Things to do in Ottawa this month
Ottawa in May 2026: 10th anniversary edition of Ottawa’s signature poutine festival at RA Centre kicks things off Friday morning, and the NAC has shows running back to back. If you’re after something free, there are markets, license-free fishing weekend, Tulip festival, and plenty more events to explore. Here’s everything worth doing in Ottawa this month. Updated weekly as new events are confirmed.
🔥Handpicked events in Ottawa this month
⚡Best things to do in Ottawa this month
Ottawa Clay Festival
Presented by the Ottawa Guild of Potters. Features spring pottery sale with 30+ local potters, annual juried exhibition, live pottery demonstrations, pottery…
Ottawa PoutineFest – 10th Anniversary
10th anniversary edition of Ottawa's signature poutine festival. 100+ poutine varieties. Live music, Kids Zone, Bevvy Garden, exotic poutine competition, and NEW…
Chamberfest Concert Series – Le Consort Laurentien x Lagrime
Make sure to catch an incredible music show from this Concert Series this fall and winter. Featuring Canadian and international artists, this…
Axé WorldFest Artist Showcase – Day 2
Artist Showcase Day 2 - Empowering Women in the Music Industry Global music showcase presented by Axé WorldFest with the NAC. Day…
Leith Ross – I Can See the Future Tour
Acclaimed indie folk singer-songwriter Leith Ross performing live. Special guest Wyatt C. Louis. All ages, licensed venue. Known for emotionally resonant lyrics…
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…
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…
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.…
Orchidophilia 2026 – 42nd Annual Orchid Show
42nd annual show by Ottawa Orchid Society. Hundreds of blooming orchids on display, vendors selling orchids, free workshops, Ikebana and photography displays.…
613 flea market
Monthly not-for-profit flea market. 150 vendors: makers, bakers, artists, artisans, vintage clothing, records, comics, food vendors. Free admission. Dogs welcome. Note: Aberdeen…
Anyone Can Sculpt Ice: Ottawa’s Hands-On Ice Sculpting Workshop
Discover the fundamentals of ice sculpting in a guided, hands on workshop experience. Participants are introduced to essential techniques for carving small…
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Calgary Wild FC
Ottawa’s professional women’s soccer team (Ottawa Rapid FC) NSL home opener vs. Calgary Wild FC. Ottawa Rapid FC kicked off 2026 with…
Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market
Don't miss out on bargain prices on all things sewing-related: quilting cotton, notions, buttons, wool, patterns, tools and so much more.
Lowest of the Low performing Shakespeare My Butt
Canadian alt-rock veterans Lowest of the Low live performing Shakespeare My Butt to celebrate its 35th Anniversary. 19+ show.
The OBGMs, The Effens, BANEZEAN
Toronto punk trio The OBGMs headline with The Effens and BANEZEAN in support. 19+ with photo ID. Presented with support of Ontario…
🧠 Editor’s picks
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⚡All things to do in Ottawa this month
Triumph: The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour (with April Wine)
Canadian classic rock legends Triumph headline with April Wine as support. Large arena show. Parking available on-site. Box office opens 2 hours…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
Singles Mingle Fest
Meet new people and enjoy a lively social atmosphere at this large-scale singles mingle event. Featuring music, comedy, interactive games, and structured…
Why Sci-Fi – NACO Family Adventures
Family classical concert by the NAC Orchestra. Ages 5–12. Prepare to blast off with the NAC Orchestra on an intergalactic musical adventure!…
Cattle Decapitation – 30 Years of Inhumanity
American death metal/grindcore band Cattle Decapitation celebrating their 30th anniversary. All ages.
James Ehnes in Recital – Great Performers Series
World-renowned Canadian violinist James Ehnes celebrates his 50th birthday with a solo recital of his favourite works, accompanied by pianist Andrew Armstrong.…
SoulRhythms (Afro-Caribbean dance workshop)
Free weekly drop-in Afro-Caribbean dance workshop by Cultural Arts Studio. Travels through movement and dance traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean.…
Lowertown with Villagerrr & Green Eyes, Witch Hands
MODO-LIVE presents indie alt duo Lowertown with support from Villagerrr & Green Eyes, Witch Hands. 19+. Capacity 250. All sales final, no…
Toddler Tuesdays – NAC
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led…
Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop (Part 1: Beading the Vamp)
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafting moccasins with…
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
Ottawa Rapid FC hosts the defending NSL Champions Vancouver Rise FC. High-profile early-season matchup — Vancouver eliminated Ottawa in a semifinal penalty…
Brad Mehldau – presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival
World-renowned jazz pianist Brad Mehldau performs solo in the intimate Saint Brigid's Church. Presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival as a spring…
Bleeker, Texas King, Saturn Sunrise
Canadian rock band Bleeker headlines with support from Texas King and Saturn Sunrise. Doors 7 PM. Small intimate venue.
