Nuit Blanche Ottawa Returns on September 26, 2026!

Nuit Blanche Ottawa will make its long-awaited return on Saturday, September 26, 2026, under the theme Where Innovation Meets Art. For this new edition, the ByWard Market will be transformed into a vast, free, immersive nighttime art experience, bringing together local, national, and international artists.



Produced by Les Forains, Nuit Blanche Ottawa invites the public to experience an entire night dedicated to contemporary art, where innovation, creativity, and civic engagement come together through installations, performances, and artistic projects accessible to all.

Call for Submissions Now Open

To ensure a strong, cohesive program that reflects artistic diversity, the application process for the 2026 edition will take place in two stages.

Stage 1 – Call for Expressions of Interest

January 28 to February 19, 2026

This first stage allows artists, collectives, cultural institutions, and organizations to submit a preliminary project idea and indicate their participation category (funded or independent projects).

An information session (Town Hall), held both virtually and in person, will take place on February 12, 2026, to present the theme, guidelines and to answer questions from interested participants.

Stage 2 – Call for Proposals (by invitation only)

February 26 to March 19, 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal.

About Nuit Blanche Ottawa

Nuit Blanche Ottawa (NBO) is a non-profit incorporated organization dedicated to making art and culture accessible in public spaces. A free, international, all-night festival, NBO transforms the streets, squares, and iconic locations of the capital into artistic and civic playgrounds, fostering direct engagement between artists and the public from dusk until sunrise.

About Les Forains

Founded in 2025, Les Forains was created as an entity of the JKB Group, which has been active since 2008 and officially incorporated in 2013. Building on its experience and expertise in event management, the JKB Group innovates with the launch of Les Forains, dedicated to the coordination of large-scale festivals and events. Under the leadership of its PMP-certified General Manager, we offer a turnkey approach — from concept to execution — ensuring well-structured, memorable events tailored to the demands of an ever-evolving market, while fostering dialogue between Francophone and Anglophone communities.