MAX Ottawa

Quest to Climaxia
2025-07-08 17:30 - 22:00 (America/Toronto) | SAW, 67 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7B9, Canada
Join us for a role-playing quest with games and education at SAW on July 8. We’ll have a complimentary dinner lined up to fuel you before the fantastical adventure begins. A full bar will be available for drinks to purchase.

The Quest

You and the citizens of the magical, utopian land of Climaxia learn that you’ve have been exposed to the Glitterot–a powerful, disease-spreading gem. Four diseases now wreak havoc on the Climaxians and their infrastructure: the magical structures begin to flicker, the wards are failing, and the once-prosperous crops are wilting.

You, a citizen of Climaxia, and your neighbours can overcome this mayhem, but you’ll have to work together. Register below and get ready for the hottest queer quest of the year!

Additional Details

SAW is a fully accessible venue.

This event includes themes of sexual health.

This is a free event.

Frontrunners
2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-12 09:00 - 11:30 | Ontario
A running and walking club for 2SLGBTQ+ community and friends in the National Capital Region, meeting Tuesday nights, Friday nights, and Saturday mornings (09:00 (spring, summer, fall); 09:30 (winter; from the first Saturday of December to the last Saturday of March)) at 111 Lisgar Street, the rear entrance of City Hall.

Runs are held:

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, after which we go for coffee (Routes)

Saturdays at 9:00 am (9:30 am from the first Saturday of December to the last Saturday of March inclusive), followed by breakfast (Routes)

Women’s 5km run

Fridays at 5:00 pm

This event is open to all who identify as women, female-identifying, non-binary, and Two-Spirit individuals

For more details, please email wmns@ottawafrontrunners.org

NOTICE: 2025 Gatineau runs — Saturdays, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September, and 11 October.

Cancellation of runs are rare, only owing to holidays and hazardous weather. When runs are cancelled, we post a notice on the site linked below and send an e-mail to members.

QBC Level 2: Gatineau Park Trail 5 climb
2025-07-09 18:45 - 21:00 | Ontario
Meet: 6:45PM / Ride: 7:00PM

SW corner of St. Luke’s Park (Elgin and Gladstone)

Every other Wednesday

New this year to QBC Ottawa, we’re adding Level 2 Rides: longer and faster rides with minimal breaks. These rides are more focused on building fitness and endurance, with a social time after the ride for those who’d like to join. Routes are longer and marginally more challenging and, aside from a quick regroup after any particularly challenging segments, will not have breaks. If you’re consistently averaging more than 20 km/h, these rides could be a good fit for you.

We’re aiming for a steady 25 km/h on the roads, with an overall ride speed average of a little over 20 km/h. Routes will vary from about 20km to 40km in length. We’re planning a mix of terrain (paths, roads, gravel). Routes will repeat throughout the season. In the event that you can’t hold the pace, catch up when you get a second wind or self-drop and join us at the finish or another time.

Icons Night!
2025-07-09 20:00 - 23:00 | LIVE! on Elgin, 220 Elgin St #2, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1L7, Canada
Welcome to Icons Night! Presented by Drag Me To Live!

Come join us at LIVE! on Elgin on July 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM for a night filled with talented local drag artists performing numbers by musical icons! Get ready to dance and sing along to the greatest hits in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Hosted by:

Eden Moore performing Celine Dion

Performances By:

Sophia Sapphire performing Britney Spears

Zak Zinya performing Justin Bieber

The Drag Queen Love performing Taylor Swift

Xtra performing Whitney Houston

Bluesfest
2025-07-10 00:00 - 2025-07-20 23:59 | Ontario
Check out some of the queer artists performing in this year’s Bluesfest lineup!

