Check out this listing of breakfast events and evening galas as we head into the thick of the spring season.
Canadian Folk Music Awards
What: In a special edition celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Canadian Folk Music Awards are hosting a series of concerts in Ottawa-Gatineau with shows by Connie Kaldor, The Andrew Collins Trio, Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and many more.
When: April 3-6
Where: Canadian Museum of History; 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, and National Arts Centre; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
Find out more
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Taste of Little Italy
What: Presented by the Preston Street BIA, this event allows participants to sample dishes from different restaurants over the course of the evening.
When: April 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Preston Event Centre; 523 Saint Anthony St., Ottawa
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AudienceAmp
What: A one-day forum to help businesses in arts and culture level up their marketing with expert insights from Nik Nanos, Shannon Urie and a panel of Ottawa-Gatineau audience engagement leaders.
When: April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast
What: Enjoy a networking breakfast and a fireside chat between Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and David Coletto, founder, chair and CEO of Abacus Data.
When: April 22, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa
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City Building Summit
What: Presented by the Ottawa Board of Trade, connect with city builders to see what is on the horizon for Ottawa’s future.
When: April 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa; 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Ottawa ProductCamp 2025
What: Presented by the Ottawa Product Management and Marketing Association, this event will offer a chance for those looking to scale a product to network with fellow entrepreneurs and listen to panel discussions on AI products.
When: April 26, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Assent Inc., 525 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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Business After 5: Stray Dog Brewing Company
What: This event allows attendees to network with other business leaders as they enjoy food and drinks from Orléans brewery Stray Dog Brewing Company.
When: April 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way, Orléans
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NACO Summit 2025
What: The National Angel Capital Organization Summit is a two-day event bringing together delegates from across the innovation ecosystem, including founders, investors, and innovation leaders.
When: April 29 and Apr. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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CHIPS North 2025 Conference
What: In partnership with Canada’s Semiconductor Council, Kanata North Business Association and Invest Ottawa, this event is focused on driving commercialization, scaling exports, attracting investment and building customer-focused partnerships. It will feature keynote speakers, panel discussion and networking opportunities.
When: April 29-30
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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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: April 30, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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2025 Spark Soirée
What: Hosted by Sam Laprade and Jamie Scott, this event aims to raise funds for the Ottawa Network for Education’s school breakfast program, which provides over 22,000 meals and snacks for students across Ottawa’s four public school boards.
When: May 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre; 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast
What: Enjoy a networking breakfast and a fireside chat between Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Bob Dyce, head coach of the Ottawa Redblacks.
When: May 6, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa
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Bootstrap Awards 2025
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 6, time TBD
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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A conversation with Peter Strom
What: A fireside chat between Peter Strom, president and CEO of March Networks, and RBCx’s Lindy Ledohowski.
When: May 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hub350, 350 Legget Dr., Kanata
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Women, Wit and Wisdom 2025
What: This event will allow attendees to network, enjoy a dinner and listen in on a panel of three women leaders.
When: May 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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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 during the month of May.
When: May 9 to May 19
Where: Commissioners Park, 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 21, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jacques Cartier Park, Laurier Street, Gatineau
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Capital Music Awards
What: The sixth annual 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: May 22
Where: National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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BYA Kick-Off: Finalist Reveal & Revel
What: An event to kick off the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards and share the 15 award finalists.
When: May 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Lago Bar & Grill, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, 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 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alma Duncan Salon, Ottawa Art Gallery; 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, 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 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Westin Hotel; 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Taste for Hope
What: A culinary event to raise awareness for homelessness in the city and raise funds for the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.
When: June 3, time TBD
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament
What: A full day of networking while enjoying the outdoors and a few rounds of golf!
When: Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: GreyHawk Golf Club; 4999 Boundary Rd., Navan
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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
