Katherine Takpannie: Every Now and Then I Get a Feeling
Feb
20
to Apr 4

Katherine Takpannie: Every Now and Then I Get a Feeling

Every Now and Then I Get a Feeling is the first major survey exhibition of Katherine Takpannie’s photography, bringing together key works spanning two decades of her practice, including her most recent series, Urban Inuk, produced entirely in Ottawa with members of the local Inuit community. 

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Every Now and Then I Get a Feeling est la première grande exposition rétrospective consacrée à la photographie de Katherine Takpannie. Elle réunit des œuvres clés couvrant deux décennies de pratique, dont sa plus récente série, Urban Inuk, réalisée entièrement à Ottawa avec des membres de la communauté inuit locale.

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Power Team!: Improvised Teen Superheroes
Feb
21
to Mar 28

Power Team!: Improvised Teen Superheroes

Get ready to unite with POWER TEAM!

Can four super-powered teens save the world and survive high school? Find out in this high-energy, teen-angst-fueled, all-improvised superhero adventure!​​

We don’t know what schemes our nefarious villain has planned.

We don’t know what powers the team will unleash to stop them.

But we do know it’ll take brains, heart, and—above all—teamwork.

Power Team! is an all-improvised, retro-inspired thrill ride in the spirit of Sailor Moon, Teen Titans, and Power Rangers. Catch it at the Arts Court Atelier on select Saturdays in February and March.

POWER TEAM—UNITE!

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Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy
Feb
21
to Mar 28

Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy

  • Arts Court Atelier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 improv comedians compete for survival – and a cash prize! Plus YOU - the audience - are the arbiters of who wins and who's eliminated until only one remains standing: the MAESTRO! ​

WIT presents ten of Ottawa's virtuoso improv comedians for a night of games and scenes based on audience suggestions — but only one of them will make it to the end of the show and be crowned MAESTRO and awarded the coveted Canadian five-dollar bill.

If you’ve never seen improv comedy at WIT, this is the show to catch.

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Intro to Filmmaking
Mar
14
to Mar 28

Intro to Filmmaking

  • Digital Arts Resource Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Intro to Filmmaking is a 4-part introductory workshop for artists who are interested in learning how to work with video. This hands-on workshop provides artists with camera, audio, and lighting basics from pre- to post-production.

Under the guidance of filmmaker Karolina Krym, participants will gain experience handling equipment, learn how to set up for a video shoot, and complete exercises to simulate various shooting conditions and situations. Participants will work together in small groups to produce a short video. Topics include: pre-production, scripts and storyboards basics, camera basics, shooting techniques, lighting techniques, cinematography basics, audio production basics, and an introduction to video editing with DaVinci Resolve.

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The Pavilion: Screening and Artist Talk with Pixie Cram
Mar
25
6:00 PM18:00

The Pavilion: Screening and Artist Talk with Pixie Cram

In this talk, filmmaker Pixie Cram will discuss the challenges of making The Pavilion (15 minutes, 2026), including filming with cast and crew over five days at a remote, off-grid spot in the Pontiac - which culminated in a visit from a black bear - to creating magical sequences with stop motion animation on location with available light. She’ll also discuss the process of working with designers to build authentic props and costumes that fit the time period, from the 1940s era storybook, to the hand-crafted wooden rowboat, and obtaining the rights to WWII archival audio segments via LAC and CBC.

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Homing - solo body - object-sound / Susanna Hood /  a co-presentation with ODD
Mar
27
to Mar 28

Homing - solo body - object-sound / Susanna Hood / a co-presentation with ODD

A sculpture in motion, a slow, methodical journey of image-making and unmaking through magic, memory, loss and transformation.

Available via ticket link below:

Tickets to attend Performances of HOMING on March 27 & 28, 2026

Tickets to participate in BODY-OBJECT-IMAGE-SPACE workshop on March 24, 2026 - 7pm

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Performances of HOMING on Friday, March 27 & Saturday, March 28, 2026

A co-presentation with Ottawa Dance Directive ODD BOX, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa ON

Shows: March 27, 28 at 7:30pm $25 here on Eventbrite or cash at the door

Visual art comes to life in a ritual through grief

Creation & Performance – Susanna Hood

Sound Creation – Frédéric B.Briet

Dramaturgy – Thea Patterson

Coaching performatif – Sylvie Tourangeau

Choreographic Consultation – Sarah Bild

Duration: 60min

Content warning: nudity

“Homing – solo body, object, sound” is Susanna Hood's most recent work - vulnerable, daring, risky and powerful. Created in collaboration with French musician and composer Frédéric B.Briet, the piece's creation was initially inspired by Susanna's desire to inhabit and be inhabited by the body of her mother, now deceased. "Homing" works to transform a wound between their two bodies stemming from the legacy of self-hatred towards the female body, and an inaccessible physical silence that this created between them. Accompanied by a modular and improvised electro-acoustic environment that evokes a dialogue between the present moment and the space of memory, “Homing” plays with magic, perception, memory, loss, the creation of kinship ties and transformation.