Saturday, July 12

Pixies (RBC Stage – 7:30PM)

Turnstyle (RBC Stage – 9:30)

Sunday, July 13

Big Freedia (Lebreton Stage – 8:15PM)

Friday, July 18

N’nerjie (Barney Danson Theatre – 8:00PM)

Sunday, July 20

Kaytranada (RBC Stage – 9:30PM)

Joce Reyome (Barney Danson Theatre – 9:30PM)

Sex Toys 101: Start Here
2025-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Venus Envy, 329 Catherine St., Ottawa, ON, K1R 5T4, Canada
Where to start?

Sometimes we go online or walk into a store and are confronted with seemingly endless options.

A workshop going over the basics of exploring sex toys, an overview of functions/uses, lube, types of toys, some safety, and general tips for having fun. Great for starting out or branching out, some info to make the idea of toy selection and play a little less overwhelming.

Facilitator: RethDate: Thursday, July 10Time: 6:00pm Eastern Daylight TimeLocation: 329 Catherine Street, OttawaDuration: approximately 2 hoursMasks: required

This workshop is a hybrid event: in-person at Venus Envy and online via Zoom. Registration closes 3 hours before the event. Zoom codes will be emailed the day of the workshop once registration closes, please check your spam folder!

Email our workshop coordinator rachele@venusenvy.ca for:

late registration (after 3:00pm EDT the day of the workshop)

questions about the workshop

accessibility information/requests

troubleshooting Zoom

OGRC Weekly Run
2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:00 | T’s Pub, 323 Somerset St W, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0J8, Canada
Join us every Thursday evening for our weekly 5 km run, starting and ending at T’s Pub. We welcome runners of all levels, with multiple pace groups to ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported. Whether you’re looking to push your limits or just enjoy a leisurely jog, there’s a spot for you in our community.
After the run, stick around at T’s Pub to unwind with a cold beer and some great company. It’s the perfect way to cap off a run and connect with fellow gay men. No pressure, just good vibes and good times!
See you at 7:00 PM—let’s hit the pavement together!

Gay Men In Recovery
2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:10 | MAX Ottawa, 400 Cooper St. Suite 9004, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2H8, Canada
A weekly hybrid narcotics anonymous group for gay men.

To access the Zoom link, click the link below, select Thursday, and scroll down to “Gay Men In Recovery.” To enter the building, ring the intercom doorbell on the left side of the main doors if they are locked and a member will let you in.

Meeting formats and accessibility:

This meeting is closed to non-addicts. You should attend only if you believe that you may have a problem with substance abuse.

This meeting invites participation by all attendees.

This meeting is focused on the needs of gay, lesbian and transgender members of NA.

This meeting is meant to be attended by men only.

This meeting is wheelchair accessible.

Meetings virtually and in person.

Karaoke Night
2025-07-10 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-07-13 20:00 - 23:00 | T’s, 323 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, 2P 0J8, Canada
Karaoke with fellow Queers hosted by Jolene.

Puthie Cinema IV: MEAN GAYS
2025-07-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Lookout Bar, 41 York Street, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5S7, Canada
🩷 You can sit with us… if you’re hot 🫦

Get in loser, we’re going to @thelookoutbar 💖

The fourth instalment of Ottawa’s CAMPEST cinematic drag saga is back and this time, it’s SO FETCH. Mean Gays is coming to serve 2004 cinema cult classic realness, burn book reads, and more pink than Regina George’s closet. 💓

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:📅 Thursday, July 10🕗 8pm📍 Lookout Bar | 41 York ST – 2nd floor🎟 Tickets can be purchased in advance via Lookout’s Eventbrite or at the door $7 | 19+

CAST:💓 edith puthie as regina george💓 @karenligays as karen smith💓 @anni.elation as gretchen wieners💓 @wysteriaroot as cady heron💓 @the.opalessence as janis ian💓 @loremipsum.drag as damian💓 @lordjusticedrag as aaron samuels

Come watch the most iconic plastics of the Ottawa drag queer scene throw down in stilettos and sass. Expect glitter, gossip, and Y2K delusion. 🤭

Audience is encouraged as always to dress up as their favourite character, in PINK, and y2k realness boots the house down MAMA!

