover two large murals, featuring the digital artwork of Eric Chan (aka eepmon)! In Futur…
Visions and Views
The Firestone Collection of Canadian Art is a significant art collection that spans the modern period and includes work…
Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave
In the digital realm, EEPMON merges code and creativity, crafting intricate compositions exploring the micro and macro.…
Qikiqtait ᕿᑭᖅᑕᐃᑦ
The Qikiqtait exhibition in the Polar Knowledge Canada Northern Voices Gallery celebrates Inuit knowledge and innovation…
Ottawa Symphony Orchestra: Machines & Myths
The season launches with a powerful program featuring the full symphonic orchestra in its largest performance of the yea…
Black History in Ottawa Streets
Historic bus tour uncovering the vibrant tapestry of Black history in Ottawa and across Canada, sharing stories of resil…
ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka: Dance from Coast to Coast
Free pop-up performances showcasing classical Indian dances (Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam) at the National Arts Centre, c…
Monster Mixtape - Halloween Concert with the NAC Orchestra
The NAC Orchestra turns Southam Hall into a playground of sound and suspense with eerie, epic, and haunted music straigh…
National Remembrance Day Ceremony
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony honouring Canadian veterans and fallen soldiers, featuring dignitaries, two minute…
Sylvia Safdie: TERRA
Sylvia Safdie: TERRA examines the decades-long career of Montreal-based artist Sylvia Safdie through a selection of her…
Christmas with the OSO
Join the Ottawa Symphony for a festive holiday performance featuring heartwarming seasonal favourites and a special audi…
Life onto Land: The Devonian
Find out how life took its first steps onto land. Discover Tiktaalik, an iconic fossil that helps us understand how fins…
Digital Worlds: The Generative Art of EEPMON | EEPMON展：デジタルア…
EEPMON makes generative artworks—pieces produced through computer programs that introduce chance, iteration, and interac…
Undercurrents – Contemporary Theatre Festival
Ottawa's innovative contemporary theatre festival showcasing thought-provoking works from local and national artists ove…
Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast
Organized by the Audain Art Museum, Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast sheds light on and celebrates women's contribut…
Kasador
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Heritage Day 2026 – Voices of a City
Celebrate Ottawa's 200th anniversary with the theme 'Voices of a City,' featuring over 50 historical societies, museums,…
Gallery of Rythm
Bearings
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
The Beauty in Breaking: Love Is Never Wasted
A multidisciplinary art exhibition exploring heartbreak and grief through paintings, dance, music, poetry, and interacti…
WolfGANG Sessions #28
Presented by the National Arts Centre
Rose - World Premiere Musical
NAC Indigenous Theatre presents the world premiere of Tomson Highway's deeply moving and fiercely funny musical about th…
Qu'ART
Ottawa Black Film Festival 2026
6th edition showcasing unique voices in cinema and amplifying Black stories. Features online and in-theater screenings a…
A Day at the Farm
An original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to fifteen, featuring the orchestra with a special spotli…
Spring Lunchtime Workshop: Waterlily Watercolour Painting
Join us this Spring and enjoy painting waterlilies! All skill levels welcome! All materials provided. #waterlilyart #wat…
Open Mic Night
Weekly open mic night! Open to all artists/genres.
Spring Lunchtime Workshop: Frog on a Lily Pad Watercolour Pa…
Join us this Spring and enjoy painting frogs on a lily pad! All skill levels welcome! All materials provided. #waterlily…
Life Drawing
Art House presents a life drawing session from 7 to 9:30PM. Models vary week to week. Hosted by Shawn.
Royal Oak Trivia
Think you’ve got what it takes to be trivia champ? Join us for Trivia Nights at the pub! Bring your friends, grab a drin…
What’s in a Frame? 200+ Years of Community Portraits
Our upcoming temporary exhibition, What’s in a Frame? 200+ Years of Community Portraits, officially launches on May 15th…
Hannah Green + Darcy Scott
Hannah Green and Darcy Scott share a warm, intimate night of folk and singer-songwriter tunes at Art House.
DYKE SMUT
Writing starts 7PM, Reading at 8PM
fanclubwallet
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
MAE MARTIN
VIP Includes: - Meet & Greet with Mae - Exclusive tour merch - Prime seats
How to Draw Comics with Geof Isherwood
Join us this April 7th and learn how to draw comics with an illustrator veteran, Geof Isherwood! All Skill Levels Welcom…
Collage Postcards
Create nostalgic collage postcards using papers, stickers & scraps. Slow crafting, good chats, and mail-worthy art.
