This weekend is packed with amazing things to do in Ottawa that will bring a great energy across the city. Don’t miss the largest community garage sale, the Ottawa Marathon, Kanata Ribfest, circus shows, and so much more. Share this post with your friends and start planning your weekend!
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17 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.The Great Glebe Garage Sale
When: Saturday May 23, 8am-2pm
Where: Throughout the Glebe, Ottawa
Details: https://glebeca.ca/
2. Tamarack Race Weekend
When: May 23-24, Sat 1pm-8pm Sun 7am-12pm
Where: Ottawa Downtown, Parkway and Gatineau
Details: https://www.
3. Kanata Ribfest and Mac My Cheese Fest
When: May 22-24, 11am-9pm (7pm Sunday)
Where: 400 March Rd, Kanata
Details: On Facebook
4. Atlético Ottawa vs Forge FC
When: Sunday May 24, at 2pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
5. Ottawa Rapid vs Montreal Roses
6. Annual Traditional Powwow
When: May 23-24, 12pm-6pm
Where: Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa
Details: odawa.ca
When: vs Honey Badgers Thursday May 21, at 7:30pm; vs Montreal Alliance Saturday May 23, at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
8. Bunnypalooza
When: Saturday, May 23, 10am
Where: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave.
Details: IG @ottawabunnypalooza
9. Barks and Blooms
When: Saturday May 23, 1pm-3pm
Where: Winston Square, 399 Winston Ave, Ottawa
When: Thursday, May 21, 7pm–8pm
Where: Head Street Square, 310 Miwate Private, Zibi (rain location: The Warehouse, 28 Booth Street)
When: Friday May 22 at 7pm, Saturday May 23 at 6pm, Sunday May 24 at 1pm
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON
Details: ottawatitans.com
When: May 22-24, 1pm
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa.
Details: ottawacircusfestival.
When: May 22-June 1
Where: St Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St Laurent Boulevard
When: Sunday May 24, 10am
Where: Sensplex Kanata, 1565 Maple Grove Rd, Ottawa, ON
Details: On Facebook
When: Saturday May 23, 11am
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON
Details: Multicultural Eid Bazaar
When: Saturday May 23, 2pm (doors and pit party at 12:30pm)
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata
When: May 22–June 7, 7:30pm
Where: Patterson Creek Park, Linden Terrace, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
18. The Birds and the Bees
When: Wednesday, May 6 to Saturday, May 23 at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
19. Urinetown The Musical
Winner of three Tony Awards, Urinetown The Musical is a sharp and hilarious satire that blends comedy, politics, and unforgettable music in a wildly entertaining theatrical production. Admission: $28+.
When: Wednesday, May 20 to Sunday, May 24 (various times).
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.
20. La Vida Loca with the NAC Orchestra
When: May 21–23, 8pm
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street
21. Carine au Micro
Experience an unforgettable night of soul and Afro-inspired music as Montréal-based, Benin-born artist Carine au Micro brings her vibrant sound and powerful vocals to Ottawa’s Fourth Stage. Admission: $20.
When: Friday, May 22 at 8:00pm.
Where: National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
22. Orleans Blooms
When: Saturday, May 23, 9am–3pm
Where: St. Helen’s Anglican Church, 1234 Prestone Drive, Orleans
When: Saturday, May 23, 7pm
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road South, Gloucester
24. The Golden Voices of Arabia
Celebrate the timeless legacy of legendary Arab divas in this captivating evening of classical Arabic music, featuring acclaimed singer Nidal Ibourk and a powerful tribute to iconic voices from across the Arab world. Admission: $35.
When: Saturday, May 23 at 8:00pm.
Where: National Arts Centre, Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
25. Chris Tucker
Get ready for an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy as Chris Tucker brings his signature high-energy humour and storytelling to Ottawa for one night only. Admission: $100+.
When: Sunday, May 24 at 7:00pm.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa.
26. TEN
Presented by Voices Rock Medicine, TEN is a powerful musical celebration marking ten years of music, community, and healing, featuring an energetic live performance that blends rock classics with inspiring storytelling and local talent. Admission: $44.50.
When: Sunday, May 24 at 7:00pm.
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa.
More recurring events in Ottawa
27. Step into the Rainbow with Wild Colour
Making its Ottawa debut, Wild Colour is a family-friendly exhibition exploring the beauty and science of colour in nature. Discover nearly 200 specimens, audio stories, vibrant colour zones, and hands-on activities. Learn how living things use colour to communicate, attract, hide, and survive in the wild. Enjoy interactive activities that spark wonder in both kids and adults. On view for a limited time. Included with general admission. When: Starting May 15. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.
28. Pirate Life – Opening Weekend
Set sail on a swashbuckling one-hour pirate adventure on the water, featuring dockside activities before boarding. A magical experience for kids and adults alike, advance booking is highly recommended as space on the ship is limited. Tickets are $44 per person, with children 3 and under at $14. Adventures run on weekends in May and June, with multiple time slots available daily.
When: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.
Where: Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
Details: piratelife.ca
29. Summer at The Log Farm – Opening Weekend
Come enjoy opening weekend at Ottawa’s favourite family farm! The Log Farm kicks off its summer season this weekend, welcoming families to meet all the animals: sheep, cows, goats, horses, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and barn cats. Spring babies will be active and curious, often eating right from your hand! Kids will love the Kids Barn with themed hands-on activities, the corn sensory table, dramatic play stations, hay bales to climb, and wide open fields to explore. Don’t miss the pioneer farmhouse for a glimpse into early farm life. Admission is $12.99 plus tax for all guests aged 1 and up. Children under 1 are FREE. Free parking on site. No pets allowed.
When: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 9am to 4pm (last admission at 3pm)
Where: The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd.
30. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park
Enjoy over 80 sculptures representing themes on the human condition, philosophic concepts, and imagery representative of various faiths from around the world, carefully placed in a natural setting. Tickets: $7, $10, $25 (family pass)
When: As of Saturday May 16, Thursdays to Mondays 10am-5pm until October 31.
Where: 3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland)
Details: On Facebook.
31. NCC Weekend Bikedays
From May to October, the NCC’s Weekend Bikedays program opens select Ottawa parkways to active use, perfect for biking, walking, rollerblading, or strolling. Enjoy a safe, car-free way to explore the National Capital Region. Runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. FREE.
When: May 9 to October 12, 2026
Where: Kichi Zibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.
32. Jukebox Lunch Concerts
Live music for your lunch returns to the capital with Jukebox Lunch Concerts at the National Arts Centre every Thursday in May and June. It kicks off with poet / singer-songwriter Maya Spoken bringing her soulful take on self-discovery, love and Black culture. Bring your lunch hour to the next level. FREE.
When: Thursday May 7, at 12:10pm
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
33. Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
Shopping in the evening always has its own flavour, as you’ll find at the Hintonburg Night Market. It’s a chance to stroll through a variety of local vendors, plenty of food and drink, all while being entertained by local musicians and buskers. A great night out. FREE.
When: Thursdays from May to Oct, 4pm–9pm
Where: Urban Art Collective, 1088 Somerset Street West, Ottawa
34. Saunders Farm Tulip Fest
Wander through half a million tulips and enjoy the giant Dutch windmill for amazing family photos. Perfect for day trippers, families, and flower lovers of all ages. Tickets from $15.
When: Saturday, May 9-24.
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa
35. Mother’s Day with the LEGO Group
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a whimsical LEGO® floral experience featuring a stunning oversized botanical installation, elegant afternoon tea, and interactive LEGO building activities perfect for families and flower lovers alike. Admission: FREE. Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 31 (various times). At Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa.
36. 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.