OBJ Datebook: From golf to galas, here are the go-to business events in Ottawa this spring

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April

Business After 5: Heritage and Hospitality

What: This networking event will highlight how historic spaces can be reimagined into vibrant economic hubs.
When: April 30, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: allsaints event space, 330 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa
Find out more

May

Bootstrap Awards

What: Presented by The Ottawa Network, this event highlights the achievements of self-capitalized businesses in the nation’s capital. The award ceremony will take place during Tech Tuesday’s May meeting.
When: May 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Ottawa
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NACO Summit

What: The National Angel Capital Organization Summit brings together delegates from across the innovation ecosystem, including founders, investors and innovation leaders.
When: May 5-7
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Spark Soirée

What: Join the Ottawa Network for Education for its annual event  bringing together community leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate and raise funds for the thousands of students who benefit every school day from ONFE’s programs.
When: May 6, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Gala RGA 2026

What: Join the Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la capital nationale for its annual gala celebrating the region’s business leaders.
When: May 7, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Chateau Cartier Hotel & Resort, 1170 chemin d’Aylmer, Gatineau
Find out more

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The Canadian Tulip Festival

What: The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the symbol of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands after the Second World War. It remains one of Ottawa’s best-attended festivals.
When: May 8-18
Where: Commissioners Park, Ottawa
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Common Ground: Creating a Workplace for Wellness

What: This networking event will include a conversation on health and wellness, unpacking what it really takes to support both leaders and employees in today’s workplace.
When: May 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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HOWL – Women Breaking Ground

What: This community-driven event celebrates and empowers women across the housing industry. Hear from Sandra Bouchard, strategic joint staff in the Canadian Armed Forces; Diana Matheson, founder and chief growth officer of the Northern Super League; and Alyssa Stack, sales and marketing manager at Patten Homes.
When: May 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast

What: Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a morning of networking and listen in on his fireside chat with Jeffrey Maddox, president of Nokia Canada Inc.
When: May 14, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa
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BGC Morning Social

What: This event brings together business and community leaders for breakfast and networking in support of BGC Ottawa.
When: May 14, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse, 1770 Heatherington Rd., Ottawa
Find out more

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Gold Plate Dinner

What: Enjoy an evening of food, drinks and networking in support of The University of Ottawa’s Heart Institute and The Hellenic Community of Ottawa’s cultural and language programs.
When: May 14, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Evening in the Maritimes

What: Enjoy an evening of fine dining, entertainment and silent and live auctions in support of Able2 and people with disabilities in Ottawa.
When: May 14, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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An Evening of Warrange

What: Join Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall as they celebrate Warren Creates’s 30+ years of community and humanitarian service.
When: May 19, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Hellenic Event Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa
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Paint the Town Pink

What: This fundraising event supports the arts industry of Ottawa-Gatineau while offering live music, great food and a chance to connect with other Ottawa professionals.
When: May 21, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
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Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

What: In support of The Ottawa Hospital, join hundreds of other racers in 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon races to create a healthier tomorrow.
When: May 23-24
Where: Downtown Ottawa
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FEI Canada 2026 Ottawa Conference

What: Presented by the Financial Executives International Canada, this three-day event will bring together financial leaders to discuss building Canada’s economic future.
When: May 25-28
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala

What: A fundraising event to support the health and cleanliness of the Ottawa River with networking opportunities, musical performances, fine cuisine and an auction.
When: May 27, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Lemieux Island, Ottawa
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CHEO’s Mental Health Gala

What: Enjoy a gourmet five-course dinner, wine, silent auction, guest speakers and entertainment while raising money for CHEO’s mental health programs
When: May 29, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
Find out more

June

Taste for Hope 2026

What: A culinary event to raise awareness of homelessness in the city and raise funds for the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.
When: June 3, 6 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Ottawa
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Business on the River: Celebrating Ottawa’s 200th

What: Enjoy this networking event on the water as Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary.
When: June 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Hull Marina, 160 Laurier St., Gatineau
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2026 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards

What: Spend the evening celebrating Canadian talent in the performing arts with music, performances and a red carpet.
When: June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast

What: Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a morning of networking and listen in on his fireside chat with Rick Leary, general manager of OC Transpo.
When: June 11, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa
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AccelerateOTT 2026

What: As part of Ottawa Innovation Week, this event brings together founders and funders for a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities and the Startup World Cup Ottawa Regional Competition.
When: June 11, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
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Coffee & Connect With GOHBA

What: A networking event to connect with the team at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association.
When: June 16, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 30 Concourse Gate, Suite 108, Ottawa
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Ottawa Grad Career Fair 2026

What: Connect with graduates and early career alumni from Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions and network with local, regional and national employers.
When: June 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa
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Forty Under 40 Gala

What: Join OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade in celebrating 40 of the city’s most dynamic young leaders under the age of 40 who exemplify business excellence, professional achievement and a commitment to building a stronger community.
When: June 18, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy, 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
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Ottawa Jazz Festival

What: Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Ottawa’s jazz festival showcases the best of jazz with acts such as Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Willow, The Soul Rebels and Ibrahim Maalouf.
When: June 19-28
Where: Multiple locations around downtown Ottawa
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Energy Forum 2026

What: This event will hear from leaders in industry, government and the community on the systems, partnerships and policies needed to power Ottawa’s future.
When: June 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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Gourmet on the Gridiron

What: Join the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) on the Redblacks home field as they raise funds for the OSEG Foundation, helping children and youth access development through sports.
When: June 24, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
Find out more

July

Ottawa Bluesfest

What: Ottawa’s most popular music festival is back and welcomes large acts such as Limp Bizkit, The Lumineers, Conan Gray, Cypress Hill, Gwen Stefani and Sheryl Crow.
When: July 9-19
Where: LeBreton Flats
Find out more

August

Spurs & Sparkles

What: In support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, this event brings together business and community leaders for a night of food, drinks and equestrian sports.
When: Aug. 12
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean
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Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament 2026

What: A day out on the greens and networking with the city’s business and community leaders.
When: Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: GreyHawk Golf Club, 4999 Boundary Rd., Ottawa
Find out more

September

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

What: An annual festival showcasing Canadian talent from musical artists to hot air balloon shows.
When: Sept. 2-6
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Saint-Louis St., Gatineau
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Lumière Charity Gala

What: In support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, enjoy this shimmering evening of networking and philanthropy.
When: Sept. 10
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Ottawa
Find out more

October

Canada After Dark

What: As part of Capital Music Week, this two-day event brings together nightlife industry leaders from across Canada and the world to discuss best practices and the future of nighttime economies.
When: Oct. 7-8
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
Find out more: TBD

November

SaaS North

What: This two-day event brings together Canada’s SaaS and AI founders and investors to help emerging companies scale.
When: Nov. 4-5
Where: Rogers Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
Find out more

The Women’s Summit

What: Hear from some of Canada’s remarkable female leaders in a day of networking opportunities and panel discussions.
When: Nov. 20
Where: The Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
Find out more: TBD

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