Mobile Homme Lights Up the Sky Ahead of Nuit Blanche Ottawa 2026

It’s been ten years since Ottawa last hosted Nuit Blanche, the free, all-night contemporary arts festival—but in the fall of 2026, the city’s downtown streets will once again be transformed into an open-air gallery for one unforgettable night.

Nuit Blanche began in Paris in 2002 and has since spread worldwide, with Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Halifax hosting their own editions. José Bertrand, executive director of Les Forains and executive producer of the event, described it as “a night where imagination spills into the streets and the city itself becomes the canvas.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe thanked those who worked to bring this “exciting event that brings residents and visitors together for a night of art and entertainment.” He noted that Ottawa experienced its best July and August ever in terms of tourism numbers.

The announcement follows the provincial government’s 2024 investment of $20 million over three years to revitalize Ottawa’s downtown core. This included $1.35 million for marketing and promotion, aimed at attracting residents, visitors, and new businesses, and creating a vibrant culture and entertainment district set to launch in 2026 as part of the city’s 200th anniversary, commemorating the founding of Ottawa (then Bytown).

Nuit Blanche will continue this momentum, stimulating the local economy and engaging the community in a night where art, technology, and culture converge across the city.

The 2026 edition of Nuit Blanche will spotlight Ottawa artists through light installations, projections, interactive experiences, and live performances that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. Its mission is to redefine Ottawa’s urban landscape and deliver an immersive experience for both residents and visitors.

To give a preview of what’s to come at Nuit Blanche, on Friday, October 17, in the ByWard Market, the renowned French troupe Transe Homme will present Mobile Homme—a mesmerizing blend of music and aerial acrobatics that transforms the night sky into a living, breathing mobile.

Performed in 74 countries worldwide, Mobile Homme has universal appeal, and next Friday’s show will be free for everyone. The awe-inspiring 1.5-hour performance begins at 8:30 pm on York Street near the Ottawa sign.

Don’t miss it! Mark your calendars and follow @NuitBlancheOttawa for updates on the 2026 festival, set to reinvigorate Ottawa as a premier arts and culture destination for locals and tourists alike.