Hatha Yoga
Join us at Flowstate Therapy for guided yoga classes led by Sherry Beaudry (Viroha Fitness Yoga). Thoughtfully designed…
Life Drawing with Shawn Hunsdale
Join us for an uninstructed Life Drawing Sessions, facilitated by local artist Shawn Hunsdale. Sessions begin January 7,…
Special Exhibition Vernissage
Every month at Art House, a new artist fills the walls of the Drawing Room with their best works for you to enjoy. See a…
Miina
In August 2023, Miina released her debut EP Slow Motion, an impeccable, multi-layered collection produced by Gus Van Go…
becoming|un|becoming: deepening relations
The artworks by Leah Decter, a white settler artist and scholar, offer an opportunity to reflect on repair and care of r…
Totally 2000’s Video Dance Party
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Spring Watercolour Workshop: Ladybug Watercolour Painting
Join us this April and paint whimsical ladybugs! Beginner-friendly step-by-step workshop with a local expert #watercolou…
Contact Zones: Gerald McMaster and the Reshaping of Canadian…
An accomplished artist, author, curator and educator, Gerald McMaster has had a profound impact on how contemporary Indi…
Spring Watercolour Workshop: Spring at The Glebe with Yulia…
Join us this April for a watercolour painting workshop creating buildings from The Glebe! Learn from a local expert! #wa…
Yin Yoga
Join us at Flowstate Therapy for guided yoga classes led by Sherry Beaudry (Viroha Fitness Yoga). Thoughtfully designed…
FOTOCRIME - Security Tour
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
SPRINGTIME HIGH TEA
A springtime dress-up tea + craft party for the dykes!!! 🐣💖🦋💕🐛
Community Canvas by anyu sun
Community Canvas is a relaxing, low-pressure art night focused on creative flow and connection.
Kestrel Blue + Joey Vinegar
Two creative singer-songwriters step into Art House's intimate space to share songs and stories about pasts and futures…
Spring Workshop: Calligraphy with Cody McCallum
Join us for an exciting new Calligraphy Workshop with local artist Cody McCallum! All skill levels welcome! #calligraphy…
Unsilenced Stories: Art as Witness in Health Research
Presented by the Canadian Association for Health Humanities
The Creativity of Plants
The Forget For A Moment Foundation and the Ottawa Art Gallery are proud to present and invite you to visit The Creativit…
Mini-Framed Photo Magnet
Paint tiny framed magnets. Mini art for your fridge or locker, cute, quick & surprisingly relaxing
Spring Watercolour Workshop: Spring at The Glebe with Yulia…
Join us this April for a watercolour painting workshop creating buildings from The Glebe! Learn from a local expert! #wa…
Kristen Martell & Rory Taillon
Kristen Martell & Rory Taillon at LIVE! on Elgin
9th Korean Cinema Celebration in Canada: Ottawa Screenings
The 9th Korean Cinema Celebration in Canada brings free Ottawa screenings to ByTowne Cinema from April 24 to 27, with ad…
Diego Rivera Meets Henry Moore
Diego Rivera Meets Henry Moore pairs an international loan with a work from the Gallery’s collection to tell new stories…
European Union Short Film Festival
The European Union Short Film Festival brings short dramas, experimental works, animation, and more from over 20 EU Memb…
Intertwined
In a time marked by our increasingly complex relationship to the natural world, Intertwined brings together artists for…
Irish Film Festival Ottawa 26
Festival of award-winning contemporary Irish films with six screenings spanning drama, comedy, mystery, thriller, histor…
Spring Watercolour Workshop: Glorious Tulips with Yulia Lisi…
Join us this May for a watercolour painting workshop creating glorious tulips! Learn from a local expert! #watercoloursu…
Spring Craft Market: Mother's Day Edition
A free NAC market featuring handmade goods, makers, producers, and artists with plenty of Mother's Day gift ideas.
Spring Watercolour Workshop: Ladybug Watercolour Painting
Join us this April and paint whimsical ladybugs! Beginner-friendly step-by-step workshop with a local expert #watercolou…
Dreamcatcher Workshop
Join us in the NAC’s Atelier Shenkman Smith for Bougie Birch's Dreamcatcher Workshop. Under the guidance of Indigenous a…
Rideau Wednesday English Conversation Group
Do you already have some basic English language skills, and are you looking for a casual, friendly environment where you…
Frame of Mind: 10 Years of Creative Space
Celebrating its 10th year and 9th exhibition, Creative Space is an ongoing program and part of a well-established partne…
Morning Babytime
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver. 0-18 months.
