Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, May 21. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
For fans of festivals, expos and city-wide events…
- Until Sunday, May 24 | 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.
- Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24 | Celebrate the art of circus at the Ottawa Circus Festival showcasing world-class performances, competitions, and workshops.
- Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24 | Don’t miss the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Canada's most popular multi-day running event sees close to 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races.
- Starting Wednesday, May 27 | Come hungry and leave happy. Indulge in mouth-watering ribs, tender chicken, and smoky BBQ at Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street. FREE!
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!
- Thursday, May 21 | 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 23 | The Great Glebe Garage Sale returns, one of Ottawa’s most beloved community traditions. Residents and local businesses transform the Glebe into a massive open-air marketplace. 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!
- Thursday, May 21 | Join the dancers of ArohaFest to discover the beauty and dynamism of Bollywood Dance! At Head Street Square, located at 310 Miwate Private. FREE!
- Thursday, May 21; Saturday, May 23 | Catch the Ottawa BlackJacks, the professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital Held at TD Place.
- Friday, May 22 | Experience the high-energy comedy of Jessica Kirson, known for her bold characters, sharp wit, and candid storytelling at the Bronson Music Theatre.
- Friday, May 22 | Step into a world where art comes alive after dark at Night at the Gallery, presented by Cirquonscient. This imaginative circus performance blends aerial acrobatics and contemporary circus arts with iconic works of art and artistic styles at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
- Saturday, May 23 | Wanderlust is a fully improvised theatre experience following two friends on an unpredictable road trip across Canada. Held at Arts Court.
- Until Saturday, May 23 | Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic novel, Fun Home is a bold and deeply personal musical that explores family, identity, and self-discovery through the lens of memory. Held at the Gladstone Theatre.
- Saturday, May 23 | Don’t miss Monster Spectacular, the ultimate sports and entertainment spectacle mixing racing, showmanship, and the ultimate fan experience into one incredible
- Until Saturday, May 23 | Get on your feet and get loud with the greatest hits of the ’90s and ’00s Latin pop explosion with La Vida Loca with the NAC Orchestra! Held at National Arts Centre.
- Saturday, May 23 | Experience a vibrant multicultural Eid bazaar celebrating community, culture, and tradition. At the Nepean Sportsplex.
- Saturday, May 23 | Experience the Ottawa Rapid FC – Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team at TD Place.
- Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24 | Kick off Pow Wow season at the Annual Traditional Pow Wow, hosted by the Odawa Native Friendship Centre! FREE!
- Sunday, May 24 | Capital Sessions and the NAC are bringing you a series of free community house dance workshops. FREE!
- Sunday, May 24 | Cheer on Atlético Ottawa at TD Place.
- Sunday, May 24 | Don’t miss Chris Tucker at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.
