Your Unexpected Guide to Capital PRIDE in Downtown
August 15, 2025 / 1 minute read
The energy, the colour, the music. Capital PRIDE is taking over downtown Ottawa from August 16th to August 24th, and you’re invited to celebrate every moment from your first sip of coffee to your late-night encore.
Here’s how to make the most of PRIDE in the heart of our neighbourhood:
Fuel Up for the Day
Fuel your PRIDE adventure with a drink from downtown’s inviting and inclusive coffee spots.. Grab a fresh pastry and ethically sourced coffee at Bridgehead, enjoy expertly crafted specialty drinks at Little Victories, or soak in the community-focused vibe at Ottawa Bike Cafe. Whatever you choose, sip, relax, and watch the city wake up in full PRIDE colour.
Pride in Every Beat
Celebrate with a special lineup in collaboration with OMIC (Ottawa Music Industry Coalition) and Capital Pride:
Songs from the Shed – 12:00 to 1:30 PM at The Shed (between Bank and O’Connor)
August 19: Yan Simon
August 21: OK Naledi
Live from the Booth– 7:00 to 9:00 PM at The Booth (near 56 Sparks)
August 23: SEIIIZI
Pride Night at Metcalfe Plaza
On August 21 from 5 to 10 PM, Metcalfe Plaza transforms into an unapologetically joyful PRIDE party. Music, dancing, and community energy fill the space, with Concept Thursdays and SKANK bringing the beats.
Celebrate Into the Night
When night falls, make your way to Swizzle’s Bar, a lively hub of queer nightlife in the heart of downtown. With its legendary karaoke, dazzling drag shows, and warm, inclusive vibe, it’s the ideal spot to end the evening in great company, whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new friends.
Parade Magic
The colourful PRIDE Parade, taking place on August 24th, is the highlight of the weekend. Thousands of marchers, performers, and allies fill the streets of downtown in a vibrant display of creativity and celebration. Whether it’s your first time or one of many, there’s nothing like experiencing the energy of the streets and the unexpected downtown.
Make It Your PRIDE
Along the way, pop into local shops, linger on patios, and support the businesses that keep our neighbourhood vibrant year-round. PRIDE is more than a weekend; it’s a celebration of community, creativity and inclusivity that thrives when we support one another.
This is your city. Your PRIDE. A place where you can see yourself.
See you downtown.