Babytime / Bébés à la biblio
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver, followed by Stay and Play. 0-18 months. Contes, comptin…
Bilingual Family Storytime - Contes en famille bilingue
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Drop-in program.Contes, comptines et chan…
Genealogy drop-in at Main / Recherche généalogique à la Cent…
Want to learn more about your family history or are getting stuck working on your family tree? Drop-in to share research…
Metcalfe Book Club
Meet your neighbours and discuss great books in a relaxed atmosphere. All are welcome!Drop-in every last Thursday of the…
Groupe de conversation en français- Jeudi soir
Profitez de notre groupe de conversation afin d'améliorer vos habiletés en français l'oral. Join our free French Conve…
Rideau Friday English Conversation Group
Do you already have some basic English language skills, and are you looking for a casual, friendly environment where you…
Stay and Play/ Jouons à la biblio
Drop in for preschool fun! Play with puppets, crafts, building blocks, and more.Un programme portes ouvertes pour les en…
Satuday Family Storytime | Contes en famille le samedi
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Join us after the stories for a simple cr…
Go Workshop / Atelier de Go
The Ottawa Go Club (https://ottawagoclub.wixsite.com/ogcs) organizes a series of workshops for people who want to improv…
Stay ‘n’ Play | Jouons à la biblio
Join us in our children's area to play and chat! There will be self-directed activities and toys for parents/caregivers…
Capital Region Writers Group: Write-In
You’re invited to join the CRWG for a “Write-in”: dedicated work time where you can thrive in the camaraderie of working…
EXPERIMENTAL AMBIENT NIGHT with ARDEA and PARTYGIRL
Doors at 5:30PM, Show at 6PM Tickets: CAD $12 on Sairyo.
Monday Storytime and Stay and Play
Join us for a half hour of stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. After storytime…
Groupe de conversation en français | French conversation gro…
Rejoignez notre groupe de conversation pour pratiquer le français dans une atmosphère détendue.Join our French conversat…
Monday Evening Book Club
Share the pleasure of reading and discussing books ranging from the classics to the contemporary, but mostly fiction, in…
Bilingual Storytime / Heure du conte bilingue
It's our bilingual storytime!Stories, songs and games for children and their accompanying parent or guardian. Registrati…
Babytime | Bébés à la biblio
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies 0 -18 months and a parent or caregiver. Feel free to stay after the program to play…
Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop: with Colleen Nolan
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafti…
Wednesday Storytime
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. In English.Every Wednesday, 10:15am.Drop-i…
Groupe de conversation en français- Mercredi matin
Profitez de notre groupe de conversation afin d'améliorer vos habiletés en français l'oral. Join our free French Conve…
Knit & Knatter
Bring your knitting or crochet and meet fellow enthusiasts at the Sunnyside branch. Knitters of all abilities are welcom…
Chess Club
Join us for open games of chess. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, this is a relaxed environment where everyon…
Crafternoon / Brin d’brico
Come crafting at the library. We have all the supplies you need to satisfy your creativity!For children of all ages. Dro…
Teen Zine Workshop | Atelier de zines pour ados
A zine is a small, self-published booklet filled with whatever you want to share with the world.Learn to design, make, a…
Memory Café
An open house for persons with dementia, their care partners and families. Fun and stimulating mental activities are pla…
Main English Book Club
Join us at the Main Branch for a monthly book club session! Sessions take place mid-month at 6:30 p.m in room B125. Book…
Vernon Book Club
Everyone is welcome to join Vernon’s book club!Visit with your friends and neighbours to discuss great books.First Thurs…
French Conversation-Intermediate, Groupe de conversation- ni…
Améliorez votre français parlé et rencontrez des gens dans une ambiance décontractée et conviviale. Niveau intermédiaire…
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey invites audiences to rediscover the career of a pioneering Canadian artist, who…
The Sunnyside 2nd Friday Book Club
Meet new people and join in discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere every second Friday of t…
The Reverb Syndicate presents “Twenty Years of Tuesdays” 20t…
Presented by The Reverb Syndicate
Canada at War Against Japan, 1941–1945
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this exhibition explores different aspects of Canada’s…
Canada’s Unknown Soldier
Discover the history behind one of Canada’s most powerful symbols of remembrance. Marking 25 years since the repatriatio…
Portraits – Stories of Black Canadian Military Service
Recognizing a proud tradition through compelling accounts of service and sacrifice. Black Canadians have had an enduring…
Winners of the National Youth Remembrance Contests 2025
Each year, students across the country submit artwork, poetry, essays and videos to the National Youth Remembrance Conte…
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Fran Lebowitz comes to Southam Hall for an evening of sharp social commentary, humour, and conversation.
