Live Nation Canada unveils plans for ‘History Ottawa,’ a 2,000-person concert venue in downtown Ottawa

Live Nation Canada is vowing to bring history to Ottawa, with its new music and entertainment venue opening in the ByWard Market in 2026.

Plans for History Ottawa were announced Wednesday morning, a new, modern live music and entertainment venue that will move into the former Chapters Building on Rideau Street.

“History Ottawa will host hundreds of premier concerts and events each year,” Live Nation said on social media.

Live Nation says the 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.”

Ali Shafaee, regional vice-president of Live Nation Canada, called the announcement a “momentous” day for the future of live music in the national capital region.

“This development is set to elevate live music in the region, bringing the world-class venue and top-tier artists to the ByWard Market,” Shafaee said.

• Live Nation to open live music venue at former Chapters building

History Ottawa will open in early 2026, and will have capacity for 2,000 people.

“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.”

The president of Live Nation Canada said this new venue shows Ottawa is a hot spot for live music and entertainment.

“Ottawa’s always had a love affair with live music. This notion that it is some sleepy government city or some town that fun forgot isn’t just annoying to hear, it’s simply untrue,” Erik Hoffman, president of Live Nation Canada, told reporters and guests.

“From the days of Barrymore’s and Zaphod Beeblebrox to unforgettable performances at the National Arts Centre and countless sold out nights at the Canadian Tire Centre….this city has always been a market enthralled with all things live. Today we take an important step forward in putting Ottawa even more concretely on the touring map. Today’s announcement exemplifies exactly where Ottawa sits right now as a true music city with great music fans ready for so much more.”

Last July, The National Capital Commission announced an agreement to lease the former Chapters building on Rideau Street to Live Nation, to create a new venue in the downtown core.

Hoffman says History Ottawa will “elevate the city’s already celebrated live music world to extraordinary new heights.”

“This 2,000-capacity venue will be home to all music lovers, boosting numerous fan experiences,” Hoffman said. “History will be the perfect concert experience. While this is music first venue, it will be home to so much more; comedy, private events (and) maybe an official fan zone when the Senators win the (Stanley) Cup.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says History Ottawa is one of the positive signs emerging in the ByWard Market and downtown Ottawa area.

“The stars are aligning in downtown Ottawa. Something is happening here, something truly exciting,” Sutcliffe said, mentioning a conversation he had with Hoffman in the fall.

“We’re seeing growth and opportunity, we’re seeing more people coming to the ByWard Market, we’re seeing people investing and opening new restaurants. This is such a great moment and I see what Eric and his team are doing is really going to add to all of the exciting things that are already happening and really turbo charge what’s going on and drive it forward.”

Sutcliffe adds History Ottawa will be a “game changer” for the Ottawa and the ByWard Market.

“This is going to be a destination.”

The NCC purchased the former Chapters building for a sale price of $20 million. Chapters closed the location in 2022 when parent company Indigo opened a new store in the CF Rideau Centre.

The property located at 47-57 Rideau Street offers 3,805 square metres of space above ground and 2,230 square metres of basement space.

Live Nation Canada also operates History Toronto in collaboration with Drake. History Toronto is a 2,500-person live music and entertainment venue on Queen Street East in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s William Eltherington