MAX Ottawa

Sexual Bereavement - Queer Death Salon
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | https://maxottawa.ca/list/sexual-bereavement-queer-death-salon/
Let’s gather and engage with our questions and feelings about:

sex after the death of a loved one. -the disenfranchised grief of polyamorous and kinky relational loss

how pleasure and erotic energy can support our mourning

changes in desire as death approaches for ourselves or a loved one

cultural expectations of how a widow should act and our internalized stories about that

anything sex/pleasure and bereavement related

No question is too taboo.

Jess will invite folks to participate in embodiment exercises, freewrite and consider the ways they want to be in relationship to their sexual expression within their (anticipatory) grief.

Jess DeVries is a queer somatic sex coach and grief worker. She primarily serves the queer/trans community supporting folks in reclaiming body autonomy and to inspire curiosity about pleasure and sexual expression, guiding folks to define and pursue pleasure on their own terms. She is a grief advocate who regularly facilitates spaces for people to grieve, inviting the wisdom of the body to guide the grief process. Within the realms of grief, she has trained with Being Here, Human – as well as – Shauna Janz of Sacred Grief. Her grief work is held by connections to her ancestors, mugwort, hawthorne, rose, connection to her pussy, and many many tears.

Within the realms of pleasure and embodiment, she has trained in Somatic Sex Education and Sexological Bodywork at the ISSSE – as well as – the Somatica Method with the Somatica Institute. Her pleasure work is held by delighting in sights, smells, and tastes, a dirty imagination, and sharing touch with human and non-human kin.

Jess provides 1:1 sessions online or by phone. She also facilitates workshops, grief circles, and rituals online for queer folks, ex-Christians, and Covid realist communities.

Frontrunners
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Northern Lights Refuge 5th Annual Fundraiser
2025-10-21 17:00 - 21:30 | La Dolce Vita, 180 Preston St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7P9, Canada
Northern Lights Refuge (NLR) is delighted to announce that we will once again partner with Preston Street’s La Dolce Vita Ristorante for a fundraising dinner on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to support LGBTQ+ refugees.Indulge in delectable Italian cuisine while contributing to our worthy cause. La Dolce Vita will generously donate 20% of the evening’s food sales to our sponsorship efforts!Guests can choose from four delicious table d’hôte menus thoughtfully selected for this occasion:Menu A – $40.00~ Caesar Salad 🥗~ Lasagna 🍝~ Tiramisu 🍮Menu B – $45.00~ Caprese Salad 🥗~ Vegetable Linguine 🍝~ New York Cheesecake 🍰Menu C – $50.00~ Stuffed Mushrooms 🍄‍🟫~ Spicy Rigatoni with Fennel Sausage 🍝~ Crème Brûlée 🍮Menu D – $50.00~ Pan-Fried Jumbo Shrimp 🦐~ Butter Sage Gnocchi 🍝~ Tiramisu 🥮All menu items can be prepared gluten-free.La Dolce Vita Preston offers two seating options for reservations: For the first seating, please book between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. For the second seating, please book between 7:15 PM and 7:30 PM.

To make a reservation at La Dolce Vita Preston, please contact info@ladolcevitapreston.com. Be sure to mention your preferred seating time, menu selection, and any special dietary needs when making your reservation.

Halloween Queerspora
2025-10-21 17:00 - 20:00 | AIDS Committee of Ottawa, 19 Main St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S1A9, Canada
Celebrate Halloween with our community! We’re teaming up with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, United in Pride, and Capital Rainbow Refuge to organize a spooktacular Halloween celebration for queer newcomers and BIPOC people.

Join us at the ACO for an evening of pumpkin carving, good company, and a delicious meal. Spots are limited so make sure to register in advance through the form below!

5-Pin Bowling
2025-10-20 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.

CANFAR Ottawa Legacy Project – STILL HERE Screening
2025-10-20 18:00 - 20:30 | Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP, 325 Marché Way Unit 107, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5V1, Canada
Join us for the premiere of CANFAR’s first documentary short, Still Here – A Portrait of HIV & Aging, at Cineplex Lansdowne & VIP on Monday, October 20, 2025. This documentary features the first-hand lived experiences of Billy Newton-Davis, Jade Elektra, and Trevor Stratton – all of whom have been living with HIV for over 35 years.

