Ottawa 
Events Description
The Bytown Museum is proud to help shape Ottawa’s bicentennial year in collaboration with the City of Ottawa and partner cultural organizations. On September 26, 2026, the Museum will mark the bicentennial and honour the people who have shaped—and continue to shape—Ottawa with a full day of free programming and events.
This event was funded in part by the City of Ottawa and the Government of Canada.
Events and Programming
- Begin the day with an Indigenous welcome, honouring the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation and the enduring Indigenous presence in the Ottawa region.
- FREE community breakfast for the first 500 visitors from 9:00am – 11:00am with catering from Chef Ric’s.
Costumed interpreters roaming around the museum and the downtown core bringing history to life. - Join community partners at our Heritage Fair from 11:00am – 3:00pm and learn about Ottawa’s rich history
- Multi-award-winning actor and playwright, Pierre Brault, debuts an immersive theatrical production that re-imagines a day-in-the life of Lieutenant Colonel John By. Showtimes are 11:30am. 1:00pm, and 2:30pm.Please note that each show is on a first-come, first-in basis.
- From 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Ottawa-based Paul Weber Band carries visitors from day to evening at our Canalside Stage with a live folk performance that highlights Ottawa’s history, the Rideau Canal, and local legends.
Events continue up the hill where global design firm Immersive International transforms the historic Plaza Bridge by offering free admission to the Soundscape Immersive Music and Arts Festival. As a part of this festival, the Bytown Museum is proud to present Bytown Sea Shanty Collective and artist Suzanne Bégin.
HOW MUCH
Tickets:
FREE museum admission all day.
How to get tickets?
At the door
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Venue:
The Bytown Museum,
1 Canal Lane,
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5P6
Public Transit Accessible
More to Do:
Things to Do This Weekend in Ottawa
