Summer may be the time for vacation, but there are also lots of great business-oriented events to keep you busy, from early morning tee-offs to late-night music festivals.
June
Ottawa Innovation Week
What: A week of events bringing together the city’s brightest minds to showcase the burgeoning talent Ottawa has to offer.
When: June 9-13
Where: TBD
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Luncheon with the new U.S. Ambassador
What: Presented by the Canadian Club of Ottawa, this luncheon event will hear from the new U.S. ambassador to Canada, Peter Hoekstra.
When: June 11, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Château Laurier – Ballroom, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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Women, Wit and Wisdom 2025
What: Enjoy a networking cocktail hour and dinner, followed by a panel discussion between three women leaders sharing their story on leadership and life balance.
When: June 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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AccelerateOTT 2025
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, where local startups will make their pitch for a chance to win up to $50,000 in grant prizes.
When: June 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park
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Business After 5: Taylor +
What: Hosted by Taylor Co., this event will help you grow your network while listening to live music, presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and complimentary food and drink.
When: June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 275 Slater St., Ottawa
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Power Play: The Future of Innovation in Sports
What: As part of Ottawa Innovation Week, this event brings together the tech and sports worlds for a panel discussion on the future of the industry followed by networking while watching the Ottawa Redblacks home opener.
When: June 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
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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 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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City BuildHers Golf Lab
What: A women-only networking and golf event where women business leaders will learn golf fundamentals so they can show up to future golfing events with confidence.
When: June 16, 3 p.m.
Where: Loch March Golf & Country Club, 1755 Old Carp Rd., Kanata
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Ottawa Tech Open 2025
What: In support of the Ottawa Network for Education, this event gathers the city’s business leader for a full day of golfing and networking.
When: June 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Marshes Golf Club, 320 Terry Fox Dr., Kanata
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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 Mark Monahan, executive director of Ottawa Bluesfest.
When: June 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. West, Ottawa.
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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 Samara Joy, Gary Clark Jr., Mavis Staples and Allison Russell.
When: June 20-29
Where: Multiple locations around downtown Ottawa
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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 to development through sports.
When: June 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
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The Art of Leadership Women Ottawa
What: This conference will hear from some of Canada’s most inspiring female industry leaders as they talk about their respective books and how they challenge the status quo.
When: June 25, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Shared Ground
What: Presented by Arts Ottawa, this full-day event will bring together artists, community and business leaders to think about ways to future-proof the Ottawa arts sector, including activating underutilized spaces.
When: June 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Place de Ville, 112 Kent St., Ottawa
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Better Business at the Ballpark
What: Join the Better Business Bureau for an evening of networking and baseball as the Ottawa Titans take on the New Jersey Jackals.
When: June 27, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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Forty Under 40 Gala
What: Organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade in partnership with the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management Executive MBA program, this annual gala celebrates the city’s young entrepreneurs for their accomplishments in business.
When: June 27, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy; 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
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July
The Chef’s Table
What: A three-weekend experience, this “farm to table feast” will showcase regional musical acts while guests try menus curated by chef Kenton Leier of the NAC as well as some of Canada’s finest chefs.
When: July 3-5, July 10-12 and Sept. 4-6
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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VegOttawa Fest 2025
What: In its first iteration since 2019, 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 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre; 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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“Eh I” Summer Vibe Hackathon
What: This full-day event brings together AI enthusiasts from around the National Capital Region to try new tools and network.
When: July 5, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Location revealed upon registration
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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 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Royal Ottawa Golf Club, 1405 Chemin d’Aylmer, Gatineau
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Ottawa Bluesfest
What:Ottawa’s most popular music festival is back for its 30th edition and welcomes large acts such as Shania Twain, Hozier, Lainey Wilson, Def Leppard and Green day, to name a few.
When: July 10-20
Where: LeBreton Flats
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Boots & Bosses
What: Enjoy a night of networking with women leaders in a VIP section at Ottawa Bluesfest as you jam out to Shania Twain.
When: July 13, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Bluesfest, LeBreton Flats Park
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August
Redblacks Summer Rush
What: In support of the Ottawa Redblacks Back to School Initiative, this event invites participants to take part in four speed-networking groups, allowing them to meet many of Ottawa’s brightest minds in business.
When: Aug. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Spurs & Sparkles 2025
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 entertainment.
When: Aug. 13, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa
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Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament
What: A day out of the greens and networking with the city’s business and community leaders.
When: Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: GreyHawk Golf Club; 4999 Boundary Rd., Navan
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: An annual festival showcasing Canadian talent from musical artists to hot air balloon shows.
When: Aug. 27-31
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Saint-Louis St., Gatineau
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September
OEMC 2025
What: The Ontario East Municipal Conference invites business and community leaders to network and participate in sessions on economic development, municipal and community development and workforce development.
When: Sept. 17-19
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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October
The VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala
What: This event highlights the achievements of the city’s volunteers and non-profits.
When: Oct. 23, time TBD
Where: Preston Event Centre; 523 Saint Anthony St., Ottawa
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SocialHRCamp Ottawa: Think Like An Owner
What: An educational event for HR and recruitment professionals with breakout sessions, expert panel discussions and networking opportunities.
When: October TBD (Date changed from April 30)
Where: Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd., 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: Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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November
42nd Annual Housing Design Awards Gala
What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association as it highlights the achievements of the city’s architects, designers, renovators and builders.
When: Nov. 1, from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Blue Door Gala 2025
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. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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eSAX Entrepreneur Networking
What: In their first in-person event in five years, the Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience (eSAX) invites entrepreneurs to get together and network during this tradeshow. The event will also be raising funds for sick and marginalized youth through the CHEO Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.
When: Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park; 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
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Aurora Ball: Celebrating Milestones
What: A night of dancing, dining and drinks featuring a performance by a surprise musical guest. Join The Ottawa Cancer Foundation in celebrating its 30th anniversary.
When: Nov. 22, time TBD
Where: TBD
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Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs)
What: The annual award ceremony and gala that celebrates Ottawa’s business leaders.
When: Nov. 28, time TBD
Where: The Westin Ottawa; 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
Find out more: TBD
