39 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | May 2-4

What are you up to this weekend? There’s a lot happening in Ottawa—food festivals, hockey, soccer, spring markets, and more! Check out this awesome lineup of events and things to do, and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

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

1.PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese

This popular annual Poutine Festival is back with a great variety of versions of the beloved Canadian plate. Everything French Fries, Cheese Curds, Gravy and Cheese. “Best In Poutine” Competition. FREE. When: May 2-4. Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W. Details: On Facebook.

2. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Celebrating the richness of Mexican culture. Vendors, art exhibitions, Mariachi band, kids’ activities, dance performances, a workshop and a dance competition. FREE. When: Sunday May 4, 11am-5:30pm. Where: Byward Market, George St Plaza. Details: IG @bywardmarket

3. VE Day 80 Ottawa

The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band of Ottawa have prepared a special commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, (Victory in Europe) Day with pipers and drummers, who will be performing along Wellington St and the National War Memorial. FREE. When: Saturday May 3 starting at 3pm and finishing at 6pm. Where: Wellington St and National War Memorial. Details: sospb.com

4. Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs (Game 6)

The Battle of Ontario is far from over! The Sens are fighting to stay alive, and the Leafs are looking to shut it down. The crowd will be louder than ever! Will the Sens force Game 7? Or will the Leafs seal the deal? When: Thursday May 1 at 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.

5. Ottawa Clay Festival

Spring Pottery Sale featuring 30+ local potters, annual juried exhibition, Pottery Throw Down, pitting potter vs potter in fun challenges. Demonstrations to entertain and perhaps even entice future potters. Children’s Clay Table to let kids get their hands into clay for some messy fun. Live music FREE. Please consider bringing your own reusable bag for purchases. When: May 2-4. Fri 3pm-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park. Details: https://ottawaguildofpotters.ca/

6. Jane’s Walk

Join Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau to learn about history, celebrate culture, and connect with the community. This is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations. Select the walk of your preference among many tours offered in the capital region. FREE. When: May 2-4. Where: Ottawa-Gatineau. Details: https://www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/current

7. CN Cycle for CHEO

CN Cycle for CHEO is a fun event for people of all ages and abilities. Choose the route that best suits you and gear up for this inspiring day! 100K Cycle, 70K Cycle, 35K Cycle, 15K Cycle, 5K Walk and 2K Walk. PAID. When: Sunday May 4 from 7am. Where: All routes start and end at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place. Details: https://cncycle.cheofoundation.com/event/

8. Mother’s Day Craft Market

Searching for a great gift for Mom?  Well, your search is over thanks to the Mother’s Day Craft Market by the Square Lemon Artistic Association.  Choices aplenty with over 50 local artists and vendors offering locally hand-crafted gifts and treasures. FREE. When:  Sunday May 4, 10:30am-3pm. Where:  Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave, Ottawa. Details: IG @squarelemon_ottawa

9. Ottawa International Writers Festival

Time to recharge your imagination and book some time with the Ottawa International Writers Festival. Various speakers and events covering everything from politics to poetry, science to music, and history to thrillers.  It’s well worth a read. Tickets from $20. When:  May 1-4, various times. Where:  Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St, Ottawa. Details:  https://writersfestival.org/

10. Arohafest Spring Edition

Come celebrate the arts and culture of India at the Arohafest Spring Edition.  Visual arts, henna painting, yoga workshops, and a special dance/musical show “Melodies of Krishna”.  Immerse yourself in all things India.  FREE (Saturday night show $25). When:  May 2-3, from 6pm (Friday), 1pm-9pm (Saturday). Where:  Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans. Details: https://arohafest.ca/

11. ORAPEX

Calling all Philatelists (stamp collectors) as this will be the best mail you receive this week.  The 62nd annual ORAPEX expo is returning to the Sportsplex and this year’s theme celebrates The Beaver.  Featuring many panels, exhibits, and over 30 dealers to start you on your way to a new hobby or find that elusive prize for your collection. FREE. When:  May 3-4, from 10am-6pm (Saturday) and 10am-4pm (Sunday). Where:  Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa. Details:  https://www.orapex.ca/