"Thank you for showing me that home is not only a noun, a person, a place, a feeling, but also a verb; a present, intentional action." Audience member, Liam Gover

«Susanna Hood est si puissante et le pouvoir du son, si irresistible qu’en nous ouvrant cet accès à elle-même, elle nous ouvre une porte sur notre propre monde. L’effet est toujours bouleversant. » – Fabienne Cabado, Voir

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Laylit
Apr
10
to Apr 11

Laylit

GRIDWRKS + ANNX

221 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 9M2

After our last SOLD OUT edition, Laylit takes over GRIDWRKS and ANNX once again for an unforgettable two-floor dance party! Laylit is a platform and collective celebrating music and artists from the Arab/SWANA region and its diaspora. Over the last four years their dance parties in New York City and Montreal have carved out an unmatched place in North American nightlife, becoming an anticipated social gathering and unique musical experience.

Each party takes you on a genre-spanning journey, highlighting the incredible musical diversity, depth and richness that comes out of the region. Laylit has established its place on the scene with a signature electronic sound blending shaabi, dabke, mahraganat, Arabic pop and hip-hop with contemporary, boundary pushing dance music (techno, breakbeat, hyperpop…) inspired by New York and Montreal’s thriving underground clubs. Featured in multiple publications including the New York Times and Pitchfork, Laylit recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary with a tour across multiple North American cities. Laylit values inclusivity and unity across cultures, languages, dialects, religions, identity and sexual orientations.

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Wanderlust: Improvised Tales of Travel, Love & Longing
Apr
11
to May 23

Wanderlust: Improvised Tales of Travel, Love & Longing

Wanderlust is a fully improvised road trip across Canada—packed with heart, humor, and surprise. Two friends set out to explore new places, meet unforgettable characters, and discover what really happens when you travel with someone long enough to see their best and worst. From epic journeys toward the Arctic Circle to hilariously mundane stops like an IKEA gone wrong, this show celebrates the chaos and connection of life on the road.

No two performances are ever the same. Each night, the audience shapes the adventure—deciding where the travelers go and why they're heading there - and the actors define their relationship, how it evolves, and which moments will define their journey. Along the way, an inventive ensemble brings the world to life, using bold physicality and vocal creativity to transform the stage into highways, towns, wilderness, and everything in between. Fans of movement and dance will be captivated by a chorus whose expressive, entirely un-choreographed motion is seamlessly woven into the story.

With two new improvisers stepping into the lead roles each week, Wanderlust is never the same trip twice—an ever-changing, heartfelt exploration of connection, conflict, and discovery on the long road forward.

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Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy
Apr
11
to May 23

Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy

  • Arts Court Atelier (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 improv comedians compete for survival – and a cash prize! Plus YOU - the audience - are the arbiters of who wins and who's eliminated until only one remains standing: the MAESTRO! ​

WIT presents ten of Ottawa's virtuoso improv comedians for a night of games and scenes based on audience suggestions — but only one of them will make it to the end of the show and be crowned MAESTRO and awarded the coveted Canadian five-dollar bill.

If you’ve never seen improv comedy at WIT, this is the show to catch.

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Witch Prophet + ChristJay
Apr
17
8:00 PM20:00

Witch Prophet + ChristJay

Witch Prophet returns to Club SAW to celebrate the release of her upcoming album Words Are Spells / Thoughts Are Magic With special guest ChristJay

Witch Prophet is a Toronto-based, Ethiopian/Eritrean singer-songwriter, producer, and creative visionary whose work blends jazz fusion, neo-soul, and trip-hop, with multilingual vocals in English, Tigrinya, and Amharic. Drawing on her ancestral lineage and lived experience, she creates spiritually resonant, groove-centered music that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted.

Her critically acclaimed discography (including The Golden Octave, D.N.A Activation, and Gateway Experience)has earned praise from Billboard, Pitchfork, Complex, FADER, CBC Music, Exclaim!, Bandcamp, and more, along with Polaris Prize shortlist and longlist recognition. Known for her hypnotic vocal style, rich harmonies, and boundary-pushing sonic worlds, Witch Prophet has performed at major festivals such as Montreal Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, The Great Escape (UK), SXSW (Austin), MAMA Festival (Paris), and New Skool Rules (Rotterdam). She has shared stages with and opened for Sudan Archives, Tash Sultana, JPEGMAFIA, KeiyaA, CLIPPING, Pierre Kwenders, Begonia, Lido Pimienta, and more.

Her forthcoming album, Words Are Spells / Thoughts Are Magic (March 18, 2026), marks her most expansive work yet - a dual-sided project exploring the power of language, thought, and intention. Produced by Witch Prophet and her wife/collaborator SUN SUN, the album merges ancestral resonance with contemporary soul, offering a transformative musical experience.

A magnetic performer and genre-defying storyteller, Witch Prophet continues to carve a singular path in today’s global music landscape.

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Root in Harmony
Apr
18
2:30 PM14:30

Root in Harmony

Get ready to sing your heart out in a pop-up singing circle!

