Entertainment & Nightlife

Ottawa by night? The question is how to choose. From quiet and intimate to busy and happening, there's something for everyone, with lots of options for evening entertainment.

The heart of the action is the ByWard Market. You can sample fine dining at such trendy restaurants as the Empire Grill, have a drink at the Hard Rock Café, or enjoy the duelling pianos at Fat Tuesday's. There's also lots of action along Elgin Street, with its pubs and restaurants. And in Gatineau, explore the area around La Promenade du Portage—the live performances at Le Petit Chicago, or the Café aux 4 jeudis, with its outdoor cinema in the summer.

Ottawa nightlife has something for everyone. The Casino du Lac-Leamy has gambling, dinner and shows. If you're looking for young and edgy in the music scene, try Zaphod Beeblebrox in the ByWard Market or Barrymore's Music Hall on Bank Street. Or you might venture out to The Blacksheep Inn in nearby Wakefield, Québec, a self-described “juke joint divebar cabaret.” If opera is what you're after, our local opera company, Opera Lyra, has a regular round of performances.

The Capital’s premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre, presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, and the Gladstone. And there’s always something new on the bill at Scotiabank Place.