23 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

The last weekend in May brings some exciting events for all of us. The weather is going to be beautiful! No excuses for not participating in these iconic springtime events in Ottawa. Which ones are you going to go to? Don’t forget to share this post with your friends!

1. The Great Glebe Garage Sale

This annual community festival attracts thousands of people to the Glebe. Homeowners sell stuff from their front lawns, driveways, and porches. Glebe merchants also hold a huge sidewalk sale. FREE.
When: Saturday May 27
Where: The Glebe
Details: glebeca.ca

2. Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

This series of races includes the Ottawa International Marathon, which attracts thousands of participants. Also: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 2K for families, and the Kids Marathon. FREE to watch.
When: May 27-28
Where: Races start at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
Details: runottawa.ca

3. 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will feature its traditional Pow Wow with dancers, drummers, singers, traditional food, craft vendors and entertainment for the whole family! FREE but donations are accepted.
When: May 27-28
Where: Canadian Police College, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa.
Details: odawapowwow.ca

4. Zumba on the Hill

Want to dance along with enthusiastic Zumba instructors at the most iconic place in Ottawa? Head to Parliament Hill every Sunday at 4pm. From May to September. FREE
When: Starting this Sunday May 28 until September
Where: Parliament Hill
Details: Check out the Facebook account for updates.

5. Experience Asia

Enjoy musical and arts performances and dances from Cambodia, China, South Korea, India, Iran, Japan, and other Asian countries. FREE admission and parking. 
When: Saturday May 27 from 11am to 3pm.
Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, Gatineau. Details: gatineau.ca

6. Kanata Ribfest & Poutine

Indulge in delicious ribs and poutine this weekend at Kanata. FREE admission.
When: May 26-28 from 11am to 7pm.
Where: 400 March Road, Kanata
Details: On Facebook

7. The Original Navan Market

This market opens its season 2023 on Sunday May 28 with over 200 vendors! Live music and family fun zone. FREE. From 10am to 3pm on Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road, Navan.

8. Atletico Ottawa vs Forge FC

Cheer Ottawa`s soccer team in this home game against Forge FC. Saturday 27 at 2pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

9. Helping with Furniture. Begin Again Gala

This Award-winning charity provides gently used furniture to people in need in Ottawa, like refugees, new immigrants, and people relocating from shelters. They will have a gala, with live entertainment, an inspirational keynote speaker, silent auctions, and a delightful meal. Friday May 26 at 5:30pm. At St Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue. Details on Facebook and Instagram.

10. Ottawa Redblacks vs Montreal Alouettes

Cheer Ottawa`s football team in their battle against Montreal Alouettes. Friday May 26 at 7:30 pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

11. Franktown Lilac Festival

The township of Beckwith, located on the most easterly side of the County of Lanark, will have a day full of entertainment and activities for the whole family: such as a breakfast, magic show, horse wagon rides, Highland dancing demonstration, bike parade, live music and much more! Saturday May 27 from 8am to 4pm. At Centennial Hall, 152 Church St, Franktown.

12. Music in the Park

Bring your favourite fold-up chair or picnic blanket and join your neighbours for a free show, Fridays 6:30pm to 8pm featuring a roster of rotating local talent. Snacks and drinks from Art House available for purchase. May 19 until August 25. At Dundonald Park, 516 Somerset St. Details on Facebook.

13. Bunnypalooza

If you’re a bunny lover, don’t miss this event, which aims to raise awareness about the increasing popularity of bunnies as pets, and the rise in rabbit abandonment. There will be talks with vets, guess speakers, vendors, raffles, a bake sale, and displays focused on rabbits. Saturday May 27 from 10am to 5pm at Bell Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road. Entry: $5.

14. Time Piece by Park Sounds

Park Sounds, duo comprised of musicians Jennifer Thiessen (viola, viola d’amore) and Ben Reimer (percussion), features a collection of original works for drumkit and viola interspersed with pieces by other Canadian composers. Thursday May 25 from 7pm to 10pm at Club Saw, 67 Nicholas Street. Details on eventbrite.

15. Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest 

This exhibition features live lizards, snakes, a sloth and more. It opened on May 19 and will be on view until January 7, 2024. Visitors will see a two-toed sloth, reticulated python, New Caledonian giant gecko, and eight other intriguing species in this immersive exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.

16. Family Fun Weekends

Explore careers, build financial goals, see money’s diversity, or just have a good time with scissors, paper and tape. FREE. May 27-28: Jun 3-4: Jun 10–11. From 10am to 7pm. At the Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank St.

17. 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.
Thursdays: Latin Fiesta.
Where: 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3.

18. 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.

19. Lansdowne Farmers’ Market

Sundays from May 7 until October 29. At Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park. From 9am to 3pm.

20. Carp Market

The largest producer-based Farmers’ Market in Eastern Ontario runs every Saturday from 8am to 1pm until the end of October.

21. Nepean Night Market

Good food, different musicians playing every week, and local amazing vendors! Sundays May 14 to Oct 15 from 5pm to 9pm at Mr. Lube Baseline, 1442 Baseline Road, Nepean.

22. 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

23. 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.

Upcoming events (May 30-Jun 4)

Boat Cruise Party

Join the fun in this vibrant boat party! Enjoy a live DJ, performances, tasty Indian food, cash bar, and the stunning views of Parliament Hill. Sunday Jun 4 at 5pm. Tickets: from $30.75. Where: 799 Rue Jacques-Cartier, Gatineau.

Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-indian-cruise-party-tickets-618569737737

Latin American Film Festival

An extraordinary selection of film productions from 17 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. FREE admission but booking is required. From May 30 to Jun 24 at Saint Paul University, 110 Hazel St. Details at ottawafestivals

Ottawa Ribfest

From ribs, chicken, sauce and more! There will be a ribs competition on Jun 1 and the winners will be announced on Jun 4. FREE entry. May 31 to Jun 4 at Sparks St.

Shop the Village

Head to Westboro for an evening of shopping, entertainment, and delight. Visit the local businesses and enjoy what they have planned for you: hors d’oeuvres, in-store live performances, curated fashion shows and more. FREE. Photo booth at Flowers Talk, live jazz performances at the corner of Eden and Richmond Rd. Jun 1 from 6pm to 9pm. Details at westborovillage

Enjoy!!

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