This weekend is bringing us amazing food festivals for all tastes! Craving ribs? Ribfest on Sparks Street is coming! Want to indulge in oriental cuisine? Or perhaps shawarma, poutine, or Mexican food? It’s going to be so hard to choose! If you’re searching for exciting things to do in Ottawa, these festivals are a must-visit!
Want a curated list of events sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our free newsletter! Elevate Your Weekends
Contents
18 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks St
Get ready to dive into one of Ottawa’s favourite food festivals! The original Ottawa Ribfest returns to Sparks Street for five delicious days of award-winning ribs, irresistible BBQ, live music, and community vibes. With over 300,000 visitors in 2024, this year’s Ribfest is gearing up to be even bigger and better! FREE. When: May 28-Jun 1. Thu-Sat 11am-11pm. Sun 11am-7pm. Where: Sparks St.
2. Chinatown Night Market
A people’s 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. Enjoy lion dances, martial arts displays, live music and performances. FREE. When: May 30-June 1. Fri 2pm–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–8pm. Where: Somerset St between Bronson Avenue and Bell St. Details: ottawachinatown.ca
3. Asian Fest Night Market
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. FREE. When: May 30-June 1. Fri 12pm–11pm; Sat 12pm–11pm; Sun 12pm–9pm. Where: Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Drive. Details: ottawaasianfest.com
4. The Official Cinco de Mayo Festival
Organized by Aztlán México and the Embassy of Mexico, this event has been celebrating Mexican culture, history, and pride for the past eight years. Enjoy authentic Mexican gastronomy (tacos, tamales, mole, quesadillas, etc), margaritas, tequila, cerveza, live entertainment, mariachi music, folkloric dance, art, and family-friendly activities. FREE. When: Friday May 30 at 5pm. Where: 25 Laurier St, Gatineau. Details: On All Events.
5. City of Om
Ottawa’s largest and most vibrant yoga and wellness festival offers 75+ classes and workshops, among yoga, meditation, pilates, breathwork and more. PAID. There is a Vendor Village which is free and open to the public. When: May 30-June 1. Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa.
6. Shawarma Fest
Come explore the delicious world of shawarma at the 1st annual shawarma festival. There will be live entertainment and a kids zone, but most importantly, you can try the unique spin from each of Ottawa’s top shawarma vendors and vote for the best shawarma in the capital. Bring an appetite. FREE. When: Sunday June 1, 7am-10pm. Where: ByWard Market, 73 York St, Ottawa. Details: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/shawarma-fest
7. Le Grand Poutinefest
Get ready to be comforted with the ultimate comfort food, as Le Grand Poutinefest comes to Gatineau. The classics will be well represented by the vendors of course, but there will be plenty of twists and creativity being served up too. Microbrews, pastries, and family-friendly activities — this festival has it all. FREE. When: May 29–June 1, Thu-Fri 5pm-9pm. Sat-Sun 12pm-9pm. Where: Galeries de Hull, 320 Bd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, QC. Details: https://legrandpoutinefest.ca/
8. HOLA Latino Festival
Come live an experience full of colour, music, dance and culture at the HOLA Latino Festival. The authentic flavour of Latin America, with live performance, dance workshops and family activities await you. FREE. When: May 31–June 1, 10am-7pm. Where: Cedar Park, 2 Rue McDougall, Gatineau. Details: On All Events
9. Vegans Who Snack
Over 60 businesses serving up delicious vegan bites to take home or devour on the spot. With live music and picnic spots, your vegan night out is made. FREE. When: Friday May 30, 5pm-9pm. Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa. Details: IG @veganswhosnack
10. Nature Nocturne
Explore galleries after hours, engage your curiosity with themed activities, and enjoy multiple dance floors, each offering a unique vibe. Tickets $39. When: Friday May 30, 8pm-12am. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa. Details: IG @naturenocturne
11. Ottawa Improv Festival
Comedy and imagination return to the capital in the form of the Ottawa Improv Festival. A chance to enjoy the work of local, national and international performers, and also attend workshops to begin your improv journey or hone your skills. Tickets from $28. When: May 29–31, workshops in the morning/aft, shows 7pm-11pm. Where: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://www.ottawaimprovfest.com/
12. Redblacks vs Montreal Alouettes
Cheer on the Ottawa Redblacks in this pre-season game! Catch cold beers, big plays, and your first look at the 2025 squad in action. Enjoy $10 + HST happy hour drinks, and stick around for the football! Tickets from $20. When: Friday May 30 at 7pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
13. Ottawa Dressage Festival
Experience the elegance and athleticism of dressage at the Ottawa Dressage Festival, Canada’s largest dressage show. Watch top national and international riders compete across four exciting days. Explore on-site shops and enjoy special activities like the Rising Stars Ride-Off and Grand Prix Reception. FREE. When: Thursday, May 29 – Sunday, Jun 1, 8am–5pm. Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd, Ottawa.