Time: Reception at 6pm, Screening at 7pm

Location: Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne & VIP (325 Marché Way, Unit 107)

Access to VIP theatres is restricted to individuals who are legal drinking age. This location is wheelchair accessible, and equipped with assisted listening devices.

Karaoke Night
2025-10-19 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-16 20:00 - 23:00 | T’s, 323 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, 2P 0J8, Canada
Karaoke with fellow Queers hosted by Jolene.

Sunday Afternoon Bear Walk
2025-10-19 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.

Queers at the Arboretum
2025-10-19 13:45 - 16:00 | Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada
Meetup date & time:Sunday, October 19th at 1:45pm. The walk will start at 2pm.

Meetup location:We will walk around the Dominion Arboretum. At 1:45pm, there will be a group waiting in front of the naval base near the Naval Reserve Monument/Memorial (the large anchor). This location is quite close to the Line 2 LRT (Dows Lake stop) and the 85 Lees/Bayshore bus stops. The public washroom in the Dows Lake Pavillion is nearby. Please reach out if you need clarification on the meetup location.

Registration:We will reschedule in the event of moderate to heavy rain. Register on Eventbrite to be notified about changes, or check this page before leaving.

Accessibility Notes:If you’re unsure whether this walk will be accessible to you, please inform us of your accessibility needs. Many of the paths are wide and paved, but some are gravel paths. Many paths are sloped as the Arboretum is on a hill. There are several benches along the paths to stop and take a break. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

The Iron Cabaret Presents: Angels and Demons
2025-10-18 19:00 - 22:30, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 22:30, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 22:30 | Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R6Y4, Canada
Halloween is a special time of the year when the Iron Cabaret gets together and celebrates all the things that go Bump in the Night. Whether it is soaring aerials, titillating pole dance, sultry burlesque or thrilling Heels Dance, prepare to have your breath taken and your mind blown.

This Halloween, step into a world where heaven and hell collide. “Angels & Demons” is The Iron Cabaret’s most decadent and daring show yet—a night of divine seduction and devilish delight.

Whether you crave the light or long for the dark, this night is your invitation to indulge in both. Our performers will tempt, tease, and transform, blurring the line between the wicked and the holy.

Dare to enter? Good. Because some angels fall—and some demons rise.

Accessibility: The Gladstone Theater is fully accessible for those with mobility considerations.

Viewer Discretion Disclaimer: This is an adult Halloween show. There will be simulated blood, gore, etc. There will also certainly be scenes of violence.

Bottomless Dine & Drag Dinner
2025-10-18 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!

Rainbow Riffs: A Queer Youth Art Showcase
2025-10-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Youth Services Bureau, 147 Besserer St, Ottawa, K1N 6A7, Canada
Join us for a cozy night of entertainment by local queer youth artists! Drag, live music, poetry, expect it all! With performances from Karen Ligays, Shriya J, Vern Martin-Ivie and Adelia Wood.

If you’re a queer youth who’s interested in performing, we will have an open mic you can sign up for day-of!

The space will be set up cafe -style, with some snacks and hot drinks to choose from. See below for the agenda for the night. Questions? Email us at: ysbpeerhousingsupport@gmail.com or DM us on instagram: @qyac.ysb

The eventbrite page (linked below) is just to RSVP, you don’t need a ticket to come to the event 💜

AGENDA

3:00pm – Doors Open + Welcome

3:15pm – Main Artists Set 1

3:45pm – Featured Artists Set 1

4:00pm – Open Mic

4:15pm – BREAK

4:30pm – Main Artists Set 2

5:00pm – Featured Artist Set 2

5:15pm – Open Mic

5:30pm – Closing Remarks

BANNED!
2025-10-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
1:00-3:00PM: Battle Jackets / Crafts Drop-In

Customize patches and buttons to your battle jackets or bring your own project. Express yourself, no rules attached. (Bring your own base clothing item to customize)

3:00-4:00PM: ‘Voices That Won’t Be Banned’ Community Arts Project

Join our community arts project! Create posters/collages/zines that amplify stories and truths that refuse to be silenced. Projects made during this time will be added to an online archive to share.

