MAX Ottawa

Frontrunners
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-15 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | 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.

Out and About Saturdays
2025-11-08 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.

50+ Trans, Non-binary and Questioning Discussion Group
2025-11-08 12:30 - 13:30 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Join a supportive group for 50+ Trans, Non-binary, and questioning individuals to connect, share experiences, and explore topics that matter to your journey. The peer led discussion group is co-facilitated by a trans man and a trans women who are trained volunteers who understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment.

What to Expect:

Queer–friendly atmosphere where all identities are welcome

Strict confidentiality–what’s shared in the group stays in the group

Mutual respect for all participants and their experiences

Use of chosen name and pronouns

Recognition that no one is “more Trans” than anyone else

Validation that everyone’s experience is unique and valued

Understanding that there is no single answer to any situation

Format:

Each session begins with introductions and check-ins, followed by facilitated discussions on topics chosen by participants. You can suggest topics directly or anonymously through a suggestion system.

This group offers a judgment-free space to explore your identity, connect with others who share similar experiences, and access peer support during your journey.

For more information please contact: Sarah Rea 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator (She/Her, They/Them) at srea@thegoodcompanions.ca or Jodan Drosier at jodandee@gmail.com (He/Him)

Bottomless Dine & Drag Dinner
2025-11-08 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-15 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!

Sunday Afternoon Bear Walk
2025-11-09 14:30 - 15:40, 2025-11-16 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.

Karaoke Night
2025-11-09 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-13 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-16 20:00 - 23:00 | T’s, 323 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, 2P 0J8, Canada
Karaoke with fellow Queers hosted by Jolene.

5-Pin Bowling
2025-11-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-17 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.

Creative Writing Workshop
2025-11-11 13:00 - 14:00 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Write the story only you can tell. Join a supportive writing group designed to help you find the words for the life stories you haven’t found a way to tell. Facilitated by Jeremiah Bartram, who has extensive training and experience as a writer and playwright. Inspired by the Writers’ Collective of Canada’s proven methodology. We will blend warm -up exercises, creative prompts, and reflective group discussion to get the writing flowing. This is not a therapy group – but personal wiring is powerful. The goal here is craft, clarity, and courage. Rough rafts are expected and welcome.

What to Expect:

Small group setting (Max. 10 participants)

Warm-up writing and group intros

Round table sharing tell the story you want to write

Supportive feedback; what resonates, what needs clarity

Choose your prompt and write for 10 minutes

Optional sharing and group reflection

Every voice matters, every draft is a beginning

No experience required – just the willingness to begin

The group will meet biweekly, max. duration is two hours, break included

Register with our 2SLGBTQIA+ Program Coordinator Sarah Rea: srea@thegoodcompanions.ca

Jeremiah Bartram: Queer Catholic Artist & Writer https://www.jeremiahbartram.com/

Exploring the Vocal Spectrum
2025-11-11 19:30 - 20:30 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
Have you ever wondered what was possible when it comes to your voice? Ask your questions and practice some vocal techniques that can help you find your voice. Here is the night’s agenda:

Where Do I Start?

To (SL)P or not to (SL)P?

Vocal Safety

Practice Time!

Questions

Registration is Free!

Now What? Getting Ready for Winter
2025-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | MAX Ottawa, 400 Cooper St. Suite 9004, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2H8, Canada
As the days get shorter and the chill sets in, winter can be a beautiful time for reflection, connection, and warmth — both inside and out. Join us for our next Now What peer support session: Getting Ready for Winter!

Together, we’ll share tips, stories, and conversations about staying active, emotionally grounded, and socially connected during the colder months. Let’s talk about everything from winter blues and cozy self-care to community gatherings and ways to keep our spirits bright all season long.

🧣 What: Peer Support Group – Getting Ready for Winter! 👥 Who: Gay Men, 50+

Bring your warmth, your stories, and maybe even your favorite winter tips! Let’s make this season one of connection, comfort, and community. RSVP through the form below:

Stud Country {Achey Breaky Line Dancing}
2025-11-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Overflow Brewery, 2477 Kaladar ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 8B9, Canada
Queering613 Presents: Line Dancing NightInspired by Stud Country, Los Angeles

Get ready for a fun-filled night of queer line dancing! 🕺💃 Queering613 is excited to bring you a new monthly event inspired by Stud Country out of LA, featuring a half dance lesson, half (country) dance party vibes. Let’s get hundreds of boots stomping 👢 and Wrangler-clad hips shaking on the dance floor! 🎶

💃🕺 Jason Bett has been teaching dance for over 17 years and knows how to get everyone moving — from jive and swing to two-step and west coast swing! 🎶✨

QCL Book Club
2025-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Perth & District Union Public Library, 30 Herriott St., Perth, Ontario, K7H 1T2, Canada
QCL is starting a book club! If you’d like to join, send an email to qclbookclub@gmail.com! Walk-ins are welcome if the space allows. We’ll be meeting at the Perth Library in the first floor common room.

