Canada After Dark is back: The nightlife summit returns to the National Arts Centre Oct. 7 and 8, 2026

Ottawa, ON – April 9, 2026 – Save the date: Canada After Dark returns to the National Arts Centre on October 7 and 8, 2026, for its second edition. 

Presented by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) in collaboration with the City of Ottawa’s Nightlife Office, this exclusive, two-day event will once again bring together policymakers, nightlife professionals and cultural workers from across Canada and beyond to explore the future of nighttime economies. 

Join us on October 7 and 8 to meet cutting-edge industry experts and national stakeholders, share actionable strategies for economic and cultural development, and build connections that move your work and city forward.

Launched as part of Capital Music Week (CMxW), Canada After Dark explores the evolving role of nightlife in city-building, economic development, and cultural expression. Hosted by Mathieu Grondin, Ottawa’s Nightlife Commissioner, the inaugural summit welcomed over 150 participants, including international experts and local stakeholders, to discuss sustainable and innovative approaches to nightlife ecosystems and governance. 

This year’s edition will build on that momentum, offering a dynamic program of speakers, inspiring panel discussions, and networking opportunities to foster connectivity and share insights across sectors. 

“The City of Ottawa Nightlife Office is thrilled to be working with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition to foster conversation and collaboration among leaders in nightlife governance and advocacy for the second edition of Canada After Dark,” says Ottawa’s Nightlife Commissioner, Mathieu Grondin. “We are proud to situate Ottawa as a leader in a global dialogue surrounding nightlife economy and its impact on city-building,” he adds. 

Be sure to follow the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (@ottawamic) and Ottawa’s Nightlife Office (@ottnightnuit) for early bird tickets and programming announcements. Additional details, including ticketing information, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

As cities across the country continue to reimagine their nighttime infrastructure, Canada After Dark convenes a growing movement of changemakers who recognize nightlife as a vital component of civic engagement — one that drives creativity, connection, and economic growth. 

ABOUT CANADA AFTER DARK

Canada After Dark is a national summit dedicated to advancing conversations around nightlife, culture, and the nighttime economy. Bringing together leaders from across sectors, the event aims to shape more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cities after dark. 

About Capital Music Week (CxMW)

Capital Music Week is Ottawa’s city-wide celebration of music, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and audiences through concerts, showcases, awards, and professional development programming.

Media Contact:

Ashley Ighorewo

Ottawa Music Industry

Coalitionashley@ottawamic.com

(613) 286-8063