Top 15 Things and Events in Ottawa This Week (May 11-15, 2026)

Ottawa is moving from tulip-season kickoff energy into a packed mid-May week filled with concerts, sports, theatre, food festivals, fitness events, and hands-on community programming. This guide to Ottawa events highlights the best Ottawa may 2026 events happening from Monday through Friday, with a few major weekend-starting festivals included for anyone planning ahead. The National Arts Centre is especially busy this week, while TD Place, Barrhaven, Centretown, and the ByWard Market all have strong options for different crowds. Whether you want a date night, a family outing, a free cultural event, or a lively night out, there is plenty to add to your calendar.

Top Ottawa May 2026 events this week

1. Ottawa may 2026 event for music lovers: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings Broadway spectacle to Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre starting Tuesday, making it one of the biggest Ottawa may 2026 events of the week. The 10-time Tony Award winner features more than 70 pop hits, dazzling choreography, lavish costumes, and a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. It is best suited for audiences 12 and up due to mature themes, adult language, revealing costumes, and flashing lights.

• 🎭 Location: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre
• 📅 Dates: May 12-17, 2026
• 🎟️ Cost: From $249

2. Ottawa BlackJacks vs. Calgary Surge

The Ottawa BlackJacks open their 2026 CEBL home season Tuesday night against the Calgary Surge at TD Place Arena. This is one of the strongest sports picks among Ottawa may 2026 events, especially for basketball fans looking for a high-energy weeknight outing in the Glebe. Expect professional Canadian basketball, a lively arena atmosphere, and the added excitement of opening-night momentum.

• 🏀 Location: The Arena at TD Place
• 🕢 Time: Tuesday at 7:30 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $25

3. Ottawa may 2026 event most popular this week: Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine

Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine starts Friday at Clarke Fields Park with a long weekend lineup of ribbers, barbecue, poutine, desserts, live music, and family activities. It is a major food-focused highlight in this list of Ottawa may 2026 events, with free admission and plenty of pay-as-you-go options for lunch, dinner, or an evening hangout. New additions for 2026 include a Kid Zone and more live music stages.

• 🍖 Location: Clarke Fields Park, Barrhaven
• 📅 Dates: May 15-18, 2026
• 🎟️ Cost: Free admission, food for purchase

4. CanGames Tabletop Game Convention

CanGames returns to the Rideau Curling Club on Friday as Canada’s longest-running volunteer-led gaming convention. The event features more than 300 games across multiple time slots, including board games, roleplaying games, miniature games, and a vendor marketplace. For anyone looking beyond concerts and festivals, this is one of the most social and community-driven Ottawa may 2026 events on the calendar.

• 🎲 Location: Rideau Curling Club
• 📅 Dates: May 15-17, 2026
• 🎟️ Cost: From $15 for a badge

More Ottawa May events 2026 happening this week

1. Trio INK + 1: Schumann and Brahms

Trio INK + 1 opens the week with an elegant Chamberfest concert at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. The piano trio, led by NACO concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki, performs with guest violist Kyle Armbrust in a program built around Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Robert Schumann. Classical music fans will appreciate the romantic-era depth of the evening, especially the pairing of intimate chamber works with the warm acoustics of the Cleary Avenue venue. The concert begins at 7 PM, making it a strong Monday option for anyone who wants a refined night out without waiting for the weekend. The program includes Clara Schumann’s Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Minor, and Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Major. The event also stands out among Ottawa may 2026 events because it offers student and community discount tickets using the code GOODVIBRATO. The venue is wheelchair accessible, which makes planning easier for guests with mobility needs. This is especially well suited to couples, classical music regulars, and anyone looking for a calm cultural reset at the start of the week. Attendees should confirm final details with Chamberfest before heading out.

