Ottawa Conference & Entertainment Venues
If you're staying at reStays in Ottawa, you'll be in the heart of Ottawa's vibrant SoPa entertainment district, also known as South of Parliament. This lively area is a hub of cultural and culinary experiences, offering guests easy access to an array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Here's a roundup of must-visit spots to enhance your stay and immerse yourself in the local culture.
1. National Arts Centre (NAC)
1 Elgin Street – 5-minute walk from reStays
The National Arts Centre is a premier entertainment venue located right down the street from reStays, making it a must-visit for anyone in Ottawa. The end of August brings back the hit musical "Come from Away" to the NAC's Southam Hall and September brings an exciting lineup of events, including the much-anticipated SPHERE Festival. This festival will explore the themes of rivers and waterways through engaging performances and talks.
2. Shaw Centre
55 Colonel By Drive – 10-15 minute walk from reStays
The Shaw Centre is a convention center that hosts various events, including conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions. Kicking off the month of September is the Symposium 2024 from September 4-6, a hybrid event that brings together leaders from various sectors, including policy, health technology, and public health, to discuss pressing issues and innovations. Following that, on September 14, the Heating Up the Capital 2024 event at the Shaw Centre will ignite the city with a day of music, food, and spicy challenges, offering free hot sauce samples and more. You can check out their upcoming events here.
3. Rideau Centre
50 Rideau Street – 10-15 minute walk from reStays
The CF Rideau Centre is a vibrant downtown shopping destination with approximately 180 retailers, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The centre also hosts a variety of engaging events. CF Learn offers informative workshops, while CF Power Hour features exclusive in-store promotions. Visitors can enjoy CF Live Music, which showcases local talent, and CF Celebrate, which focuses on seasonal festivities and community gatherings.
4. Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King Bridge – 15-20 minute walk from reStays
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is a vibrant cultural destination in downtown Ottawa, offering a rich selection of contemporary and historical art. Visitors can enjoy diverse exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists with free admission. The OAG also hosts engaging events such as artist talks, workshops, and interactive programs, making it a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts and curious minds.
5. National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive – 17-minute walk from reStays
The National Gallery of Canada is celebrated for its extensive Canadian and international art collection. Visitors can enjoy free admission every Thursday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM, allowing everyone to explore its impressive exhibitions. During these evenings, guests can participate in themed tours and art-making activities and enjoy seasonal refreshments accompanied by local music. With its stunning architecture and diverse offerings, the National Gallery of Canada provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and newcomers to immerse themselves in Ottawa's vibrant art scene.
6. Bronson Centre
211 Bronson Avenue – 20-25 minute walk from reStays
The Bronson Centre is a versatile venue that hosts concerts, community events, and performances. This September, you can look forward to seeing music artists like Spoon, Melanie C, Movements, NLE Choppa, Kameron Marlowe, Switchfoot, Ben Bankas, Neko Case, and more. Check their calendar for upcoming shows that might interest you.
7. City at Night
222 Slater Street – 6-minute walk from reStays
City At Night is a vibrant club and events venue in downtown Ottawa, renowned for its underground electronic music scene since 2016. It hosts performances by prominent DJs and artists, creating an intimate atmosphere for music lovers. In addition to regular club nights, City At Night collaborates with local collectives and major festivals, making it a key player in Ottawa's nightlife.
8. Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward Avenue – 15-20 minute walk from reStays
Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene for over 110 years, making it the oldest continuously operating community theatre in North America. Far from "little," OLT boasts a 386-seat auditorium and a fully licensed lobby, offering a vibrant and engaging experience for theatre lovers in Ottawa. Upcoming performances include Romantic Comedy, Guilty Conscience, and more.
With the Shaw Centre, Rideau Centre, the National Arts Centre (NAC) and many entertainment options nearby, your stay at reStays will be filled with memorable experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a live performance, a night out, or a cultural excursion, Ottawa has something for everyone!
Photo courtesy of the Shaw Centre