Butterflies in Flight
2024-12-06 - 2026-01-04 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4
Step into a tropical paradise where over 100 live butterflies glide through lush greenery. Marvel at stunning species such as the blue morpho, swallowtails, and monarchs as pupae from Costa Rica and the Philippines transform into these beautiful creatures.
Bright clothing may attract butterflies, offering a chance to admire them up close. On-site science interpreters share fascinating insights into their lives. Tickets are limited—plan ahead to enjoy this captivating tropical experience.

Butterflies in Flight
2024-12-06 - 2026-03-30 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K2P 2R1, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K2P 2R1

GROTTO: The Bill Staubi Collection
2025-03-08 - 2026-02-08 | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5
Grotto features a selection of artworks donated by Bill Staubi to the OAG in 2024, honoring his support for queer artists and Ottawa’s contemporary art scene. The exhibition explores themes of queer identity, community, and activism, inspired by Staubi’s iconic, personal grotto installation. This collection offers a powerful exploration of human connection.

Last Voices of the Second World War
2025-05-08 - 2026-01-18 | 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8
Marking 80 years since the war’s end, this moving exhibition features new interviews with surviving veterans and their families, revealing personal stories of service, sacrifice and resilience.

Canada’s Unknown Soldier
2025-05-24 - 2026-05-24 | 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8
Marking 25 years since his return, this commemorative panel exhibition reflects on the legacy of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its role in national remembrance.

Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s
2025-06-06 - 2026-01-11 | 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8
Experience Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s! Explore 100+ artists who shaped an era, from Joni Mitchell to Rush. See stage outfits, instruments, and rare memorabilia while reliving the music that defined generations. Feel the power of music as a force for creativity, expression, and change.

Resistant Fibres
2025-06-17 - 2026-05-19
Discover Resistant Fibres, a new exhibition at Âjagemô showcasing textile art as a powerful form of protest, celebration, and healing. Curated by Julie Graff, this display features works from the Canada Council Art Bank collection from June 17, 2025, to May 19, 2026.

THINGS WHICH ARE PER SE CONTINUOUS: The Michael Nesbitt Collection, Winnipeg
2025-07-11 - 2025-12-15 | 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4
This exhibition celebrates a major gift to the National Gallery of Canada from Winnipeg collector Michael Nesbitt. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works, it explores connections between Nesbitt’s transformative donation and the Gallery’s permanent collection. Anchored by Lawrence Weiner’s evocative text piece, the exhibition highlights the enduring impact of artistic continuity across time and space.

Songs from the Shed
2025-08-05 - 2025-12-09 | Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7, Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7
A collaboration between the Downtown BIA and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is bringing local music to The Shed on Sparks Street all summer long! The lunchtime concert series, Songs from the Shed, will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm-1:30pm. Music lovers from the Ottawa region are invited to come enjoy lunch outdoors with a variety of captivating singer-songwriters in solo or duo formations. The project will be run by Ottawa’s own Jessy Lindsay, bilingual singer-songwriter and program coordinator.

Qikiqtait
2025-09-26 - 2027-09-06 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4
Discover Qikiqtait: Where Inuit Knowledge and Innovation Come Together, a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the leadership of the Sanikiluarmiut of Sanikiluaq. Through research, education, environmental stewardship, and the harvesting of eider down — the warmest feather in the world — this exhibition highlights their innovation and resilience. Developed by the Arctic Eider Society with the Canadian Museum of Nature, it celebrates the community’s enduring connection to the land, sea, and each other.

Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa
2025-10-21 - 2025-12-26 | 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, K2P 2A6, 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, K2P 2A6
This family friendly musical production celebrates all things Canadian! The two-hour show features famous characters singing Canadian hits, plus an optional Canadian meal. During Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa, you’ll see some of your favourite Canadian pop culture personalities, such as a Mountie, a Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables and Klondike Kitty. They all sing songs by artists like Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many more. The performances are accompanied by a live band.If you choose to opt into the dining option, performers serve you a delicious Canadian meal during the show. Alcoholic beverages are also available. This show is presented by Totally Legit Productions.

