We have arrived in May and the first weekend is full of great events. Check out this list and make your plans! What events are you going to? Share any other events you know about in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with your friends!
1. Celebration in honour of the coronation of King Charles III
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and will celebrate, with an official ceremony, the coronation of King Charles III. The ceremony will bring together artists, poets, singers, music groups and speakers. The one-hour event will finish with a 21-gun salute fired from Parliament Hill. The Central Band of the Canadian Forces Serenade of Strings will also perform at the event. FREE.
When: Saturday May 6 at 10am.
Where: Parliament Hill
Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/coronation-his-majesty-king-canada/celebrate.html
2. Marking the Coronation at Rideau Hall
The public is invited to take part in free activities at Rideau Hall. Visit the Governor General’s residence, grounds and greenhouse, and hear musical performances by members of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. FREE.
When: May 6-7
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.
3. Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrate “5 de Mayo” with the Ballet Aztlan and Mariachi Aztlan from Mexico: dance, music, tacos, Margaritas and “mucha cerveza” (lots of beer). FREE admission, free parking.
When: Friday May 5 starting at 5:30pm
Where: 25 Laurier, Gatineau.
Details: Ballet Aztlan Mexico on Facebook
4. Ottawa Clay Festival and Spring Pottery Sale
Three days of fun and free activities: Pottery demonstrations, kids` clay area, annual juried exhibition, pottery throw down, live music. FREE admission.
When: May 5-7
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
Details: https://ottawaguildofpotters.ca/
5. Spring Craft Market
Over 65 local vendors, craft makers, artists and designers. FREE. On-site parking.
When: May 7 from 11am to 4pm
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.
Details: @freewheelingcraft
6. Ottawa International Writers Festival
Canada’s largest independent literary celebration: poetry, debates and discussions, fiction readings and conversations. Tickets from $20.
When: May 4-7
Where: Various venues.
Details: writersfestival.org
7. CN Cycle for CHEO
A non-competitive event offering a wide range of cycling (70K, 35K, 15K) and walking (5K and 2K) routes for people of all ages and abilities. The money raised will fund programs and research for oncology patients at CHEO hospital. Adults registration fee $60, child 12 and under $20. Sunday May 7 from 8:30 am at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place.
8. Atletico Ottawa vs Pacific FC
Cheer Ottawa’s soccer team in this home game against Pacific FC.
When: Saturday May 6, 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
9. Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau 2023
This is a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours offered by local people who are passionate about where they live, work or play. May 6-7. To join the free walks you have to register. There are over 30 walks on schedule: janeswalkottawa
10. Kanata Annual Book Fair
Thousands of books for sale. May 3-6. Wednesday to Friday from 3pm to 8pm. Saturday May 6 from 9am to 4pm. At Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Drive.
11. Orleans PoutineFest & Street Food Frenzy
Indulge in this beloved Canadian dish. May 5-7 from noon to 8pm at 255 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans.
12. Carp Market
The largest producer-based Farmers’ Market in Eastern Ontario opens its 32nd season this Saturday May 6. It will run every Saturday from 8am to 1pm until the end of October.
13. Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
Classic Albums Live will recreate this iconic Pink Floyd`s album with “note for note, cut for cut” accuracy on May 6 at 8pm. Tickets from $35. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street.
14. Domaine Perrault Winery Wedding Show & Spring Market
Connect with amazing local wedding vendors, and shop handcrafted goods. There will be food by local caterers, free samples of wine, live music. FREE entrance. Saturday May 6 from 10am to 4pm, at 1000 Perrault Road, Navan. Details: @domaineperrault on Instagram.
15. HOLA, Latin Party at Aylmer
The Colombian Cultural Heritage Institute will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a mural painting, dances, music, and Latin rhythm workshops. May 6-7 from 10 am to 5pm at Parc Commemoratif d`Aylmer.
16. Arlington Art Market
Over 100 artists, artisans, makers, food and vintage clothes. Saturday May 6 from 10am to 3pm. At Arlington Avenue, between Bank St and Kent St.
17. Game Changers for achieving the Global Goals by 2030
National conference about citizen advocacy to end extreme poverty. It will provide hands-on training on how to take action and advocate effectively for change. The participants will have the chance to meet face to face with MPs and Senators to apply their new skills. Registration: $60 youth, $85 general. May 6-8. All Saints Event Space 330 Laurier Avenue East. Organized by Results Canada.
18. Outdoor Market Season 2023
It`s opening this Sunday May 7 and will continue until October 29. At Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park. Sundays from 9am to 3pm.
19. Fairytales and Folksongs
Hypatia`s voice, a local Ottawa choir, presents this show on May 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets by donation, online or at the door. At First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave W.
20. UO Salsa Alumni Gala
Join this semi-formal social gala as a fundraiser for the UOttawa Salsa team performance at the Montreal Salsa Convention. Tuesday May 9 from 8pm to 12am at Berlin, 56 Byward Market Square. Details on Instagram: @uosalsa
21. Musical Evenings at Casino Lac Leamy
Bar 7 offers musical evenings with a multimedia screen, and live performances, from Thursdays to Saturdays at 9:30pm. FREE.
Where: 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3.
22. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Friday May 5 at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Lots of free parking. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Join them after the workout at Bridgehead Coffee, 130 Anderson at Preston for hydration and laughter.
23. Wolves: Shapeshifters in a changing world
Learn about the evolution of these fascinating animals through videos, museum specimens, cultural stories, and vivid photographs by Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada. Activities for kids. March 3 to March 2024. At the Canadian Museum of Nature
24. Owl Rendez-Vous
Watch live owls in a special outdoor exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, from Dec 14 to April 3, 2024.
Enjoy!!