Welcome to the ACE District

Ottawa’s Arts, Culture & Entertainment District

See
it.
A man stands in front of a monitor, appearing engaged with the screen's content
Hear
it.
A band performs on stage while a lively crowd enjoys the music in front of them
Feel
it.
Dancers in colorful traditional Mexican dresses perform outdoors for a crowd in a lively city square, with vibrant buildings, a clock, and restaurants in the background.
Taste
it.
A group of friends sitting at a colorful outdoor area, smiling and raising their drinks together for a toast under string lights, with pink benches and umbrellas in the background.

From national arts exhibits to legendary taverns, award-winning restaurants to late-night dance parties, this is where Ottawa’s arts, culture and entertainment comes together.

See it. Hear it. Taste it. Feel it.
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View of ByWard Market

Find your way around

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Check out Itineraries
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Stories from the district

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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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A diverse group of people walking on a sidewalk

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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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Photo credit: City of Ottawa

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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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Two women stand in an art gallery