Up All Night for Ottawa 200: Here's Nuit Blanche 2026!

This article was originally published by the ByWard Market District Authority.

On Saturday, September 26, Nuit Blanche Ottawa returns for an overnight celebration of art, culture and creativity — and the ByWard Market is proud to be at the heart of it.

From 7 PM on Saturday, September 26, to 7 AM on Sunday, September 27, the ByWard Market district will welcome artists, creative installations, performances and visitors for a night that invites everyone to experience Ottawa from a different perspective.

Celebrating Ottawa 200 in the heart of the city

Nuit Blanche comes at a special moment as Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary.

The ByWard Market has been part of Ottawa’s story for generations. As one of the city’s most historic districts — and with the Market preparing to celebrate its own bicentennial in 2027 — it is a fitting setting to gather, create and celebrate this important milestone for the city.

Nuit Blanche brings that spirit into the present, using art and creativity to transform familiar public spaces and offer new ways to experience the city throughout the night.

An entire night to explore

Whether you stay for an hour or make it all the way to sunrise, Nuit Blanche is an opportunity to explore, discover something unexpected and experience the ByWard Market after dark.

Visitors can make a night of it: discover the art and performances, grab a late-night bite at one of the Market’s restaurants, explore the neighbourhood and experience one of Ottawa’s most iconic districts during this city-wide celebration.

• When: Saturday, September 26 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, September 27 at 7 a.m.

• Where: ByWard Market District

• What: An overnight celebration of art, culture and creativity

There’s a full night ahead!

From interactive experiences to artistic performances, Nuit Blanche Ottawa will offer something new to discover at every turn. Explore the full programming to find the highlights you don’t want to miss.

Plan your visit

Free Transit

OC Transpo buses and trains, as well as Para Transpo, will be free from Saturday, September 26 at 3 a.m. until Monday, September 28 at 3 a.m., making it even easier to get to and from the celebrations.

Road Closures

As you plan your evening, please note that York Street, William Street and ByWard Market Square will be closed from Saturday, September 26, at 7 a.m. until Sunday, September 27, at 4 p.m. 

Parking

Driving into the Market? Parking will still be available throughout the event:

• All three City parking garages : Clarence, Dalhousie and York will remain open

• The York Street parking garage will only be accessible from the George Street entrance at 41 George Street.

• The Indigo parking lot at 93 George Street will also remain open.

Due to temporary road closures and increased pedestrian activity, visitors are encouraged to allow a little extra time when travelling through the district.