See you soon!💋

Frontrunners - Women's Run
2025-07-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Ontario

Drag Night at Zak's Diner
2025-07-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Zak’s Diner Elgin, 220 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1L7, Canada
Get ready for a fabulous evening at Zak’s Diner Elgin St for Drag Night!

Join us on July 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM for a night of glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping performances. This talented cast is ready to entertain you with show-stopping looks, highenergy lipsyncs & powerful live singing, as you as you enjoy delicious food and drinks!

Hosted By: Eden Moore

Performances By: Elle Faekwa, Karma K & Ruby Foxglove

Doors open at 7:30PM; show starts at 8:00PM.

QBC Bikepacking
2025-07-12 00:00 - 2025-07-13 23:59 | Manotick Lock Station / Long Island Locks, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 0V7, Canada
Join us July 12-13 for another great Bikepacking weekend!

This trip will be a 30km/day overnighter to the Manotick lock station, with pizza dinner provided. All while going a slower (15-20kmh) pace and no drop.

We will head out from Downtown Saturday afternoon and be home Sunday morning, with coffee and snack stops along the way. The route will take us on quiet country roads or ones with paved shoulders, and some pathway riding.

Cost is $25 for 1 night of camping and Saturday dinner. Spots are limited so sign up before the July 4th deadline through the link below.

Basic gear required: Bike, camping gear (Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag), food (Sunday breakfast and weekend snacks), a way to carry everything. (If you don’t have your own gear, we may have gear to loan, or you can check out the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library.)

If you have any questions about gear, feel free to message us or check the resource links in our instagram bio.

Out and About Saturdays
2025-07-12 09:30 - 14:30 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert Street
OSPN in partnership with The Good Companions is delighted to offer in person programming to our 55+ LGBTQ2+ community.

Join us every second and fourth Saturday of the month for a range of engaging activities, from educational workshops to social programming, all designed to foster connection, support, and enjoyment. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable, respected, and celebrate.

The Soul Garden
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Major’s Hill Park, Mackenzie Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1G8, Canada
Soul Garden is a weekly outdoor space to connect—intentionally, gently, and freely.✶ Bring your favorite strain, a mat or blanket, your journal, and your energy.✶ We spark up, set intentions, and move in our own flow.This isn’t a class. It’s a space to stretch and tune into your body, your breath, and your spirit.✶ For QTBIPOC folk 🌿✶ Come as you are. Let the garden hold you. (19+ event)

Beach Skills & Drills: Reception/Side Out
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | RA Centre Beach Courts, 2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 7X7, Canada
Ready to take your beach volleyball skills to the next level? Join us for our Beach Skills and Drills Program led by James Battiston, former professional volleyball player and member of the Canadian Beach National Team. James has coached for several years with the Mavericks Volleyball Club as well as 15+ years at Madawaska Volleyball Camp.

Whether you’re new to beach volleyball or a seasoned player, we have something for you! Join us at the RA Centre on Saturday mornings where James will bring his expert guidance to teach you fundamentals or take you to the next level with specific skills.

For this session, we will focus on serve receive to attack. This will include working on passing/setting and attack strategies in a 2-on-2 setting. Game situation drills will provide opportunities to practice the transition from reception to attack and allow for live feedback. For this session, participants are expected to have basic ball control (being able to forearm or hand pass a ball to a target) to allow for meaningful rallies.

Wench Faire
2025-07-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1G8, Canada
🔔Hear ye, hear ye!🔔The Hot Wench Market returneth once more, and we are most delighted to proclaim the (unofficial) roster of merchants and merrymakers who shall grace the grounds of the upcoming Wench Faire ~ a merrie gathering of renaissance-inspired revelry and witchy market wares ~ happening at the Parkdale Public Market this 12th day of July! Prepare thyselves for a day of mirth, music, and local marvels aplenty!

