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 the ByWard Market and Confederation Park into a lively, interactive gallery to explore after dark. It’s part of the Ottawa 200 celebrations and is free to attend.
You may have noticed a raccoon peeking out from Nuit Blanche’s posters and social media posts. This curious nighttime creature embodies the essence of the festival — it’s an opportunity for adventure and unexpected encounters. “The raccoon is the one that’s going to go and discover every corner of the night,” explains José Bertrand, Executive Producer of Nuit Blanche Ottawa. “That’s what a raccoon does.”
Activating the senses
Let your inner raccoon out on September 26th and you’ll find over 18 activations, including multisensory installations, light projections, interactive experiences and live performances across Ottawa’s downtown.
On York Street, CUBO will draw your gaze as aerialists dance within a glowing cube suspended in the air. If you want to play, head over to William Street and wander through PRISMATICA, a luminous labyrinth of rotating prisms. Then hop over to ByWard Market Square to seesaw at IMPULSE. You and your racoon posse can set off waves of light and sound as you tilt.
For some energy and movement, make your way to Arts Court for teknosauna, a unique sauna-meets-dance-party. Or for a more relaxed experience, check out Confederation Park. Here the trees transform into MONUMENTS with projections of human portraits on their branches and leaves. The portraits blink and shift their gaze, creating a contemplative atmosphere in the dark park.
“We’ve been able to develop great partnerships—and we will continue to develop great partnerships—with different embassies year after year. And that’s the uniqueness of this Nuit Blanche.” José explains that CUBO is a partnership with the Italian embassy, MONUMENTS with Australia’s, and teknosauna with the Embassy of Finland.
“It’s exciting because it is a global event.” José adds. “It’s super exciting for Ottawa to have this opportunity and step up to this level in 2026.”
A city vibrating all at once
If you want to dance and connect with other adventurers, local artists and programmers have what you’re looking for.
The main stage in ByWard Market Square will feature a DJ and musical performances. Between sets you can check out student works at the Ottawa School of Art, listen to A Lament for Those not Buried at Home at the Heart and Crown, then shake it off in the Disco Shower on William Street.
And at Arts Court, Nuit Blanche is collaborating with Pique to host teknosauna, where you can take a sauna followed by a cold plunge, in between high-energy DJ sets and art installations. Expect performances by Ottawa-based hyperpop trio Los3r and an exploration of costume and movement from Ghost Rooster Collective.
This year’s Nuit Blanche came together quickly and focuses on major projects in the ByWard Market. Next year, José hopes to expand it further. With a five-year mandate for the festival in place, 2026 is only the beginning.
Creating an immersive space for discovery and wonder downtown, Nuit Blanche embodies what makes the ACE District special: Creativity, imagination and diversity. Ottawa 200 in the ACE District is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come out and see what the city has to offer.
Check out the Nuit Blanche website for more details, including a full schedule for the night. To find out more about what’s going on in the ACE District, read our Stories page or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
