Events for May 8, 2026
THE INVISIBLE – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Film noir musical by Catalyst Theatre based on real female WWII operatives. Genre-busting multilingual production blending spy fiction, graphic novel aesthetics, and original music. Ages 13+. Running through May 9. […]
An intimate tale of waiting (NAC French Theatre)
Bilingual French Theatre production presented by NAC French Theatre. Three theatrical stars sparkle in a rare alignment: a brilliant director, a radiant actress and the Sun herself, Annie Ernaux, the […]
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey
This exhibition traces Impressionist painter Helen McNicoll's career through more than 80 paintings, sketches and works on paper. It also features work by her close painting companion Dorothea Sharp and […]
270 West Consulting Presents the Tulip Trail
A NEW immersive 40-minute experience tracing 4,000 years of tulip history across 12,000 km. The journey covers: wild tulips in the Central Asian Mountains (2000 BCE) → Silk Road and Ottoman Empire tulip gardens → Dutch Tulipmania financial bubble → Canada's WWII legacy and the Royal Gift of Tulips → a photo op in the […]
Arteast Pavilion – Ottawa Tulip Festival
Local Ottawa art showcase at the festival. A downloadable Activity Calendar PDF with full programming details is available directly from the Arteast Pavilion page. The PDF link on the page is: https://tulipfestival.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Tulip-festival-boutique-and-activity-description-V1-1-1.pdf-1.pdf
Korean Pavilion – Ottawa Tulip Festival
Honours the shared history of Canada and the Netherlands during the Korean War and the lasting friendship forged between the nations. Features a Korean cultural experience zone with interactive activities. No separate page beyond the main festival site.
Dutch Pavilion – Ottawa Tulip Festival
Hosted in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A cultural experience celebrating the historic gift of tulips from the Dutch royal family to Canada following World […]
Tulip Market – Handcrafted Treasures
A curated artisan market featuring local makers who have created tulip-inspired pieces for the festival. Items include home décor, artwork, handmade gifts, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Confirmed 2026 vendors: Arteast, Chayana'k, Doozy Candles, La Vie A I'en Verre, Little Creek, Ricovjewlery, Shiloh, Soldar.
CF Rideau Centre Self-Guided Walking Tour
A free 7-stop self-guided walking tour through Commissioners Park using QR codes at each stop. Highlights include the Queen Juliana Gift Bed, The Man with Two Hats historic statue, and […]
Canadian Tulip Festival
World's largest tulip festival. 300,000+ tulips across 26 gardens. Free admission to grounds. Paid activities include the Tulip Trail ($5) and CIBC Tulip Trek ($5). Dutch Pavilion, Korean Pavilion, Tulip Market, Tulip Taxi cart rides, self-guided legacy tour, blacklight boardwalk after dark, Tulip Town activity area for kids. Flower Fun Run on May 9. Site […]
CIBC Tulip Trek: self-guided scavenger hunt through the gardens
A family scavenger hunt through Commissioners Park. Start at Dow's Lake Pavilion to pick up your first clue and explorer tools. Crack 6 clues hidden throughout the park while learning […]
Polestar Ottawa Tulip Taxi
Hop-on, hop-off golf cart service covering the full 1.2 km length of the festival. Three stops: South End Hub (near Carleton University parking and south Info Centre) → Mid-Festival Stop […]
Neo Financial Play Zone featuring Velocity Games
A drop-in family activity hub. Features oversized yard games, creative building stations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Every weekend the zone transforms into an adventure hub with obstacle courses and Nerf battles — designed by Velocity Games, a youth entrepreneur-founded business. No registration required.
Opening Ceremony – Tulip Festival
Remembrance Ceremony honouring veterans from World War II to today. Includes a Cannon Salute and CF-18 Fly Over. No tickets required.
Best Fest Ottawa – Premium Food, Drink & Local Goods Festival
Ottawa's premium food and drink event hosted by The Best Eats 613. Vendors in BBQ, Indian, fried chicken, Italian, Japanese and more. Local breweries, wines, hand-crafted cocktails. Ticket includes event entry; food and beverages purchased separately from vendors on-site.
Cranium Conference & Showcase 2026
Music industry event by Cranium Arts Project connecting professionals with musicians and artists. Friday schedule: 5:15–6:25 PM Artist Branding and Identity panel. Weekend includes networking sessions, panels with music professionals, […]
Ottawa Titans Home Opener – Québec Capitales vs. Ottawa Titans
Season opener vs. four-time defending Frontier League champion Québec Capitales. First 5,000 fans receive a FREE jersey (XL). Post-game fireworks. Food trucks and activities for all ages. Free OC Transpo […]
Deux Voix, Une Capitale – The Box
Ottawa band The Box performing live under the "Deux Voix, Une Capitale" billing. 19+ show. Catch Canadian band The Box live at the Bronson Centre as part of the Deux […]
Mage Tears, Ebril Show
Two-act show at FONO. Ticketed event. Mage Tears and Ebril are performing a joint concert at FONO in Ottawa ON May 8, 2026, as part of their Ontario tour. The […]
Dead Bob, MVLL CRIMES
Dead Bob (John Wright of NoMeansNo and collaborators) headlines with London punks MVLL CRIMES in support. 19+ with photo ID. Presented by Ontario Creates and Beyond The Pale. All sales final, no refunds or exchanges. Tickets from $32.40.
Sooshi Mango: The Home Made World Tour
Australian comedy trio performing live. Character-driven humour rooted in immigrant family experiences. Sold out arenas in Australia. Net capacity 2,035. All prices include HST (13%) and facility fee. VIP upgrade available separately. Final sale – no exchanges or refunds.
Alone in the Dark – Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
This immersive guided paranormal investigation invites participants to explore a series of historic buildings after dark, including a church, schoolhouse, train station and family home. Led by experienced hosts, the […]
Oniro – Magical Forrest Walk (Night)
Experience a magical forest walk at Parc Oméga as the story of wolf cub Oniro unfolds through light, sound, and immersive storytelling. Created by artist Michel Lemieux, ONIRO features 17 […]