Welcome to the Root in Harmony | Pop-Up Singing Circle event happening in The Courtroom Studio at Arts Court on April 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

Join us for an afternoon filled with community and song, singing along a cappella (voices only, no instruments) and in harmony to "Seasons of Love" from the hit musical, RENT.

No experience needed. No matter your age or singing abilities, this event is open to all music lovers who want to share the joy of music together.

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EEJUNGMI & Yolande Laroche at the Champagne Bath
Apr
19
7:00 PM19:00

EEJUNGMI & Yolande Laroche at the Champagne Bath

Champagne Bath 321 King Edward Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T8

EEJUNGMI 💦 Yolande Laroche 💦 at the Champagne Bath

Debaser

Bringing bubbling pop songs and ambient-electronic selections, we are thrilled to welcome EEJUNGMI to the Champagne Bath this spring in celebration of her debut album Water is a Shifting Mirror, constructed from field recordings of rivers, currents of driving bass, and splashes of the artist's ethereal voice. She will be joined by local multi-genre angel Yolande Laroche, both offering up a hybrid performance of live and DJ'd material.

Experience the show from inside the pool through underwater speakers, in the sauna, or poolside under the sun roof.

What to bring

Bathing suit

Towel

Robe

Flip flops or slides for pool deck / showers

Lock for changing room lockers

Non-glass water bottle

About the space

There are two change rooms: one for women and gender nonconforming folks and one for men and gender nonconforming folks. No gender policing will be tolerated - please use the change room you are most comfortable with, and respect others’ right to choose.

Change rooms have 2 private stalls with toilets, and open showers with multiple shower heads.

Lockers are available in change rooms for personal belongings.

No food or drink permitted in the change rooms. Water bottles (no glass please) are permitted on the pool deck and mezzanine.

There is a dry sauna on the pool deck. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time.

Seating available on pool deck.

Parking - Free parking in lot behind building. Free street parking on York St. Bike parking in front of building.

Please note Due to limited capacity in the pool area, you may be directed to the Mezzanine level until space opens up. Please arrive on time if you would like to get into the pool right away.

Swimmers must shower before entering the pool.

Photo policy: cameras are permitted, however please do not take photos of the lifeguards or other people without their consent.

Accessibility Pool area, change rooms, and sauna are all wheelchair accessible. There are 4 steps to access the mezzanine level.

Free tickets available for care attendants - email hello@debaser.ca to request.

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Frisque Femme Presents Fabulous Follies
May
2
8:00 PM20:00

Frisque Femme Presents Fabulous Follies

We're going back in time to the classic era of burlesque with a modern twist.

Join us for an evening like no other in the nation's capital!

Frisque Femme Productions Presents Fall Follies Saturday May 2nd, 2026 at Arts Court!

A lavish show filled with big laughs, & stunning performers in opulent costumes.

Featuring local talent and two headliners from Philadelphia.

Headliners: Goldi Fox

Mika Romantic

Cast: Alister Sharp

Belle Epoque

Fairy Fifi

Fenix Caprice

Kitty Kin-Evil

Sonya Lex

Zeenat Zehr

Kitten: Bickie Brulée

Advanced pricing $25 till April 2nd, 2026

General Admission price $35

Saturday May 2nd, 2026

Doors 7pm Show 8pm

Arts Court Ottawa

19+ Event

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Konekt in Rhythm
May
9
to May 10

Konekt in Rhythm

Konekt In Rhythm is an immersive live music experience that brings together: DJ culture and live orchestral performance in a bold and genre-defying collaboration. Taking place at Arts Court – Black Box Studio in Ottawa, this unique event features XANNIE performing alongside seven live musicians, creating a dynamic musical dialogue. Throughout the night, you will experience a carefully curated set blending deep grooves, jazz improvisation, and classical orchestral arrangements written by saxophonist Lisa Yacé.

The evening, hosted by Kimya and Jess M will start with a DJ set by DJ Seiiizi, followed by opening performances from Kabysh, Kar33m, and Oshowz, showcasing emerging voices and talent from the city’s creative community.

The main performance will feature Xannie (badgalannie) — the DJ and a live ensemble including:

Lisa Yacé — Tenor Saxophone

An — Alto Saxophone

Peter — Cello & Violin

Ramel — Guitar

Jacob — Drums

Ramsey — Trombone

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Ottawa Circus Festival
May
22
to May 24

Ottawa Circus Festival

  • LabO Theatre and Studio (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Ottawa Circus Festival is an inspiring annual celebration of creativity, skill, and connection. Providing a diverse and inclusive environment, we offer a professional space for world-class performances, competitions, and workshops dedicated to the technical excellence and artistic growth of aerial and circus artists. Shows and workshops take place in LabO Theatre and LBO 2202 Studio.

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Disco Snails
Mar
15
2:00 PM14:00

Disco Snails

Disco Snails is a children's dance-theatre show about embracing your differences, finding solutions that work for you, and of course groovy snails. Follow our three disco snails Irwini, Jan, and Tina as they work together to create a dance performance for the Super Spectacular Snail Show. 

