40 fun things to do this weekend in Ottawa | May 31-Jun 2

This weekend will be wild in Ottawa with so many amazing events, including four food festivals and fireworks! Check out this post and start planning your weekend! Share it with all your friends so nobody misses this info! And tell us if you know about any other events not listed here.

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

1. Doors Open

This popular event comes back for its 22nd edition. Explore Ottawa’s beautiful buildings, which will open their doors to the public for this time only. Check out the full list in the link below. You need to pre-register for some buildings. FREE. When: June 1-2; 10am-4pm (Most of the buildings). Where: Different venues in Ottawa. Check out the List of buildings

2. Chinatown Night Market

Experience awesome flavors and the greatest oriental vibe in the heart of Chinatown. There will be traditional lion dances, graceful martial arts demonstrations, and lively musical performances. FREE. When: May 31-June 2. Friday 2pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Where: Somerset St between Bronson Ave and Bell St N. Details: https://ottawachinatown.ca/nightmarket/

3. Asian Fest Night Market

The most delicious culinary delicacies and awesome entertainment await you at this event which is celebrating its 10th anniversary bigger than ever. FREE. When: May 31 to June 2. Where: Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Drive, KanataDetails: ottawassianfest.com

4. Dickinson Days

Great entertainment for the whole family in the historic village of Manotick: fireworks (Friday, 9:30pm), a parade, pancake breakfast, BBQ, horse drawn wagon rides, face painting, inflatables, craft fair, fishing derby, and much more! FREE.When: May 31-Jun 2. Where: Main St, Centennial Park (fireworks) and other places in Manotick. Details: https://manotickvillage.com/dickinsondays

5. Ottawa Ribfest

This festival will welcome 9 champion ribbers from all over North America. Live entertainment in two spots twice a day at noon and at 6pm. FREE. When: May 30 to June 2. From 11am to 10pm daily, except Sunday when it ends at 7pm. Where: Sparks St, downtown. Details: sparkslive.com

6. Vegans Who Snack Food + Art Festival

Outdoor street market with over 50 small vegan friendly food businesses and amazing makers. Live music all event long. Bring your reusable containers. Dogs welcome! FREE. When: Friday May 31, 5pm-9pm. (Storm date: Saturday June 1). Where: 366 Parkdale Avenue. Details: @veganswhosnack

7. City of Om

Enjoy Ottawa’s biggest yoga and wellness festival! Connect, move, and embrace mindful living. Tickets from $81.21. When: May 31-June 1, Fri 5pm; Sat 7:30amWhere: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa. Details: https://www.cityofom.com/

8. Blackburn Fun Fair

Have fun in the annual Blackburn Funfair. Enjoy a carnival-style midway, music, local vendors, a used book fair, a parade, beer garden, and fireworks on Saturday at 10pm! FREE. When: May 31-June 2. Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa Details: https://www.blackburnfunfair.ca/events/

9. Atletico Ottawa vs Halifax

Come cheer on Atlético Ottawa against HFX Wanderers FC. Part of the Canadian Premier League. Atlético Ottawa ranks 1st, HFX Wanderers FC 8th. Tickets from $28. When: June 2 at 2pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street. Details: https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca/

10. Fiesta Cubana

Enjoy Cuban shows, salsa bands, dance workshops, literature, and delicious food and cocktails. A special day for friends and family to savor the essence of Cuba in Ottawa. Tickets $15-$25. When: June 2, 2pm. Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa. Details: https://latinhubcanada.com/

11. Le Grand Poutine Fest – Gatineau

Calling all poutine lovers! An unforgettable experience for the whole family: a GIANT outdoor inflatable course, music shows, entertainment, games, balloons, sweets! FREE. When: May 30-Jun 2, Thu-Fri 5pm; Sat-Sun 12pm. Where: Les Promenades Gatineau, 1100 Bd Maloney O, Gatineau. Details: https://legrandpoutinefest.ca/

12. Ottawa Dressage Festival

Witness the top competitors at the Ottawa Dressage Festival! Over 200 participants from Canada and abroad. This event is a qualifier for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics! FREE. When: May 30-June 2. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd Nepean, Ottawa. Details: https://nationalcapitaldressage.ca/en/

More things to do this weekend in Ottawa!

Thursday and Friday

13. The Wizard of Oz 

Come watch the Wizard of Oz presented by Orpheus Musical Theatre. Admission: $36-57 (varies by ticket type). Friday, May 31 to June 9, at 7:30 pm or 2 pm. At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean, Ottawa.

14. Candlelight Concerts – Tribute to ColdPlay

Bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience with Listeso String Quartet in a charming Art Deco style independent theatre. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay & Imagine Dragons bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring. Tickets: $34-$69. Thursday, May 30, 6.30pm and 8.45pm. The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue.

