OBJ Datebook: Start planning your autumn events in 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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The 25th President’s Breakfast

What: In support of The Ottawa Hospital, join TOH president and CEO Cameron Love for a morning of stories from people whose lives have been touched by the care at The Ottawa Hospital.
When: Sept. 15, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By 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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Harvest: A Feast of Fall

What: An evening of food, flavour and community featuring some of Ottawa’s most talented chefs and beverage artisans in a multi-station tasting experience celebrating the fall harvest, in support of Youturn Youth Support Services.
When: Sept. 16, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON
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Business After 5: St. Laurent Shopping Centre

What: Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and St. Laurent Shopping Centre for an evening of networking, live music and light refreshments.
When: Sept. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: St. Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa
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Regional Qualifier for the Canadian Culinary Championship

What: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event, two chefs will represent Ottawa at the national finals in January: a chef of distinction and an all-star winner. Join the city’s top chefs for a night of great food and competition.
When: Sept. 21
Where: Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine, 380 Elgin St., 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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A Good Morning with United Way

What: A morning of community and purpose, bringing together workplace champions, philanthropists and community leaders to celebrate the collective impact United Way East Ontario is creating across the region.
When: Sept. 29, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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GCXpo

What: Hosted by Area X.O. and Invest Ottawa, this live demonstration event brings together government, procurement and industry leaders with investors, researchers and ecosystem partners to network and create opportunities.
When: Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Area X.O, 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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October

Ottawa Board of Trade Mayoral Debate 2026

What: Join OBOT to hear from the city’s top mayoral candidates in a debate focused on issues that matter to Ottawa’s business community.
When: Oct. 1, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Location TBD
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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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Ottawa’s Next Chapter: An Economic Leaders Panel

What: Listen to a panel in which local entrepreneurs and industry leaders share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges influencing Ottawa’s competitiveness, infrastructure, housing, talent, downtown revitalization and long-term prosperity.
When: Oct. 6, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King, 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, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 4837 Albion Rd., Ottawa
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Ottawa Small Business Summit 2026

What: Connect, learn and celebrate with local entrepreneurs and business leaders as Small Business Week kicks off in Ottawa. This full-day event features networking, panels and workshops.
When: Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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Business After 5: Escape Manor Halloween Takeover

What: Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Escape Manor for an evening of networking, live music and light refreshments.
When: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Escape Manor Downtown, 292 Elgin St., Ottawa
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2026 Canadian Aerospace Summit

What: Presented by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, this event brings together business leaders shaping the future of Canada’s aerospace industry.
When: Oct. 27-28
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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Purple Tie Gala

What: In support of Cornerstone Housing for Women, this event will feature delicious bites, handcrafted cocktails, live music, an auction and lots of purple!
When: Oct. 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Delta Hotel ballroom, 101 Lyon St., 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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Black Tie Bingo for Bruyère

What: This event features a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live entertainment, curated auction experiences, and high-energy, high-stakes bingo in support of Bruyère Health.
When:Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 2L9
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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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Aurora Ball

What: In support of the Ottawa Cancer Foundation, enjoy an evening of alpine elegance with dining, cocktails and entertainment while connecting with Ottawa’s business and community leaders.
When: Nov. 21, time TBD
Where: The Westin, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards

What: Known as the “Phils,” this event celebrates individuals, groups and organizations who are making an impact in our community.
When: Nov. 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
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Christmas Cheer Breakfast

What: A milestone celebration marking 75 years of community, compassion, and giving since 1951, with proceeds supporting dozens of local charities across Ottawa, including the Ottawa Food Bank, The Ottawa Mission, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa.
When: Nov. 27, 7 a.m.
Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
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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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HOWL Holiday Event

What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and HOWL for an evening of festive networking, food and seasonal cocktails. Guests are invited to wear plaid, flannel or holiday sweaters as they connect and support the Ottawa Network for Education.
When: Dec. 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa
Find out more

January

Canadian Culinary Championships final

What: Join the country’s top chefs as they compete in various culinary challenges.
When: Jan. 29-30
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa; and La Cité College, 801 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa
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