Disco Snails will take place March 15th at Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Ave)

Doors Open @ 1:45pm

Performance @ 2:00pm

Talk Back @ 2:40pm

Feedback Forms @ 2:50pm

This show is for children ages 8 - 12, but we invite parents to bring children outside of this age range as well. We require all children attending to be accompanied by an adult. 

Following the show we will be hosting an informal 10 - 15 minute talk back. Children are invited to ask us any questions about the show, the characters, the process of making the show, etc. 

As this is a workshop performance we will be asking all children to fill out a form (with the assistance from their adult) about the show. This form will include comprehension questions as well as feedback questions. Forms will be distributed right after the talk back and children will be invited up on stage to fill them out. We ask that you fill them out and return them before you leave. 

There are limited spots - please register for your seat below!

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Intro to Electronic Music Production
Mar
12
6:00 PM18:00

Intro to Electronic Music Production

Intro to Electronic Music Production explores the basics of electronic music production using the digital audio workstation Ableton Live. Participants will learn how to navigate the interface, select and manipulate sounds and samples, understand fundamental audio effects, and create a short electronic music piece using MIDI. Ableton Live will be available at each workstation, with shared access to MIDI controllers for hands-on experimentation.

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The International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO)
Mar
11
to Mar 22

The International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO)

The International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO) returns March 11–22, 2026, bringing bold Canadian and international cinema to the heart of the Capital. Presented annually by the Canadian Film Institute, IFFO takes place at the Ottawa Art Gallery, the ByTowne Cinema, and other downtown venues, transforming the city core into a vibrant hub for film lovers and industry professionals alike.

IFFO’s Official Selection features 30 acclaimed Canadian and international feature films, each paired with a new Canadian short, showcasing emerging and established voices side by side.

Beyond the screen, IFFO offers signature programs including Canadian Masters, featuring an in-depth conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar), and The Gaze, amplifying underrepresented perspectives in contemporary cinema. Industry events include the SAVE AS symposium (March 19), focused on film preservation and access, and the IFFO Screen Summit & OFO Career Fair (March 20–21), connecting creators, students, and professionals across Ottawa’s growing screen-based industries.

Additional information and tickets are available at iffo.ca.

Le Festival international du film d'Ottawa (IFFO) revient du 11 au 22 mars 2026, mettant à l'honneur le cinéma canadien et international audacieux au cœur de la capitale. Présenté chaque année par l'Institut canadien du film, l'IFFO se déroule à la Galerie d'art d'Ottawa, au cinéma ByTowne et dans d'autres salles du centre-ville, transformant le cœur de la ville en un lieu dynamique pour les cinéphiles et les professionnels de l'industrie.

La sélection officielle de l'IFFO comprend 30 longs métrages canadiens et internationaux acclamés, chacun accompagné d'un nouveau court métrage canadien, mettant en valeur côte à côte des voix émergentes et établies.

Au-delà de l'écran, l'IFFO propose des programmes phares, notamment Canadian Masters, qui comprend une conversation approfondie avec le cinéaste acclamé Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar), et The Gaze, qui amplifie les perspectives sous-représentées dans le cinéma contemporain. Parmi les événements destinés aux professionnels, citons le symposium SAVE AS (19 mars), axé sur la préservation et l'accès aux films, et l'IFFO Screen Summit & OFO Career Fair (20-21 mars), qui met en relation les créateurs, les étudiants et les professionnels des industries audiovisuelles en pleine expansion à Ottawa.

Pour plus d'informations et pour acheter des billets, rendez-vous sur iffo.ca.

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Youth Infringement Festival
Mar
11
to Mar 21

Youth Infringement Festival

  • Arts Court Theatre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Youth Infringement Festival is an open access performing arts festival for Ottawa youth ages 16 to 25 to develop and produce original work. The 28th annual festival will take place March 11th-21st at Arts Court Theatre. Purchase tickets, and read more about the shows, festival, and community programming, on our website!

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Root in Harmony
Mar
9
7:00 PM19:00

Root in Harmony

Join us in The Courtroom at Arts Court for an evening filled with community and song, singing along a cappella (voices only, no instruments) and in harmony to the Bee Gee's "How Deep Is Your Love". No experience needed. No matter your age or singing abilities, this event is open to all music lovers who want to share the joy of music together.

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SHIFT FILM FESTIVAL
Mar
7
to Mar 8

SHIFT FILM FESTIVAL

SHIFT Film Festival is a queer, BIPOC, and feminist-focused film festival in Ottawa that celebrates bold stories by women and gender non-conforming creators. Over two days at Arts Court, the festival showcases short films, documentaries, and features, alongside engaging panels, live performances and a mini market with local queer artists.