Art + Parcel: A Holiday Sale
2025-10-25 - 2026-01-11 | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5
Galerie Annexe and the OAG Shop are pleased to present their annual holiday showcase, Art + Parcel.
In addition to the original regional artwork featured at the Galerie Annexe, all priced under $1,000, the OAG Shop offers unique gift-giving opportunities with Canadian-made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, kids crafts, art prints, books and much more.
Find great, local gifts for everyone on your list (and maybe something for yourself as well), while supporting Canadian artists and the Ottawa Art Gallery.

No Place at Corridor 45|75
2025-10-25 - 2026-03-22 | City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1, City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1
No Place is an exhibition by Ottawa-Gatineau artist Shannon Whittle featuring a series of reproduced and reconfigured paintings of imagined landscapes. Drawing on historical landscape painting, media imagery, and personal experience, Whittle explores the delicate interconnections of ecosystems threatened by the climate crisis and human activity. Her layered, textural works evoke both grief and hope, offering space to reflect on new ways of relating to the natural world. For more information on the event, consult their website.

Neon Creations: Glow-in-the-Dark Painting
2025-11-12 - 2026-01-18 | 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8
Celebrate the winter season with engaging, light-inspired activities at the Canadian Children’s Museum in Ottawa. Take part in hands-on experiments, explore illuminating crafts, and enjoy playful discoveries designed to spark curiosity and leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

And I Have Come Upon This Place by Lost Ways
2025-11-13 - 2026-02-08
Step off the main road of time and explore new worlds with And I Have Come Upon This Place by Lost Ways. This exhibition weaves memory, speculation, and myth to imagine futures shaped in the present, drawing on ancestral knowledge, intuition, and the unknown. Experience works by Rah Eleh, Kite and Alisha B Wormsley, Adrienne Matheuszik, Komi Olafimihan, Isabella Salas and hexorcismos, and Kira Xonorika, guided by curator Remco Volmer.

Image: Kira Xonorika, Trickster (video still), 2025, digital video, 6:00 min, courtesy of the artist

Glebe Spree
2025-11-15 - 2025-12-31 | Suite 110-858 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W3, Suite 110-858 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W3
Glebe Spree is back for 2025! Shop the Glebe from now through December 31 and complete your ballot for your chance to win 1 of 4 $2,500 Glebe Shopping Spree Grand Prizes!
Make sure you shop early and often, as all ballots received before December 7 will also be entered into the draw to win the Early Bird Prize – 1 of 2 $1,000 Glebe Shopping Sprees. You can enter as many times as you fill your ballot with $150 purchases.
Also making a return is the delightful Any Day Prizing, when you might win an instant $100 prize from a participating Glebe business. Shop often as you never know when you might win!

Winter Wander
2025-11-18 - 2026-01-05 | Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7, Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7
This winter, Sparks Street transforms into a festive wonderland in downtown Ottawa! Stroll beneath sparkling lights, explore holiday-themed installations, and capture memorable moments. It’s like walking in a Winter Wander-land! Join us for the official kickoff and lighting ceremony on November 18, when Sparks Street and our holiday tree will shine for the season. The magic continues through January 5 so come wander, wonder, and celebrate!

Museum’s Tree-Lighting
2025-11-20 - 2026-01-11 | 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8
Marvel at the dazzling red and green lights illuminating the Museum of History’s Plaza. Standing at an astonishing 14 metres high, this Christmas tree is sure to catch your eye.

LUMINAIRE
2025-11-21 - 2025-12-31 | 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3, 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3
Enjoy an evening lights show at the ByWard Market (at George and William St) at 5:30 and 7:00pm.

Magic of Lights
2025-11-21 - 2026-01-03 | 401 & 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa, K2H 8T1, 401 & 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa, K2H 8T1
Experience the dazzling Magic of Lights drive-through display this winter. Lined with two kilometers of sparkling LED light displays, this event is great for the whole family to safely enjoy from the comfort of your car.

Winter Count: Embracing the Cold
2025-11-21 - 2026-03-22 | 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4
Explore Winter Count: Embracing the Cold, an exhibition highlighting winter’s influence across cultures and artistic traditions. Featuring over 150 works, it presents Indigenous, Canadian, and European perspectives. Visitors can discover how painters from Canada and Europe capture the effects of light on snow, revealing a shared visual language shaped by the season.

Lansdowne Park Skating Court
2025-11-23 - 2026-03-31 | City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1, City Hall, Ottawa, K1P 1J1
Enjoy free ice skating 7 days a week from 6:00am to 11:00pm. Don’t forget to bring your own skates!
