Get ready for Capital Pride 2026 in Ottawa. April 2026 ways to apply, join queer sports, connect with groups, and plan for the August festival and parade.

Ottawa Capital Pride 2026: April Get-Involved Guide

How to Get Involved in Capital Pride Ottawa: April 2026 Guide

Ottawa

Snug bakeshop whipping up clever sweet treats & espresso drinks, plus vegetarian lunch fare.

Little Jo Berry’s

The Spaniel’s Tale is a shop in Ottawa. Located at 1131 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P1, Canada.

The Spaniel’s Tale

Housemade, gourmet sourdough breads & refined coffee & tea served in a cozy environment.

Bread By Us

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals is a venue in Ottawa. Located at 65 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada.

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals

Milk Shop is a shop in Ottawa. Located at 45 William St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z9, Canada.

Milk Shop

In Bloom Tattoo Collective is a venue in Ottawa. Located at 340 MacLaren St Unit 304, Ottawa, ON K2P 0M6, Canada.

In Bloom Tattoo Collective

Rideau Rollers is a shop in Ottawa. Located at 787 Somerset St W #1/2, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R3, Canada.

Rideau Rollers

Hello Dolly Pastries is a restaurant in Ottawa. Located at 992 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X8, Canada.

Hello Dolly Pastries

Long-running, laid-back watering hole with a large whisky selection & regular live music.

Irene’s Pub

EveryPerson Cafe is a restaurant in Ottawa. Located at 139 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N8, Canada.

EveryPerson Cafe

Pure Kitchen is a restaurant in Ottawa. Located at 340 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M5, Canada.

Pure Kitchen

Club Ottawa is a sauna and bathhouse in Ottawa. Located at 1069 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y2, Canada.

Club Ottawa

A queer-owned independent grocery store in Westport, Ontario in the heart of the Rideau Lakes. Led by Kacee Kudrinko (they/she), Kudrinko's has been serving the community since 1990 with a focus on local and specialty foods, sustainability, and exceptional service.

Kudrinko's Ltd.

Luck and Lavender Studio is a queer-owned art and apparel brand created by KJ Forman, a nonbinary feminist artist based in Ottawa. Their products include pins, patches, stickers, mugs, hoodies, and prints featuring floral designs combined with feminist and 2SLGBTQ+ mantras. Known for collaborations with CBC and a focus on reclaiming queer and trans identity through art.

Luck and Lavender Studio

Rideau Rollers is a shop in Ottawa. Located at 787 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R3, Canada.

The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore is a shop in Ottawa. Located at 1131 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P1, Canada.

The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore

Ottawa's LGBTQ+ community is centered in Centretown, particularly along Bank Street, with a strong presence in the ByWard Market. Popular venues include Lookout Bar, Swizzles, and The Edge. Capital Pride is a major celebration, and the city hosts various queer events and cultural festivals. Ottawa's role as Canada's capital creates a unique queer community that includes government workers, activists, and cultural organizations.

Summer 1 2026 swim sessions begin on May 25, 2026, at various locations including Montpetit Hall and UOttawa.

Rideau Speedeaus

Summer 1 2026 Swim Sessions Start

The Lookout Bar

Karaoke with Meghan

A karaoke night at The Lookout Bar with shot specials on Sundays.

An event titled Older & Bolder at The Good Companions.

The Good Companions

Older & Bolder

Another scheduled 5-pin bowling event at West Park Bowling.

West Park Bowling

5-pin Bowling

Regular swim workout session for club members.

Swim Workout

Regular rugby practice session at Ken Steele Park.

Ken Steele Park

Practice

Ottawa Wolves RFC

An event titled 'DAW night' scheduled for May 26, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. The event will be held at the Ottawa Trans Library, focusing on making music with software in a peer-led environment without AI involvement. Participants can join in person or online.

Ottawa Trans Library

DAW night

Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Wysteria, with special guests Bae Root, Vera, and Austin Paradise.

Wysteria's Birthday Party

A drag show celebrating Wysteria's birthday with special guest performers.

