Ready for a busy weekend? The Tulip festival kicks off this Friday and there will be a lot going on in Ottawa! Check out this post and share with your family and friends. Again I want to thank the volunteers that are helping me to bring you all this information about events and things to do in Ottawa. Have fun!
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12 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
- Canadian Tulip Festival
Enjoy the sight of hundreds of thousands of tulips blooming all around Ottawa! Come to Commissioners Park to enjoy free outdoor movie screenings, food trucks, a light & sound show on Dow’s Lake, artists painting tulips live and Tulip tours (paid). FREE. When: May 10-20 Where: Commissioners Park at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive. Details: tulipfestival.ca
- RCAF Fly-Past
The Royal Canadian Air Force will offer a Fly By over Dow’s Lake during the opening ceremony of the Canadian Tulip Festival. There will also be the Central Band Parade, Air Cadets Parade, F18s and a Griffon Helicopter! FREE. When: Saturday May 11 at 11am. Where: Dow’s Lake Details: https://tulipfestival.ca/opening-ceremony-2/
- Ottawa’s Children Festival
A multi-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences. Tickets from $12. Your ticket to any show gives you access to fun activities and workshops on Lebreton Flats. When: May 10-14 Where: Canadian War Museum, Arts Court and Lebreton Flats. Details: ottawachildrensfestival.ca
- NCC Weekend Bikedays
The NCC will close three parkways to vehicles on the weekends for the active use of the public whether it is biking, roller skating, walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. When: Weekends (including holiday Mondays) between May 11 and Oct 14. From 8am. Where: Kichi Sibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays
- Mother’s Day Flower Fun Run
Participate in this scenic run along the colourful bed of tulips! 1K Kids run, 5K run, and 5K run/walk/stroll. Registration fees from $20 to $45. When: Sunday May 12 at 12pm, 12:30 and 1:15pm. Where: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Details: https://www.somersault.ca/s/mothers-day-flower-fun-run
6. 613 Flea
Shop from over 150 vendors with a great variety of products like jewelry, woodwork, antiques, soap, candles, clothing, food, and much more. Well-socialized dogs are allowed. FREE. When: Saturday May 11 from 10am to 4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
- SeedLing Saturday
For the Gardeners, a perfect opportunity to pickup local seeds and seedlings for planting. FREE When: Saturday May 11 from 10am to 1pm. Where: Just Food Community Farm, 2391 Pepin Court, Ottawa Details: justfood.ca
- Ottawa Rock N Gem Show
Enjoy the day discovering unique natural treasures. Crystals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry and more. Tickets from $2. When: Thurs-Sun May 9-12 from 10am to 8pm (till 5pm on Sunday) Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.
- Outdoor Market Season
The season opening for the ByWard Public Market. Come explore the Market, filled with artisanal goods, food makers, and retailers. FREE When: May 10-12 from 10am to 5pm Where: Byward Market Square and George St, Ottawa.
- Mother’s Day Craft Market
Need a last-minute Mother’s Day gift? Locally handmade crafts from 50 different vendors. FREE When: Sunday May 12 from 10:30am to 3pm. Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave, Ottawa, Ontario Details: squarelemon_ottawa on Instagram.
- Friends of the Farm Plant Sale
Come gather everything needed for the garden, with specialty growers, nursery vendors and Master Gardeners on site. FREE, with donations to FCEF gratefully accepted. When: Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 8am to 1pm. Where: Parking lot beside K.W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling & Maple Drive, Ottawa Details: friendsofthefarm.ca
- Metcalfe Farmers Market opening season
The opening of the 32nd season for the Metcalfe farmers market, with over 45 vendors offering all products locally made, grown or created by the vendors. FREE. When: Saturday May 11 from 9am to 1pm. Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
More things to do this weekend in Ottawa!
Wednesday and Thursday
13. Montero’s Latin Concerto
Enjoy the virtuosity of Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero. Her Latin Concerto, composed in 2016, is infused with the vibrant energy and passion of the many cultures of South America, but also the sorrow and struggles of nations and people who “are not always agents of their own destiny.” Tickets: $15, $31. Mayo 8-9 at 8pm. Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.
14. KUC Book Fair
Discover Eastern Ontario’s largest book fair at the Kanata United Church Annual Book Fair, with over 40,000 books priced $1-$3 each, support local charities. FREE. When: May 9-11. Thursday and Friday 3pm-8pm. Saturday 9am-2pm. Where: Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Dr, Kanata.
Friday
15. Gabriela Montero and Calidore String Quartet
Acclaimed Venezuelan pianist and composer Gabriela Montero returns to Chamberfest with the Canadian premiere of her new Piano Quintet. She is joined by her friends, the Calidore String Quartet, in a program made complete with a Mozart “Haydn” quartet and Shostakovich’s grandiose Piano Quintet. Tickets from $35 to $59. Friday May 10 at 7pm at Carleton Dominium Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St.
