Do you already have plans for the long weekend?? Don’t worry if not. I’ve got you covered! Here is your weekly roundup of weekend events! From the Tulip Festival to fireworks and circus shows, there is a lot to choose from! Don`t forget that you can subscribe to the free newsletter and receive all this awesome information in your inbox! Elevate Your Weekends
Have a great long weekend!
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11 events you won’t want to miss this long weekend in Ottawa
1. Victoria Day Fireworks
Families and friends are invited to join in an evening filled with excitement, delicious food, beats, and mesmerizing fireworks. FREE. The event kicks off at 7pm. When: Monday May 20 at 9pm (fireworks) Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road. Details: rideaucarletoncasino.com
2. Canadian Tulip Festival Last weekend
It’s the last chance! Come to Commissioners Park to enjoy free outdoor movie screenings, food trucks, a light & sound show on Dow’s Lake, artists painting tulips live, Tulip tours (paid) and 300,000 tulips! FREE When: May 10-20 Where: Commissioners Park at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive. Details: tulipfestival.ca
3. Drone Show
Two hundred drones will light up the sky over Dow’s Lake, creating a mesmerizing display of lights and shapes and showcasing the latest in drone technology and innovation. FREE. When: Sunday May 19 at 9:30pm Where: Dow’s Lake Details: tulipfestival.ca/drone-show/
4. Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
Enjoy this family event with lots of ribs, chicken, pulled pork and poutine. New Kids Zone, live music. FREE. When: May 17-20, Fri, 11:30am-9pm; Sat & Sun, 11am-9pm; Mon 11am-7pm. Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 HoulahanSt, Barrhaven.
5. Experience Asie
Enjoy a diverse program that includes music, singing, dancing, typical food, and crafts from Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Cambodia, China, Philippines, and others. FREE. When: Saturday May 18 from 11am to 3pm. Where: Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier. Details: gatineau.ca
6. 613 Flea
Shop from over 150 vendors with a great variety of products like jewelry1, woodwork, antiques, soap, candles, clothing, food, and much more. Well-socialized dogs are allowed. FREE. When: Saturday March 18 from 10am to 4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
7. Zumba on the Hill
Come, dance, and enjoy the Zumba Party at Parliament Hill with certified instructors. FREE. When: Sunday May 19, 4pm-5:15pm Where: Parliament Hill Details: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaontheHill
8. K-pop Cover Dance Festival
Experience the annual K-Pop Cover Dance Fest! Cheer for Canadian teams and have fun meeting Korean performers. FREE. When: Sunday May 19, 7pm–9pm Where: Centrepointe Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean Details: https://meridiancentrepointe.com/en/k-pop-cover-dance-festival
9. Cirque de Paris
Step into the magic of Cirque de Paris! Thrills, humor, and elegance await in this immersive circus spectacle for all ages. Tickets from $17.50. When: May 16-20. Where: Tanger Outlets Ottawa, 8555 Campeau Dr Details: https://cirquedeparis.com/
10. Cangames
Enjoy the ultimate gaming experience at CanGames, Ottawa’s annual convention. Dive into 300+ games with fellow board gamers. Registration from $15. When: May 17-19 Where: Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper Street. Details: https://cangames.ca/
11. Pakistani Food Festival
Dive into the flavors of Pakistan! Immerse yourself in food stalls, live music, cooking competitions, and henna artistry. FREE. When: Saturday May 18, 12pm-7pm Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr. Greely Details: https://salampakistan.ca/
More things to do this weekend in Ottawa!
Thursday – Friday
12. Hamlet
A fundraiser for The Gladstone Theatre, presented by The Company of Adventurers. Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17 at 7pm, Saturday, May 18, two shows: 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are FREE and can be reserved online or at the door of the theatre. Actors will pass a hat after each show. And the money raised will be donated to The Gladstone Theatre. At 910 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa.
13. Cirque a la Carte
An immersive circus cabaret style environment, with great performances by local circus artists. An event for the whole family, with some adult content. Friday, May 17, at 7:30pm. Price ticket: $38.45. At Arts Court Studio (3rd floor) – 2 Daly Avenue. Ottawa.
14. Canaanite Inscriptions
Experience a captivating evening in the Canaanite heritage with a musical journey through the ancient cradle of civilization, embodying the spirit of the Arab world. Canaanite Inscriptions intertwine history and melody, offering a soulful tribute to the land of prophets and miracles. Tickets from $58 to $80.50. Friday, May 17, 7:30 pm. At 101 Centrepoint Drive, Nepean, Ottawa.
15. The Simon and Garfunkel story
Enjoy the highly acclaimed Simon & Garfunkel Story, an exciting performance that follows the rise of two boys from Queens to global music icons. With modern graphics and a live band, it’s a stunning performance with classic hits like “Mrs. Robinson” and “The Sound Of Silence”. Tickets from $65.60 to $85.50. Friday, May 17, 8 pm. At Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau.
