OBJ Datebook: From galas to golfing, here are the hottest business and networking events

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July

CHEO Charity Classic

What: In support of the CHEO Foundation, this tournament will give participants a full day of golfing and networking as they raise funds for pediatric care in the capital.
When: July 6, 8 a.m.
Where: The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, 1405 chem. d’Aylmer, Gatineau
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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: July 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Date changed from June 4)
Where: The Hull Marina, 160 Laurier St., Gatineau
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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
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Pickleball for a Purpose

What: This event brings together players, families, friends, local businesses, and community members to rally behind Jack Laidlaw, who has been diagnosed with SPG4, a rare neurological disorder that affects mobility and affects quality of life.
When: July 24, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fairgrounds Pickleball, 2665 Robertson Rd., Nepean
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VegOttawa Fest

What: This event will showcase the best of plant-based food and sustainability in the city. Attendees will experience cooking demonstrations, guest speakers and sample vegan-friendly products.
When: July 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy

What: An annual festival showing pyromusical performances from international teams including Canada, France, Brazil and China.
When: July 29 to Aug. 5
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 rue Laurier, Gatineau
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August

Ottawa Corporate Cup

What: This tournament gives participants a full day of golfing and networking as they raise funds for various charities in the National Capital Region.
When: Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Loch March Golf & Country Club, 1755 Old Carp Rd., Kanata
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Redblacks Summer Rush

What: This event will bring together business and community leaders for several “speed networking” sessions with each other and members of the Ottawa Redblacks, in support of the OSEG Foundation’s Backpack Program.
When: Aug. 11, 6 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Rd., Ottawa
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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
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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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Sunset on the Riviera Glamping Gala

What: Enjoy an evening inspired by the shores of the Riviera, with sparkling cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, in support of BGC Ottawa.
When: Sept. 3, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: BGC Ottawa Great Lawn, 1463 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa
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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
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Infrastructure Forum 2026

What: Organized by the Ottawa Board of Trade, this half-day event will bring together government, industry and city-building leaders to explore how Ottawa plans, funds and delivers projects that will shape the city’s future.
When: Sept. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: La Cité Collegiale, 801 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa
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Mayoral Debate

What: Co-hosted by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Ottawa Real Estate Board, this mayoral debate will focus on issues around housing, development and the future growth of Ottawa. Hear from candidates Alex Lawson, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Mark Sutcliffe as they share their perspectives on key municipal issues.
When: Sept. 24, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa
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October

Honky Tonk for Healthcare

What: In support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, join Nelligan Law for a country-themed night of live music, food and drinks, faux tattoo truck and networking.
When: Oct. 1, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern, 1084 Wellington St. West, Ottawa
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Fight for the Cure

What:  In support of the Ottawa Cancer Foundation, this event brings 14 Ottawa-based business leaders into the boxing ring to raise money for cancer care programs and services.
When: Oct. 3, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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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
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Art of Support

What: Join the Parents’ Lifeline of Eastern Ontario for its annual fundraising event. The evening will feature art, culinary experiences, community connection and support for families navigating youth mental health and addiction challenges.
When: Oct. 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
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Capital Music Awards

What: The Capital Music Awards will highlight those who have made a mark on the city’s music industry, presented by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition.
When: Oct. 9, 8 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Businesswoman of the Year Awards Gala

What:A night of celebrating the National Capital Region’s best and brightest female business leaders.
When: Oct. 14, time TBD
Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa
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Construction IMPEX Canada

What: This event allows professionals in the construction industry to meet buyers, explore new products and connect with other industry leaders.
When: Oct. 28-29
Where: Cohere Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa
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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
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TEDx Ottawa

What: Changing its name from TEDx Mechanicsville to TEDx Ottawa, this event brings together local speakers, ideas and community leaders to amplify diverse voices, spark dialogue and create space for reflection, curiosity and action.
When: Nov. 7, time TBD
Where: Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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The 43rd Annual Housing Design Awards

What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association as it highlights the achievements of the city’s architects, designers, renovators and builders.
When: Nov. 7, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Blue Door Gala 2026

What: In support of The Ottawa Mission’s food service training program (FSTP), this event will offer a gourmet culinary experience, prepared by the Mission’s Chef Ric and his team of FSTP student chefs.
When: Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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eSax Entrepreneur Networking Tradeshow for Small Business

What: This tradeshow event will allow small business leaders to connect while listening to jazz music by Sax Appeal Productions.
When: Nov. 18, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
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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
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December

Hill Day

What: Join the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for its premier annual gathering as business and trade leaders come together to meet with government decision-makers to discuss pressing issues affecting Canadian businesses.
When: Dec. 1-2
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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