12. Ottawa Charge vs Minnesota

Help the Charge punch their ticket to the playoffs as they take on the Minnesota Frost in their final home game.  It’s Fan Appreciation night and a win tonight means the Charge are playoff bound.  Come cheer on the home team and feel the charge.  Tickets from $30. When: Wednesday Apr 30, 7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/ottawa-charge

13. Atletico Ottawa vs Pacific FC

Time for some Footie as Atletico Ottawa takes on the rivals from the West coast, Pacific FC.  If that’s not enough to bring you in, it’s also Toonie Hot Dog night featuring the annual Wiener Dog races.  Eating a dog, watching the dogs, and a great game of soccer … that’s a Saturday. Tickets from $20. When:  Saturday May 3, 1pm. Where:  TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details:  https://www.canpl.ca/atleticoottawa

14. Ottawa Doll Show and Sale

Discover a treasure trove of dolls, teddy bears and collectibles, new and vintage finds for both kids and collectors. Come see miniatures for a wide variety of different sized dolls, books, plush toys as well as furniture and accessories. Tickets: $5 donation to the Ottawa Youville Centre, children enter free; When: Sunday, May 4, 10am-3pm; Where: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa.

15. Spring Craft Market

Explore a curated selection of handmade goods, including artisan jewelry, home décor, gourmet treats, and more, all crafted by talented local makers. This family-friendly event offers a perfect opportunity to support local artisans and find unique springtime treasures. FREE; When: Sunday, May 4, 11am-4pm; Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

16. Fly Market: May the 4th Be With You Edition

Experience Ottawa’s favorite vintage shopping event with a galactic twist at the Fly Market: May the 4th Be With You Edition. This special edition promises an out-of-this-world experience, featuring a curated selection of vintage and retro goods from over 20 local vendors. FREE; When: Sunday, May 4, 11am- 5pm. Where: Next Door Market & Event Space, 955A Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

17. Salsa Dancing to the Rhythm

An unforgettable evening featuring salsa lessons, DJ sets, and dance performances—all supporting OrKidstra! Admission: FREE (donations appreciated). When: Wednesday, Apr 30 from 7pm onwards. Where: Nostaligica Cafe, 601 Cumberland, Ottawa.

18. Viva Mexico

An unforgettable night of movement, colour, and culture with dances and live performances. Admission: $20-30. When: Wednesday, Apr 30 from 7pm onwards. Where: Harold Shenkman Hall (Shenkman Arts Centre), 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans.

19. La Pizza Week

Restaurants across Ottawa will craft unique pizzas inspired by international cuisines to compete for prizes, offering a chance for food enthusiasts to explore diverse tastes and support favorite places. Each pizza sold contributes $1 to Food Banks Canada. No tickets, just the cost of pizza; When: May 1–10; Where: Various restaurants in Ottawa.

20. Cinderella

Experience the timeless magic of Cinderella originally choreographed by Joanna Hughes. Performed by a talented cast of pre-professional dancers, this family-friendly production features enchanting costumes, imaginative sets, and a captivating score. It’s an ideal introduction to ballet for audiences of all ages. Tickets: $27.50 for adults; $20.00 for children (12 and under). When: May 2-3, 1:30pm, 7pm. Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.

21. Casino Night Gala

Helping With Furniture is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year, a Casino Night Gala that promises a fun evening of lively entertainment, a delicious dinner, and classic casino games! Helping With Furniture furnishes homes for people in need. When: Friday May 2 at 6pm. Where: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave. Ottawa.

22. Arts Carleton Place Fine Art Exhibition

Find a unique piece of art, jewelry, pottery, glass art, and woodworking crafted by more than 180 gifted artists. A small reception will be held on Friday, May 2 to commemorate the event anniversary. Attendees will receive a stamped weekend passport for a chance to win one of three great door prizes. FREE, including free parking. When: May 2 from 3 to 8pm, and May 3 and 4 from 10am to 4:30pm. Where: Arts Carleton Place Art Hub. 50 Bennett St Unit #1, Carleton Place, ON K7C 4J9.