Saturday
16. Orienteering Ottawa Field Day
Explore Orienteering Ottawa at Pinhey’s Point! Navigate scenic landscapes and enjoy family-friendly fun. Cost $8.42 per person. Saturday May 18, 10am-2pm At Pinhey’s Point Historic Site, 270 Pinhey’s Point Road Ottawa Details: City of Ottawa
17. Spring Bazaar
Featuring baking, jewelry, garden nooks, books, puzzles, toys, etc. FREE event. Saturday May 18 from 9am to 1pm. At Trinity United Church, 1099 Maitland Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
18. The Tom Green Standup Comedy Special
Enjoy your evening with Tom Green in his spectacular Standup Comedy Special. Tom is a famous Canadian comedian, actor and director, better known for his MTV Show “The Tom Green Show”. EVENT SOLD OUT. Saturday, May 18, 7 pm. At 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
19. Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party
Embark on the ultimate Victoria Day Long Weekend Whiteout Boat Party Ottawa 2024! Cruise the Ottawa River, dancing and savouring drinks against the backdrop of a serene sunset, promising an enchanting showcase of Ottawa’s beauty. Tickets from $70.69 to $79.73. Saturday, May 18, 8:30 pm to 12am. At The Hull Marina, 160 Laurier Street, Gatineau.
20. Ottawa Valley Roller Derby
Enjoy another action-packed season of full-contact roller derby games for Ottawa’s most enthusiastic fans, featuring doubleheaders. This experience guarantees unforgettable matches and incredible moments to share with your family. Tickets are $15, Kids under 10 years old FREE. Saturday, May 18, 5:30 pm. At St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté St, Ottawa.
21. Spring Grand Opening at Ottawa Farm Fresh
Celebrate the arrival of spring and the abundance it brings! Ongoing Seedling Sale, Q&A Session with Farmer Jo: from 1pm to 2pm. Live Music by Scot Nickels: 11am – 1pm. Self-Guided Farm Tour. Family Farming Experience: Join us in planting beans in the field 10am to 11am – advanced registration required. Saturday May 18 from 9am to 5pm at Ottawa Farm Fresh, 2811 Ramsayville Rd.
22. Meditation for Peace on the Hill
Come to the front lawn on Parliament Hill for a guided peace inducing meditation. FREE but registration is recommended: meditateinottawa.org Saturday 18 from 11:30 to noon.
23. Kemptville Buskerfest
Featuring street performers, musicians, comedy, and fun for the entire family. FREE one day event. Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 5pm. Free parking at the North Grenville Municipal Centre and free parking shuttle service to and from the event are available. Downtown in Kemptville, ON.
Sunday
24. Queen Victoria Birthday Celebrations
Celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday by watching grand military manoeuvres, singing along to “God Save the Queen” and tasting a wonderful piece of cake. Tickets from $16 to $80. Children from 0-4 years old FREE. Sunday, May 19, 10am to 4:30pm. At Upper Canada Village 13740 County Rd 2 Morrisburg, Ontario.
25. Herb Garden Open House
Are you engaged? Does the idea of a relaxed, nature based wedding appeal to you and your partner? Are you looking for a lovely afternoon experiencing rural Ottawa? Visit and tour the Herb Garden as a potential wedding venue. Sunday May 19 from 11-2pm. FREE. Book an E-TICKET in advance. https://the-herb-garden-ottawa.square.site/ The Herb Garden, 3840 Old Almonte Road, Ottawa, Ontario.
Other recurring Ottawa events
26. Pirate Life Ottawa
An immersive, family pirate adventure. Climb aboard a ship and sail in search of a treasure at Mooney’s Bay. From May to October. Tickets are $45, $40 or $35. Children 3 and under are free. At 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa.
27. Summer at the Farm
The farm offers a glimpse into the past of what a family farm would have been like in the late 1800’s as well as how they farm today. Visit the animals. They have sheep, cows, rabbits, goats, horses, a donkey, alpacas, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. May 18 to October 27 (from Thursday to Sunday), from 9am to 4pm. Admission – $11.50 + hst, Children under 1 – free. The Farmer’s market season will begin Saturday May 18 from 9am to 2pm (free parking and no admission to shop). At 670 Cedarview Rd. Ottawa, ON.
28. 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
29. Outdoor Public Market
Come explore the Market, filled with artisanal goods, food makers, and retailers. FREE. Open everyday. At Byward Market Square and George St, Ottawa.
30. 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. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
31. 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.
32. 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).
33. 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. Ottawa.
34. 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. Ottawa.