OTTAWA — A new 2,000-seat concert venue, History Ottawa, is set to open in 2026 in the ByWard Market district. Live Nation Canada is bringing the project to the former Chapters store on Rideau Street, bringing a state-of-the-art music venue to Ottawa.

“History Ottawa will host hundreds of concerts and events each year,” Live Nation said. The space is designed with flexible seating, with audiences able to choose between standing and seated options.

Ali Shafai, the company’s regional vice president, called the event a “landmark” for the capital’s music scene. “This project will elevate concerts in the region by attracting global artists,” he said.

Live Nation Canada President Eric Hoffman said Ottawa has always been a live music city. “We’re taking a major step to put Ottawa on the concert map,” he said, citing iconic venues like Barrymore’s and Zaphod Beeblebrox.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called History Ottawa a “game changer” for the city’s downtown: “Ottawa is changing — new restaurants, investment, an influx of people. This is going to be a key draw.”

The former Chapters building, purchased for $20 million, has more than 6,000 square feet of space.

Live Nation also operates History Toronto, a 2,500-seat concert venue co-opened by Drake.