Celebrate Together!
The Ottawa 200 Block Party is a free, all-ages event happening on September 26 at Marion Dewar Plaza (Ottawa City Hall), with a full day of programming that reflects the communities and people who have shaped Ottawa over time.
The party starts on September 26 at 10 am and continues well past sundown. It includes a mix of local, francophone, indigenous, and other cultural programming on two stages and around the site throughout the day.
As producers of some of Canada’s largest public and corporate events, we at HUMANCONTACT felt it was important to look at the event through a few lenses that varied from a traditional execution: reflecting the fact the Block Party is a singular opportunity to celebrate a once-in-a-generation milestone and not something that repeats annually or at a fixed interval, and to be purposeful to be inclusive and cast as wide a net with suppliers, partners, and sponsors as possible that reflect the variety and vibrancy contained within the National Capital Region.
Supported by partners of all shapes and sizes
The event is being produced for the City of Ottawa by us at HUMANCONTACT Inc., supported by a well-rounded team that includes Spruce Creative, MR-63, and Rev Hospitality Co. This multi-functional approach was intentional to allow us to deliver a best-in-class musical, artistic, interactive, and logistical event.
It was important to us to bring the best parts of Ottawa together for this day. That included showcasing local musicians, local businesses, and local artists to create engaging and unexpected programming for our attendees, the people of Ottawa. No matter what time of day you come to the event and no matter where you look, there will be something fun, unique, and engaging to do.
When it comes to designing this experience, we engaged with all parts of Ottawa’s business community, and we’re very proud of the mix of sponsors, food and beverage vendors, and community partners that are supporting the event from all corners of the city.
There are only a few remaining sponsorship opportunities, so I encourage you to reach out if you or your organization are interested in being a part of this landmark celebration.
Showcasing local talent
In addition to a surprise headliner that will be announced the morning of the event, the lineup of local performers includes:
- 2025 Ottawa Awards Hip Hop Artist of the Year Cody Coyote
- Eclectic francophone singer-songwriter Mehdi Cayenne
- DJ-forward evening finale from NO DEF Collective
- Franco-Ontarian pop songstress Jessy Lindsay
- Dynamic drag performance duo Sunshine Glitterchild and Saltina Shaker
- Ottawa-born pop and R&B artist Duava
- Acoustic blues/roots duo The Blind & The Beautiful
The event will also feature a special performance of Heart of This Place (Adàwe c’est ma ville), the official Ottawa 200 anthem created with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, interactive trivia, fireside chats, and immersive dances.
More than a concert
The Plaza will be transformed into an open-air art gallery with interactive art installations, demonstrations, games, and prizes from local organizations and community partners. For more details on the artists and creatives that will be present on site, please visit the Artists page of the event website.
Beyond the stage, the Ottawa 200 Block Party will feature iconic local food and beverage vendors, including Dominion City Brewing Company, City Seltzer, Beyond the Pale, 1818 Cidery, Merry Dairy, Beavertails, Whalesbone, No Go Coffee, SuzyQ Doughnuts, Kisisam Pattisserie, and more.
Let’s Celebrate on September 26!
For more information on the Block Party, please visit ottawa200blockparty.ca and follow @ottawa200feteparty on Instagram. If your organization is interested in learning more about remaining sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to ottawa200@humancontact.com.
Otherwise, I hope to see you there.
About the author
Todd Shannon, MBA is Chief Strategy Officer with HUMANCONTACT Inc., blending expertise in strategy, creative direction, advertising, marketing & communications, analytics & insights, and event production to deliver impactful and memorable campaigns for clients across many different sectors and industries. An avid runner and proud dad to two young children, you can find Todd out and about on one of Ottawa’s many multi-use pathways, or on the patio of his favourite breweries, year-round.
