A newly established live entertainment venue in the ByWard Market, situated at the former Chapters building at the intersection of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, is set to open to the public this Thursday. The National Capital Commission (NCC) made the purchase of this prime real estate near Rideau station and the Rideau Centre mall in 2024. In the following year, the NCC announced a partnership with Live Nation Canada to launch a two-story venue capable of accommodating around 2,000 attendees.
The project, named History Ottawa, also involves the participation of Canadian hip-hop sensation Drake. During a preview of the venue, Ali Shafaee, the regional vice-president of Live Nation Canada, highlighted Drake’s involvement in the creative direction and design process of the space. The main floor of the venue offers a standing room area for general admission, with flexibility to host various events such as concerts and galas. The second floor features a premium space with 112 seats available for individual or group purchase, complemented by standing room behind the reserved seats accessible with general admission tickets.
History Ottawa has scheduled 60 shows for the remainder of 2026, with approximately 35 already announced and an additional 150 planned for the following year. The inaugural act at the venue will be the American rock band The Wallflowers during the grand opening on Thursday evening. Bronwyn Campbell, the general manager of History Ottawa, expressed excitement about the upcoming events and the opportunity to bring joy to the audience.
With Live Nation Canada expanding its venue operations to include Ottawa alongside Toronto and Montreal, the addition of History Ottawa as a touring stop is deemed significant. The venue, with a capacity comparable to Ottawa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall, contributes to the revitalization of the ByWard Market area. Various stakeholders, including the Ottawa Police Service, are investing in the market’s development to enhance public safety and foster a thriving community atmosphere.