MAX Ottawa

Frontrunners - Women's Run
2025-10-03 17:00 - 19:00 (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.

AI, False Responders, and Lessons from 2SLGBTQIA+ Research
2025-10-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Ontario
AI is not just transforming our classrooms—it is also having significant effects on our research. In this new age of AI, and rising hostilities against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, researchers are navigating both false responders and bots. In this Zoom webinar, academic and community-based researchers will share their experiences with AI and false responders in data collection, and offer possible mitigation efforts for researchers using online methods.

Panelists: Christopher Dietzel (Concordia University), Evan Vipond (Open Digital Literacy and Access Network), Ben Klassen and Ren Lo (Community Based Research Centre)

Silly Goose Pageant
2025-10-02 20:00 - 23:30 | The Lookout Bar, 41 York Street, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5S7, Canada
Are you ready to see which of Ottawa’s local drag and burlesque stars has the feathers, the flair, and the foolishness to snatch the crown? This is not your average pageant — it’s a night of camp, chaos, and creativity where we celebrate the bold, the beautiful, and the downright silly.We’ve asked our contestants to deliver in three categories:1. SWIMSUIT – Serve body-ody-ody or come dressed as a pool noodle. The runway is your pond.2. TALENT – Juggle baguettes, recite dramatic honks, or give us a TED Talk on bread. The stage is yours.3. EVENING WEAR – Drip in elegance… or dress like a chandelier in a windstorm.

Contestants: Shebiscuit, Mizrabelle, Yuni Verse, Shea Muah, Esther Royd, Butterscotch Ribbon, Dewitt B. Fartin, Edith Puthie, Josephine Jay, Cox Enelle, Miss Diagnosis and Rip Em.If you’ve ever been called too much, too loud, or a little unhinged, this is the night for you!Early bird (online) tickets are $15, and door tickets are $20 the night of. 8PM Showtime.

Refund requests will not be accepted within 48 hours of showtime. Performer lineup subject to change. All Lookout programming is 19+.

Sex (+) Stand-Up
2025-10-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Laugh Lounge, 61 York St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9C7, Canada
The Sex-Positive Stand-Up Special is a one-of-a-kind comedy show where the punchlines and the paddles both land 💥Our lineup of diverse comics is bringing their filthiest, funniest takes on sex, dating, and intimacy. Think raw, raunchy, and real – delivered in a safe, shame-free space where we can laugh out loud about the things we usually only whisper. Nothing’s too taboo, too weird, or too messy – we’re laughing with it all.

And just when you think the night can’t get hotter… Sex Educator Natalia (@kinksandcoffee) takes the stage with her demo dolly for a live BDSM scene designed to get you giggling, blushing, and inspired to spice things up in your own bedroom. It’s sexy, silly, and just the right amount of shocking – in the best way possible.

So grab your friends, your partner(s), or just your curious self, and join us for a night of laughter and sexual liberation!

Doors open at 8:00 pm

Comedy show starts at 8:30 pm

Kink demo starts at 10:00 pm

Karaoke Night
2025-10-02 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-28 20:00 - 23:00 | T’s, 323 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, 2P 0J8, Canada
Karaoke with fellow Queers hosted by Jolene.

Erika Lashbrook & Friends
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:30 | Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe, 750 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6X5, Canada
📣 My next show is October 2nd! Very excited to let you know I’m playing this show to raise funds for the Ottawa Trans Library!

Catch me and some talented friends at Night Oat on Gladstone on Thursday October 2nd for some great tunes and a great local organization!

Gay Men In Recovery
2025-10-02 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
2025-10-02 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!

Queer Zine Collective Zine History Night
2025-10-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
Join the Ottawa Queer Zine Collective and the Carleton History Undergraduate Society for Zine History Night!

Guest Speaker: Emma Awe, Local Zine Historian!!!

Now What: Love & Romance in the Golden Era
2025-10-01 18:30 - 20:00 | McNabb Community Centre, 180 Percy St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 5P4, Canada
Romance doesn’t end at 50 — it gets wiser, deeper, and maybe even a little more fun. Join us for a warm and engaging discussion where we’ll dive into Love and Romance in Our Golden Era.

This is a space for gay men 50 and over to reflect, share, laugh, and connect about love in all its forms — from new beginnings to long-time partnerships, solo joy, or the possibilities still unfolding.

Love In A Dangerous Time
2025-10-01 18:00 - 20:00 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5W1, Canada
This pop‐up exhibit by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights speaks to decades of human rights violations against 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians who wanted to serve their country and the brave activists who fought back. It is designed to educate and inspire Canadians to help create a future in which the rights of all 2SLGBTQI+ people are respected.

