Spring may be running late this year, but Ottawa is waking up anyway, with more events popping up and the city coming back to life under those long-awaited sunny days. Haven’t you started planning your weekend yet? There are so many fun things to do in Ottawa! Check out this post and 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
Enjoy three days of flavour, fun, and pure comfort food heaven, and celebrate 10 years of this event serving the world’s best poutine, from classic favourites to bold and exotic creations. FREE
When: May 1-3. Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm.
Where: RA Centre’s great lawn. 2451 Riverside Dr.
2. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2026
Celebrate Mexican Heritage with a vibrant, family-friendly cultural fiesta as the Mexican community proudly honors Ottawa’s 200th anniversary. Enjoy live music, authentic Mexican cuisine, captivating folkloric art and performances throughout the day, a high-energy Latin rock concert, and children activities. A Fiesta Like No Other! FREE.
When: Sunday, May 3, from 12pm to 5pm.
Where: ByWard Market.
Details: On Facebook
3. Jane’s Walk
Enjoy a weekend of free, community-led walking conversations that transform streets, parks, and public spaces into living storybooks. This year’s festival already features 54 walks (and counting) in both English and French, with over 1,000 participants registered. Walk 200 years of history along the Rideau Canal, step inside one of Ottawa’s most sustainable new buildings, join a singing tour celebrating the city’s folk music legacy, and many more options. FREE.
When: May 1-3
Where: Various places in Ottawa and Gatineau
Details: janeswalkottawa.ca
4. Cinco de Mayo and Margarita Festival
Come to Gatineau to enjoy music performances, DJ, reggaeton, mariachi, along with margaritas, tacos, garnachas, beer and much more. FREE admission and free parking.
When: Saturday May 2 at noon.
Where: 25 Laurier St, Gatineau.
5. Ontario Butter Tart Festival & Competition
Celebrate one of Canada’s most beloved treats at the Ontario Butter Tart Festival & Competition! Sample a delicious variety of classic and creative butter tarts from local bakers, browse vendor booths, and cast your vote for your favourites in this sweet culinary showdown. A proudly Canadian event with fun for all ages. FREE.
When: May 2-3, Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm.
Where: Ottawa RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa
6. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Calgary Wild FC
Catch Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team, Ottawa Rapid FC, as they take on Calgary Wild FC in a Northern Super League home match at TD Place Stadium! Come cheer on the Rapid and their peregrine falcon colours as they battle it out on the pitch in their second season in the league. Tickets start at $25.
When: Saturday, May 2 at 5pm
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
7. Ottawa Clay Festival
Enjoy a fun-filled spring celebration of clay presented by the Ottawa Guild of Potters at the Horticulture Building in Lansdowne Park! The festival kicks off Friday with the Spring Pottery Sale and the Annual Juried Exhibition award announcements hosted by the juror. All weekend long, enjoy live pottery demonstrations, a lively pottery throwdown where potters go head-to-head in creative clay challenges, adult wheel time, a kids’ clay area, and live music. FREE admission.
When: May 1-3. Fri 3pm-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
8. 613 Flea
When: Saturday May 2, 10am-4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St.
10. Latin American Film Festival
Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of films that showcase the rich heritage and creativity of the region. From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This weekend: films from Chile, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. FREE admission.
When: Apr 24-May 16
Where: St Paul University, 233 Main Street.
Details: On Eventbrite
10. Orchidophilia 2026 – 42nd Annual Ottawa Orchid Show
Enjoy the Ottawa Orchid Society’s annual show, back for its 42nd edition with spectacular orchid displays and thousands of orchids available for purchase! Browse orchid, fragrance, photography, Ikebana, and botanical illustration displays, shop from over 15 local and international vendors, visit the orchid care experts table, and attend free workshops on basic orchid care and repotting. Want to get a head start on shopping? Exclusive advance early-entry tickets are available for $30 (limit 100), granting access to the vendors’ area from 11am to noon on Saturday before the show opens to the public. General admission is $14, seniors and youth are $10. Free parking in Lots 8 and 9.