Join us in person to celebrate legends at the 2026 Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame Induction Evening! This event honors local sports heroes, including teams and athletes from hockey, curling, football, and more, with an induction ceremony, dinner, awards presentation, and post-dinner celebrations. The event features notable inductees such as the 1976 Rockland Nats hockey team, curlers Rachel Homan and Emma Miskew, football athlete Val St. Germain, hockey athlete Jason York, builder Keith Brown, and eight new members in the Legacy Category. The evening runs from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Horticulture Building, Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa.

Horticulture Building

2026 Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame Induction Evening

Evening swim workout session for club members.

A weekly karaoke night at The Lookout Bar with $10 doubles on Wednesdays.

Join the Ottawa Trans Library Youth Group on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The event is open to individuals aged 14 to 19 and provides a space for community engagement and activities.

Youth Group

Join us next week as the Stars are out for an ONDS favourite challenge - that's right, we're playing the SNATCH GAME! After two rounds of the iconic improv comedy game, your cast present numbers as their chosen celebrity characters. You definitely won't want to miss this one - tickets available now!

ONDS Snatch Game

A drag show featuring a fun improv comedy game where performers act as celebrity characters.

Happy Hour after-party following every ONDS show. Stick around to gossip, laugh, reconnect, and reenact the night while we sip on $11 Triples after 11pm!

Happy Hour after-party following ONDS

A social after-party at a bar where people can relax, chat, and enjoy discounted drinks after ONDS shows.

A virtual camp event for youth involved with child welfare or Indigenous well-being agencies, details to be provided.

Leaf Links Registration - May 28th

Ten Oaks Project

A drag competition event in Ottawa, showcasing local talent with results announced after four weeks of performances.

Ottawa's Next Drag Superstar Week 4 Results

Soup Night is an event hosted by the Ottawa Trans Library, taking place on May 29, 2026, from 17:30 to 21:00. It offers a free meal to attendees, with no requirement to bring food. The event is open to everyone and is held monthly on the last Friday of each month.

Soup Night

Start your day with a relaxed outdoor dating experience in the Glebe, Ottawa, featuring guided one-on-one conversations, lawn games like croquet and bocce, and a picnic-style setup. The event is designed for genuine connections, with a thoughtfully paced schedule and a welcoming atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, snacks, and an open mind. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on May 30, 2026, with the final location shared two days prior. Organized by Ring a Date, it aims to foster meaningful interactions in a comfortable outdoor setting.

Glebe Community Centre

Park & Spark: Glebe Morning Match & Lawn Games

A monthly gathering for non-binary individuals and friends to socialize and engage in crafting activities. The event takes place on the last Sunday of each month from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Ottawa Trans Library, offering supplies for various crafts and a welcoming environment.

Nonbinary Social Crafternoon

Monthly swim night for trans and gender-diverse children, youth, and their families at Jack Purcell Community Centre Pool.

Jack Purcell Community Centre Pool

Trans About Town: Swim Night - May 31, 2026

An event called Transmasc Hours is scheduled for May 31, 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00 at the Ottawa Trans Library. It is a community gathering focused on transmasc individuals, providing a space for socializing and connection. The event is part of the library's ongoing activities supporting trans and nonbinary communities.

Transmasc Hours

A weekly karaoke night at The Lookout Bar with shot specials on Sundays.

The Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus's spring concert scheduled for June 2026.

Spring Concert

Choeur gai d'Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus

The Folk Spectrum Collective Music Jam is a biweekly musical event at the Ottawa Trans Library, serving as an incubator for trans* and queer music-makers. Participants are encouraged to bring and play any tune, from simple melodies like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to more complex pieces. The event provides a supportive environment for amateur musicians to gather, explore, and learn together. It takes place on Tuesdays from 19:00 to 21:00, fostering a community focused on making music and respecting the goals of the initiative.

Folk Spectrum Collective Music Jam

Parkdale Night Market. Every Wednesday in the same spot! Also accepting orders for pick up at the market- visit our online store.

Parkdale Public Market

Parkdale Night Market

A community night market featuring Little Jo Berry's at Parkdale Public Market.

A weekly karaoke night with $10 doubles at The Lookout Bar.

Join us for a community board game night at the Ottawa Trans Library on June 4, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Play from our collection of games or bring your own. This event offers an opportunity to connect with fellow patrons in a friendly, inclusive environment. Registration is available online.

Board Game Night

A social after-party at The Lookout Bar with drinks and fun conversations following each ONDS show.

