613 Times

Best Fest Ottawa - Premium Food, Drink & Local Goods Festival
2026-05-08 12:00 - 2026-05-09 23:00 UTC | The Glebe · Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.

Opening Ceremony - Tulip Festival
2026-05-08 11:00 - 2026-05-18 12:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Remembrance Ceremony honouring veterans from World War II to today. Includes a Cannon Salute and CF-18 Fly Over. No tickets required.

Neo Financial Play Zone featuring Velocity Games
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 20:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.

Polestar Ottawa Tulip Taxi
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 20:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 (steps from OC Transpo buses, food trucks, artisan vendors, Dutch Pavilion, and Booth St. Info Centre) → Great Lawn Gateway (access to O-Train, Dow’s Lake Pavilion, Dow’s Lake Info Centre, Tulip Trek and Tulip Trail entrances). Passes are limited — book in advance. First-come, first-served on the day.

CIBC Tulip Trek: self-guided scavenger hunt through the gardens
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 20:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 the history of the tulip festival. Final mission: find the Groundskeeper’s hidden shed and turn on the water to save the tulips. Your receipt is your ticket — show it on your phone or printed at the starting line. Tickets sold directly on the festival website.

Canadian Tulip Festival
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 20:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 open 10 AM–8 PM.
No fireworks or drone show at the 2026 festival.
The festival website states: “”We hope to return to the skies for our Diamond Jubilee in 2027.”” Event details can change — verify at tulipfestival.ca before attending.

CF Rideau Centre Self-Guided Walking Tour
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 Heritage Canada’s Dutch-Canadian War Brides Display. Requires a QR code reader on your phone. You can start the tour directly at: https://tulipfestival.ca/walking-tour-stop-1/

Tulip Market - Handcrafted Treasures
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.

Dutch Pavilion - Ottawa Tulip Festival
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 War II. No separate page beyond the main festival site.

Korean Pavilion - Ottawa Tulip Festival
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.

Arteast Pavilion - Ottawa Tulip Festival
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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

270 West Consulting Presents the Tulip Trail
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-18 18:00 | Dow’s Lake · Commissioners Park, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 studio of legendary Canadian photographer and festival founder Malak Karsh. Entrance at the Great Lawn at Preston Rd. and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Your receipt is your ticket. Spots fill fast — book in advance.

An intimate tale of waiting (NAC French Theatre)
2026-05-07 20:00 - 2026-05-09 21:15 | Azrieli Studio, NAC, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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 masterful chronicler of anonymous others. Using her pen as a scalpel, she dissects a heart consumed by passion: her own.
Many of us have read and reread the work of literature Nobel prize winner Ernaux, but how many of us have ever heard it performed on stage? Unyielding theatrical mastermind Brigitte Haentjens has invited the stellar Julie Le Breton to channel the voice of this unique French author. On stage, a woman waits hours, day, weeks by the phone. She is expecting a call from her Lover, a married foreign diplomat. Between the ecstasy of ephemeral lovemaking and the despair of absence, she observes her own fall from grace with stunning lucidity. The language is sharp and cutting, with occasional delicate sprinkles of humour.
To experience this intimate, autobiographical tale with sensitivity, the audience must suspend all moral judgment and accept that they will see the author of Se perdre launch herself, body and soul, into the maw of two impetuous monsters: loving and writing.

Sicard Artist Series - Fourth Stage NAC
2026-05-07 20:00 | NAC · Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Emerging Canadian Indigenous artist performing Indigenous/Singer-Songwriter/Folk. Part of the John and Pina Sicard Artist Series that spotlights rising Canadian talent at the intimate Fourth Stage.
John and Pina Sicard have generously supported this series to shine the spotlight on emerging Canadian artists in the Fourth Stage. This gift will ensure that Canadian music makers developing their career will be seen by a wide audience. Be sure to catch a concert by one of these amazing artists in one of Ottawa’s best music venues.

Mozart, Korngold & Bryan Cheng with the NAC Orchestra
2026-05-06 20:00 - 2026-05-07 22:00 | NAC · Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng performs two works for solo cello and orchestra: Korngold’s Cello Concerto (composed for the 1946 film noir Deception) and Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony. Conducted by Teddy Abrams. Presented by Audi. Accessible parking available at NAC.

Brad Mehldau - presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival
2026-05-06 19:30 - 20:45 | ByWard Market · Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
World-renowned jazz pianist Brad Mehldau performs solo in the intimate Saint Brigid’s Church. Presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival as a spring pre-festival event. General admission and reserved front-row seating available. All-ages show in a historic heritage venue.
Join us on Wednesday May 6th, 2026 at the Saint Brigid’s Centre For The Arts for a night of lyrical and introspective music as the Ottawa Jazz Festival presents Brad Mehldau.
Both reserved seating and General Admission tickets available, this evening offers a unique chance to enjoy an iconic live performance in an intimate and historic venue.
Choose your preferred ticket type
General Admission – Includes a general admission ticket that provide access to the venue with seating first come, first seated
Reserved Seat – Includes a reserved seat in the first two rows of the venue with a guaranteed seat with prime viewing

Bleeker, Texas King, Saturn Sunrise
2026-05-06 19:30 | ByWard Market · The 27 Club, 27 York St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian rock band Bleeker headlines with support from Texas King and Saturn Sunrise. Doors 7 PM. Small intimate venue.

Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
2026-05-06 19:00 | The Stadium at TD Place, The Glebe · 1015 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa Rapid FC hosts the defending NSL Champions Vancouver Rise FC. High-profile early-season matchup — Vancouver eliminated Ottawa in a semifinal penalty shootout in 2025.

Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop (Part 1: Beading the Vamp)
2026-05-05 17:30 - 20:30 | Atelier Shenkman Smith, NAC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafting moccasins with a beaded vamp. This workshop provides participants with hands-on experience in crafting and constructing their own pair of moccasins.
Participants leave with not only a beautiful pair of handmade moccasins but also pride. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this workshop is open to all. It will be a fun and welcoming environment, where stories will be told, and laughter will be shared.
Join us for an interactive and engaging session, connecting with others and leaving with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude.
Workshop schedule (three evenings, 5:30pm-8:30pm):
Tuesday May 5 – Beading the Vamp: Participants will have the opportunity to bead moccasin vamps—the beautifully decorated top part of a moccasin—while learning about their cultural significance in Indigenous traditions
Tuesday May 12: Making the moccasin
Tuesday May 19: Final assembly
Participants should be committed to attending all three sessions.
This workshop takes place at 1 Elgin Street, in the National Arts Centre’s Atelier Shenkman Smith which is located across from the Box Office.
Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.

Toddler Tuesdays - NAC
2026-05-05 10:00 - 10:50 | Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led by instructor Jesse Kahat. Fully interactive exploration of the performing arts through creative play. No ticket required.

Lowertown with Villagerrr & Green Eyes, Witch Hands
2026-05-04 20:00 | ByWard Market · The 27 Club, 27 York St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
MODO-LIVE presents indie alt duo Lowertown with support from Villagerrr & Green Eyes, Witch Hands. 19+. Capacity 250. All sales final, no refunds/exchanges.

SoulRhythms (Afro-Caribbean dance workshop)
2026-05-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Free weekly drop-in Afro-Caribbean dance workshop by Cultural Arts Studio. Travels through movement and dance traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean. 45 minutes, all ages and dance levels welcome. Held Mondays at the NAC.
From traditional to modern Afro-Caribbean folklore-based movement, the Cultural Arts Studio will lead you through an energizing 45-minute group class designed for all levels and ages.
Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.

James Ehnes in Recital - Great Performers Series
2026-05-03 20:00 | NAC · Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
World-renowned Canadian violinist James Ehnes celebrates his 50th birthday with a solo recital of his favourite works, accompanied by pianist Andrew Armstrong. Ehnes holds 12 Juno Awards — the most of any classical musician in history. Program includes Sinding, Brahms, and more.

Cattle Decapitation - 30 Years of Inhumanity
2026-05-03 19:00 | Centretown · The Bronson, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
American death metal/grindcore band Cattle Decapitation celebrating their 30th anniversary. All ages.

Why Sci-Fi - NACO Family Adventures
2026-05-03 15:30 - 16:30 | NAC · Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Family classical concert by the NAC Orchestra. Ages 5–12.
Prepare to blast off with the NAC Orchestra on an intergalactic musical adventure! Experience the thrill and wonder of science fiction brought to life through dazzling works, including John Williams’s theme from Star Wars, Jesse Montgomery’s Starburst, and Debussy’s Clair de lune. This cosmic journey will ignite your imagination and take you to the stars and beyond!
We hope you will enjoy the giant images on the NACOtron screen as they capture and magnify the magic of these fabulous concerts!
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Pre-Concert Activities
Arrive 60 minutes early to participate in pre-concert activities in the NAC Main Lobby areas. More than a concert, it’s an interactive musical experience!

Singles Mingle Fest
2026-05-03 13:00 - 18:00 | Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Meet new people and enjoy a lively social atmosphere at this large-scale singles mingle event. Featuring music, comedy, interactive games, and structured activities designed to spark conversation, the event offers a fun and relaxed way for Ottawa singles to connect. Whether seeking romance, friendship, or simply a memorable afternoon out, attendees can expect an energetic and welcoming experience.

Ottawa Farmers' Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
2026-05-03 09:00 - 15:00 | The Glebe · Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Year-round outdoor market (May–October season). 85–150+ local vendors within 100 km of Ottawa. Fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, artisan crafts, prepared foods. Buskers and musicians on-site. Free street parking Sundays; underground parking $4/hr.

Triumph: The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour (with April Wine)
2026-05-02 20:00 | Kanata · Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian classic rock legends Triumph headline with April Wine as support. Large arena show. Parking available on-site. Box office opens 2 hours before event.

The OBGMs, The Effens, BANEZEAN
2026-05-02 19:30 | ByWard Market · The 27 Club, 27 York St, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Toronto punk trio The OBGMs headline with The Effens and BANEZEAN in support. 19+ with photo ID. Presented with support of Ontario Creates and Beyond The Pale.

Lowest of the Low performing Shakespeare My Butt
2026-05-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Centretown · The Bronson, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian alt-rock veterans Lowest of the Low live performing Shakespeare My Butt to celebrate its 35th Anniversary. 19+ show.