When: May 2-3. Sat 12pm-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm
Where: Algonquin College, Building D, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
11. The Real Fly Market
Come to the spring edition of The Real Fly Market, a unique multi-vendor shopping experience bringing together artists, designers, and curated vintage and street fashion retailers all under one roof! Shop the best vintage fashion, designer goods, upcycled creations, and more. FREE.
When: Sunday, May 3 from 11am to 5pm
Where: Next Door Ottawa, 955A Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
12. CN Cycle for CHEO
Ride through Ottawa on traffic-free scenic routes while supporting CHEO and an amazing cause. Choose from 15K, 35K, or 70K routes and enjoy a high-energy day of cycling for all skill levels. Tickets from $25.
When: Sunday, May 3, from 7am
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
13. Ottawa International Writers Festival
Celebrate some of the best new and established voices in literature from Canada and around the world with author talks, readings, and inspiring conversations. A perfect event for book lovers and curious minds alike. Tickets from $20.
When: Apr 30-May 3, 6:30pm and 8pm
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa
14. ORAPEX – Ottawa’s National Stamp Show
Enjoy Ottawa’s national stamp show, one of the few national stamp shows held annually in Canada and part of the American Philatelic Society’s World Series of Philately! Browse over 40 dealers at one of the largest dealer bourses in the country, explore more than 100 frames of exhibits, and attend society meetings, seminars, and study groups throughout the weekend. This year’s joint themes are Aerophilately and Bytown — the original name for Ottawa, founded in 1826. Kids can also visit the Youth Booth with plenty to offer young collectors, and don’t miss the awards reception on Sunday. FREE admission and parking.
When: May 2-3. Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
15. Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market
A must-visit for sewing lovers. Shop bargain finds like quilting cotton, buttons, wool, patterns, tools, and all kinds of creative treasures. Perfect for crafters looking for unique supplies without the full-price tag. FREE.
When: Saturday, May 2, 9:40am to 3pm
Where: Fisher Park Community Centre, 250 Holland Ave, Ottawa
16. Spring Market at Cumberland Farmers Market
Celebrate spring with 85 local farmers and vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and garden-ready finds. Add live music, family-friendly vibes, and a dog-friendly market atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect Saturday outing. FREE.
When: Saturday, May 2, 9am to 3pm
Where: Cumberland Farmers Market, 1115 Dunning Rd
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend!
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
17. The Invisible, Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare
This powerful theatre production tells the story of seven women spies during World War II. They are secretly recruited to carry out dangerous missions behind enemy lines. The show mixes drama, music, and visual storytelling to show courage, sacrifice, and teamwork during wartime. Tickets at $31.
When: April 29-May 9, 2pm and 7:30pm.
Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
18. Mutchmor Booksale 2026
Discover thousands of great second-hand finds from bestselling fiction and children’s favourites to cookbooks, puzzles, games, and DVDs. Join the hunt at one of Ottawa’s most-loved annual community book sales, where every purchase helps support Mutchmor School programs and initiatives. Come back for Bargain Day on Sunday for extra deals and enjoy live music from an acoustic band from Glebe Collegiate Institute. Entry is FREE.
When: Apr 30-May 3. Thu 4-8pm; Fri 4-8pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 10am-2pm.
Where: Mutchmor Public School 185 Fifth Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario.
Details: IG @mutchmor_booksale
19. Jade Circle
This thoughtful theatre show tells the story of a woman reconnecting with her mother tongue and family history. Blending Mandarin and English, it follows a daughter who learns more about her mother and grandmother’s past while rediscovering her own identity. Tickets start at $42.
When: April 30-May 10, 2pm and 7:30pm.
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa.
20. Move for Youth 2026
Join United Way East Ontario, Centraide Outaouais, and National Bank for a free, two-week activity challenge that turns everyday movement into support for young people across our region. It’s free to join, but if you can, fundraise and help make an even bigger impact.
