The Story Behind City at Night and Afterlight
Farid’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a strong passion for music and event creation. As a management consultant and CPA, he quickly discovered his calling in organizing events and bringing people together. This passion led him to contribute to various venues, festivals, and initiatives in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
In 2016, Farid launched City at Night, and by 2019, he co-founded Afterlight. These venues are more than just places to visit; they are thriving communities where culture and music come alive.
City at Night: More Than a Club
City at Night stands out as a premier performance venue in Ottawa, curated by some of the city’s top music collectives. It’s not just a club; it’s a cultural hub where electronic music thrives. Hosting hundreds of DJs each year, including A-list touring artists, City at Night provides an intimate setting for unforgettable performances. It’s a place where music lovers can gather to experience top-notch entertainment and be part of a community with one another.
Discover more : https://www.cityatnight.ca
Afterlight: A Unique Weekday Experience
Born during the pandemic in 2019, Afterlight is a cocktail lounge and listening bar that opens exclusively on weekdays, it gives us speakeasy vibes. Located inside City at Night, Afterlight has quickly become Ottawa’s go-to venue for Thursday nights also known as Concept-Thursdays. It’s a space where emerging artists and creatives come together for workshops, panels, and networking events. Additionally, Afterlight hosts numerous corporate and private events, as well as social initiatives like Flare Speed Dating.
Discover more : https://www.cityatnight.ca/afterlight
Building Community and Creating Memories
In the summer of 2021, in partnership with the Centretown BIA, City at Night and Afterlight launched a series of pop-up events to bring the community back together after the lockdown. These “block parties” at Snider Plaza have become a hit and continue to return each year with great success.
Farid and his team are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking environments where people can connect and discover new artists. It’s been inspiring to see the community grow and partnerships flourish, making Centretown a dynamic hub for entertainment after sunset.


