Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Announces Iconic Canadian Lineup for Grand Opening Weekend
David Foster, Katharine McPhee, and Avril Lavigne to Headline Two Unforgettable Nights, July 3 & 5
OTTAWA, ONTARIO June 17, 2025 — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa today announced the official Grand Opening Weekend entertainment schedule for Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa, their new 2,200 capacity entertainment venue, featuring headline performances by David Foster & Katharine McPhee, and Avril Lavigne on Thursday, July 3 and Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Over two nights, Hard Rock is delivering a world-class kickoff that marks the arrival of a major new player in Canada’s entertainment scene. This is the beginning of something bold, and it starts with a roster of legendary talent.
Thursday, July 3 – David Foster & Katharine McPhee
The venue’s first-ever show belongs to this powerhouse pair. David Foster, a 16-time Grammy-winning producer and composer, has created era-defining hits for the biggest names in music. Katharine McPhee brings the fire — a chart-topping vocalist and Broadway headliner (Waitress) known for her dynamic stage presence. Together, they bring elegance, energy, and decades of musical influence to the opening night spotlight.
“We knew opening weekend had to be unforgettable — and this lineup delivers,” said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. “Two nights. Three major artists. One venue ready to make history. This is the start of something remarkable for our nation’s capital!”
Saturday, July 5 – Avril Lavigne
Capping off the weekend is none other than Avril Lavigne - an international icon whose rebellious spirit and unmistakable voice defined the sound of a generation. With chart-topping anthems like “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “Girlfriend,” Lavigne didn’t just climb the charts - she carved out a genre. Her return to the stage in Canada’s capital promises an electrifying performance that will ignite the crowd and crown an already dazzling weekend with true pop-punk royalty.
“Having David Foster, Katharine McPhee and Avril Lavigne as the first acts to perform on the Hard Rock LIVE stage signals the level of talent this venue is built for,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand Management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “This lineup is a perfect example of the world-renowned entertainment experiences we plan to bring to Hard Rock fans in Ottawa.”
David Foster and Katharine McPhee’s July 3 performance is highly anticipated and has limited public ticket availability. Avril Lavigne’s July 5 concert is a public ticketed show.
Tickets for both events go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10:00 AM ET via Ticketmaster.ca. Full event details and updates are available at www.hardrockottawa.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opens to the public at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Hotel reservations are now open at www.hardrockottawa.com or by calling 1 (833) 486-7625.
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.
HRI has received numerous industry and destination awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About Rideau Carleton Casino (Future Home of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa):
Rideau Carleton Casino officially opened as Rideau Carleton Raceway in 1962, as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths mile oval and has been a key part of Ontario’s harness racing community ever since. Since the addition of gaming in February 2000, the City of Ottawa has received approximately $6 million annually and more than $106 million in total payments for hosting Rideau Carleton Casino within the National Capital Region.
With eager anticipation of the opening of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Rideau Carleton Casino remains open 24/7, ready to serve their guests with the same dedication and excitement. Hard Rock is working to build a new state-of-the-art entertainment facility that will soon bring the iconic Hard Rock brand to Ottawa and enliven the city like never before. Future amenities will include a contemporary hotel design with 150 rooms, including 22 suites, an expanded gaming floor showcasing 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 live-action table games, and high-limit gaming. Guests can enjoy more than 10 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steakhouse. The resort will also be home to the classic Rock Shop, a 1,900 plus seat Hard Rock Live venue, and authentic music memorabilia.
The facility is a significant driver of job creation and will employ over 700 local residents, once completed. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa will continue the tradition of community investment through local sponsorships and nonprofit partnerships, enhancing the lives of residents and visitors alike as was established under Rideau Carleton Casino.
Rideau Carleton Casino is operated by Hard Rock International and governed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). With OLG partnership, Rideau Carleton Casino demonstrates a daily commitment to responsible gambling with full implementation of OLG’s PlaySmart program and is recognized through the RG Check accreditation program.
For more information on Rideau Carleton Casino, visit rideaucarletoncasino.com. To learn more about the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit hardrockottawa.com