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Ottawa’s 9 Hottest Live Music Venues You Wouldn’t Want to Miss!
When discussing which city features the best nightlife in Canada, Ottawa is often slept on in favour of Toronto. Although there’s a strong argument that The Six features much livelier nightclubs and party hubs, Ottawa’s live music venues should also get the spotlight.
I don’t know if it comes with age, but I’m at a point in my life where I’d much rather listen and jive to live artists as opposed to EDMs, which is why I decided to make this list!
Below are some of my go-to spots to visit with friends whenever we’re yearning to listen to live music in Ottawa, plus why we love them. Check them out!
LIVE! on Elgin
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Address: 220 Elgin St #2
Contact details: +1 613-695-5483
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Events
LIVE! on Elgin is a popular spot among audiophiles largely because of its acoustics, making each artist sound amazing. It also helps that it’s a fairly intimate venue, so you’ll get to watch the act up close while hearing every detail of their voices and instruments.
The venue often features local acts that either play original material or covers. There are also themes throughout the week, like tributes to famous artists like Bruce Springsteen, acoustic nights, and even open mics!
However, live music is only scratching the surface of what this venue features every night, as it supports all types of artists. For instance, you can also catch amateur filmmakers screening their movies, stand-ups, drag shows, improvs, and spoken word.
Pro tip:
Check out their official website or Instagram to discover all their upcoming acts. This way, you can schedule your visit on the artists and themes you prefer.
The Rainbow Bistro
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Address: 76 Murray St.
Contact details: +1 613-859-5123
Operating hours: Thursday to Saturday: 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
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Events
The Rainbow Bistro is the saviour of a boring night. This venue blasts live rock and blues music from both local and touring artists, including well-known names like The Tragically Hip and Amanda Marshall.
There’s never a dull moment inside this bar, as you’ll be too busy rocking out while enjoying your favourite drink. It’s also a historic place, as it’s been a staple for audiophiles since 1984—it’s actually dubbed as Ottawa’s legendary home of live music!
The venue itself is perfect for different types of live music fans, as it’s composed of two levels. Those who prefer to see the artists up close can stay on the first floor, while those who prefer to have the acts as background music can take up the second floor.
Pro tip:
Before capping off the night here, be sure to stop by ByWard Market to score premium quality produce, local arts and crafts, and delicious street food!
House of TARG
Media credit: houseoftarg
Address: 1077 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-680-8274
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
House of TARG offers a different type of live music venue by incorporating arcade games into the mix, and we’ve got to say, it works! There’s just something about playing pinball while listening to live rock music that immediately transports us back to the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Our favourite thing about this venue is its wide variety of live entertainment, ranging from drag shows to pinball tournaments, 80s dance parties, and more! In true arcade fashion, they also hold live performances of iconic video game music, which our nerdy hearts can’t get enough of.
Their menu deserves the spotlight as well, especially their iconic perogies. These are dumplings that are stuffed with potatoes, cheese, and meat, often served alongside bacon, onion, gravy, or poutine!
Pro tip:
Check out their official IG page to catch their upcoming free play days, where you can try their classic arcade machines without spending a dollar!
Queen St. Fare
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Address: 170 Queen St.
Contact details: +1 613-782-3885
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Menu
If you’re one to enjoy good food alongside good live music, then Queen St. Fare should be right up your alley! It’s a food hall that features tons of stalls that offer amazing local delicacies with a sound stage built on one end.
Aside from its food offerings, this venue showcases its variety with its shows. For instance, on Wednesdays, you can enjoy live Jazz music, while other days feature rock shows from local bands.
You can also catch themed shows like ‘90s Nites, ABBA Tribute Nites, and even Fun Trivia Nights! Occasionally, the venue holds live performances from dancers, so keep an eye out on their website if that’s your jam.
Pro tip:
If you’re commuting, take the LRT and depart at the Parliament Station. This will drop you directly in front of Queen St. Fare.
