A Celebration Two Centuries in the Making
There’s always something exciting happening in Canada’s capital city, and this September is no exception. In celebration of its bicentennial, Ottawa 200 brings together weeks of festivals and events, all leading to the biggest festivities on September 26.
It’s the perfect time to experience the energy of the city, as its bustling streets, museums and cultural spaces come alive with experiences that honour the people, places and milestones that have shaped Ottawa’s legacy over two centuries.
Where It Started
Ottawa’s modern story began in 1826, when construction of the Rideau Canal set the stage for a small settlement that would become known as Bytown. Established under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the community quickly grew into a thriving centre for commerce, agriculture and the lumber industry.
With the opening of the Rideau Canal, trade continued to flourish, transforming Bytown into one of eastern Canada’s leading commercial centres. In 1855, Bytown was renamed Ottawa, marking a new chapter for the city. Today, that rich heritage can still be seen throughout the capital, from the Rideau Canal to the historic ByWard Market and other landmarks that continue to offer a glimpse into Ottawa’s past.
Join the Festivities
From festivals to performances, there are many ways to be part of the excitement and help mark this historic milestone. Visit Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall on Saturday, September 26, for the Ottawa 200 Block Party, a full day packed with live performances, food, art, history and interactive family-friendly activities. Along with a surprise headliner, this free event will showcase an impressive lineup of local talent, including 2025 Ottawa Awards Hip Hop Artist of the Year Cody Coyote, francophone singer-songwriter Mehdi Cayenne, DJ programming from No Def Collective, Franco-Ontarian pop songstress Jessy Lindsay, dynamic drag duo Sunshine Glitterchild and Saltina Shaker, Ottawa-born pop and R&B artist Duava, and acoustic blues and roots duo The Blind & The Beautiful. Ottawa200BlockParty.ca
From the end of August to September 26, the SoundScape Art and Music Festival reimagines the historic Plaza Bridge over the Rideau Canal into an immersive outdoor destination where music, light and digital art create an unforgettable evening experience. soundscapeottawa.ca
On September 26, Nuit Blanche Ottawa once again turns the ByWard Market into a lively overnight gallery, following the theme, “Where Innovation Meets Art.” It’s a full night of inspiration, creativity and discovery. nuitblanche-ottawa.ca
Art, Heritage and Discovery
To celebrate Ottawa 200, the Ottawa Art Gallery is offering a full weekend of free family-friendly activities, workshops and experiences, including a specially curated selection of vendors offering their unique and handmade goods at the OAG Mini Market. Visitors will have the opportunity to view Odāwā Yesterday: Odāwā Chìnàgo, an animated work by artist and writer Jay Odjick of Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg, projected across the gallery’s façade at Mackenzie King Bridge, exploring the Indigenous history, presence and continuity throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region. September 26 will also see Pique festival return to the Arts Court, bringing its own unique art, music and creative encounters. oaggao.ca/events/ottawa-200-day-at-the-oag
From September 23 to 27, filmmakers and fans will gather for the 50th anniversary of the renowned Ottawa International Animation Festival. With more than 200 screenings, along with workshops, artist talks and family programming, this popular event will add even more excitement to downtown. animationfestival.ca
History Comes Alive
While Ottawa 200 is a special commemoration of the city’s bicentennial, it’s also a chance to showcase the people, places and events that have defined its legacy. Explore the city’s history at the Bytown Museum, located in the historic Commissariat Building. Constructed in 1827 during the building of the Rideau Canal, the museum is itself one of Ottawa’s oldest landmarks. As part of Ottawa 200, the museum will host heritage programming, historical projections, performances and concerts. It will also host two exhibits, What’s in a Frame? 200+ Years of Community Portraits, a project that explores the people and communities that are part of Ottawa’s story, and Gauge, A City Measured in Time, a textile installation that illustrates the city’s past, present and potential future in knitted form. bytownmuseum.ca
The founding of Bytown in 1826 marked the beginning of the city’s history, but these lands have been home to the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation for much longer. Today, Ottawa stands on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation and many Anishinabe Algonquin are part of Ottawa’s large and diverse urban Indigenous community. Anishinabe Algonquin Days, taking place September 18 and 19 at Lansdowne Park, is a chance to learn about and experience Indigenous culture through artisan vendors, food, performances, demonstrations and educational exhibits.
Two centuries after Bytown first emerged along the banks of the Rideau Canal, Ottawa continues to grow and change. This September, Ottawa 200 is a chance to be part of a defining moment that reflects not only where the city has been, but where it’s headed next.