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
In the Company of Writers
On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, this event provides an opportunity for local authors and others who enjo…
Collage Club
Come join us for a fun collage session! Explore your creative side and piece together something beautiful. Collages make…
Bilingual Family Storytime / Contes en famille bilingue
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Followed by 30 minutes of "stay and play"…
Teen Advisory Group - Sunnyside
Hey teens! Join us at Sunnyside branch for a fun way to earn volunteer hours! With our TAG, you can have your say about…
Youth Creative Writing Group
Come meet fellow writers and flex your creativity in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Monthly writing prompts will be…
Mysterious Book Society: A Middle Grade Book Club
Come share the enjoyment of reading books with other kids ages 9-12! Each meeting we will have a book battle to choose t…
Ariel Posen - The Bannatyne Tour
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Wild Colour
Through nearly 200 specimens, audio stories, and immersive colour zones, Wild Colour reveals how living things use colou…
The Sunnyside Mystery Book Club
Do you enjoy reading mysteries? Share the enjoyment of good mysteries in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for discussion us…
Saturday bilingual Family Storytime and Stay ‘n’ Play / He…
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Followed by 30 minutes of "stay and play"…
Stories Start Here: a free workshop for Beginners
The Ottawa StoryTellers is hosting a free beginner workshop for anyone interested in exploring the art of storytelling.…
Royal Tusk
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Storytelling Open Mic
Storytelling Open Mic is a perfect place for newcomers to discover oral storytelling in a warm and supportive atmosphere…
Thursday Morning Book Club
Share the enjoyment of reading and discussing books in a relaxed atmosphere.September 18 - The Road by Cormac McCarthy.O…
Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Join us for a fun evening of crafting! We will be making pressed flower bookmarks with real dried flowers. Each piece wi…
Armchair travel: Newfoundland
Photos and narration from multiple car trips around this wonderful province. Sights from north, south, east and west coa…
Teen Book Club
Calling all bookworms! Come meet new friends and expand your literary horizons at the Sunnyside Teen Book Club. We meet…
Get The Shot
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Family Crafternoon
Join us for an afternoon of crafting fun! We will be making seasonally themed crafts. All materials will be provided.W…
Cat Clyde
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
Powwow Workout with Amanda Fox
Amanda Fox leads a 45-minute powwow-inspired workout blending dance, music, movement, and cultural learning at the NAC.
Atelier Zine Workshop
Learn to design, make, and publish your own Zines! A Zine is a small, self-published booklet filled with whatever you w…
Creation Station | Station de création
Come craft and create at the library! A variety of craft supplies will be available and ideas will be provided, but feel…
Club de lecture francophone de la Centrale
Joignez-vous nous pour des discussions conviviales propos de livres en français.Présentez-vous au bureau de consultati…
Menstrual Health Day
Join us at the National Arts Centre to mark Menstrual Health Day, a global movement dedicated to breaking taboos, raisin…
Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War
Explore the ways that the American Civil War (1861-1865) shaped Canadian society, politics and military - and why its le…
The Sunnyside Adult Book Club
Join in stimulating discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere on the last Friday of the month.
Lego Party/Fête en blocs
Create and build with Lego®! Drop-in. For ages 6-12. Last Friday of every month. 3:30pm – 5pm. Architectes en herbe,…
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
Doors Open Ottawa 2026
Explore 89 fascinating buildings and sites across Ottawa for free during Doors Open Ottawa 2026, part of the 25th annive…
Summer Indigenous Art Market
Gather with us on Sunday June 7 from 11am-5pm in the Gail & David O’Brien Atrium as we host Indigenous artists and artis…
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
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…
Qillaniq
The artworks celebrated in "Qillaniq" are multi-vocal, multi-disciplinary and improvisational, inspired by Indigenous va…
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
The Historical Society of Ottawa presents: "History of Gays…
Gays of Ottawa (GO, 1971-1995) was Ottawa’s first 2SLGBTQ+ organization. It provided social services, led political acti…
Darkness and Light: reflections of a human rights worker on…
Nancy O’Rourke writes personal essays and memoir that braid lived experience with a lifelong commitment to social justic…
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
Mei Semones
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Free Thursday Evenings
Visit the Bytown Museum for free on Thursday evenings from 5–8 PM in July and August. Explore Ottawa’s history and enjoy…
Celtic Cross Ceremonies
Annual ceremony at the Celtic Cross monument honouring Irish immigrants who helped build the Rideau Canal, hosted by the…
The Historical Society of Ottawa presents: "20th century Can…
Laurence Wall looks back at the great events of the last century that radio helped bring to life.Laurence is a retired C…
An Evening with David Sedaris: Bestselling Author & Humorist…
David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humour writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant…
The Zolas - Swooner Anniversary Tour
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Capital Region Writers Group: Write-In
Join your fellow writers to get excited for Capital Region Writers' marathon month in November! Build emergency plot kit…
Free Thursday Nights at National Gallery
Free Thursday evening admission with seasonal refreshments, live music, and art-making activities. Presented by BMO at t…
Toddler Tuesdays at National Arts Centre
Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creat…
SoulRhythms
A bilingual Afro-Caribbean movement and dance class at the NAC led by Cultural Arts Studio facilitator Suzan Richards.