Events for May 9, 2026
Free Fishing Weekend (Ontario)
Ontario Free Fishing Weekend runs May 9-10, 2026. Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without a licence province-wide. Open to all — great for families, beginners, or anyone introducing a […]
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.
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 […]
Ottawa – Mothers in Bloom Holistic Healing Fair™
Wellness and holistic fair celebrating nurturing energy and self-care. Features readers, makers, healers, crystals, natural products, and heart-centered small businesses. First 30 attendees receive swag bags. Free face painting for kids all day. Free workshops and talks. Door prize ballots with each purchase. Ripple Rewards Plinko prizes.
Tulipfest at Saunders Farm
Brand-new spring festival for Saunders Farm's 50th anniversary. Nearly 500,000 tulips in 100+ varieties set within a 6-acre apple orchard. Features a Dutch windmill, artistic installations, strolling musicians, and interactive […]
Next Door Market – Vintage Pop up Spring
Multi-day artisan and vendor market running Saturday–Sunday, May 9–10. Local makers, crafts, small businesses. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.
Ontario Guild of Town Criers Competition
15 Town Criers and Consorts from across Ontario compete at the festival. Presented in partnership with the Ontario Guild of Town Criers and Capital Heritage Connexion. Cries begin at noon; […]
Retro Silent Disco | The National Gallery of Canada | Ottawa
Silent disco event with 3 live DJs spinning 80s, 90s, and 00s hits via wireless headphones inside the National Gallery. Lights, visuals, and a bar. Listed as "almost full." Global […]
Dwayne Gretzky Show
Toronto-based cover band Dwayne Gretzky performing at The Bronson. Show themed "Does The 90s" — two sets, no opening act. General admission standing floor and seated balcony available. Licensed 19+ with photo ID required. Presented with support of Ontario Creates. Limit of 10 tickets per household. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer […]
Electric Feel – indie sleaze dance party, DJ Le Hartt
Indie sleaze dance party with DJ Le Hartt at The 27 Club. Doors at 10 PM. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.