FEATURING: 📜

🤺LARP demos by @felfrost@felfrost.amtgard

🎶Whimsical classical guitar by @cedhol00 (artist “Though I Wander” on spotify!!)

🍻Mead & refreshments by @thirst.responder

🧁Tasty treats by @sweetsbynatalya

🧥Vintage clothing & more by:@girly_2_grunge@highxvintage@outfitzco@latenightvintageco@strega.vintage

⛓️Unique wearables & accessories by:@bawdybagleatherworks@jy.ekrj@faithlessforge@kosmick.kreationz@ladyluxdesign@noblemouseleatherworks@ohowa_beadwork@sage_n_steel@shadedcanada@toothwurld@whitecatjewelry

🖌️Original art products by:@alinebee.art@capricorpse@forestfaefolkart@insertgirlname@luckandlavenderstudio@mushiiroome.creations@tazandjason

🕯️Fibre art, candles, & decor by:@galacticcherrydesign@imperfectwhimsy@jandlesxo@kokumoon@new_leaf_crafting

🏺Vintage trinkets & oddities by:@chinaandcleo@vintagefab_babe

🔮Crystals & tarot readings by:@askjojovibes@ottawaminerals

Let the wenchery commence!🧙

Polyam Ottawa TNG: Park Meetup
2025-07-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Confederation Park, Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5J2, Canada
July meetup happening the 12th! We’ll be back in Confederation Park for a casual picnic and park hang. A short walk from the Rideau LRT station and parking available right across the street at city hall. This is absolutely free and open to any non-monogamous, polyamorous, and poly-curious folks ages 18-35. Come get some sunshine and make some new friends ☀️☀️☀️

Drag Community Potluck and Swap
2025-07-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Frank Ryan Park, 950 Alpine Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5R9, Canada
Want to hang out with drag folks outside of a show setting? Got some stuff that doesn’t fit you or your style anymore? Want to share some food and laughs? Come hang out with us in Frank Ryan Park on the 12th, starting at noon!

Please bring something to share, but it doesn’t have to be complicated — the only rule is no heating required, and ingredients available/listed. Also bring sunscreen/bug spray, and either a charging bank or fully charged phones!

ACCESSIBILITY INFO: The park has no steps but there is a gate at the front blocking the path – I’ll be calling the city to see about getting the keys and will update if I’m successful but sadly can make no promises. The same is true of the washrooms which are locked, but there are restaurants at the end of the street with public bathrooms. There is a gazebo with seating.

IndigiQueer Kinship Group
2025-07-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Kind Space, 400 Cooper St. suite 9001, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2N1, Canada
Welcome! This is a new group created for the Indigenous, Two-Spirit, Queer community here in Ottawa. This is a super exciting opportunity and we hope many of you are able to join our group! For the first meeting, we will be doing introductions, talking about the nature of the group, and do some painting and drawing while chatting! We will also have some snacks and drinks.

If you have any questions please reach out at sabrina@kindspace.ca

Group Description:

IndigiQueer Kinship Group is a peer support and social group for Two-Spirit and Queer Indigenous folk. Our group’s goal is to create a safe, welcoming and culturally inclusive environment where you can meet others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. We understand the importance of having spaces where Indigenous culture is celebrated, valued and respected. If you want to make new friends, find support from peers, or if you want to come and chill, our group offers a space where you can be yourself without judgment!

The IndigiQueer Kinship Group will run from 1-3 pm on the second Saturday of every month (with the exception of the first meeting).

Notes for Participants:

This group is open to anyone who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ and self-identifies as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, we want this space to be available for people with varying lived experiences. While we are open to those reclaiming or navigating their culture, we will not tolerate any intentional false claims of Indigenous identity or pretendians. While we will not police identities at the IndigiQueer, we expect you to come in good faith, or you may be asked to leave.We are also open to participants inviting a non-indigenous family member, partner, spouse or kids, as long as they honour what the space is intended for.

