With spring on the horizon, there are lots of social and business events to get you out and about in the coming months.
Screen Summit 2025 and Career Fair
What: Presented by the International Film Festival of Ottawa and the Ottawa Film Office, this two-day event aims to elevate the careers in screen-based media with talks, networking and skill-building workshops.
When: March 21-22
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa; and Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa
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Entrepreneurial success builds Westboro Village community
Westboro Village’s well-deserved reputation as a delightful community in which to live and work has been enhanced by the presence of many locally owned businesses. They are assisted by the
Mayor’s Breakfast – March 2025
What: Enjoy a networking breakfast and a fireside chat between Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.
When: March 25, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall; 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa
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Queensway-Carleton Hospital Foundation Visionaries Breakfast
What: In support of the Queensway-Carleton Hospital Foundation, this breakfast event will raise funds for the foundation, offer business and community leaders the chance to network as well as recognize the impact that three individuals have had on local health care with a Luminary Award.
When: March 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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Business After 5: Diefenbunker
What: This event allows attendees to network with other business leaders as they take a tour of the historic Cold War bunker, commissioned in 1959 by former prime minister John Diefenbaker.
When: March 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Diefenbunker Museum; 3929 Carp Rd., Ottawa
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CEO of the Year Breakfast with Andrew Waitman, Assent
What: Presented by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade, enjoy a breakfast discussion with the 2024 CEO of the Year, Andrew Waitman, followed by a question and answer session.
When: March 27, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Telfer School of Management Desmarais Building; 55 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa
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GOHBA – Annual General Meeting
What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association for a dinner as they showcase their achievements, milestones and future plans.
When: March 27, at 5 p.m.
Where: Sala San Marco Event & Conference Centre; 215 Preston St., Ottawa
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Laugh for the Cure
What: Come enjoy a night of stand-up comedy as local business leaders (Average Joes) try their hand alongside seasoned pros, hosted by comedian Julie Kim. Proceeds benefit The Ottawa Cancer Foundation.
When: March 27, 2025
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa; 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Creating Mejuri: Noura Sakkijha’s Journey to Canadian Business Success
What: Enjoy this event featuring Noura Sakkijha, co-founder and CEO of Mejuri, as she shares her remarkable journey of transforming the fine jewelry industry and redefining entrepreneurship in Canada.
When: March 31, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Bayview Yards; 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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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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L-Spark Showcase: The Velocity Effect
What: Join seven founders as they showcase six months of growth in this year’s L-Spark Showcase. The theme, “The Velocity Effect,” highlights the power of speed and precision in driving startup growth.
When: Apr. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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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: Apr. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa; 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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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: Apr. 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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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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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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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: TBD
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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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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