15. Hintonburg Night Market

You can pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers. Starting May 30, every Thursday night from 5pm to 10pm. 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, On.

16. Redblacks vs Montreal Alouettes

The Redblacks will conclude their pre-season facing the defending Grey Cup-champion Montreal Alouettes. Friday May 31 at 7pm. At TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

17. Canada-Wide Science Fair

Canada’s largest youth STEM event. May 26 to May 31, from 8am. Carleton University, 85, University Road Ottawa, ON.

Saturday

18. Toronto Comedy All Stars

A collection of Toronto’s best standup comedians bring their A game to Ottawa for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Admission: $30.75. Saturday, June 1, at 8pm. At Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St. 

19. Red Trillium Spring Studio Tour 

Come visit artist studios and have lunch at local restaurants while driving amidst the beautiful countryside of rural West Ottawa. Admission: FREE. Saturday, June 1-2 from 10am-4pm. At Carleton Place in various studio locations. 

20. Borshch Cook-Off

Come to sample regional recipes of borshch from Ukraine and then vote for your favourite one! Admission: FREE (donations appreciated). Sunday, June 2, at 12pm. At 1000 Byron Avenue, Ottawa. 

21. The Roads we Share 

A spring concert called “The Roads We Share” by The Ottawa Carleton Choristers and special guests, The Ottawa Ukrainian Children’s Choir. Admission: By donation (cash only). Saturday, June 1, at 7:30pm. At Woodroffe United Church, 207 Woodroffe Avenue. 

22. Modern Quilt Guild 

Come to a fabulously fun night at the Ottawa Modern Quilt Gallery Opening Gala, celebrating a decade of stunning modern quilts! Admission: $40 (plus fees and taxes). Saturday, June 1 from 6-10pm. At Cours Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa.

23. Vanier Bike Fest

BBQ, Bike Rodeo and simple bike repair. First 100 registered participants aged 4 to 13 years old get a helmet. FREE. Saturday June 1, from 10am to 12pm. At Centre Francophone Vanier, 270 Marier Avenue, Vanier.

24. Adaptive Living Expo

Ottawa’s official expo welcomes health care providers, individuals living with disabilities and caregivers. Discover the latest innovations in adaptive technologies, assistive, accessible products, and supportive lifestyle & homes. Listen to interactive workshops and presentations – and share your experiences with others. FREE. Saturday, June 1, 10am-3pm. Nepean Sportsplex, Halls A & B. 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean. 

25. Maze Days

Visit Saunders Farm during Maze Days! Play, sip, snack, splash, bounce and zip your way through all our beloved farm attractions! With food, drink and fun around every turn, it’s easy to make magic happen for your family on the farm. Remember that Saunders Farm is a pet-free zone so leave your furry friends at home. Tickets: $25-$30. June 1-September 1, Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd.

26. Bike ride and picnic by the Polish Embassy 

Join a bike ride organized by the Embassy of Poland to celebrate 2024 WorldBicycleDay! Start from Confederation Park, go through the Glebe and finish at Vincent Massey Park where a Children vs. Diplomats soccer game will be a highlight of the Polish Picnic. Don’t forget to bring your helmet and a bottle of water. FREE. Saturday, June 1, 1pm. At Confederation Park, corner of Elgin St and Laurier Ave.

Sunday

27. National Reach for the Top

Reach for the Top in Ottawa! This is the first time since 2008 that the national championship is taking place outside of Toronto. You will see some of the most talented students from across Canada compete in fast-paced, buzzer-beating action. One ticket for both semi-finals matches as well as the championship final. Tickets: $17.31-$22.63. Sunday, June 2, 3pm-6:30pm. At Glebe Collegiate Institute, 212 Glebe Avenue.

28. Glengarry Renaissance Festival

Experience the Middle Ages at this annual festival in Maxville, Ontario. Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2, from 9:30 am to 7pm. Gate price: Adult $30, Senior and Youth $25 and Child rate 9 years and under must register.  Maxville Fairgrounds – 35 Fair St., Maxville, On.

29. Annual Garden Party

Local artisans, live music, refreshments, visit production room and tour gardens. Sunday June 2, from 1pm to 5pm. At 284, Pleasant Corners Rd, Vankleek Hill, On.

Other recurring Ottawa events

30. Zumba on the Hill

Come, dance, and enjoy the Zumba Party at Parliament Hill with certified instructors. FREE. When: Sunday May 26, 4pm-5:15pm Where: Parliament Hill Details: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaontheHill

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. 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

34. 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.

35. Metcalfe Farmers Market

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.

36. 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.

37. Nepean Night Market

Bringing amazing vendors, food trucks, music and family fun. FREE. Every Sunday from 5pm-9pm. At Mr Lube Parking Lot, 1442 Baseline Rd, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook

38. 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).

39. 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.

40. 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.