Exciting events are happening in Ottawa this weekend! Guaranteed fun for everyone! Don’t miss the Great Glebe Garage Sale, the Ottawa Marathon and races, the women’s hockey finals, food and cultural festivals, concerts, and so much more!
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15 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. The Great Glebe Garage Sale
Thousands of visitors come to the Glebe for a large-scale event that has grown into an annual community festival. The residents take the lead as vendors, selling items from their front lawns, driveways, and porches, while local merchants host a massive sidewalk sale. FREE. When: Saturday, May 24, 8am–2pm. Where: Glebe streets around Bank St. Details: glebeca.ca
2. Kanata Ribfest and Poutine
Indulge in juicy ribs and tasty poutine during 3 days in the west end. FREE. When: May 23–25. Fri–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm. Where: Community Hub, 400 March Road, Kanata. Details: On Facebook.
3. Tamarack Race Weekend
Get ready for the biggest multi-day race event in Canada. It’s expected to attract 200,000 spectators during the two days of races, which include Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K, and Kids Marathon. FREE to watch. When: May 24–25. Sat from 2pm; Sun from 8am. Where: Starting point is City Hall, 110 Laurier St W. Details: runottawa.ca
4. Ottawa Charge vs Minnesota – Game 2 of the PWHL Finals
Cheer on Ottawa Charge as they battle the Minnesota Frost in Game 2 of the PWHL Finals! With the series heating up and the Walter Cup on the line, every goal counts. Don’t miss this thrilling night of elite women’s hockey! When: Thursday, May 22 at 7pm. Where: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa. Details: thepwhl.com
5. Capital Music Week CxMW
A week-long celebration of Ottawa’s music scene that includes headline performers Elijah Woods, The Halluci Nation, and Skydiggers. Also includes the Capital Music Awards, local talent showcases, and a first-of-its-kind national summit on nightlife economies. FREE and PAID events. When: May 20–25. Where: Various venues. Details: https://ottawamic.com/cxmw
6. Elijah Woods FREE All-Ages Concert
Elijah Woods is a multi-platinum pop artist known for his catchy melodies, vivid storytelling, and sharp production. With 1B+ streams, multiple JUNO nominations, and a string of gold and platinum records, his rise as an indie artist is extraordinary. He’ll be offering a free, all-ages concert as part of Capital Music Week. Reserve your free tickets online! When: Wednesday, May 21 at 7pm. Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Avenue. Details: https://ottawamic.com/events/
7. Ottawa Polish Fest
Enjoy an afternoon of songs and dance performances by the Polish community, and an all-ages dance party with DJ Marcel. FREE. When: Saturday, May 24 from noon to 9pm. Where: 55 Byward Market Square. Details: https://phfweb.ca/ottawa-
8. Pakistani Food Festival – 100% Halal
Enjoy traditional Pakistani food, live music, a cooking competition, henna, and more. FREE. When: Saturday, May 24, from noon to 5pm. Where: Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. Details: salampakistan.ca
9. Odawa’s 50th Anniversary Pow Wow
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre invites the public to enjoy a weekend of Indigenous culture, dancing, drumming, food, and community celebration. Three-time JUNO Award-winning The Halluci Nation is hitting the stage for a special DJ set at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 24! FREE. When: May 24–25. Where: 815 St. Laurent Blvd. Details: https://odawa.ca/powwow/
10. Ottawa Rapid FC vs Montreal
Cheer on Ottawa’s professional football team as they battle Montreal in an electric match. Tickets from $25. When: Sunday, May 25, 2pm. Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa. Details: https://www.rapidfc.ca
11.The Original Navan Market
Explore the Original Navan Market with local vendors, tasty food, live music, and unique crafts. FREE When: Sunday, May 25, 9:30am–2pm. Where: 1279 Colonial Road, Navan, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook.
12. Bunnypalooza
Explore all things bunny: vendors, rescues, adoptable rabbits, and family-friendly activities. Tickets from $10. When: Saturday, May 24, 10am–4pm. Where: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave., Ottawa. Details: https://ottawabunnypalooza.com
13. Capital Sessions
Don’t miss this free, family-friendly house dance workshop with live DJ and instructor. FREE. When: Sunday, May 25, 1:30pm. Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Details: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/
14. Artisans’ Market by Minerva Ottawa
Explore handcrafted goods from local artisans at this vibrant outdoor market. FREE. When: Sunday, May 25, 11am. Where: York Street, ByWard Market. Details: https://www.facebook.com/
15. Ottawa Titans vs New York Boulders
Step up to the plate for a day of family fun as the Ottawa Titans face off against the New York Boulders! Cheer, snack, and savour every inning of this ballpark showdown. Tickets from $13. When: Friday, May 23 at 7pm; Saturday, May 24 at 6pm; and Sunday, May 25 at 1pm. Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa
Thursday and Friday
16. Best Damn Stand Up Comedy Show
– 3 Headliner Comics, 5 Acts Total
– Comedians featured at Yuk Yuks, Jokers Comedy Club, Just For Laughs, Danforth Comedy Festival, CBC Comedy, and more.
– An Evening that will have you Roaring with Laughter
17. Lumen
Join us Thursday, May 22, 7pm at The Overflow Brewing Company for an unforgettable evening of bold performances, a curated art and maker marketplace, and the kind of magic only a community like this can create. Let’s show up for local. Let’s support Canadian. Tickets at door: $35. When: Thursday, May 22, 7pm–11:30pm. Where: The Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa.