This is a social and peer support group in a community center environment. This means no professional mental health, psychology, or therapy support is available during the group. As we are all going to be Indigenous and queer folk, we recognize the many historical and current traumas that our communities have gone through.We also know that we cannot talk about our successes without acknowledging our pain and oppression. However, we will ask that you try to refrain from bringing up any personal traumatic experiences during group discussions. When separate from the entire group, talking amongst yourselves, you will be able to discuss whatever you would like at your own discretion. This rule is to ensure that we do not re-trigger or cause secondary trauma to anyone participating in the group discussions. Talking about what we have gone through is so important, but this is a space to relax, and just be.

Note for Parents:

This group will allow you to bring your children if you do not have childcare options available. It is important to note that we will not be responsible for the entertainment or care for your children. We have toys and games available for them to use, however it is your responsibility to watch them. If you are bringing your children, please make sure to fill out this form again for them so we know how many people are attending.

Accessibility:

If you have any access needs please let us know!

Accessibility information can be found here: https://kindspace.ca/about/accessibility/

Activities:

We will have different activities each time we meet. It will most likely be crafts or games. But if you have any ideas of things or crafts you want to see included, please do not hesitate to let us know!

Bio of Facilitators:

Hello! My name is Sabrina, and I am 21 years old. I am an urban Inuk who has lived in Ottawa my entire life. When I was 4 years old I was adopted with my older sister into a primarily white family, which has resulted in our disconnection from the Inuit language, culture and community. In the past 5 years, I have been slowly reconnecting with my culture and with the Indigenous people in the community. I live with FASD, ADHD and anxiety. I love reading, cooking and baking. I am a Carleton University student currently in my third year of the Bachelor’s of Social Work program, with minors in Indigenous Studies, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. With this group, I hope to make new friends, connections and learn more about my Inuit culture, as well as other Indigenous cultures. I look forward to meeting you all, and hope to have lots of fun in this group!!

Bottomless Dine & Drag Dinner
2025-07-12 19:00 - 22:00 | The Vanitea Room, 551 Somerset St West, Ottawa, ON, K1R 5J9, Canada
Every week, on Saturday night, Vanitea is the destination for the no. 1 voted drag dinner, presented by beloved house host Devona Coe and a rotating calendar of featured local and visiting drag queens.Delivering their struts, gag-worthy performances & all-over sass for your Saturday night pleasure, + a fabulous 3 course tower (with meal included) and bottomless drinks!

Sunset Social
2025-07-12 19:30 - 22:30 | SAW, 67 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7B9, Canada
Sunset Social 🌅— Your Summer Courtyard Gathering

Hosted by Coloroom Collective

Join us on Saturday, July 12th, for Sunset Social, a vibrant summer event held outdoors in the courtyard of Club SAW. Running from 7:30 to 10:30 PM (doors at 7:00), this gathering brings together community, music, and good energy in a space made to feel warm, joyful, and welcoming.

With music by Jayel, DJ Lani, and DJ Rhoze, you can expect a carefully curated vibe — whether you’re catching a dance or vibing with friends by the bar. A selection of local vendors will also be popping up with special offerings, so come ready to browse, sip, dance, and connect.

Sunset Social is a 19+ event and will take place in a fully accessible venue with gender-neutral washrooms available onsite. In the event of rain, programming will continue indoors.All are welcome. Come as you are — and if you can, bring someone along. See you there!

No refunds, unless the date of the event is changed or cancelled*

Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for marketing purposes. By purchasing a ticket, you consent to the use of these media materials for promotional activities.

———

This event is hosted by Coloroom Collective — a community-rooted initiative centering Queer and BIPOC voices through intentional, joy-filled events & gatherings. We host moments of presence and celebration — created with care, tenderness, and play.