A night of dancing and sweets. This is a queer and trans prioritized space. Mask Mandatory.

Mooney's Bay Beach

The White Swan Ball

Little Jo Berry’s, victaurus_cottage

A queer and trans-focused dance and social event with costume dress-up, live music, sweets, and photo opportunities.

Speed Dating event for 50+ in the morning at Park & Spark, focusing on genuine connection without pressure or noise.

Park & Spark

Speed Dating at Park & Spark

Work on zines with the Ottawa Trans Library community zine, The Dragon Flyer.

Collaborative zine making night at the OTL

An informal evening of poetry reading and discussion at Ottawa Trans Library. Participants are encouraged to share poems they've discovered or written in a casual atmosphere of poetry appreciation. The event takes place on the first Saturday of each month, from 17:30 to 19:30.

Poetry Night

An event showcasing queer art, scheduled for June 10, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00. Further details about the venue or additional activities are not provided.

The Grove

Queer Art Exhibition

A community night market featuring Little Jo Berry's full-time at Parkdale Public Market.

A social after-party at The Lookout Bar with drinks and opportunities to relax and reconnect following ONDS shows.

Annual Pride parade celebrating LGBTQ+ community and diversity in Ottawa.

Ottawa Pride Parade

Ottawa Pride Committee

A community night market featuring local vendors and activities.

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival will be held from June 19 to June 21, 2026, at Mooney's Bay Beach in Ottawa. This premier event features races on the Rideau River with teams from across North America competing in various divisions, including community, corporate, and competitive categories. Participants range from beginners to world champions, with divisions such as the Sue Holloway Cup, Breast Cancer Paddlers Cup, Pride Challenge Cup, Para Challenge Cup, and All Cancer Paddlers Challenge Cup. The festival offers spectators the chance to enjoy food trucks, shopping, and entertainment while watching the races. The event schedule includes races on June 19 from 5 PM to 9 PM, June 20 from 7 AM to 6 PM, and June 21 from 7 AM to 6 PM.

TIM HORTONS OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

A community night market featuring Little Jo Berry’s at Parkdale Public Market.

The contestants with the most Stars at the end of the season will advance to the June 25 Grand Finale!

ONDS 4 Grand Finale

A drag show where the top contestants will compete in the grand finale.

A virtual gathering for youth to connect and share experiences.

Leaf Links: June 25th

Saturday Night Double Headers featuring roller derby games. Dates include May 16, June 27, July 18, August 15. Doors at 5pm, Game #1 at 5:30pm. Beer Garden and Snack Bar available.

St. Laurent Complex

Ottawa Valley Roller Derby - Saturday Night Double Headers

Ottawa Valley Roller Derby

A community roller derby event featuring double-header games with a beer garden and snack bar.

Annual Pride parade celebrating LGBTQ+ communities with floats, performances, and community booths.

Lord Elgin Hotel Ottawa Downtown

Trans About Town: Swim Night - June 28, 2026

Outdoor summer swim sessions at Uplands start on June 29, 2026, with activities scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Uplands

Summer (Outdoors) 2026 Swim Sessions Start

Join us for the annual Pride Parade celebrating LGBTQ+ communities with vibrant floats, music, and festivities.

Pride Parade Ottawa 2026

Ottawa Pride

Summer 2 2026 swim sessions begin on July 6, 2026, at various locations including Montpetit Hall and Uplands.

Summer 2 2026 Swim Sessions Start

Join the Ottawa Trans Library for their monthly Board Game Night at the library. The event takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Participants can enjoy a collection of games provided by the library or bring their own. This is a great opportunity to play games with fellow patrons in a friendly environment. Registration is available online.

A weekly night market featuring local vendors and online order pickup.

A roller derby double-header event with games and a beer garden.

A weekly outdoor market featuring local vendors and online order pickup options.

Trans About Town: Swim Night - July 26, 2026

A weekly outdoor market with local vendors and online order pickup options.

Leaf Links Registration - July 30th

An event scheduled for August 1, 2026, from 10:00 to 16:00. Specific details about the event are not provided.

swimEAUthon

Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus

A weekly outdoor market featuring local vendors and online order pickup.

