Hey there! I’m coming back with your favourite post of weekend events in Ottawa! And just in time for the first weekend of May when Ottawa starts to buzz with activity! I love to see how the capital comes to life after the long winter months.
Here is your weekly roundup of events for you to start planning an awesome weekend! I want to thank my new team of volunteers who have starting helping me out. Thank you so much guys!
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Contents
12 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. Cinco de Mayo This colourful Mexican event will entertain people with live music, mariachi performances, folkloric dances by the talented Ballet Aztlan, pinata-making class, Mexican food and much more. FREE. When: May 4-5, 11am-10pm. Where: 55 Byward Market Square.
2. Orleans PoutineFest and Street Food Frenzy Enjoy Classic, Gourmet, and Exotic Poutine combined with the best in Street Food in Ottawa. Bevvy Garden, Kids Zone, games, desserts, and live entertainment all weekend long. When: May 3 from 3pm to May 5 until 7pm. Where: 255 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans Details: On Facebook.
3. European Union Short Film Festival Featuring short films from 21 EU Member States from short dramas to experimental works to animation. FREE. The screenings are preceded by ‘Tastes of Europe’, offering free samples of food and drink. When: Friday May 3, 7pm. Saturday May 4, 4pm (short films for children) and 7pm. Where: Arts Court Theatre (Level 3), 2 Daly Ave.
4. Ottawa Clay Festival Featuring over 30 local potters. There will be a Spring Sale, Annual Juried Exhibition, pottery Throw Down, demonstrations, a children’s clay table for some messy fun, live music. FREE. When: May 3-5. Friday, 3-9pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm. Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way.
5. Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau 2024 Free neighbourhood walking tours that help people get in touch with their city, and especially with each other. Choose your walk! FREE. Online registration required. Byward Market walk doesn’t require registration (Saturday May 4 at 11am) When: May 4-5 Where: Various tours and routes Details: janeswalkottawa.ca 6. The Ottawa International Writers Festival Join 40 authors on the conversations of a wide variety of topics such as mental health, ecology, climate crisis, history, thrillers, fiction, etc. Tickets from $20. When: May 2-5 Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. Details: writersfestival.org 7. Atletico Ottawa vs Valour FC Cheer on Ottawa’s professional soccer team against Valour FC. Tickets from $28. When: Sunday May 5 at 2pm Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
8. CN Cycle for CHEO Enjoy a fun, non-competitive cycling and walking event with routes for all ages and abilities, to support oncology care and research at CHEO. Registration from $20. When: May 5, Sunday, 8:30am Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place. 9. The Original Navan Market Witness the largest Farmers Market in Ottawa and the surrounding area for the season opener, featuring local vendors and community spirit. FREE. When: May 5, 10am-3pm Where: Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road. Details: On Facebook. 10. Spring Craft Market Enjoy the Mother’s Day edition of the craft market at the NAC, now in its sixth year, featuring over 60 local vendors from Ottawa/Gatineau. FREE. When: May 5, Sunday 11am Where: NAC – Peter A. Herrndorf Place, 1 Elgin Street. 11. Free Comic Book Day Come and join the Free Comic Book Day and receive free comic books from participating shops worldwide. FREE. When: Saturday May 4. Where: Local participating comic shops. Details: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/ 12. ORAPEX Stamp Exhibition Featuring exhibits and activities focused on “Marcophily/Postmarks,” this event offers a unique stamp collecting experience. FREE. When: May 4-5, Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-4pm Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue.
More events this weekend!
Thursday May 2
13. Glenn Miller Orchestra
Over 18 musicians and singers bring you the unforgettable Glenn Miller sound and perform the songs that everyone remembers. This is a show not to be missed for jazz and swing fans. Tickets from $92.60 to $122.97. Thursday May 2 at 7pm. At the National Arts Centre – Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street. 14. The Links at Lansdowne Come for an unforgettable golfing experience with a variety of greens on the field for golfers at any level. Admission: $50. Thursday, May 2-4 from 2pm to 8pm (excluding Saturday). At the TD Place stadium, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa.
Friday May 3
15. Tim McGraw – Standing Room Only Tour American country singer and actor Tim McGraw comes to Ottawa as part of his Standing Room Only Tour. With special Guest Carly Pearce. Tickets from $78.90 to $535.50. Friday May 3 at 7pm. At the Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa. 16. Fibre fling 2024 Out of the Box Come support the creative and innovative work of fibre and mixed-media artists at an art show you won’t want to miss. Admission: $31. Friday, May 3 and 4, from 10am-5pm (times vary). At Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island Park Dr, Ottawa, ON K1Y 0B7. 17. Snow White Come watch the classic story of Snow White told through a magical ballet performance. Admission: $18-24. Friday, May 3 at 7pm and Saturday, May 4 at 1:30pm and 7pm. At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, ON K2G 5K7.
Saturday May 4
18. Arts Carleton Place Spring Fine Art Exhibition & Sale More than 180 gifted artists. You may find the perfect piece of art, jewelry, pottery, glass art, woodworking and more. FREE Admission and parking. Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5; 10am to 4:30 pm. Carleton Place Arena, 75 Neelin Street, Carleton Place, ON K7C 2V8. 19. Ice Cube – Straight Into Canada Tour Ice Cube is an award-winning hip-hop musician. Tickets from $90.85 to $176.12. Saturday May 4 at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St. Parking at TD Place is sold out. 20. Woo Infinity Spiritual Summit 3Es: Empowerment, Energy & Enlightenment. An all-day schedule of Women Talks, demos and fun. The objective: create a global community working towards the betterment of women entrepreneurs. Tickets: Early bird: $5.00 Online until May 3. General admission $10.00 Online or Cash at the Door. Saturday, May 4, from 10am to 5pm. At Centurion Conference & Event Center 170 Colonnade Rd S, Nepean, ON K2E 7J5. 21. A Wild Night of Chamber Music Enjoy a wild night of chamber music and listen to musicians from the NAC Orchestra. Admission: $31. Saturday, May 4, at 9pm. At Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa. 22. Annual Croatian Folklore Concert Enjoy the beauty of Croatian culture and tradition through performances that include dance, music, and costumes. Proudly hosted by NCRCFE Croatian. Admission: $18.50 (General Public). Saturday, May 4, at 12pm. At Algonquin Commons Theatre (E100), Ottawa Campus, Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1V8.
Sunday May 5
23. Dinosaur World Live! The interactive children’s theatre show that brings dinosaurs to life on stage. Tickets: $34.50 to $64.50 (plus applicable fees) Sunday May 5 at 2pm and 6pm. Doors open at 1:30pm and at 5:30 pm. At Algonquin Commons Theatre (E100), Ottawa Campus.
24. La Pizza Week
Experience a week-long celebration of Canada’s best pizza, featuring unique creations at discounted prices. FREE. May 1-7. At participating restaurants. Details: lapizzaweek. com
Other recurring events
25. Lansdowne Market
Shop from over 75 vendors offering the finest local produce, baked goods, pantry essentials, crafts, hot meals, and much more. Pets are allowed. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way.
26. 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. Take the Prince of Wales roundabout to the Friends of the Farm parking lot. Lots of FREE parking (but please stay out of the reserved Agriculture Canada spots).
27. Bug Adventure
Experience the world as bugs do. Live exhibition of various insects, arachnids, and millipedes. There are interactive surprises around every corner. Tickets: $22, $24, $29.50. March 15 to Oct 14. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
28. 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 2 to Sept 2, 2024. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
Enjoy!!