Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, May 14. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
NEW | Don’t miss Wild Colour’s unforgettable debut in Ottawa! This limited-time exhibition invites you to explore the science of colour in nature, with nearly 200 specimens, colourful spaces, and hands-on fun for all ages. Included with general admission. Held at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
For fans of festivals, expos and markets…
- Until Monday, May 18 | Welcome spring at the Canadian Tulip Festival, the world's largest tulip festival! This popular annual event features massive tulip displays, family fun and more. FREE!
- Ongoing | Celebrate spring at Green Corners Farm as more than 500,000 tulips burst into bloom
- Ongoing | Celebrate spring at Tulipfest, a vibrant floral festival featuring nearly half a million blooming tulips throughout the farm’s scenic grounds. Held at Saunders Farm.
- Until Monday, May 18 |The Holland Cross Spring Tulip Festival welcomes spring, bringing together local food vendors, cultural programming, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
For marketgoers in search of finds…
- Various dates throughout the week | Find the best fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, hot meals and more from friendly producers in different neighbourhoods at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne, Main Street, Westboro, Barrhaven and Orléans! FREE!
- Friday, May 15 | Discover a lively outdoor evening market celebrating local artisans, makers, and small businesses at the Gloucester Night Market. FREE!
- Thursday, May 14 | Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Sit back, relax, eat and be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. FREE!
- Saturday, May 16 | Check out the Carp Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-based farmers’ market in Eastern Ontario, with over 100 vendors offering produce, baked goods and crafts. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa in the Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Friday, May 15 to Monday May 18 | Get sticky at Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine! They're making it even better with more Ribs, more BBQ, more Poutine, a Kid Zone and more Live Music. FREE!
- Saturday, May 16 | Experience the signature sound of The Fray at Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino.
- Saturday, May 16 | Get ready for an exciting afternoon at Ottawa REDBLACKS Fan Fest at TD Place. Meet players during an autograph session and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the venue.
- Saturday, May 16 |Check out an exciting lineup of over 140 vendors who offer handmade treasures, vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds at 613flea in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. FREE!
- Saturday, May 16 | Explore a vibrant showcase of local literary talent at this book fair featuring Canadian authors. Meet writers, discover new titles, and support the local literary scene at the Stittsville Book Fair.
- Sunday, May 17 | Cheer on Atlético Ottawa at TD Place.
- Monday May 18; Wednesday, May 20 | Experience the Ottawa Charge – Ottawa’s professional women’s hockey team in the Walter Cup Final at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Monday, May 18 | Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games with the Ottawa Titans at the Ottawa Stadium.
- Monday, May 18 | Catch the Ottawa BlackJacks, the professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital Held at TD Place.
- Tuesday, May 19 | Make sure to catch an incredible music show from the Chamberfest Concert Series. Held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