A lively bingo event featuring drag show performances with Yeti and Holli, part of Ottawa Pride Edition. Includes free bingo cards, drink specials, and prizes.

Backdoor Bingo with Yeti & Holli

A celebration event featuring performances by Vex Scandal, Karen Ligays, Edith Puthie, Caligula, BJ Stroker, Yeti, Bae Root, Eden Moore, and Zak Zinya. Donations accepted for Bruce House.

Celebration of the Joyful Life of René Rivard

A weekly community market featuring local vendors and online order pickup options.

Professional Night, hosted by Elle Faekwa! Catch stellar performances by Ottawa’s fiercest up-and-coming drag performers; Yuni Verse, Hong Dong, Opal Essence, Lady Huntress, and Eh!va Fracture. The audience decides which new performer takes the prize.

Professional Night

A drag performance event featuring up-and-coming local performers where the audience chooses the winner.

A series of free pride-themed events including a market and workshops focused on LGBTQ+ topics, held in Ottawa.

Parkdale Market

Venus Envy Free Pride Events

Ottawa Pride Week at The Lookout

Join the annual Pride Parade in Ottawa celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity and community.

Capital Pride

Capital Pride Parade

Join the Capital Pride volunteer registration to support the Summer Pride Festival happening from August 16 to 24, 2026. Volunteers can sign up for various roles such as Front of House, Parade Marshalls, and Green Team, with shifts lasting between 3 to 8 hours. Training sessions are scheduled during the week of August 6-12, and volunteers of all abilities are welcome. This is a great opportunity to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, meet new people, and be part of Pride Week activities.

Volunteer Registration for Capital Pride

A weekly night market featuring local vendors and the option to order online for pickup.

Drag Open Stage with Yeti at The Lookout Bar, part of Ottawa Pride Edition. No sign-up required. Features drink specials, 8 PM showtime, and no cover charge.

Drag Open Stage with Yeti

Pride Night Market with vendor applications opening May 13th. Vendor spots are exclusively for 2SLGBTQIA+ small business vendors and makers. All vendors are expected to be available for the storm date (next day, same time). All food businesses must operate out of a commercial kitchen. If you are a small business looking to sponsor this event, there will be info in the vendor application. This is a small business event. We do not accept vendors who use AI art or drop shipping. There will be loud music, generators and crowds at this event. All vendors are expected to advertise and/or to use social media to promote this event and their booth, we prioritize reciprocal vendor relationships. If you need more accessibility information before applying, email us! (Link in bio)

Pride Night Market

littlejoberrys, homo_phono

A community market featuring vendors from 2SLGBTQIA+ owned small businesses.

Special Pride Sale with 20% off toys, lube, pride gear, flags, patches, and pins at Venus Envy.

Venus Envy

Venus Envy Pride Sale

A group created to empower and uplift the transgender and gender-diverse community in a safe, affirming environment. Whether you’re exploring your journey, seeking community, or simply want a welcoming space, L.I.G.H.T. is here to provide connection and understanding.

Ottawa Area Center for Pride

L.I.G.H.T.

A community gathering to support and uplift transgender and gender-diverse people in a safe and welcoming environment.

A weekly outdoor market featuring local vendors and online order pick-up options.

A virtual gathering for youth to connect and engage in fun activities.

Leaf Links: August 27th

Drag & Balls 2026 is an annual charity softball event held in Ottawa to support Bruce House, an organization providing services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The event features drag softball performances, a DJ, food and beverages, and is family and dog-friendly. It takes place at Riverain Park in Ottawa during Pride weekend, with proceeds benefiting Bruce House.

Riverain Park

Drag & Balls 2026

Ottawa Queer Softball League

A special event celebrating Ottawa's 200th anniversary featuring a drag performance on the TD Main Stage. The event includes performances by notable contestants from Canada's Drag Race, such as Icesis Couture, Kimmy Couture, Kiki Coe, Aimee Yonce Shennel, Karamilk, and Saltina Shaker. Attendees will enjoy unforgettable performances and receive a commemorative cup. The event takes place on August 29, 2026, from 17:00 to 19:00 at the TD Main Stage in Ottawa.

Queer City Guides for Ottawa

How to Get Involved in Capital Pride Ottawa: April 2026 Guide

Where Things Are Happening

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