14. Heart of Orléans Market
Make your Sunday extra special with a visit to the Heart of Orléans Market. Browse a wide variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, unique gifts, and more—all in the vibrant setting of Orléans Town Centre. A perfect outing for families, friends, and market lovers. FREE. When: Sunday, Jun 1, 9:30am–2pm. Where: Centrum Blvd & Prestone Dr, Orléans Town Centre, Orléans, ON.
15. Douglas Sutherland Art in the Park
Celebrate the vibrant arts scene of Stittsville at the Douglas Sutherland Art in the Park. This beloved annual event showcases a diverse array of local artists, authors, and artisans, offering everything from handcrafted goods to live entertainment. Enjoy a day filled with creativity, community spirit, and family-friendly activities. FREE. When: Sunday, Jun 1, 9am–3pm. Where: Village Square Park, 6000 Abbott Street East, Stittsville, ON.
16. Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
Add some sparkle to your Thursday evenings at the Hintonburg Night Market, hosted by the Urban Art Collective. With rotating local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, and street food favourites, there’s something new every week. Enjoy live music and the buzzing creative energy of Hintonburg under the summer sky. FREE. When: Thursday, May 29, 4pm–9pm. Where: Urban Art Collective Parking Lot, 1088 Somerset St W, Ottawa.
17. Glengarry Renaissance Festival
Step back in time for a weekend of medieval fun at the Glengarry Renaissance Festival. Enjoy thrilling jousting tournaments, live performances, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities that bring the Renaissance era to life. Dress up in your favourite period costume and dive into the action. Tickets for adults are $25.65, and children 9 and under are FREE (website registration required). When: Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, Jun 1, 9:30am–7pm. Where: Maxville Fairgrounds, 35 Fair Street, Maxville, ON.
18. Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Mammoth Book Sale
Offering great prices on gently used books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. Mammoth Book Sales take place the 4th Saturday of every month. Cash, credit and debit accepted. FREE. When: Saturday May 31, 10am-4pm. Where: James Bartleman Center, 100 Tallwood Drive, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa
Thursday and Friday
19. 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.
Saturday
20. Adapt Expo Ottawa
Explore innovations in accessibility and adaptive living at Ottawa’s largest inclusive community event. Enjoy over 60 exhibitors, family-friendly activities, and complimentary refreshments. A quiet, sensory-friendly hour will be offered before doors open to the general public. FREE. When: Saturday May 31 from 11am to 3pm. Where: Carleton University Raven’s Nest. 9376 University Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5R2
21. Light at Night Kayaking
Embark on a mesmerizing 2.5-hour paddle along the Rideau Canal in illuminated kayaks. Experience the canal’s beauty under the enchanting glow of LED lights. Single Ticket: $99; Tandem (2-person kayak) Ticket: $198. When: Every Saturday starting May 31 until August 30. From 7 to 9:30pm. Where: Patterson Creek Park, Ottawa.
22. Tippmann Challenge D-Day 2025
Experience Canada’s largest paintball event at the Tippmann Challenge D-Day. Engage in full-scale battle games suitable for all skill levels. Tickets start at $56.49 (Tax included). When: May 31-June 1 at 4:30pm. Where: Commando Action Centre, 4565 Dunning Road, ON K4B 1J1.
Sunday
26. Annual Garden Party
Celebrate the season at Garden Path Homemade Soap’s 7th Annual Garden Party. Enjoy an afternoon exploring lush gardens, browsing an outdoor artisan market, and listening to live music. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore the production room, which will be open to visitors to learn more about the natural, homemade bath and body products made on site using some garden ingredients. The event will proceed rain or shine! FREE. When: Sunday June 1, from 1pm to 5pm. Where: Garden Path Homemade Soap, 284 Pleasant Corners Road East, Vankleek Hill, Ontario, K0B 1R0
Next Week
27. Parkdale Night Market
Support local businesses while acquiring fresh food and unique handcrafted treasures. Additionally, live music and entertainment will complement this perfect midweek outing! FREE. When: Wednesdays from June 4 until October 8, 5 to 9pm. Where: Parkdale Public Market, 366 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1G8.
More recurring events in Ottawa
28. 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: Thursdays 11am-4pm. Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 1675 10th Line Rd, Ottawa.
29. 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: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: Grande Allée Park, 185 Main Street, Ottawa.
30. Wakefield Market
Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Admission: FREE. When: Saturdays from 9am-2pm until October. Where: 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, Québec.
31. 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
32. 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
33. 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.
34. 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. Thursdays at 12:10pm. At National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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