From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Government of Canada investigated, harassed and expelled 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and federal public service during what came to be known as “the Purge.” Thousands of careers and lives were destroyed through this sweeping national policy, which came to be known as the LGBT Purge. But 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians led political and legal campaigns to change the policy and ensure protection under Canadian human rights law.

In 2016, Purge survivors launched a class action suit that resulted in a historic settlement in 2018. That large settlement established the LGBT Purge Fund, which worked with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to develop Love in a Dangerous Time. The aim is to raise awareness of this little‐known history and to inspire new generations to rise to today’s challenges. This travelling exhibit complements the Museum’s much larger exhibition, Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, which is open in Winnipeg until early 2026.

We invite you to explore some of the survivors’ compelling — yet harrowing — stories from July 14 to October 3, 2025. Community event held October 1, 2025 — RSVP to info@lgbtpurgefund.com.

Rainbow Dungeons and Dragons
2025-10-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Ten Oaks Project, 400 Cooper St. Suite 9004, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2H8, Canada
🌈 Rainbow Dungeons & DragonsHosted by Ten Oaks Project and Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO)

Come one come all to our Rainbow D&D group for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, everyone is welcome.

Open to ages 11 to 18.Snacks and refreshments provided.All game materials provided but do bring your stuff if you so choose.

🗓 WHEN: 5:00-8:00 PM, October 1st, 2025📍 WHERE: Ten Oaks Project Office, 400 Cooper Street St Suite 9004, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H8

Registration Information:

Please take a few minutes to fill out this form if you would like to attend. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we reach capacity, additional registrants will be added to a waitlist and contacted if a space becomes available.

One form per participant must be completed. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ash at ash@tenoaksproject.org.

Rainbow Coffee Club
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | The Good Companions, 670 Albert St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6L2, Canada
Join us monthly on the first Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM at The Good Companions for coffee, tea, treats, and great company. Most meetings feature guest speakers on engaging topics.

Contact Sarah at srea@thegoodcompanions.ca for details.

Frontrunners
2025-09-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-27 09:00 - 11:30 | Ontario

5-Pin Bowling
2025-09-29 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.

Trans About Town: Swim Night
2025-09-28 17:15 - 19:15 | Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Ln, Ottawa, ON, K2P 2J5, Canada
🌊Swim Night is BACK! 🌊Grab your goggles and your pals, Trans About Town: Swim Night is happening every last Sunday of the month!

This monthly program is open to trans and gender-diverse children and youth (ages 0-24), family and friends are welcome to join in and share the fun!

Program Details:

Location: Jack Purcell Community Centre Pool

Time: 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Date: Last Sunday of each month

Cost: $2.77 per person. Children under 2 enter for free.If cost is a concern, please let us know – we’re happy to help!

By filling out the registration form, you’ll reserve your spot and receive a reminder email a few days before the event. Before attending, please take a moment to review the City of Ottawa’s pool safety regulations.

Please Note:The pool we use for Trans About Town Swim Nights is a warm water pool, meaning the pool (and room) is kept at a warmer temperature than most public pools. We recommend bringing water to stay hydrated, and to dress accordioning, especially if you are planning to hang out on the pool deck!

For any questions or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at ash@tenoaksproject.org

We can’t wait to see you there!

🔗Register through the link below

Sunday Afternoon Bear Walk
2025-09-28 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.

Nonbinary Social and Crafternoon
2025-09-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
What to expect: Non-binary people and friends hanging out and crafting. We have supplies for making bracelets, folding origami, colored beads, embroidery floss, and plastic lace. Volunteer coordinators will be wearing name tags and can help answer any questions you might have.

If you would like an idea of what the event space looks like, check out our recent pics in the gallery.

What to bring: You don’t need to bring anything. You are welcome to bring your own crafting materials. Food and drink is welcome, also.

Queer Community Fair
2025-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Amnesty International, 312 Laurier Ave. East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6P6, Canada
We will be hosting community organizers and groups at this fair because we wanted to help queer folk living in Ottawa-Gatineau to find new spaces of belonging. Come check out our 13 (!) vendors and see all the wonderful people trying to make Ottawa a city with a thriving LGBTQ+ community!

We will be hosting the fair at 312 Laurier Avenue East at 1pm-4pm on September 28th!

We are planning to host it in the parking lot of the Amnesty International office building (weather permitting!) This event will be mobility accessible and masked so we can include as many people as we can! 💜

Some N-95 masks will be available but there is a limited supply so bring your own if you can!