Mozart, Korngold & Bryan Cheng with the NAC Orchestra
Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng performs two works for solo cello and orchestra: Korngold's Cello Concerto (composed for the 1946 film noir Deception)…
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…
Sicard Artist Series – Fourth Stage NAC
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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.…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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 —…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Friends of the Farm Plant Sale
Annual plant sale featuring many of the region's top specialty growers and nursery vendors. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton on hand for free…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
2026 Rockstar Music Spring Showcase
Student music showcase open to all ages and levels. Great music, gifts, and family fun. Performers enter free. Tickets $25 in advance…
Flower Fun Run (Mother’s Day)
An official Canadian Tulip Festival event run by Somersault Events. Takes place along a closed scenic course through the festival grounds at…
Guided Family Paint Party
Guided paint night led by experienced artist Timka. Participants paint "Moonlight Owls" – an owl scene in a moonlit sky using black,…
Strung Out, Belvedere, MAJORS
Strung Out (So-Cal melodic hardcore legends) performing "Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues" in full to celebrate the album's anniversary, plus a set of…
An Evening With Black Flag
Black Flag, the iconic American punk band formed in 1976. 2 sets, 1 night. 19+, doors at 7:30 PM. No refunds. Event…
SoulRhythms (Afro-Caribbean dance workshop)
Free weekly drop-in Afro-Caribbean dance workshop by Cultural Arts Studio. Travels through movement and dance traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean.…
Trio INK + 1: Schumann and Brahms (Part of Chamberfest)
Part of Chamberfest's 2025–26 Concert Series. Trio INK — the piano trio led by NACO concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki — performs with special…
Toddler Tuesdays – NAC
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led…
Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop (Part 2: Making the moccasin)
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafting moccasins with…
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
10-time Tony Award winner including Best Musical. Based on the Baz Luhrmann film. A theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love…
Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Calgary Surge
Ottawa BlackJacks home opener for the 2026 CEBL season. Professional basketball — Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). TD Place Arena seats 5,500–8,585.…
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Halifax Tides FC
Ottawa Rapid FC (NSL women's professional soccer) vs. Halifax Tides FC. Part of the 2026 Northern Super League regular season. Played at…
Voice of Desert (Contemporary Dance Work)
Contemporary dance work by acclaimed Japanese choreographer and dancer Saburo Teshigawara and his company KARAS. Described by Teshigawara as "a piece created…
GoodLife HYROX Ottawa
First-ever HYROX event in Canada's capital — a major milestone for the global fitness racing community. Thousands of athletes competing across singles,…
Free Jukebox Lunch Concert: Sophie Grenier
Free lunchtime concert series at the NAC. Francophone pop artist Sophie Grenier performs. Part of the NAC's weekly Jukebox Lunch Concerts series.…
Andrea Lindsay Show – D’or et d’argent
Francophone pop artist Andrea Lindsay performs her show D'or et d'argent. Part of NAC's Popular Music and Variety programming. Tickets via NAC.…
Latin American Film Festival Ottawa 2026 (Final screening)
29th edition of the LAFF presented by GRULA (Group of Embassies of Latin American Countries) in collaboration with Saint Paul University. Films…
CanGames Tabletop Game Convention
Canada's longest-running volunteer-led gaming convention, held annually on the Victoria Day long weekend since 1977. 300+ games across 8 time slots including…
Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
Four-day outdoor food festival featuring top ribbers, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and a wide range of poutine — classic, gourmet, and extreme.…
Gloucester Night Market
Outdoor evening market celebrating local artisans, makers, and small businesses. Relaxed atmosphere with music, unique finds, and a neighbourhood vibe. Recurring monthly…
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…
K-Man and the 45s + Joystick + Goat + Chapter 33
K-Man & The 45s are a Rock 'n' Roll Ska band from Montreal. Supporting acts include Joystick, Goat, and Chapter 33. At…
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.…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Westboro (Opening Weekend)
Outdoor producer-only market opening for the 2026 season. 60+ local vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts,…
Main Street Farmers’ Market
Weekly Saturday market running May through October. Producer-only market with all vendors making, baking, or growing within 100 km of Ottawa. Fresh…
613 flea market
Monthly not-for-profit flea market. 150 vendors: makers, bakers, artists, artisans, vintage clothing, records, comics, food vendors. Free admission. Dogs welcome. Note: Aberdeen…
Anyone Can Sculpt Ice: Ottawa’s Hands-On Ice Sculpting Workshop
