It`s the Victoria Day long weekend! Did you know that this weekend is considered the start of the summer season? Many people open and start preparing their cottages and cabins for the summer on the Victoria Day long weekend. How exciting! Have a look at this list of events happening in Ottawa!
1. RCMP Canadian Sunset Ceremonies
An amazing spectacle featuring police officers and their horses. It consists of highly precision drills and figures choreographed to music. FREE but donations are encouraged in favour of youth initiatives.
When: May 19, 20, 21 and 23 at 7pm
Where: 1 Sandrigde Road, Ottawa
Details: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/corporate-organisation/musical-ride-carrousel/schedule-horaire-eng.htm
2. Tulip Festival
The most important and worldwide famous held festival in Ottawa. There are paid walking tours, tulip boutiques, mini-markets, outdoor movie screenings, a special sound and light show at 9:15pm every night at Dow’s Lake, and food trucks. FREE.
When: May 12-22 from 10am to 10pm.
Where: Commissioners Park, between Preston St and Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
Details: tulipfestival.ca
3. Victoria Day Fireworks
Celebrate Victoria Day with dazzling fireworks at Rideau Carleton Casino. FREE event all ages in the Raceway mainline, or from Mr Lucky (inside, for 19+).
When: May 22 at 10pm. The show will last 15 to 20min.
Where: 4837 Albion Road. Free parking.
Details: rideaucarletoncasino.com
4. Ottawa Dressage Festival
This event is a competition which attracts over 200 riders from across North, South and Central America. Elite riders compete to qualify for international competitions including the Olympic Games. FREE to the public to watch. There will also be an art exhibition and a paid show by the RCMP Musical Ride on May 18.
When: May 18-21
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean.
Details: https://nationalcapitaldressage.ca/en/
5. Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
Barrhaven will host its first Rib and Poutine Fest. FREE.
When: May 19-22 from 11am to 7pm.
Where: Clarke Field Park, 93 Houlahan Street.
6. 613 flea
150 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great food and more. FREE.
When: Saturday May 20 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way.
7. Free NCC shuttle to Gatineau Park
The free shuttle to Gatineau Park is back on weekends from May 20 to Aug 27. Hop on/hop off at 11 stops throughout the Park. The shuttle leaves every 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa (Wellington/Lyon)! to Gatineau Park visitor centre, and viceversa. Some of the stops are Pink Lake, MacKenzie King Estate, Champlain Lookout, and Camp Fortune.
8. Redblacks Fan Fest
Join the Redblacks for a fun day for all the family. Meet the players and get autographs, watch a mock game, participate in a variety of football drills on the field. There will be a kids zone and food stands. FREE. Saturday May 20 from 1pm to 5pm at TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
9. 2023 Sunset 6k Series
Join Arboretum Hill Club and West Ottawa Run Club as they mashup in May for the 2nd fun FREE run. All ages, all paces, dogs on-leash welcome. Monday May 22 at 7pm. Start point: 2265 Robertson Road (Kichesippi Beer Co)
10. The Sweety Affordable Art Fair
Over 100 booths of artists and artisans offering a great variety of affordable pieces. Food vendors on site. FREE admission and parking. This event is happening along with the Ottawa Dressing Festival where visitors can watch an equestrian competition. May 20-21 at Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean.
11. Kemptville Buskerfest 2023
Free one-day event featuring unique street talent such as street performers, musicians, comedians, including breathtaking acts, food vendors and interactive entertainment. FREE. May 20 from 9:30am to 6:30pm. At downtown Kemptville, Prescott Street, Kemptville, Ontario.
12. Queen Victoria Birthday Celebrations Upper Canada Village
Celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday at Upper Canada Village, a living historic museum-town. Sing along to the classic anthem “God Save the Queen” and be captivated by historical patriotic speeches that will transport you back in time. You’ll see grand military manoeuvres, lace up for the 1860’s athletic games, watch the Village’s “Queen” in action (a hand-pumped fire engine), and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. PAID. Sunday May 21 from 10am to 4pm at Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg. ON.
13. The Herb Garden Market
A local small business market at the stunning Herb Garden venue in Almonte. FREE. Saturday May 20, 10am-4pm. Address: 3840 Old Almonte Road, ON.
14. Orleans Fun Fair
Rides, games and food. May 18 to 22 at 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orleans. Admission ticket: $25 per person, per time slot. Ages 3 and under free. Includes unlimited rides. Free parking. Cash only, ATMs on site. Details on Facebook.
15. 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. This long weekend that will extend until Sunday. FREE.
Thursday 18: Latin Fiesta with Banda Sabrosa.
Friday 19 to Sunday 21: Beatz.
Where: 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3.
16. Arboretum Hill Club Workout
Join the AHC for a workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Fridays at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Lots of free parking. Meet them at the Arboretum hill summit.
17. Lansdowne Farmers’ Market
Sundays from May 7 until October 29. At Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park. From 9am to 3pm.
18. Carp Market
The largest producer-based Farmers’ Market in Eastern Ontario runs every Saturday from 8am to 1pm until the end of October.
19. 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
20. 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!!