Come meet a few artists too and help support them by buying cool stuff 👀

Tell your friends and we hope to see you there! 🌈💜

Drag Brunch
2025-09-28 11:30 - 14:00 | The Vanitea Room, 551 Somerset St West, Ottawa, ON, K1R 5J9, Canada
Every last Sunday of the month (with the exception of pride week in the summer) is drag brunch. Check our calendar for details.If it’s the last Sunday of the month – its drag brunch. Seatings available at 11:30am and 2pm.Please note: that the drag brunch preset menu does NOT include bottomless mimosas – it includes one single mimosa with cuisine as indicated on the menu.Bottomless mimosas are an extra charge to your drag brunch package.

House of Kink Presents: Hot n' Heavy
2025-09-27 22:00 - 2025-09-28 02:30 | The 27 Club, 27 York St, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5S7, Canada
We’re cranking the volume and bringing the heat back to the 27 Club for a night of dancing, kinky demonstrations, and performance inspired by the fashion of the metal music scene.

Whether you channel heavy metal gods, punk rock queens, or industrial fetish fantasies — this is your night to unleash your inner beast. Let your looks be inspired by the 80’s music scene – leather, chains, studs, mesh, big hair, and anything that screams rebellion.

Local DJs will be shredding dark, pulsing electronic beats all night long and fierce erotic performers will ignite your senses with raw and mesmerizing acts on stage.

Feeling curious? Edgy? Our skilled practitioners in the Kinky Korner will guide you through a curated selection of sensory delights.

House of Kink events are created for all sexual and gender identities, lifestyles, and expressions. Whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned kinkster — you are welcome here.

Let’s get loud, let’s get freaky, and let’s get filthy on the dancefloor!

Event Rules: We ask that you please carefully read the following before the event:

Dress Code – Kinky/fetish attire is mandatory. You can let our metal theme help inspire you, but the theme is not a requirement. If you are unsure of what to wear, please DM the HoK team.

We have created 2 Pinterest boards to help inspire you:

Kink/Fetish wear: Leather, Lace, Latex, PVC, Mesh, Collars, Harnesses, Lingerie, Fishnets, Stockings, etc.

Glam/Heavy Metal-themed outfit ideas: Black leather, ripped fishnets, chains, spikes, studs, O-rings, metal zippers, cuffs, chokers, mesh, big hair, face paint….Remember, even themed outfits must meet our kink wear requirement.

https://pin.it/TqBAIVl4Q

Always ask for clear, enthusiastic and ongoing consent before any physical contact or activity.

Public sex and exposed genitals are not permitted on the premises.

Personal kinky tools/toys (e.g., whips, floggers) are not permitted at the event. For those wanting to enjoy sensory experiences, our pros in the kink korner will be ready to assist you.

No personal photography at the event. If you want a photo taken, please ask our provided photographer(s). Information about consent and event photography found in our FAQ section.

Support and assistance available: If you feel unsafe or someone is bothering you or have questions or concerns, please tell a HoK Team Member! Team members will be marked with yellow UV reactive armbands or you can report to the person at the door, who will connect you with an HoK Team Member.

For more information regarding HoK House Rules, see FAQ section and https://docs.google.com/document/d/14hytTlQF4ylsfSJSsN1IGN3sMNZqSuWo3ngv-IrPDzY/edit#heading=h.fvwbls92p592

Please secure your ticket in advance, as we rarely have tickets available at the door. Only individuals who are dressed according to our dress code will be allowed entry – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please note: The 27 Club is a cash only bar, so please come prepared. ATM is available on site. Coat check available at the venue (cash)!

MUSIC BY:

Joe Rowe

A 20-year veteran of the Canadian underground electronic music scene, Ottawa-based DJ/Producer Joe Rowe has had the opportunity to perform at an impressive number of prestigious clubs, raves and festivals, including The Guvernment, Circa, White Rabbit, Surface, Mercury Lounge, The Wiggle Room, The Trinity Rooms in Ireland, Revolution in New York City, Groove & Bass Festival, and the World Electronic Music Festival to name a few.

In recent years Joe has been busy in the studio focusing on Tech House, Progressive, Melodic House & Techno. His single “The Pursuit of Loneliness” saw support from artists such as Judge Jules, Korolova and Sean & Dee, and hit #1 on the Progressive House Hype Top 100 on Beatport, even breaking into the overall Top 100 for all genres combined! Also, his recent track “Concentrate”, which was signed to the legendary Farris Wheel Recordings, received support from Sam Divine, Vanilla Ace and Black V Neck, scored a Tech House Hype Top 10 chart position, received a Beatport Editor’s Hype Pick, and was even featured by Dirty Bird Radio as the intro track for episode 418!

https://soundcloud.com/dj-joe-rowe

https://www.instagram.com/djjoerowe

LX

LX has made a name for herself in Ottawa, playing at many major electronic clubs in the city and opening for DJs such as Gene Farris, Felix Cartal, and RSCL. She has experimented with many genres, from tech, deep and progressive house to melodic and peak time techno. She had her festival debut in June at Escapade Music Festival and is looking forward to continuing to share her sound in Ottawa and beyond. Her sets create an atmosphere that connects people on the dance floor and leaves a lasting impression.

https://soundcloud.com/dj-lx_x

https://www.instagram.com/lxmusicc

FANTOM K

Fantom K is a house and techno DJ and producer whose gritty, groovy sound blends deep low-end power with hypnotic rhythm. Evolving from his bass-heavy origins as Heavy K, he brings melodic precision from his piano background into every set, crafting seamless journeys on the dance floor.