Saturday

23. Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market

Explore a treasure trove of sewing and crafting supplies with over 80 vendors offering quilting cotton, notions, buttons, wool, patterns, tools, and more. Tickets: $3, cash only; When: Saturday, May 3, 9:30am-3pm. Where: Fisher Park Community Centre, 250 Holland Avenue, Ottawa.

24. Silent Film – Ben Hur in concert

Join Seventeen Voyces for a special screening of the 1925 silent classic Ben-Hur, celebrating its 100th anniversary! Experience this epic film with a powerful live performance by the Ewashko Singers, organist Matthew Larkin, four percussionists, and three soloists. The program also features selections from Carmina Burana and other dynamic works for an unforgettable evening of music and film. Ticket prices start at $30. When: Saturday, May 3, at 7:30pm. Where: St. Matthew’s Church. 130 Glebe Avenue ON K1S 2C5.

25. Voices of the Earth

Join Coro Vivo Ottawa for an inspiring choral performance celebrating our connection to nature. Voices of the Earth brings together Canadian and Indigenous composed melodies, telling unwavering stories of fragility, humility, and beauty. General admission tickets are $30, and children under 12 can attend for free. When: Saturday, May 3 from 7:30 to 9pm. Where: Orleans United Church. 1111 Orléans Boulevard Ottawa, ON K1C 7C8.

26. Cranium Conference and Showcase

Dive into the beats of Afrobeats, R&B, Hip-hop, soul, and more as The Cranium brings you tomorrow’s stars today. This edition of Cranium will feature 9 live music acts from Ottawa and around the world, offering a glimpse into the future of live music. Ticket price is $20. When: Saturday, May 3, at 8pm. Where: Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1.

27. Free Comic Book Day

The most awaited day for comic lovers is just around the corner! Free Comic Book Day is back to give away hundreds of free comics for all ages. When: Saturday May 3. Where: 1400 Clyde Avenue Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario K2G 3J2.

28. Books On Tap

Featuring 12 Ottawa writers signing books in a variety of genres, mystery, romance, fantasy, horror. thriller, and psychological fiction. Grab a beer and a book! FREE. When: Saturday May 3, 1pm-4pm at Kichesippi Beer Company, 2265 Robertson Rd.

29. Live Couples Workout Experience

For a change in how you and your partner do date nights, consider a stop at our Couples Workout Event. Join us for what we call the sexiest couples workout; a fun and energetic session to strengthen the bond between you and your partner. CAD50/couple. When: Saturday May 3, 7pm–8pm. Where: Soungui Fitness 4 Florence Street Ottawa, ON K2P 0W7.

30. Pottery Painting and Tea with Rapunzel and Cinderella

A charming tea party featuring pottery painting accompanied by tea, juice, delicious treats, and a lovely Mother’s Day craft to cherish. Meet Princess Rapunzel (Saturday) or Princess Cinderella (Sunday) $45/Child 80$/2 Children. When: Saturday May 3, 9am to 11am and Sunday May 4, 9am to 11am. Where: Art Haven Kanata , 150 Katimavik Road, Unit 124.

Sunday

31. Star Wars Day at Bytowne Cinema

Celebrate Star Wars Day with the epic conclusion of the original trilogy. Packed with thrilling action and unforgettable moments, this cinematic finale is the perfect way to honor the saga, back on the big screen where it belongs! Ticket price is $15.98. When: Sunday, May 5 at 9pm. Where: ByTowne Cinema. 325 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y4.

32. Chicken Poop-a-Palooza

Come on down for The Good Garden’s community fundraising party and Chicken Poop Bingo extravaganza. Learn about chickens and regenerative gardening, check out the spring plant sale, and enjoy top notch food and entertainment. All for a cluckin’ good cause! Tickets $12 or 2 for $20. When: Sunday May 4, 2:30–4pm. Where: Nonna’s Famous Pizza, 70 B Beech Street, Ottawa.

Next week

33. Bingo & Bangerz