When: May 1–15, 2026
Where: Across Renfrew County, Lanark County, Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, and the Outaouais region.
Details and Registration: https://www.
21. Leith Ross: I can see the future tour
Enjoy an intimate live music performance from Canadian singer-songwriter Leith Ross, known for soft indie-folk songs and honest, emotional lyrics. The show features gentle vocals, guitar-driven music, and heartfelt storytelling, with special guest Wyatt C. Louis. Tickets at $48.02.
When: Friday, May 1, 7:30pm.
Where: The Bronson, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa.
Saturday
22. Grande Première 2026
A stylish runway night showcasing emerging Canadian designers, featuring haute couture, graduating collections, and standout fashion talent from Ottawa’s next generation of creatives. (Tickets sold out.)
When: Saturday, May 2, 6:30pm
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau
23. Haydn’s The Creation
Experience a grand season finale as the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and Ottawa Choral Society perform Haydn’s celebrated masterpiece The Creation. A powerful evening of sweeping music, voices, and classical brilliance. Tickets from $19.
When: May 2–3; Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3:30pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
24. Elton Songs: Tribute to Elton John
This tribute concert brings beloved songs like Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Your Song, and many more to the stage with live musicians and energetic performances. It’s a fun evening for longtime fans and anyone who loves timeless pop music. Tickets start at $45.
When: Saturday, May 2, 8pm.
Where: Theatre Du Casino Du Lac-Leamy, 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau, QC.
25. Arts Carleton Place Spring Fine Art Show
Celebrate local creativity at the Arts Carleton Place Spring Fine Art Show.
With more than 50 artists and a wide range of mediums and subjects, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the region’s vibrant art community.
Featuring a special new body of work by Colleen Gray, inspired by the view of Earth from beyond the stratosphere.
When: May 2-3, 10am–4:30pm
Where: Carleton Place Arena Upper Hall, 75 Neelin St, Carleton Place.
Sunday
26. Singles Mingle Fest
Meet new people and enjoy a fun social atmosphere at this large singles event in Ottawa. The afternoon includes music, comedy, games, and guided activities designed to help people start conversations in a relaxed and friendly setting. Tickets $38.61, Last chance Tickets $43.93.
When: Sunday, May 3, 1pm–6pm.
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
Next week
27. Ian Bostridge and Wenwen Du in Recital
An exceptional night of art song is coming to Ottawa. Nebula Performances Society brings together three-time Grammy Award–winning tenor Ian Bostridge and pianist Wenwen Du for a rare and intimate performance at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Expect a deeply expressive evening featuring the works of Hugo Wolf and Benjamin Britten, two masters of the art song repertoire. For anyone who appreciates world-class music in an intimate setting, this is not one to miss. A limited number of student tickets are available for purchase for this event by using the code “STUDENT30”. Student tickets are available for all individuals with a valid Student ID card. Tickets: $45-$95. When: Wednesday May 6 at 7:30pm. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. Details on Eventbrite.
More recurring events in Ottawa
28. Faith Fyles: in Full Bloom
This exhibition explores the intersection of art and science through the life and work of Faith Fyles (1875–1961), the first woman to be appointed as a botanist with Canada’s Department of Agriculture. FREE ADMISSION.
When: March 7–September 27, 2026
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Level 4, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge.
29. Radical Reuse
This exhibition explores how Ottawa’s design salvage can be restored and repurposed for the contemporary home. Presented by the emerging curators of Carleton University, whose mission is to promote sustainability and heritage preservation by challenging our culture of overconsumption. Entry is FREE.
When: Apr 7-May 3 (daily) Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm.
Where: Scrim’s Florist, 262 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Details: IG @therejoinery
If you’re looking for something fun this Saturday (May 2nd), Navan is the place to be 🤠
Flash mob, barn dance, mini cows and a s’mores food truck we’ll be there serving gourmet s’mores 🍫
Starts at 5pm, come dance and treat yourself!