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Voulez-Vous Disco & 80s Dance Party [Vol. 4]
Feb
28
to Mar 1

Voulez-Vous Disco & 80s Dance Party [Vol. 4]

Celebrate good times, come on! Join us on February 28th at Club Saw for a night of nonstop dancing and sing-alongs. VOULEZ-VOUS is back, just in time to warm up your winter with hypnotic grooves, epic choruses and infectious melodies. Expect a full journey into the late 70s and 80s: disco icons (Donna Summer, Sylvester, Chic), 80s pop (Madonna, Michael Jackon, Prince) new wave legends (Blondie, Eurythmics, Depeche Mode), epic anthems (ABBA, Boney M, Queen), and the best guilty pleasures and one-hit wonders of the big hair and bell bottoms era.

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (a Man After Midnight)... we’ll see you at VOULEZ-VOUS.

SUGGESTED DRESS CODE: DISCO NIGHTS

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 SERIES DANCE 10 #55 / THE DOOR OPENED WEST Marc Boivin + Sarah Chase
Feb
27
to Feb 28

SERIES DANCE 10 #55 / THE DOOR OPENED WEST Marc Boivin + Sarah Chase

SERIES DANCE 10 #55 presents / présente Marc Boivin et Sarah Chase

February 27 / 7:30 pm

February 28 / 3 pm

& 19h 30 (Version française)

ODD BOX

The door opened west alternates between apparition and disappearance and gracefully celebrates the language of the body, a treasure trove of memories. Halfway between theatre and dance, The door opens west, by Sarah Chase, tells with finesse and emotion a very personal journey of the performer Marc Boivin.

The door opened west alterne entre des jeux d’apparitions et de disparition, et célèbre avec grâce le langage du corps, tel un précieux écrin à souvenirs. À mi-chemin entre le théâtre et la danse, The door opened west, de Sarah Chase, raconte avec finesse et émotion un parcours très personnel du performeur Marc Boivin.

Choreographed by / Chorégraphie Sarah Chase

Performed by / Interprétation Marc Boivin

Soundscape / Environnement sonore Antoine Bédard

Lighting Design / Lumières James Proudfoot

Photos / Michael Slobodian

Premiered at Festival TransAmériques, Montreal, on June 2, 2021

Création au Festival TransAmériques, Montréal, le 2 juin 2021

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Making space for love and friendship - An evening for young adults
Feb
22
6:00 PM18:00

Making space for love and friendship - An evening for young adults

A night featuring worship, spoken word, and a couch conversation on love, faith, and relationships. Real Vibes. Real Faith. Real You. 18+

Tired of the dating apps? Craving real conversations?

Treat yourself to spoken poetry, live worship songs and guided connection activities for young adults 18–40 who want to reconnect with themselves and build authentic relationships in a safe, judgment-free space.

Free will donations are welcome at the door.

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Project Agape's Inaugural Annual Brunch
Feb
22
11:30 AM11:30

Project Agape's Inaugural Annual Brunch

Project Agape’s first Annual Brunch celebrating joy, connections and community care! All are welcome!

Join us on Sunday, February 22, 2026 (11:30AM - 3:00PM) for Project Agape’s First Annual Brunch!

Hosted during Black History Month, this brunch is a gathering in solidarity with Black survivors, an invitation to learn, connect, and take action, as we strengthen our collective advocacy for change, and highlight the power and beauty of Black, survivor-centered care.

Project Agape is a Black, survivor-led organization dedicated to creating spaces of healing, advocacy, and connection for Black women and gender-diverse people who have experienced violence and oppression. Through programs, community events, and peer support initiatives, Project Agape continues to reimagine what safety, care, and justice can look like when led by and for Black survivors.

This brunch celebrates that vision. It invites us to reflect on what advocacy looks like in practice and how we can work together to sustain and strengthen Black-led spaces of healing, care, and justice across Ottawa. The event will feature a menu prepared by a local Black chef, performances by artists from Ottawa’s Black creative community, and reflections from Black survivors and advocates on the impact and importance of Black-centered work. Guests will also enjoy raffles with gifts from local and national partners and a photo booth experience.

Project Agape’s goal is to raise $10,000 through this brunch to expand program capacity, increase access to wellness resources, and continue offering free, accessible, and culturally affirming care to Black people in Ottawa and beyond.

Each ticket purchased helps sustain this work by supporting Black survivors’ healing journeys through wellness programming and access supports, while ensuring more Black survivors receive care, advocacy, and community.

While this event is grounded in the experiences of Black women and gender-diverse people, it is open to everyone. Project Agape believes that collective healing and justice require shared responsibility, and that allies and advocates have an important role to play in learning about Black-centered care, supporting survivor-led initiatives, and pouring back into Black communities through meaningful engagement and action.

Ticket Pricing Options

Buy One Give One $95: This ticket option is solely for allies who want to gift a ticket to a Black community member in solidarity. Project Agape will be giving these tickets to previous program participants.

Community Ticket $35 : These tickets are reserved solely for Black community members.

Early Bird Ticket $50 : These tickets are limited. You save $10 when you purchase an early bird ticket!

General Ticket $60 : These tickets can be purchased by everyone

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Art as Therapy: On Process, Conversation and Care
Feb
19
6:00 PM18:00

Art as Therapy: On Process, Conversation and Care

Join us February 19th, 2026 at 6 PM for DARC’s Expanded Practice Artist-in-Residence Olivia Onuk’s presentation “Art as Therapy: On Process, Conversation and Care” in celebration of Black History Month.

About the Talk: This artist talk traces the evolution of Art as Therapy: In Conversation with Creatives, a video series exploring how artists use creative practice as a form of healing, reflection, and connection. I’ll speak about moving from one-on-one interviews to dialogue-based conversations between artists, the challenges of translating intimacy to short-form media, and what it means to document care, process, and growth in real time. The talk reflects on art not as a solution, but as a sustained practice of staying with ourselves and each other.

About Olivia Onuk: Olivia Onuk is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer whose practice is rooted in the truth of art as therapy. Through poetry, storytelling, visual art, and drumming, she explores well-being, meaning-making, and the depths of human experience. Her work invites reflection, communal dialogue, and deeper engagement with the self. ms and memory can offer creative pathways.

She is currently creating work that asks questions around identity, memory, lineage, and how much of who we are is shaped by where we come from.

With a background in family violence and conflict resolution, and over 13 years of experience in event coordination, curation, and consultation, Olivia facilitates arts-based wellness workshops and manages creative programs for individuals and organizations. She was the inaugural Artist in Residence in Government for the City of Ottawa, where she collaborated with the Integrated Neighbourhood Services Team to develop artwork and creative responses to civic challenges.

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Root in Harmony (Pop-Up Singing Circle) | "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac
Feb
17
7:00 PM19:00

Root in Harmony (Pop-Up Singing Circle) | "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac

Join us in The Courtroom at Arts Court for an evening of singing your heart out to Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide".

Get ready to sing your heart out in a pop-up singing circle!

Welcome to the Root in Harmony | Pop-Up Singing Circle event happening in The Courtroom Studio at Arts Court on February 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Join us for a night filled with community and song, singing along a cappella (voices only, no instruments) and in harmony to the classic Fleetwood Mac tune, "Landslide".

No experience needed. No matter your age or singing abilities, this event is open to all music lovers who want to share the joy of music together.

Facilitated by: Micah Jondel DeShazer

Micah Jondel DeShazer (he/they) is an award-winning actor, director, vocalist and conductor from the US, now based in Canada since 2021. Former AD of TACTICS Theatre Group, and founding AD of his new company, Unexpected Théâtre, he also works as a freelance director, performer, and educator. He has collaborated with many institutions across North America, notably: Shaw Festival, Virginia Rep, Childsplay, Hale Centre Theatre, GCTC, and serves as a board chair for Blackout Arts Society. He is deeply committed to developing and normalizing the voices of disabled and BIPOC creatives, and he mentors under Nina Lee Aquino, focusing on bold artistic leadership and direction. His work is tailored towards bridging gaps across cultures, highlighting universal experiences whilst maintaining cultural respect, and always striving to dismantle prejudice through storytelling that reflects the shared essence of humanity. With an emphasis on musicality, movement, and contemporary perspectives, his passion is rooted in curating and creating inclusive, thought-provoking live arts experiences; and ultimately strives to maintain an artistic innovative platform where excellence, creativity, empathy, and cultural respect are at the forefront of every effort. micahjondel.com

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Lydia Lunch and Marc Hurtado
Feb
15
8:00 PM20:00

Lydia Lunch and Marc Hurtado

At the end of the 1970s, Lydia Lunch crossed paths with Alan Vega and Martin Rev of the group Suicide when she arrived in New York at the age of 16. The first Suicide show she attended was a real shock, a revelation on a new form of concert: theatrical, free, and violent. Since then, a close bond—both artistic and friendly—connected Lunch, Vega, and Rev. She’s lent her vocals to several songs, including Suicide’s “Frankie Teardrop,” as well as “Prison Sacrifice” off of Vega and Marc Hurtado’s album Sniper in 2010.

Marc Hurtado has worked with both Vega and Lunch since 1999, and collaborated with Lunch on the project My Lover the Killer in 2013, releasing their first LP in 2016. They have performed on stage together in France, Mexico, and across Europe. In 2020 Marc Hurtado directed the film My Lover The Killer featuring Lydia Lunch, a cinematic extension of the album of the same name.

Since 2019, Lunch and Hurtado have joined forces to present a sonic and visual explosion—a shamanic ceremony—where the two artists burn their souls into the volcanic heart of the songs of Vega and Suicide. This performance takes place in front of the kaleidoscopic film Infinite Dreamers that Hurtado directed in 2016, featuring Vega and Rev.

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613RnB | Come Closer
Feb
14
to Feb 15

613RnB | Come Closer

For the lovers and friends, 613RnB is a premier party experience where old and new school R&B reign supreme!

613RnB – Disc 1 Track 6 – Come Closer

Welcome to 613RnB, an intimate premier R&B experience, for the grown and sexy!

