Stories from the District
There are so many people and places that make up the ACE District. And there are even more stories. From favourite moments in the District to behind the scenes looks, walking tours to the latest news, take a deeper dive into the ACE District through its stories.
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Reimagining the Plaza Bridge for Ottawa 200 and Beyond
- Sep 22, 2026
Have you noticed anything different under the Plaza Bridge this month? Seen purple lights and heard unusual sounds below street level at the intersection of Elgin and Wellington? Or noticed the screen and sculptures along the Rideau Canal between the first locks and the National Arts Centre? Then you’ve caught…
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The ACE District Illuminated: Nuit Blanche returns to Ottawa
- Sep 18, 2026
Think you know downtown Ottawa? Here’s your chance to see it in a whole new light. For the first time since 2015, our city is hosting Nuit Blanche — an all-night festival of art, culture and technology. On September 26, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., the festival will transform…
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Bytown Together Celebrates 200 Years of Local History
- Sep 18, 2026
On September 26, Ottawa is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and what better way to mark the day than with a historical celebration? Look no further than Bytown Together, a free eclectic event hosted by the Bytown Museum. Sitting next to the locks that connect the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa…
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Innovation Meets Community at the Ottawa International Animation Festival
- Sep 18, 2026
Behind the scenes in Ottawa, animation is thriving, and every year the Ottawa Animation Festival (OIAF) brings the international community together to share and celebrate its creativity. This year North America’s longest-running animation festival marks a milestone—the festival turns 50. “The technology has changed enormously, of course, along with the…
Revived Public Spaces Liven Up the ACE District
- Sep 16, 2026
September is here, but you can still catch summer vibes in the ACE District at an array of recently updated public spaces. Giving new life to underused downtown areas, these spots now offer seating, live performances, parties, workshops, art and more. They’re designed to be used anytime, so that you…
Behind the Scenes: The Manx and Plan 99
- Sep 15, 2026
If you wander down Elgin Street in the ACE District you will find a lively strip of bars. Down a few steps at the corner of Frank Street is one of downtown Ottawa’s hidden cultural gems: The Manx Pub. Established in 1993, The Manx offers delicious drinks and pub food,…
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Hear it Live: Music Fills the ACE District Streets
- Aug 12, 2026
It’s lunchtime in the ACE District and Sparks Street has come alive as office workers head out for lunch. Tourists to the Capital wander from nearby attractions and boutiques to find a snack before their next destination. Downtown Ottawa’s first pedestrian street bustles as it was meant to, and floating…
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Ottawa’s Arts Corridor Brings Public Art to the ACE District
- Jul 21, 2026
From June to September 2026, thirteen new pieces of art are being installed across downtown Ottawa. In the heart of the city, the ACE District is the place for residents and tourists to see and engage with art. The new public artworks speak to Ottawa’s role as Canada’s capital and…
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Behind the Scenes: Pique with Rachel Weldon
- Jul 09, 2026
One weekend, four times a year Pique takes over the Arts Court and Ottawa Art Gallery building in downtown Ottawa. In June 2026, the underground arts and music festival celebrated its five-year anniversary. We went behind the scenes to talk with Rachel Weldon, Director of Debaser and founder of Pique,…
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City Fidelia: An ACE District Moment
- Jun 16, 2026
In the heart of the ACE District, award winning music is being produced. Young hip-hop and R&B artists are learning about the music industry and working with producers for the first time to launch their careers. People from across Ottawa are coming together to mend relationships, celebrate their successes and…
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How the ACE District Came to Be
- Jun 12, 2026
Ottawa’s downtown has always been full of remarkable arts, culture and entertainment. From legendary music venues to national arts institutions, independent galleries to internationally renowned festivals. From places to grab a pint to places to dance late into the night. It’s all here and all within a short walk or…
