Nuit Blanche is returning to Ottawa next fall. Is Canada’s Capital finally becoming an arts city?

Could Ottawa one day be known as an art city? That is the hope of Nuit Blanche organizers who are bringing the all-night art festival back to the Capital in fall 2026. 

A French word that translates to “Sleepless Night”, the festival, which draws big crowds in major cities like Toronto and Montreal, was held in Ottawa for four years until 2015, when it was shelved due to dwindling attendance and difficulty securing funding. 

There is hope that next year could be different. The announcement of the nighttime contemporary artistic and cultural event drew a packed crowd to the ByWard Market building on Tuesday, with Nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in attendance.

José Bertrand is the executive director of the event. His Toronto-based company also produces Ottawa’s long-running Franco-Ontarien Festival. He said it will be an “unforgettable night where art, technology, and culture converge throughout the city.”

Unlike previous years, where the festival was held in different parts of the city, including Westboro and other areas, the 2026 event will primarily be in the ByWard Market, but could expand during future iterations. 

Bertrand said it will be “a night where imagination spills onto streets [and] the city itself becomes a canvas.”

“Our vision is simple but ambitious. Nuit Blanche is not just an event; it's a collective dream, a way for the city to rediscover itself through arts, light and connection,” he added. “Ottawa has always been a city of ideas, from the National Arts Centre, to Winterlude to Bluesfest. This city has always celebrated its culture. We want to tell the next chapter of that story: A night where all creative energy meets under one sky.”

Nuit Blanche’s mission is to redefine the city’s urban DNA and deliver an immersive experience that will delight both residents and visitors, said a press release. 

While many details are still not known, international artistic elements are expected with the press release noting Ottawa is home to more than 130 embassies and high commissions. 

Toronto’s Nuit Blanche wrapped up just days ago on Oct. 4 and received mixed reviews. A 12-hour-long event, it included 80 exhibits across the city and North York. Montreal, which has been hosting the event for two decades, will hold its nighttime event on Feb. 28, 2026. With over 100 activities, it will include art, poetry, dance, games and cinema.

Night commissioner Grondin – better known as the “Night Mayor” – said he has been wanting to bring the festival to Ottawa since he started his role in 2024.

“So many people came to me and said, ‘you got to bring back Nuit Blanche.’ We’re really happy today that we can announce that there’s a new nonprofit organization that was created, whose mandate is to bring back the Nuit Blanche in Ottawa next year,” he told CTV.

A boost for the economy

Ottawa’s actual Mayor Sutcliffe said he expects the festival to be a tourist draw. After all, it is free.

“Today's announcement comes on the heels of a wonderful summer so far. We had the busiest July ever, we had the best August as well, and that is great news for our local economy. Events like this make a big difference as we continue to revitalize downtown and the ByWard Market,” he said.   

This summer saw tourism levels increase with a five per cent increase in overall hotel demand in June, July and August, according to Ottawa Tourism. During that period, visitor spending also increased by seven per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Museums across the Capital also saw a boost during the hot days of summer, with the Canadian Museum of History seeing a 12 per cent increase in visitors between July and August, and the Canadian War Museum seeing an 18 per cent rise.

Residents won't need to wait an entire year to catch a glimpse of what Nuit Blanche has to offer. A free performance by French company Transe Express will take place on York Street Oct. 17. Starting at 8:30 pm, the street show will combine theatre, music technology and circus skills.