18. Dueling Pianos
Dueling Pianos stars Tyler Kealey & Dave Kalil on keys, with guitarist Todd Huckabone, delivering unforgettable nights of classic hits, blazing solos & hilarious improv. Catch them at Ottawa hotspots like The Marshes, Manor Lounge & Biagio’s. Donations through duelingpianosottawa.ca. When: Thursday, May 29 at 8pm. Where: Manor Lounge, 292A Elgin St, Ottawa.
19. Orleans Farmers’ Market
Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts & more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it. Admission: FREE. When: Thursday, May 22, 11am-4pm and continuing weekly. Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 1675 10th Line Rd, Ottawa.
20. Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd
Witness Pink Floyd’s The Wall like never before. Classic Albums Live recreates every note of the legendary rock opera with precision. No costumes, no impersonations — just the timeless music that sold 30 million copies. A must-see for fans of the iconic double album. Tickets from $34. When: Friday, May 23 at 8pm. Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
Saturday
21. Main St Farmers’ Market
Support the local farmers’ market every Saturday from May to October and discover the finest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, crafts, hot meals and more. Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, May 24 from 9am-2pm and continuing weekly until October. Where: Grande Allée Park, 185 Main Street, Ottawa.
22. Monster Spectacular
Show featuring 6 monster trucks, including Tour champion Overkill Evolution and Canadian star Rat Nasty. Admission: $41-124. When: Saturday, May 24 at 2pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
23. Capital Comic Book Convention
An event designed for both casual comic book fans and serious collectors, where you’ll see comics from the Golden Age right up to the present day. Admission: $8 (general admission). When: Saturday, May 24, 11am-4pm. Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa.
24. Bytown Brawl: A Quest for Glory
Premier Canadian Wrestling presents a family-friendly spectacle of high-flying action, starring Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart and Tyson Kidd! Enjoy thrilling matches, jaw-dropping moments, and fun for all ages. Tickets from $15. When: Saturday, May 24 at 6pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa.
25. Ottawa Mystic Market
Witches, warlocks & curious souls, dive into the mystical at Ottawa Mystic Market! Discover crystals, tarot, spells, treats & oddities from 28 enchanting vendors. Free admission. When: Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, from 11am to 5pm. Where: Next Door Ottawa, 955A Gladstone Ave, Ottawa.
26. Manotick Public School’s Spring Fair.
Join the fun at Manotick Public School’s Spring Fair! Enjoy inflatables, zip lines, magic shows, food trucks & more — all supporting student education. When: Saturday, May 24, from 10am to 2pm. Where: Manotick Public School, 1075 Bridge St, Manotick.
30. Wakefield Market
Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Admission: FREE. When: Saturday, May 24 from 9am-2pm and continuing weekly until October. Where: 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, Québec.
Next week
31. Chamberfest’s City Series
Chamberfest’s City Series brings chamber music to unique spaces across Ottawa, blending classical music with exciting cross-genre experiences. This time the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces makes their Chamberfest debut! When: Tuesday May 27 at noon. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa.
More recurring events in Ottawa
33. Westboro Farmers’ Market
This vibrant market offers a diverse selection of farm-fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, and handcrafted items—all sourced within 100 km of Ottawa. Visitors can enjoy live music, a variety of food options, and a welcoming community atmosphere. FREE.
When: Saturdays, starting May 17, 9am-3pm.
Where: Byron Linear Park, 579 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
34. Nepean Night Market
Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks, groove to live music, and soak in the community atmosphere. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes. Dogs are welcome and treats are available on site! FREE.
When: Sundays, starting from May 18, 5pm-9pm.
Where: Mr. Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Road, Ottawa
35. NCC Weekend Bikedays
As of May 10 three Ottawa parkways will be closed to vehicular circulation so you can use them whether you’re biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller. FREE. When: May 10 to October 13. Where: Kichi Zibi Mikan: 8am-noon. George-Etienne Cartier Parkway: 8am-4pm. Queen Elizabeth Driveway: 8am-8pm.
36. Jukebox Lunch Concerts
Drop by the NAC this spring for the Jukebox Lunch Concerts, Season 3! Savour live tunes from top Canadian artists during your midday break in the vibrant Peter A. Herrndorf Place. Free Admission. This Thursday May 22 three emerging artists from Mississauga, Toronto and London: Allydice, Nefe, and Emily Jean Flack. At 12:10pm. At National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
37. York Street Market
Explore the York Street Market’s biweekly artisan fair! Find handmade gems, from decor to cider, at 30+ vibrant vendors. Free Admission. Sunday, May 11 at 11am. At York Street, ByWard Market, Ottawa.
38. Metcalfe Farmers’ Market
Enjoy the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market every Saturday from May to October! (No market on Oct 4) With over 45 friendly vendors to explore, you’ll find something special every time. Plus, there’s free parking and you can bring your furry friend along for the fun! Free Admission. From 9am to 1pm. At 2821 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe.
39. Carp’s Farmers Market
Discover Eastern Ontario’s biggest producer-run farmers’ market, featuring 100+ vendors with farm-fresh produce, artisan crafts, and homemade baked goods. Free Admission. Every Saturday from May to the end of October from 8am to 1pm. At 790 Carp Rd, Ottawa.
Back by popular demand! Enjoy a delightful exhibition of live tropical butterflies including the impressive large blue morpho. Tickets: $6 in addition to the cost of general museum admission. Until Dec 16, get a 10% discount reserving online. When; Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca