MAX Ottawa

Gay Men In Recovery
2025-07-03 19:00 - 20:10, 2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:10 (America/Toronto) | 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.

Collective Temptation: A Night of Troupe Performances
2025-07-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Berlin Nightclub, 56 Byward Market Sq, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7A2, Canada
Join the troupes of Rouge Studio of Dance for a thrilling night of burlesque!

Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. There will be gogo so bring those bills!

Please note, the venue is up a flight of stairs, seating is very limited and the music is loud. Feel free to bring ear plugs, we will also have some available at the door. Please let us know if you require accessibility seating.

Karaoke Night
2025-07-03 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-07-06 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-07-10 20:00 - 23:00 | T’s, 323 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, 2P 0J8, Canada
Karaoke with fellow Queers hosted by Jolene.

Frontrunners - Women's Run
2025-07-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-11 17:00 - 19:00
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.

Hannah Vig Album Release Show
2025-07-04 19:00 - 23:00 | The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5M6, Canada
Join Hannah Vig, Salmon Ella, and Dark Room to celebrate the release of Hannah Vig’s debut album “What a Way to Pass the Time”. Semi formal dress code encouraged!

Since her onstage debut in 2022, Hannah Vig has been making waves in Ottawa’s music scene. Releasing a debut single and E.P. in 2023 and winning OMIC’s Capital Music Award for Newcomer of the Year in 2024, Vig has made a name for herself as Ottawa’s sensitive, sapphic, singer-songwriter. Originally known for intimate and emotive acoustic performances, Vig has been joined by a backing band since August 2023. Bringing her rock influences to the fore, Vig’s soulful voice soars on songs evoking the likes of Boygenius and Olivia Rodrigo. Currently consisting of Eric Montpool (lead guitar), Matthew Scharfe (bass), and Brendan Vandepol (drums), the band adds an exciting energy to her already dynamic sound and hard-hitting lyrics.

Salmon Ella is a result of the 2017 Girls+ Rock Ottawa’s Rock Camp for Women+. Since that June weekend, Cynthia, Delta, Hannah, and Katie have been writing music with quirky melodies and uncomfortably honest lyrics to get to the heart of their experiences. Influenced by Warpaint, Bikini Kill, Courtney Barnett, and Fiona Apple, they played their first show in October 2018 and are quickly making a mark on the Ottawa music scene. Sometimes absurd, sometimes ethereal, their music will have you saying “I don’t know what I just listened to, but I think I liked it!”.

Dark Room is a 3-piece indie/alternative rock band with Middle Eastern and North African roots. Recently formed in Ottawa, the band features Alya on lead vocals, Raph on guitar, and Zanou on drums. With each member bringing their style to the mix, they take inspiration from artists like Arctic Monkeys, Towa Bird, and Briston Maroney. Blending their distinct feelings and experiences, Dark Room is quickly developing their craft and unique sound.

Online + Door Price: $15 adv plus HST, $20 @ door Doors: 7:00 Show: 8:00

Frontrunners
2025-07-05 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00

Actively Vibing
2025-07-05 11:30 - 13:30 | Terry Fox Athletic Facility, 2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 8N4, Canada
Ottawa! This summer, we’re keeping you booked, busy, and very much active! Yes, you’ve heard me🙂‍↕️

Join us this Saturday, July 5th for our first-ever Active Club session!Don’t worry, this isn’t your typical running club — it’s beginner-friendly fitness with a focus on fun, movement, and good vibes.

Big thanks to the City of Ottawa for their support in making this possible. While the sessions are free, always, one-time PWYC donations are welcome to help support the full summer planning. Just DM us if you’d like to contribute 🤎

📍 Where: Terry Fox Athletic Facility – 2960 Riverside Dr🕦 When: Every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM💪 What: physical training and there’s barely any running! Just put on a gym fit, come train—or not… just come to chill and vibe with us ✨Places are limited so secure your spot via the link below🤎

Capital Bi's Beach Day
2025-07-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Westboro Beach, 745 Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 4B1, Canada
Next event coming in HOTTEST! 🥵

Saturday July 5: wear your cutest swimsuit, bring a snack to share, and get ready to spend the afternoon with your fave bi+ babes 🌞⛱️🩱

All ages! We will have a tent for some shade. Westboro Beach is easily accessed by bike/transit with accessible washrooms. Masks are optional for this outdoor event.

Bottomless Dine & Drag Dinner
2025-07-05 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!

Think On The Fling - Burlesque Improv
2025-07-06 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.