4:00-5:00PM: Feura Unplugged and Wrap Up

Close the day with group reflections and an unplugged set by Feura brought to you by Toronto Music Gals Network – raw songs of resistance and self-expression

Space is very limited for this event so be sure to RSVP if you want to come! Those who RSVP will be given priority entry

Bi+ Family Playground Hangout
2025-10-18 10:30 - 12:30 | Hintonburg Park, 49 Fairmont Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1X4, Canada
When you’re busy raising kids, it can be challenging to make time for social connections—including ones where your full identity is recognized! This laid-back hangout is a chance for bi+ parents to connect while the kids stay busy.

🌈 Who: Everyone is welcome! This hangout aims to create a safer space for bi+ people. Those in the bi+ community, their partners, kids, allies/accomplices, and those wishing to be in community with us, are all welcome! All sexualities and gender identities and expressions are welcome.

And to be extra clear, YES you can come hang out with us if:-you have no kids!-your kids are not with you on this day!-your kids are grown up and moved out!

🎃 Activities: There will be a free pumpkin painting station while supplies last, and an optional game of Family Freeze Tag! Halloween COSTUMES are optional but encouraged!

🌧️ Rain date is October 25

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: This is not a drop-off event. You are responsible for the supervision and safety of your children during all activities and at all times.

📍Location and Accessibility: This is an outdoor hangout, located at Hintonburg Park (Fairmont Ave & Duhamel St). The play structure has elements for both big and little kids, and there’s a big field for running. It has benches and areas of shade. Washrooms can be found at the adjacent Hintonburg Community Centre. Street parking is available.

See you there!! 💜

Korruption 2
2025-10-17 22:00 - 2025-10-18 02:00 | Probe Ottawa, 41 York St 3rd & 4th floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5S7, Canada
Licensed Bar, Live Erotic Aerial Silks Show, Live DJ: JC Simon, Rope bondage and flogging demonstrations, VIP Loft Lounge, Puppy Play Room, showers, Leather goods for sale and more.

FULLY accessible, elevators and washrooms, both floors, leather, fetish and sex encouraging space for MSM 19+

Over the Rainbow Meet & Greet
2025-10-17 19:00 - 22:00 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Meet up with other friends and members of the Ottawa Senior Pride Network for this fun meet and greet social event, from 7-10pm, with a cash bar. This is a great, relaxing way to meet new friends over drinks and good conversation. We hope you can join us!

Groupe de soutien par et pour les personnes trans et non-binaires (16+) en présentiel
2025-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Maison Communautaire Daniel-Johnson, 22 Rue Arthur-Buies, Gatineau, Quebec, J8Z 1P5, Canada
Trans Outaouais offre son groupe de soutien en présentiel pour les membres de la communauté trans et ses allié·es, ainsi que personnes en questionnement de 16 ans et plus mensuellement.

Rejoignez-nous pour des discussions enrichissantes tous les 3e vendredi du mois de 18h30 à 20h30, à la 🏠Maison Communautaire Daniel-Johnson, 22 Rue Arthur-Buies, Gatineau, QC, pour une chance de partager nos expériences, de poser nos questions et de s’offrir une écoute bienveillante entre nous.✨

Venez seul.e ou accompagné·e d’une personne rencontrer des membres de la communauté de la diversité de genre en Outaouais.

Le déroulement des groupes (en personne et virtuel) :

Tour de table pour se présenter (participation obligatoire)

Présentation du groupe (qui est Trans Outaouais, quel est l’objectif du groupe, reconnaissance des territoires)

Règles de bon fonctionnement (confidentialité, besoins d’accessibilité, règlements, info sur le local/sur le fonctionnement de Zoom)

Partage sur le sujet au choix des participant·es ou suggéré par l’animateurice (participation optionnelle, mais encouragée). Pause de 10 minutes après 30 minutes.

« Check-in » avant la fin du groupe (participation optionnelle)

Annonces (messages de Trans Outaouais, événements à venir, etc.)

Fin du groupe.