Whether you’re a 90’s baby or simply a fan of timeless tunes, this evening offers a chance to unwind and reconnect with your favourite hits and slow jams.

This Valentine’s Day, 613RnB invites you into a space where love is intentional, healthy, and safe.

Track 6 explores courtship and consistency. The kind that has you showing up with purpose, moving with care, and choosing depth over surface level connection. Come Closer, find out for yourself.

Grown & sexy energy is mandatory so dress like you know your worth. Come for the R&B, stay for something real.

Bottle Service details can be found here. Booths are limited and will only be allocated by reservation.

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Doors of War
Feb
8
12:30 PM12:30

Doors of War

These doors, like the people they represent, have their own stories to tell.

Ruslan Kurt, a Ukrainian activist and contemporary artist from Melitopol whose main focuses are the concepts of time and connection, relocated to Canada after the full invasion by Russia in February 2022. In an attempt to illustrate the tragedies faced by millions of Ukrainians and wanting to affirm the catastrophe, he begins to bring evidence of the physical destruction to North America.

His ultimate goal is to bring 25 damaged and destroyed doors, symbolizing the 25 Ukrainian Oblasts (regions). As an emblem of the full reunification, the cumulative 25 doors are more than a representation or a symbol for Ruslan - they reflect the complete version of his installation.

This film brings stark awareness to the lives of the people who lived behind these doors, while illuminating the hardships of maintaining prolonged media attention and financial support in this ever-in-conflict world.

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Nordic Folk Night
Feb
7
7:00 PM19:00

Nordic Folk Night

Club SAW and the Nordic embassies warmly invite you to escape the cold and settle in for a cozy evening of Nordic indie and folk music. Enjoy a complimentary warm toddy while experiencing live performances by Norwegian singer-songwriter Marthe Halvorsen and Icelandic-Canadian artist Lindy Vopnfjörd—an intimate night of Nordic sounds you won’t want to miss!

Free admission / Cash Bar / All ages welcome / Trivia and prizes

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Sean Nicholas Savage and Nick Schofield
Feb
6
7:30 PM19:30

Sean Nicholas Savage and Nick Schofield

Arriving February 6th, 2026, Blue Hour marks synthesist Nick Schofield's first foray into ambient jazz. Created as an ambient ode to Miles Davis' In A Silent Way, Blue Hour features the intuitive and totally improvised trumpet playing of Scott Bevins (No Cosmos) and introduces Schofield's childhood instrument, drums, to his ambient-electronic practice.

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undercurrents festival
Feb
4
to Feb 14

undercurrents festival

  • Arts Court Theatre, Arts Court Studio, ODD Box (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

For over a decade, undercurrents has been showcasing some of the most innovative and thought-provoking works of art from local and national artists. Our festival brings together artists from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines to showcase their talents in an intimate and inclusive setting.

Our programming is diverse and always fresh, featuring everything from experimental theatre to live music performances, from solo shows to full productions. We believe in giving a platform to emerging artists and voices that are underrepresented in mainstream media.

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DocuLab: From Concept to Reality
Feb
4
to Feb 11

DocuLab: From Concept to Reality

  • Digital Arts Resource Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Documentary filmmaking isn’t easy, so get started on the right foot with award-winning Producer Patrick Kabeya across two in-person workshops - February 4th & February 11th!

The first session will have you define the documentary subject and thesis, and learn techniques for effective research: finding archival materials, and securing access to people and places.

The second session will offer you an overview of the necessary gear and basic techniques for quality documentary shooting, and a rundown of the post-production workflow from assembly to rough cut.

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SILLA – Sila is Boss Album Release Show
Jan
24
to Jan 25

SILLA – Sila is Boss Album Release Show

A rare Ottawa concert bridging Indigenous tradition with contemporary electronic music.

Inuit throat singing duo, Silla celebrates the release of Sila is Boss, a fierce sonic experiment where throat singing meets club energy. Featuring a ceremonial opening, special album guests, and DJ sets from Iqaluit’s own Lambo and Greenlandic superproducer Andachan, this is a rare Ottawa experience – an immersive night where Indigenous tradition meets contemporary electronic music, built for the dance floor and meant to be felt live.

Featuring special guests: Laakkuluk Williamson, Gingger Shankar, and Kevin Qamaniq-Mason

DJ sets by: Andachan, Lambo

19+

Co-presented by: Qamaniq Records and Debaser

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Resolution 2026
Jan
22
7:00 PM19:00

Resolution 2026

Digital Arts Resource Centre is excited to present our annual Resolution screening! Resolution is a public screening featuring a selection of works created by DARC members Emilie Azevedo, Ketsia Beboua, Pixie Cram, Lynda Hall, and Penny McCann during the previous year.

Join us in the Arts Court Theatre on Thursday, January 22 at 7PM. Artists will be in attendance to participate in a brief Q&A with the audience followed by a reception at Arts Court Studio.

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GB Studio Meetup
Jan
21
6:30 PM18:30

GB Studio Meetup

My interactive 8-bit art piece at the UPSTAIRS gallery show in November got a lot of interest and a lot of questions about how it was made.

