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