Discover the fundamentals of ice sculpting in a guided, hands on workshop experience. Participants are introduced to essential techniques for carving small…
Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish
A Kwantlen First Nations family theatre production by playwright Joseph A. Dandurand, presented by Axis Theatre. The tale of an ogress spirit…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
Atlético Ottawa vs. Halifax Wanderers FC
Canadian Premier League (CPL) men's professional soccer. Atlético Ottawa hosts Halifax Wanderers FC at TD Place. Parking add-on available at checkout. Event…
Powwow Workout with Amanda Fox
Free weekly drop-in fitness workshop led by Amanda Fox integrating powwow dance traditions into a full-body workout. Held Mondays at the NAC.…
Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Niagara River Lions
CEBL professional basketball. Ottawa BlackJacks vs. the back-to-back CEBL champion Niagara River Lions — a marquee Victoria Day matchup. Highlighted in the…
Toddler Tuesdays – NAC
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led…
Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop (Part 3: Final assembly)
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafting moccasins with…
Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Brampton Honey Badgers
CEBL professional basketball — designated CHEO Day game. Ottawa BlackJacks host the Brampton Honey Badgers. Parking add-on available at checkout. Event details…
La Vida Loca with the NAC Orchestra
High-energy Latin pops concert with the NAC Orchestra. Greatest hits of '90s–'00s Latin pop — Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Ricky Martin,…
Auguste Quartet jazz concert
Francophone jazz concert. Led by bassist/composer Alain Bédard, the Auguste Quartet has toured four continents over 20+ years. New lineup: Erik Hove…
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.…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Westboro
Outdoor producer-only market opening for the 2026 season. 60+ local vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts,…
Main Street Farmers’ Market
Weekly Saturday market running May through October. Producer-only market with all vendors making, baking, or growing within 100 km of Ottawa. Fresh…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
SoulRhythms (Afro-Caribbean dance workshop)
Free weekly drop-in Afro-Caribbean dance workshop by Cultural Arts Studio. Travels through movement and dance traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean.…
Toddler Tuesdays – NAC
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
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.…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Westboro
Outdoor producer-only market opening for the 2026 season. 60+ local vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts,…
Main Street Farmers’ Market
Weekly Saturday market running May through October. Producer-only market with all vendors making, baking, or growing within 100 km of Ottawa. Fresh…
Anyone Can Sculpt Ice: Ottawa’s Hands-On Ice Sculpting Workshop
Discover the fundamentals of ice sculpting in a guided, hands on workshop experience. Participants are introduced to essential techniques for carving small…
Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne (Outdoor Season)
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…
Upcoming in Ottawa next month
SoulRhythms (Afro-Caribbean dance workshop)
Free weekly drop-in Afro-Caribbean dance workshop by Cultural Arts Studio. Travels through movement and dance traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean.…
Toddler Tuesdays – NAC
Free weekly drop-in program for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Singing, dancing, games, and story time led…
613 flea market
Monthly not-for-profit flea market. 150 vendors: makers, bakers, artists, artisans, vintage clothing, records, comics, food vendors. Free admission. Dogs welcome. Note: Aberdeen…
While you’re out this month
Best brunch in
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Best patios worth
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Frequently asked questions
What events are happening in Ottawa this month?
Ottawa has a full calendar of events every month including seasonal festivals, food and drink events, markets, live performances, sporting events, and community gatherings. This page is updated at the start of each month and refreshed weekly as new events are confirmed.
What are the best things to do in Ottawa in May 2026?
Some of the best things to do in Ottawa this month include the Canadian Tulip Festival, Oniro magical forrest walk, 10th anniversary edition of Ottawa’s signature poutine festival, and Orchidophilia 2026, among others. Summer brings outdoor festivals, patios, and canal activities. This guide covers the top picks for the current month.
Are there any festivals or major events in Ottawa this month?
Ottawa hosts festivals and major events throughout the year. This page lists all confirmed festivals, large-scale events, and seasonal highlights happening this month, updated at the start of each month and as new events are announced.
What free events are happening in Ottawa this month?
Free monthly events in Ottawa include the weekly Lansdowne Farmers’ Market, free museum days, seasonal outdoor festivals, and neighbourhood community events. The free section of this monthly guide is updated regularly as events are confirmed.