What to Do in Ottawa This Spring: 7 Festivals You Can’t Miss

Spring brings a whole bunch of festivals in Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital!

I can’t even express how excited I am for sunny, warm days and blooming flowers—and to watch the city burst into colour just as its people, many of whom hibernated through the winter, fill patios, terrasses, and the downtown streets. Spring in Ottawa is absolutely beautiful!

It also brings some of the most exciting and massive events of the year. The festivals listed here attract thousands of people. If you love feeling the city’s electric energy, make sure you don’t miss them. Mark your calendars and bookmark this post for future reference!

Canadian Tulip Festival 2025 – A Symbol of Friendship in Bloom

May 9–19, 2025
Commissioners Park, Queen Elizabeth Drive & Preston St.
FREE

Roughly 300,000 tulips in over 100 varieties will be on display at Commissioners Park, attracting thousands of visitors. The Canadian Tulip Festival is the largest and most popular festival in Canada.

Over a million tulips bloom across the city in May, symbolizing the strong bond between the Netherlands and Canada. Other beautiful spots to see tulips include:

• Major’s Hill Park
• Queen Elizabeth Drive along the Rideau Canal
• Lansdowne Park
• Confederation Park
• National War Memorial

Ottawa’s tulips were a gift of gratitude from the Netherlands for Canada’s key military role in its liberation during WWII. This year’s festival commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands

The city will also host a drone show followed by fireworks on May 18 between 9:20 PM and 10 PM. Daily outdoor movie screenings, interactive art installations, guided tulip tours, a tulip boutique, food vendors, and more will keep visitors entertained.

Chinatown Night Market 2025 – Explore Asian Culture in Ottawa

May 30–June 1, 2025
Somerset St. W between Bronson Ave and Bell St., Downtown Ottawa
FREE

A local favourite! Experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of Asian street markets with delicious food vendors, live entertainment, and cultural performances in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown.

Highlights include:

• Lion dances
• Martial arts displays
• Live music and performances

Schedule:

• Friday, May 30: 2 PM – 11 PM
• Saturday, May 31: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Sunday, June 1: 11 AM – 8 PM

Asian Fest Night Market in Kanata – Street Food & Family Fun

May 30–June 1, 2025
Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Drive, Kanata
FREE

A vibrant night market full of Asian street food, artisanal vendors, and live performances. It brings the energy of traditional Asian markets to the west end of Ottawa.

Tip: Bring cash—only some vendors accept credit cards. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Schedule:

• Friday, May 30: 12 PM – 11 PM
• Saturday, May 31: 12 PM – 11 PM
• Sunday, June 1: 12 PM – 9 PM

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend – Ottawa’s Biggest Running Event

May 24–25, 2025
Starts at 110 Laurier Ave W, Downtown Ottawa
FREE to watch

Ottawa’s biggest running event! Thousands of runners participate in races through scenic routes and iconic landmarks.

Saturday, May 24

• Ottawa Kids Marathon – 2 PM
• Ottawa 2K – 3 PM
• Ottawa 5K – 4 PM
• Ottawa 10K – 6:30 PM (Elite women’s 10K starts at 6:15 PM)

Sunday, May 25

• Tartan Ottawa International Marathon – 7 AM
• Ottawa Half Marathon (Presented by Desjardins) – 9 AM

 

Great Glebe Garage Sale 2025 – Treasure Hunting in Ottawa

May 24, 2025, starting at 8 AM
The Glebe, around Bank St.
FREE

A massive community garage sale where locals sell everything from vintage treasures to household items. The streets are packed with bargain hunters, food vendors, and cheerful vibes.

Tip: Arrive early—before 8 AM if you can—to snag the best finds and a parking spot. Don’t miss the sidewalk sale on Bank St. featuring local businesses.

Doors Open Ottawa 2025 – Step Inside the City’s Hidden Gems

June 7–8, 2025, 10 AM – 4 PM
Various locations across the city
FREE

Take advantage of this amazing weekend to explore Ottawa’s hidden architectural gems. More than 100 buildings across the city open their doors to the public, including:

• Embassies
• Churches
• Breweries
• Museums
• Government buildings

Some buildings require pre-registration, and spots fill up fast. The full list of participating sites will be available online on May 16.

Italian Week Ottawa 2025 – Celebrating Culture in Little Italy

June 5–15, 2025
Preston St, Little Italy
FREE

A vibrant celebration of Italian culture, food, music, parades, and car shows. On weekends, restaurants spill onto the sidewalks, performers roam the streets, and live shows entertain everyone.

Highlights include:

• Walking Tours of Little Italy:
  • June 1 (2–4 PM)
  • June 14 (3–5 PM)
  • Piazza Dante Park, 470 Booth Street
• Father’s Day Italian Picnic:
  • June 15 (11 AM–5 PM)
  • Ev Tremblay Park, 108 Beech Street
• Preston Street Criterium Bike Race:
  • June 15, 9 AM – 6:30 PM
• “Meet Me in Little Italy” Masterclass:
  • May 10, 11, and 12, 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Ottawa

Planning a visit to Ottawa? Spring is the perfect season to enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere, blooming landscapes, and a packed calendar of exciting events happening every weekend. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no better time to soak in the capital’s vibrant energy.

Enjoy!