Irene’s Pub
Media credit: liveslikeskyscrapersband and irenespub
Address: 885 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-230-4474
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Irene’s Pub is one of Ottawa’s long-running live music hubs, being a staple for live bands and music enthusiasts since the 1980s. What we love about this place is that it doesn’t stay stagnant, as they’ve made tons of improvements over the years to improve sound quality.
The pub itself features this cool and hip vibe, with striking local artworks plastered on its walls. It’s the perfect setting for live jazz, rock, and every other music genre that the venue features throughout the week.
Also, we love going here for their world-class sandwiches and burgers because of their juicy patties and stuffings. They offer your classic burgers and cheeseburgers, but what surprised us is their veggie burger, which tastes just like real meat!
Pro tip:
If you happen to crave authentic Mexican cuisine before or after a night of drinking, you can stop by next door at Mona’s Taqueria!
Heart & Crown
Media credit: heartandcrown
Address: 67 Clarence St.
Contact details: +1 613-562-0674
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Website
Events
Menu
Heart & Crown is the perfect music venue if you love to groove along to your favourite songs because it features a spacious dance floor. It’s hard not to be tempted to take it to the dance floor, too, as the live acts always bring tons of energy into the stage with their performances.
The live acts featured here range anywhere from solo artists to rock bands, DJs, duos, and everything in between. They also feature karaoke nights where you can take centre stage and belt out your favourite songs along with other patrons!
It also offers an authentic Irish pub with its cheerful ambience, dark wood aesthetic and, of course, cold Guinness on tap! Furthermore, you can satisfy both your hunger and tastebuds with their wide selection of proper meals, our favourite of which is the classic fish and chips.
Pro tip:
You can also check out Heart & Crown Preston if their location at ByWard is already full or if you prefer a different type of show.
Taproom 260
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Address: 260 Centrum Blvd Unit 101
Contact details: +1 613-424-2260
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Taproom 260 transforms into one of the hottest love act stages in Ottawa during the weekends. They host several live performances from local and international artists in an intimate setting, which means that you’ll hear the full blast of each instrument.
Whether they’re holding slow jams or full-on rock performances, you can expect them to have a fun time in front of their small stage. Even better, you can take centre stage and sing your favourite tunes during their open-mic nights!
What completes the laid-back pub experience here, however, is their selection of food and beverages. For the former, we recommend their braised beef poutine the most because of its tender texture and the perfect combination of gravy, cheese, and fries.
Pro tip:
If you want to order something to share with the whole table, we recommend getting their Philly cheesesteak flatbread!
Red Bird Live
Media credit: redbirdlive
Address: 1165 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-526-2473
Website
Events
Menu
Red Bird may seem like your typical cafe from the outside, but it hosts the most authentic and lively shows come nighttime. The stage is fairly small and close to the patrons, so you’ll get first-class seats regardless of where you decide to stay.
You can expect to discover new artists during your time here, as they offer a platform for both established and up-and-comers. You can also try your hand at performing during their open stage nights, and who knows, maybe you’re the next big Ottawan talent!
Also, since this is a cafe, you can order your favourite type of coffee while jamming out to the songs of their live acts. You can even order one of their freshly baked pastries to go alongside your fresh brew!
Pro tip:
If watching their shows inspired you to take up an instrument yourself, you can enrol in one of their music programs!
The 27 Club
Media credit: modoliveofficial and 27club_ottawa
Address: 27 York St.
Contact details: +1 613-562-8330
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Website
Events
Menu
The 27 Club holds a rich history, as it’s been a venue for well-known acts like Nickelback back when it was still called the Zaphod Beeblebrox Club. Today, the club has made some changes to modernise its vibe, but its hosting of nightly live acts remains the same!
It’s one of those underground-like spots where you and 199 other people will stand shoulder to shoulder while screaming, jumping, and singing along to your favourite songs. Also, the acoustics of the venue are spectacular, largely because of its narrow and clogged space.
If live bands aren’t playing the night, you can expect to see some talented DJs take centre stage while patrons go crazy on the dance floor. You can also see what to expect from their FB page and discover whether they’re doing indie pop nights, jazz nights, etc.
Pro tip:
Stay updated on their promotions and discounts by following their Instagram page! These promotions usually fall under holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, etc.