More Knotty Fun: Hands-on Rope Skills
2025-07-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Venus Envy, 329 Catherine St., Ottawa, ON, K1R 5T4, Canada
Picked up some rope, but not really sure what to do with it? In this hands-on workshop we’ll explore some simple ties and rope handling skills that build on each other, with time for open practice. This is a beginner workshop, so if you’ve been to Knotty Fun or want some basic skills to use in the bedroom this session is for you!

Mask mandatory, we’ll have some available at the door. Please wear clothing you’re comfortable moving around in, bring at least 3-4 lengths of rope measuring 20-25ft each, safety shears, and a small blanket or mat for you to work on. A very limited amount of rope will be available to borrow, priority given to those with limited income.

Facilitator: AgnesDate: Sunday, July 6Time: 2:00 pm 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 11:00 AM EDT the day of the workshop)

questions about the workshop

accessibility information/requests

troubleshooting Zoom

Accessibili-tease
2025-07-06 14:30 - 15:30 | Rouge Studio of Dance, 340 MacLaren St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0M6, Canada
Burlesque is for ALL bodies; that includes abili-TEASE as well!

This class is taught by our beloved Miss Patience Plush. They are eager to share how they are rediscovering the art of burlesque after being immobilized for several months. All bodies should be celebrated and in this workshop you will be doing just that! Learn a routine of sultry confidence boosting self love intentionally choreographed for members of any ability- both sitting and standing. Join Miss Patience in reclaiming your body!

Classes start at 2:30 and run on the following dates:

Sunday, June 15

Sunday, June 22

Sunday, June 29

Sunday, July 6

Sunday Afternoon Bear Walk
2025-07-06 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.

TVOD, CDSM & KAY-fayb
2025-07-06 20:00 - 23:00 | House of Targ, 1077 Bank St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 0R4, Canada
First Crush and Side By Side Weekend present…

TVOD (Brooklyn, NY)

Brooklyn-based rockers TVOD stand out with emotional, sometimes juvenile lyrics, paired with driving, catchy songs that never fail to get a crowd moving/moshing. Influenced by post-punk, egg punk and krautrock, TVOD effortlessly weave musical genres in a way that comes off seamlessly. “More than anything, their sound is engineered to make you move” (Creem Magazine). The brainchild of singer-songwriter Tyler Wright, the project draws from personal and external inspirations like the nightlife/music scene, heartaches, World War II, the untimely death of a beloved pet fish, and so on. TVOD’s vivid storytelling paints a gritty tongue-in-cheek picture of being a D.I.Y. artist grinding it out in NYC, complete with fabled tales about the degenerate lifestyle and all the good and the bad that comes with it.

CDSM (Atlanta, GA)

CSDM a.k.a. Celebrity Death Slot Machine is a “freakout post-punk group” (FLOOD Magazine) based in Atlanta, GA. Their stylish sonic onslaught is anchored around dancey rhythms, atypical synthesizer work, timely saxophone growls, as well as goth rock-esque melodies that serve to recount bizarre humor-laden tales from a derelict parallel universe. The death disco purveyors – featuring past and current members from Material Girls, Neighbor Lady, Mothers and Rose Hotel – are to unearth their debut full-length album entitled Convertible Hearse on May 23rd, 2025 via Mothland & EXAG’ Records.

KAY-fayb (Gatineau, Quebec)

KAY-fayb is sound art trio Yolande Laroche, Pierre-Luc Clément and Linsey Wellman – exploring while engaging with the performative limits and/or/without potential of orchestral dissonance, deceptiveness, technologies, mantras and evasive concepts such as obsessions and make beliefs through structured improvised performances.

Event Information

July 6th, 2025

House of Targ – 1077 Bank Street, Ottawa ON

Doors at 8:00pm | 19+

$20 advance / $25 at the door

First Crush Safer Spaces Policy

Attendees, artists and staff are expected to respect one another and the space. Zero tolerance for any form of violence, aggression, oppressive behaviour & language, or bullying. If you are currently implicated in an accountability process, please ensure you are respecting the well-being of others.

Free masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the door. Ticket refunds can be issued due to illness.

House of Targ Accessibility

Unfortunately, House of Targ is not accessible for everyone. The venue is located in a basement with a steep staircase, and its bathrooms are too small to accommodate most wheelchairs. If you have any questions regarding accessibility please email firstcrushpromotion@gmail.com.

Spectrum
2025-07-07 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
2025-07-07 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.

Quest to Climaxia
2025-07-08 17:30 - 22:00 | 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.

QBC Level 2: Gatineau Park Trail 5 climb
2025-07-09 18:45 - 21:00
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
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!

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!💋

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.
