Live Nation and Drake are set to open the 2000-person HISTORY Ottawa nightclub in 2026, filling a need in Ottawa’s nightlife scene.
Long seen as a sleepy government town and the city that fun forgot, Ottawa just got a little jolt courtesy of the 6 God and Live Nation. Today, the multinational entertainment powerhouse announced that they will be opening the Drake-backed 2000-person capacity HISTORY Ottawa nightclub in the city’s Byward Market. It marks the first expansion for the History after the opening of History Toronto in 2021. Live Nation first announced they would be taking over the former Chapters store in downtown Ottawa and turning it into a live music venue last June.
Live Nation took to social media to share the news.
We’re bringing HISTORY to our Nation’s Capital! Introducing @history_ottawa – a new, modern live music & entertainment venue coming to the ByWard Market. Opening in 2026, HISTORY Ottawa will host hundreds of premier concerts & events each year. More info: https://t.co/yZsk0uBvoy pic.twitter.com/CTEYYYwP1t
— Live Nation Ontario (@LiveNationON) February 19, 2025
The nightclub and live performance venue fills a hole in the Ottawa market which has seen a number of downtown venues close over the past few years, including Cafe Dekcuf, Mercury Lounge, and Barrymore’s.
Although the venue will not be opening for another year, it already has a website with renderings offering a glimpse at what it will look like. It follows a similar aesthetic to the Toronto location and includes a bright marquee with a vertical LED screen on the exterior and a dark aesthetic on the interior with two bars and a stage on the lower level, and an upper mezzanine level.
According to the website, “…the 2,000 capacity, two-level venue will include a convertible general admission area and reserved seating configurations for all types of events – from concerts, live entertainment and galas, to community programs and events. With premium seating and services available, the venue will deliver an intimate, high-end HISTORY experience for both fans and artists, complete with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and exceptional hospitality.”
HISTORY Ottawa is set to open in early 2026.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 300 international voters for the 81st and 8nd Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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