À propos de l’animation :

Stéph Meunier (iel/ellui, il/lui, elle) anime des groupes de soutien et des ateliers pour la communauté 2SLGBTQIA+ depuis plus de 10 ans. Iel anime le groupe trans 16 ans + de Trans Outaouais depuis 2024 et a travaillé avec l’organisme alors qu’iel travaillait chez Jeunesse Idem comme intervenant·e. Son approche est ancrée dans l’anti-oppression et la justice sociale. Son animation vise à encourager l’empowerment des participant·es et à cultiver l’entraide et un sens d’appartenance à la communauté que l’on construit ensemble. Au quotidien, Stéph aime chanter avec des ami·es, nager, faire de l’art et vivre en coop d’habitation.

Ottawa Trans Library Youth Group
2025-10-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
Calling all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth! Are you between the ages of 14-19 and interested in connecting with other Queer youth in your community? Drop into OTL’s Youth Group on April 18th between 6pm-8pm to make some new friends and learn more about our community. Meetings are casual and drop in, so you can stay for as long or as little as you would like. Expect a mix of discussion, low stakes activities, and free time to chat and connect. We will be meeting on the third Friday of each month, so if you can’t make this one we hope to see you in the future!

Frontrunners - Women's Run
2025-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Ontario

Gay Men In Recovery
2025-10-16 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.

OGRC Weekly Run
2025-10-16 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!

QCL Book Club
2025-10-16 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

Scare-aoke
2025-10-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Kind Space, 400 Cooper St. suite 9001, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2N1, Canada
We’ll be using Youtube karaoke videos on a TV screen or projector screen. In addition, we have two microphones attached to a separate sound system. You can sing in a group, be in a duet, or go solo! When you have your song(s) decided, you can write them down with your name, or tell Lukayo, and you’ll be put on the list.

Advanced registration is highly encouraged if you have access needs and food requirements in case we provide snacks for the evening. However, we will still be taking registration at the door, though once we reach capacity limit we may need to turn people away.

Accessibility Notes: https://kindspace.ca/about/accessibility/

Deadline for Registration: 3pm on Thurs October 16th.

If you do not register before the deadline, you might be turned away at the door.

Enjoy a special night at our drop-in for a Halloween themed karaoke event! Children twelve years of age or younger need to be accompanied by an adult. Minors (ages 13-17) will need to provide an emergency contact. Costumes are encouraged!

Maximum Participants: 35 people

Munro Beattie Lecture with Ivan Coyote
2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 335 Cooper St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P0G8, Canada
The Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Department of English Language and Literature invite you to join us for the 2025-2026 Munro Beattie Lecture, “And Then This One Time: Sweet Stories for Hard Times”. Because sometimes we all just need a good crylaugh. Join writer and storyteller Ivan Coyote for a round of storytelling to call upon the joy in our queer lives and celebrate the strength and bravery it takes to live real life as a trans person right now. Bring your best hankie.

It will take place at 7pm on October 15 at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. No registration is required.

Ivan Coyote is a writer and storyteller. Born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, they are the author of thirteen books, the creator of four films, six stage shows, and three albums that combine storytelling with music. Coyote’s books have won the ReLit Award, been named a Stonewall Honour Book, been longlisted for Canada Reads, and been shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Prize for non-fiction and the Governor General’s award for non-fiction twice. In 2017 Ivan was given an honorary Doctor of Laws from Simon Fraser University, and in 2023 they received the first Honorary Doctor of Arts ever bestowed on anyone by Yukon University. They have toured public schools solo around the world for 20 years now, using the power of a personal story to fight bullying and make schools safer for students, staff and parents. Ivan has spent more than 30 years on the road as an international touring storyteller and musician. Coyote’s stories grapple with the complex and intensely personal topics of gender identity, family, class, and queer liberation, but always with a generous heart, and a quick wit. Ivan’s stories manage to handle both the hilarious and the heartbreaking with reverence and compassion, and remind us all of our own fallible and imperfect humanity, while at the same time inspiring us to change the world. Ivan’s 13th book, Care Of, was released in June 2021 by McClelland and Stewart.

Pizza Night at Colonnade
2025-10-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Colonnade Pizza, 280 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1R7, Canada
Dinner the third Wednesday of every month at Colonnade Pizza (Metcalfe & Gilmour) 5:30PM. Remember keep our group growing – tell your friends!

So that we can save you a place, please RSVP to Claude at claude@claudejobin.com or by phone at 613.804.7979.