16. Bachata Obsession at the Park
Dance under the stars to the latest and classic bachata songs all night for FREE. No partner needed and all levels welcome. Find it at the park entrance for a unique dance experience with a stunning city view. Look for “Bachata Obsession” on Google Maps for exact location. No dance lessons provided. Friday May 10 from 8:30pm till 11:30pm at Major’s Hill Park, Mackenzie Avenue.
Saturday
17. Ottawa Youth Film Festival
This is a new annual celebration of young talent and creativity. This emerging film festival is created by youth for youth to empower and celebrate the voices of young filmmakers. FREE. Saturday May 11 from 11am to 4pm at Mayfair Theater, 1074 Bank St. Book your free tickets online: ottawayouthfilmfestival ca
18. Goode Run
Get ready for the ‘Goode Run 2024 on Saturday May 11! Choose between the 2K or 5K run/walk, departing from Osgoode’s Stuart Holmes Arena. Don’t miss the chance to support Osgoode Youth Association and win prizes by wearing a costume! While online registration is closed, walk-up registration is available on Friday May 10 from 6pm till 8pm and Saturday May 11 from 7am till 8:30am. Registration fees start at $25 and $15 for youth. 9am start for 2K and 10am for 5K. Stuart Holmes Arena, Osgoode Main Street Osgoode
19. Spring Art Festival
Come to the 3rd Annual Spring Art Festival hosted by Art in the Neighbourhood and Tuuma Woodcraft, with over 30 artists showcasing their work. This event promises a day filled with fabulous art, music, and delicious food truck fare. Kids and pets are welcome. Entry is FREE. Saturday, May 11, starting at 10am. Canterbury Recreation Complex, 2185 Arch Street Ottawa.
20. Gloucester Horticultural Society Annual Fundraising Plant Sale
Enjoy a day at the Gloucester Horticultural Societies’ annual Plant Sale! Discover native plants, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetable seedlings. Explore the garden-related ‘garage sale’ and get expert advice from Master Gardeners on-site. FREE. When: Saturday, May 11, 9am-12pm. Where: Orleans Fruit Farm, 1399 Orleans Blvd., Ottawa.
21. OHS Auxiliary May Craft Sale
Experience the OHS Auxiliary May Craft Sale for handmade Mother’s Day gifts at the Ottawa Humane Society. FREE. When: Saturday, May 11, 11am–2pm. Where: Ottawa Humane Society, 245 West Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa.
22. Domaine Perrault Spring Market
Enjoy a day at the Vineyard Spring Market filled with shopping, delicious food, wine, spring sangria, and captivating entertainment by Cirquonscient. Browse through a diverse selection of vendors offering unique handmade crafts and tasty treats. Bring your friends and family for a memorable experience supporting local businesses and discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. Entry is FREE. Saturday May 11 from 10am to 4pm at Domaine Perrault Winery, 1000 Perrault Road Ottawa.
23. K-Cinema Screening: Concrete Utopia (Korea Week)
Enjoy a free screening of ‘Concrete Utopia’ presented by the Korean Cultural Centre. Immerse yourself in this captivating film directed by Um Tae-hwa, featuring a stellar cast including Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-jun, and Park Bo-young. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, witness the resilience of humanity as survivors grapple with challenges in the last standing apartment building. Tickets are FREE but need to be booked in advance. Saturday May 11, at 4pm. ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street Ottawa.
24. Marathon of Sport Ottawa
Come to Carleton University for the 2024 motionball Marathon of Sport Ottawa presented by PCL Construction. Sign up as a Team Captain and recruit up to 10 participants for a day of sports with local Special Olympics athletes! Choose between Standard or Corporate registration, with perks like a motionball hat, t-shirt, and a healthy lunch. Don’t miss this fun-filled day supporting the Special Olympics Canada Foundation! Registration is $50 per participant with a team fundraising goal of $1,500. Saturday May 11, advance registration required.
25. Fish Ontario License Free
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend by fishing license-free with OFFE in Ontario! Join in the fun and introduce a friend to fishing or enjoy it solo. FREE. When: May 11-12. Where: Ontario Waters.
Sunday
26. Orleans Blooms
Come to the Kin Club of Orleans Garden Sale & Event! Buy premium plants for Mother’s Day & Spring planting season. Get gardening advice, meet local suppliers, see local artists’ work, and enjoy a fun educational corner for kids. FREE. When: Sunday, May 12, 9am-4pm. Where: Orleans Town Hall, 255 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans.
27. Almonte Art in the Attic
Art in the Attic showcases a diverse array of art. Meet accomplished, emerging, and student artists fostering community growth. FREE. When: Saturday, May 11, 10am-5pm; Sunday, May 12, 10am-4pm. Where: Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge St.
Other recurring events
28. 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.
29. 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).
30. 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.
31. 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!!