Creating Gameboy-style games and art is more accessible than you might think - no coding required.

I'm hosting a creative get-together at Art Engine to share what I've learned using GB Studio, a free drag-and-drop tool for making interactive 8bit experiences. - David Bigg

📅 Jan 21, 6:30pm @ Art Engine

💻 Bring a laptop with GB Studio (download from itch.io)

✨ No experience necessary - we'll cover the basics together

Links we will use Download this for the meetup

GB Studio by Chris Maltby

these work in browser

Pic-to-GB GB

Studio Background Text Generator by zebradontcare

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The Women in Me
Jan
18
2:00 PM14:00

The Women in Me

This new storytelling performance traces a personal and cultural journey through stories of womanhood, weaving legend, family history, and lived experience into one evening. It begins with a Vietnamese legend, a tale of unwavering devotion that shaped both a nation’s landscape and the storyteller’s early ideas of a woman’s role. From there, the stories move through three generations of her own family, whose lives during and after the Vietnam War echoed that same longing and resilience. Together, these stories chart an awakening, illuminating how myths, memory, and modern encounters intertwine to expand one woman’s understanding of the female experience.

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Holiday Secrets
Dec
20
7:00 PM19:00

Holiday Secrets

  • Arts Court Atelier and Courtroom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Holiday Secrets: Your secrets, improvised.

From the team behind Ottawa Secrets comes Holiday Secrets — a completely improvised show inspired by real, anonymously shared secrets about the holiday season. Maybe one of them will even be yours!

Our cast takes these true holiday confessions and spins them into funny, touching, and totally unexpected stories — all made up on the spot. We’re so grateful to be trusted with your secrets and promise to treat each one with care, humor, and heart. Because the stories come from real life, our shows explore everything that makes us human — the joy and chaos, the awkward moments and small victories, and the laughter that gets us through it all.

Ottawa Secrets was inspired by Austin Secrets, created by our friend Roy Janik at The Hideout Theater in Austin, Texas. Just like StoryCorps, PostSecret, Mortified, and This American Life, Ottawa Secrets celebrates real people and real stories — finding truth, humor, and connection in everyday life.

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Pique
Dec
13
to Dec 14

Pique

Not your average holiday-season party, Pique winter edition returns to Arts Court on December 13, 2025 with a unique and eclectic program celebrating underground music, forward-thinking art and bold performance. Designed for discovery, community connection and radical self-expression, Pique brings together some of the boldest ground-breaking artists from across Canada to experiment and engage with the local artistic community.

This season, Pique features emergent innovators in the fields of pop-avant garde, ambient-electronic, contemporary installation, afro-rap, and more. They include genre-fluid electronic producer Korea Town Acid, ethereal club angel Monsieurmadam, electrifying R&B/noise artist Quinton Barnes, Afrobeats scene stealer Banggz, global south sound selector TRINIDADDY, fractal ambient brainfeeder 16:9 ratio, cyborgian new media artist Ajeebsir, anti-disciplinary installation collaborative Sabrina Ferrari & Evalyn Shields, and eclectic songwriter Sandour.

Plus, back by popular demand, Pique will host the Queertopia kiki ball presented by Legendary Mother Maldita and Yéila Siriano, welcoming legends and leaders from ballroom scenes across Canada to not only host a ball, but also mentor emerging ballroom artists through skill-building workshops presented by MAX Ottawa. Community members can sign up to walk the ball here. More information about workshops coming soon.

Tickets to Pique are pay-what-you-can (PWYC), with sliding-scale and subsidized options available. Our PWYC ticket keeps the festival open to everyone while inviting those who can pay more to help cover the cost for others. Every contribution above the minimum goes directly toward fair artist pay, inclusive programming, and supporting independent culture in Ottawa.

Featuring performances, exhibitions and interactive presentations by 20 participating artists, Pique winter edition is not to be missed!

ACCESSIBILITY As always, Pique is all ages and pay-what-you-can. The event site is accessible, and our detailed accessibility policy and event information are available on our accessibility page.

The EQUIPE harm reduction team will be on-site to support audience members and hand out free supplies thanks to our partners at MAX Ottawa. Pique staff and volunteers are trained in bystander intervention and harm reduction strategies to support audience members throughout the event.

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Jingle Jazz
Dec
13
2:00 PM14:00

Jingle Jazz

Cirquonscient - Ottawa’s premiere circus arts collective - presents Jingle Jazz; a unique holiday inspired live music and circus acrobatics experience! Step into the sparkle of the season with live jazz, dazzling circus acts, and holiday cheer all wrapped into one unforgettable show!

Join us at LabO Theatre on Saturday, December 13 for this one-of-a-kind experience where the rhythm swings, the lights shimmer, and circus artists perform to the sound of a live jazz band.

Two showtimes: 2PM & 7PM — perfect for an afternoon outing or a magical evening escape! Bring your friends, your family, or your holiday spirit — support local artists - get ready to jingle, get jazzy, and be amazed!

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