2025 Schedule and Reading List

September 18: Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta

October 16: First Time for Everything by Henry Fry

November 13: Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

OGRC Weekly Run
2025-11-13 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
2025-11-13 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.

Frontrunners - Women's Run
2025-11-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Ontario

Laylit
2025-11-14 21:00 - 2025-11-15 02:00 | Gridwrks, 221 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9M2, Canada
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 Boiler Room event in NYC and a tour across multiple North American cities. Laylit values inclusivity and unity across cultures, languages, dialects, religions, identity and sexual orientations.

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY Gridwrks is on the ground level. Bathrooms are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

MAX Ottawa will be on site to provide free harm reduction supplies and offer support to attendees.

Queer Christmas Craft Show
2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Check out the many 2SLGBTQIA+ art makers, bakers, boutique owners, crafters, service agencies, and organizations that serve our community at our Queer Christmas Craft Show. Lots of creative gift ideas for all your loved ones!

(Leather Swap) National Capital Bootblack Competition 2025
2025-11-15 16:00 - 20:00 | Wicked Wanda’s, 327 Bank St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1X9, Canada
Come join us at Wicked Wanda’s – Ottawa Sex Toy Store for the ultimate showdown of leather care skills! The National Capital Bootblack Competition is where leather enthusiasts gather to showcase their talent in shining and caring for leather goods. Whether you’re a seasoned bootblack or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to learn, compete, or simply enjoy the art of bootblacking. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with fellow leather lovers and witness some impressive skills in action!

Magic the Gathering
2025-11-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
Join the Ottawa Trans Library community for an evening of Magic: The Gathering Commander! This is a laid-back, cozy space for players to relax, play, and connect. Whether your experienced or still learning the ropes, bring your own deck and enjoy some fun, casual games in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Cabaret Nova Presents: Hush...
2025-11-15 18:30 - 23:00 | Next Door Market, 955a Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
CABARET NOVA PRESENTS: HUSH

Prepare for a wild departure from the ordinary with Hush, a captivating show from Cabaret Nova. This isn’t your typical night out—it’s a unique experience where silence speaks louder than words.

In Hush, our performers’ bodies become the storytellers. With stunning feats of dance, pole, acrobatics, and burlesque, they’ll guide you through a spectacle of emotion and energy. You won’t hear a single lyric or word from our hosts or performers. Instead, the narrative unfolds through powerful movement and expressive artistry.

Prepare to laugh, gasp, and lust as our talented cast takes you on a journey where their bodies do all the talking. So come and get ready to be swept away by this truly one-of-a-kind, silent experience.

Expect a night of burlesque, pole artistry, dance, acrobatics, and more—where beauty, sensuality, and creativity collide in spectacular fashion.

Schedule:

6:30 PM – Doors open: grab a drink and check out our amazing vendors

7:30 PM – Show begins

8:30 PM – Intermission

10:00 PM – Show ends

11:30 PM – Wrap-up Join us for an unforgettable night where the lines between audience and art blur—and everyone gets to shine.

Accessibility: Mostly Accessible – The washroom doesn’t have a handrail.

Restrictions: 18+

Older & Bolder for 2SLBTQ+ Women
2025-11-17 10:30 - 11:30 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Older & Bolder is a monthly drop-in discussion group for older 2SLBTQIA+ women (50+), sponsored by Ottawa Senior Pride Network (OSPN). The group meets monthly at 400 Cooper Street, beside the Centretown Community Health Centre! This is an opportunity to connect, share life experiences and discuss the joys and challenges of this stage of life. It is facilitated by longtime members of OSPN. When you enter the building, someone will greet you to assist you in using the elevator and finding the room location.

Coordinators – Susan Holmes, Holly MacKay, Mary Frankoff

Contact: Older & Bolder generic email: older.yet.bolder@gmail.com

Queer Ottawa Services Market
2025-11-17 12:00 - 18:00 | Jock Turcot University Centre, 85 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1H3, Canada
Rejoignez-nous le lundi 17 novembre au rez-de-chaussée de l’UCU pour lancer les festivités de la Semaine de la Fierté avec le Marché des services Queer d’Ottawa ! Venez découvrir tous les services formidables qui reviennent, ainsi que de nouveaux services, pour cette deuxième édition de la Semaine de la Fierté ! Nous serons présents de midi à 18 h. Venez nous saluer, ainsi que les autres membres de la communauté queer locale !

Join us Monday November 17th in UCU 0th floor to kick off our Pride Week Events with our Queer Ottawa Services Market! Come and meet all the wonderful services coming back as well as some new ones at this second edition of Pride Week! We will be present from 12 PM – 6 PM so come say hi to all of us and the rest of your local queer community!

Naked Boys Reading: "Being Different is a Superpower"
2025-11-17 20:00 - 22:30 | LIVE! on Elgin, 220 Elgin St #2, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1L7, Canada
They get naked. They read. A different theme every month from Ottawa’s trailblazing literary salon — since July 2017. In this month’s show, our readers explore the mystique, the power, and the joy of being different.

We regret that the venue is inaccessible to some people. It is on the second floor of the building and accessible only via stairs. Non-gendered washrooms are available.
