Past Events

On June 8th, the Culture Plan Team visited The Gladstone Theatre for its Doors Open Ottawa event. Visitors explored behind-the-scenes spaces, chatted with theatre staff, and watched open rehearsals by Plosive Productions and The Iron Cabaret. 

We enjoyed connecting with attendees and discussing how independent theatre venues like The Gladstone contribute to Ottawa’s cultural vibrancy. These spaces are vital for nurturing local talent and offering diverse artistic experiences. 

We look forward to future opportunities to support and celebrate Ottawa’s performing arts community. 

🎭 Learn more here: Doors Open @ The Gladstone 

During Doors Open Ottawa, the Culture Plan Team joined visitors at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for a weekend of discovery and nostalgia. This immersive site showcases rural life in Eastern Ontario during the 1920s and 1930s, with guided tours of a working sawmill, blacksmith shop, vintage train station, schoolhouse, and more. 

We had engaging conversations with attendees about how heritage spaces like this connect us to our cultural roots and inspire future storytelling. Events like Doors Open offer a unique chance to explore Ottawa’s rich history while imagining new possibilities for cultural growth. 

We’re excited to continue these conversations at future heritage and community events across the city. 

🏡 Learn more here: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Doors Open Ontario 

As part of Doors Open Ottawa, the Culture Plan Team joined curious minds at the Dominion Observatory Campus, a historic site nestled in the Central Experimental Farm. Originally built in 1904, this campus includes several scientific buildings once used for astronomy, seismology, gravity, and geomagnetism research. 

Visitors explored the architecture and legacy of Canada’s early scientific achievements through guided tours and interactive exhibits. We had meaningful conversations about how science and culture intersect, and how heritage sites like this can inspire future generations. 

We’re excited to continue connecting with patrons at events that celebrate Ottawa’s rich cultural and scientific history. 

🔭 Learn more here: Dominion Observatory Campus – Doors Open Ontario  

During Doors Open Ottawa, the Culture Plan Team joined visitors at Arts Court, one of the city’s most dynamic hubs for visual, media, and performing arts. Originally built in 1870 as the Carleton County Courthouse, this historic building was transformed into a municipal arts centre in 1988 and now houses over 18 independent arts organizations. 

We had the opportunity to connect with attendees exploring the building’s Italianate architecture and vibrant creative spaces, and to discuss how cultural infrastructure like Arts Court supports Ottawa’s evolving arts ecosystem. 

We look forward to continuing these conversations at future events that celebrate the intersection of heritage, creativity, and community. 

🎭 Learn more here: Arts Court – Doors Open Ontario 

On June 7th, the Culture Plan Team joined the Welcome to Stittsville Multicultural Festival at Village Square Park, hosted by Councillor Glen Gower. This vibrant event celebrated the diversity of Stittsville through music, dance, food, and cultural showcases from around the world. 

We had the opportunity to connect with residents, newcomers, and community groups, sharing how cultural planning supports inclusive and welcoming neighbourhoods. Events like this help build bridges and spark meaningful conversations across cultures. 

We’re excited to continue engaging with communities at future multicultural celebrations across the city. 

🌍 Learn more here: Welcome to Stittsville Multicultural Festival 

On June 7th, the Culture Plan Team joined the fun at the Lowertown Festival, a lively community celebration held at Jules Morin Park. The event featured music, dancing, games, and local organizations coming together to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for residents of all ages. 

We had the chance to connect with attendees, share ideas about cultural programming, and explore how events like this strengthen community ties through creativity and collaboration. 

We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations at future neighbourhood festivals that celebrate Ottawa’s diverse and vibrant cultural life. 

🎈 Watch highlights from the day: Lowertown Festival – Ottawa Police Service Video 

On June 7th, the Culture Plan Team joined the festivities at the Arts Court Open House Party, a 14-hour celebration of art, music, performance, and community. In partnership with Debaser’s summer edition of Pique and Doors Open Ottawa, this building-wide event welcomed visitors to explore exhibitions, workshops, screenings, and live performances from local and international artists. 

We had the chance to connect with attendees throughout the day and evening, sharing ideas about how cultural spaces like Arts Court foster creativity, collaboration, and inclusion. Events like this remind us of the power of art to bring people together in meaningful ways. 

We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations at future gatherings that celebrate Ottawa’s vibrant cultural scene. 

🎉 Learn more here: Arts Court Open House Party 2025 

On June 4th, the Culture Plan Team joined Councillor Allan Hubley’s annual Senior’s Social—a lively afternoon of connection, conversation, and community spirit. Held in Kanata South, the event brought together seniors from across the ward to enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and meaningful engagement with city staff and local organizations. 

We had the pleasure of chatting with attendees about how cultural initiatives can support aging well, foster inclusion, and enrich everyday life. Events like this offer valuable opportunities to listen, learn, and build relationships with residents. 

We’re looking forward to more moments like these—where culture meets community in warm and welcoming ways. 

🧁 Learn more here: Senior’s Social – Councillor Allan Hubley 

The Culture Plan Team was excited to be part of the Great Glebe Garage Sale on May 24th, one of Ottawa’s most beloved community traditions! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Glebe transformed into a vibrant hub of sidewalk sales, front-lawn treasures, and local creativity—all in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. 

We had a fantastic time connecting with residents and visitors alike, chatting about the role of culture in community building and sustainability. Events like this remind us how powerful grassroots gatherings can be in shaping a more connected and creative city. 

We’re looking forward to joining you again next year—and at more local events that celebrate Ottawa’s unique cultural spirit. 

🛍️ Learn more here: Great Glebe Garage Sale – Glebe Community Association  

The Culture Plan Team was proud to participate in the 22nd annual AccessAbility Day on May 24th at Ottawa City Hall, celebrating the theme: Reflecting on history – Building an accessible future together. This inspiring event, part of National AccessAbility Week, featured a keynote by Rick Hansen and highlighted the leadership and contributions of people with disabilities across our city. 

We were honoured to connect with attendees during the resource fair and opening ceremony, and to share how cultural planning can support accessibility and inclusion in Ottawa’s creative spaces. 

We look forward to continuing these conversations at future events that celebrate equity, community, and the power of culture to break down barriers. 

♿ Learn more here: AccessAbility Day 2025 – City of Ottawa  

On May 10th, the Culture Plan Team was proud to take part in the Ottawa Youth Race, an inspiring annual event that brings together over 120 youth from across the city to explore local organizations, build connections, and learn to navigate Ottawa using public transit. 

Starting with a morning agency fair and ending with a celebratory BBQ, the day was filled with energy, teamwork, and discovery. We were thrilled to engage with young participants and share how culture plays a role in shaping vibrant, inclusive communities. 

We’re looking forward to future opportunities to connect with youth and community partners at events like this—where movement, learning, and creativity come together. 

🚀 Learn more here: Ottawa Youth Race 2025 

The Culture Plan Team is thrilled to support the All Hands on Deck charity auction, happening now at Beyond the Pale Brewery until May 4! This vibrant event features hand-painted skateboards created by local artists, with proceeds going to Operation Come Home, The Ottawa Mission, and the artists themselves. 

We were proud to connect with patrons at this creative fundraiser and look forward to engaging with even more community members at future events that celebrate art, compassion, and local talent. 

🎨 Learn more and view the skateboards here: CBC Video – All Hands on Deck [www.cbc.ca]