A fixture in Ottawa’s electronic music scene, he’s performed at established venues including City at Night, 52 Berlin, and Gridworks, as well as at flagship events like White Rabbit, Obsidian, Adrenaline, and multiple Canada Day, Escapade, and Riverside afterparties. In the underground after-hours circuit, he’s recognized for helping shape the community and collaborating with top local talent. With his first original track ready to drop, Fantom K is set to bring his signature energy to new audiences.

https://soundcloud.com/kevin-nitcheu-622517543

https://www.instagram.com/itsfantomk

Full lineup of performers coming soon!

Black Cat Cabaret: A Moulin Rouge Inspired Variety Show
2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-27 14:30 - 16:30 | LabO Theatre, 60 Waller St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6E2, Canada
Welcome to Ottawa’s very own Moulin Rouge! Put on your finest fits and join us on September 27, 2025 for an event full of glitz, glamour, and a dash of cheeky humour as Mistress Mae and Viva van Diva present Black Cat Cabaret!

Enhanced Accessibilty Matinee: 2:30 pm (masks mandatory)

Evening Show: 7:30 pm (masks encouraged)

Full Accesibility details

STARRING:

Gigi

House of Plush

Nova

Peter Packer

Miss Patience Plush

Randi Rouge

Rosie Bloom and Midnight Snack

The Rougettes

The Velvet Duke

Victoria Vermouth and Oliver Easy

Matinee hosted by Saffron St. James

Evening show hosted by Retro Joad

Bi Vis
2025-09-27 19:00 - 23:00 | Ottawa Bike Cafe, 79 Sparks St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P5A5, Canada
A social and dance party for Bi+ Visibility Day!

Held @ottawabikecafe & music by our fave bi+ DJ @djdelpilar!

This party is 19+ and is open to all who ID under the bi+ umbrella and our pals. We aim to provide a safer space that centers bi+ folks and gives them a chance to connect, validate & celebrate! Allies/accomplices/anyone who wants to be in community with bi+ folks are also welcome 😘

Bi+ Visibility 🎉In 1999, three bi+ activists got together and saw the need for a specific day to celebrate and centre the bi+ community. When trying to pick a date, the founders settled on a date in September as it was the birth month of bisexual icon Freddie Mercury.We celebrate the day on September 23 as well as Bisexual Awareness Week from September 16-23 to acknowledge the contributions made by bi+ folks and to reiterate that bisexual people exist and have always existed!

Tickets and info about access, what to expect, and more through the link below.

Bottomless Dine & Drag Dinner
2025-09-27 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!

Pique
2025-09-27 14:00 - 2025-09-28 02:00 | Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6E2, Canada
Usher in the fall season with another bold and forward-thinking edition of Pique, coming up on September 27, 2025 at Arts Court. Showcasing experimental and underground music, art, and performance, the quarterly festival features global innovators, local creators, and underground legends converging in downtown Ottawa’s Arts Court complex for a single-day blowout.

Taking place indoors and outdoors across 10 stages and spaces, Pique’s programming has something for everyone: from thought-provoking dialogues to ethereal electronic performances to multi-arts convergences, and even puppet dance parties. Joining forces with the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) to co-produce multidisciplinary and interactive programming, Pique brings together diverse artistic communities to explore, experiment and connect. Animating a club, a cinema, theatre and dance studios with bold, boundary-pushing presentations, Pique offers an immersive multidisciplinary experience that transforms the Arts Court into a playground for the avant-garde.

Plus, Topique, the forum for the exchange of forward-thinking ideas at Pique, returns this fall with a series of artist talks and group sessions focused on building an equitable future music industry.

With 20+ artists and 10 stages and exhibition spaces, indoors and outdoors, there is so much to experience at Pique!

Pique is all ages and programming is offered in an accessible building with gender-inclusive washrooms.

Coffee & Tea Social
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:30 | Ottawa Trans Library, 1104 Somerset St. West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y3C8, Canada
Sept. 27th is our Cozy Coffee & Tea Social! Feel free to bring whatever coffee/tea/hot chocolate you like and come chitchat and hangout with other queer peeps!

Out and About Saturdays
2025-09-27 10:00 - 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.