Pride Gala
2025-07-12 19:30 - 23:00 | Shooters Pub & Nightclub, 830 Second St. W, Ottawa, Cornwall, K6J 1H7, Canada
Celebrate a decade of Pride with Diversity Cornwall at our 10th Anniversary Pride Gala at Shooters Pub & Nightclub!

Hosted by Tanya King, (Miss Gananoque Pride Alliance 2023, Miss Thousand Islands Pride 2021, Miss Brockville Pride 2019, and the former Swizzles House Queen), including performances from Misty Mac, Hunter Down, Lulu Belle, Dulce and Miss Capital Pride 2019 Adrianna Exposee.

Hott Stuff
2025-07-12 22:00 - 2025-07-13 02:00 | Berlin Nightclub, 56 Byward Market Sq, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7A2, Canada
Get ready, Ottawa — the Byward Market is heating up.

Once every quarter, the capital’s historic district plays host to HOTT STUFF, a high-energy EDM night where beats, lights, and vibes collide. Montreal’s top DJ Diskommander teams up with Ottawa’s own JC Simon to deliver a dance floor experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Held at Berlin, HOTT STUFF serves up an unforgettable mix of progressive, melodic, tech, and pop house.

Both DJs bring their signature sound to the decks, fusing styles and passion in a celebration of music and community. This is more than just a party — it’s a bold new space for Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ scene to connect, move, and thrive.

Every edition of HOTT STUFF is a fresh journey. If you’re into EDM and love a dance floor that lives, this is your night.

Think On The Fling - Burlesque Improv
2025-07-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Rouge Studio of Dance, 340 MacLaren St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0M6, Canada
Ever wonder how to think on the fly during an act? The key is letting loose, leaning into character and crowd interaction!! Those are just some of the key skills that help you elevate your burlesque in the moment. Join Miss Patience Plush as they take you through an 8 week skill building class to help you create dynamic, creative and engaging acts. No previous experience required.

Sunday Afternoon Bear Walk
2025-07-13 14:30 - 15:40 | Ottawa / Gatineau Pathways, Ottawa, Canada
Join other gay and bisexual men (including gay and bi transmen) for a one hour walk every Sunday at 2:30pm. Locations vary each week and are posted to the website through the link below.

Spectrum
2025-07-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Youth Services Bureau, 147 Besserer St, Ottawa, K1N 6A7, Canada
Looking for a fun, queer chat with people your age? Want to just hang out, eat some snacks and meet new friends? Are you interested in having some discussions about sexuality, identity, homophobia and your personal experience? YSB is proud to offer Spectrum, a program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ottawa!

Spectrum meets every Monday from 5-7 p.m. upstairs at our 147 Besserer St location.

We provide workshops, discussion groups, and art collaborations, as well as counselling services, peer mentoring, and primary care resources.

Spectrum can help with challenges like depression, anxiety and suicide while also offering practical support to navigate the mental health, housing and educational systems.

Spectrum is also a safe space for youth to:

Meet new people

Engage in workshops and discussions

Access services like showers, laundry, computers, telephones

Get referrals

Access trained counsellors and peer mentors if youth need to talk

Just hang out!

Activities include:

An introduction to our space and expectations

A queer current events discussion

Activities

Access to snack during group, showers, laundry, harm reduction supplies, telephone, internet

Access to crisis counsellors from YSB and/or our in-house counsellor from Centretown Community Health Centre

A relaxed space where youth can be out and proud!

Contact: Aidan FritzEmail: afritz@ysb.ca

5-Pin Bowling
2025-07-14 18:30 - 20:00 | West Park Lanes, 1205 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 2Z8, Canada
EVERYONE is welcome (please bring your friends!) to join us for a fun evening of 5-pin bowling at the West Park Lanes bowling alley at 1205 Wellington Street West. We play two games. The cost is $10.00, including shoe rental. It’s quite informal. You don’t have to join a team, just show up at West Park Lanes. Please come to the lanes early—at least 15 minutes early.