• 🎻 Location: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
• 🕖 Time: Monday at 7 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: $40

2. SoulRhythms

SoulRhythms brings a free weekly Afro-Caribbean dance workshop to the National Arts Centre on Monday evening. Led by Cultural Arts Studio, the drop-in class explores movement traditions from across Africa and the Caribbean in a welcoming, beginner-friendly format. The 45-minute session is open to all ages and experience levels, so participants do not need formal dance training to join. It is a great fit for people who want to move, learn, meet others, and start the week with something active and joyful. The workshop setting is casual rather than performance-focused, which makes it approachable for first-time participants. As one of the free Ottawa may 2026 events happening at the NAC this week, it is especially appealing for anyone looking for low-cost cultural programming downtown. The atmosphere is likely to be upbeat, communal, and encouraging, with music and rhythm guiding the session. It can also work as a relaxed social outing for friends or anyone exploring Ottawa singles events without committing to a formal mixer. Since programming details can change, attendees should verify timing with the NAC before attending.

• 💃 Location: Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre
• 🕖 Time: Monday at 7 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

3. NAC Indigenous Theatre: Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop

The Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop offers a hands-on opportunity to learn traditional moccasin-making skills at the National Arts Centre. Led by Colleen Nolan, the workshop invites participants to continue a multi-session process focused on beading, construction, and final assembly. The May 12 session focuses on making the moccasin, following the earlier beading session and leading into the final assembly date later in the month. Participants learn not only craft techniques but also the cultural significance of the beaded vamp and moccasins within Indigenous traditions. The environment is designed to be welcoming, story-filled, and supportive for both beginners and experienced makers. Among Ottawa may 2026 events, this one stands out for its combination of cultural learning, artistic practice, and personal creation. Participants should be prepared to attend all three workshop dates, since the sessions are connected and build toward a finished pair of handmade moccasins. The workshop takes place in Atelier Shenkman Smith, located across from the NAC Box Office. Anyone interested in Indigenous arts, hands-on learning, or meaningful community workshops should consider this a standout midweek event.

• 🪶 Location: National Arts Centre
• 🕠 Time: Tuesday from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

4. Toddler Tuesdays at the NAC

Toddler Tuesdays continues this week at the National Arts Centre with free drop-in programming for young children and caregivers. The event is designed to be welcoming, flexible, and accessible for families who want a gentle morning activity downtown. Programming can include music, movement, creative exploration, and age-appropriate cultural engagement depending on the weekly schedule. Because it is free and drop-in, families do not need to make a major commitment to participate. This makes it one of the most useful Ottawa may 2026 events for parents and caregivers navigating weekday routines with toddlers. The NAC setting also gives families a chance to introduce young children to an arts environment in a low-pressure way. Caregivers can expect a relaxed pace, short attention-span-friendly activities, and a social atmosphere with other families. It is especially helpful for anyone looking for indoor programming in case of unpredictable May weather. Families should check the NAC calendar before arriving, as timing and details may be updated.

• 🧸 Location: National Arts Centre
• 🕙 Time: Tuesday at approximately 10 AM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

5. Voice of Desert

Voice of Desert brings acclaimed Japanese choreographer and dancer Saburo Teshigawara to the Babs Asper Theatre for a powerful contemporary dance performance. Created with his company KARAS and performed with longtime collaborator Rihoko Sato, the work explores the cycle of life through movement, light, stillness, and shadow. Teshigawara has described the piece as being created to touch the soul of human beings, and the performance is known for its emotional intensity and precise physical language. Audiences can expect a minimalist yet deeply expressive stage world where gesture, atmosphere, and silence carry as much meaning as large movement. The show is ideal for dance lovers, visual arts fans, and anyone drawn to international performance work. In a week full of Ottawa may 2026 events, this production offers a more contemplative and artistically adventurous option. The Babs Asper Theatre setting should allow audiences to experience the subtle detail of the choreography up close. Le Figaro praised the work for its mastery of interior gesture, which reflects the precision expected from Teshigawara’s performances. Anyone planning to attend should confirm show details and ticket availability through the NAC.

• 🩰 Location: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre
• 🕢 Time: Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $31

6. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Halifax Tides FC

Ottawa Rapid FC hosts Halifax Tides FC at TD Place on Wednesday night in Northern Super League regular season action. The match gives local fans a chance to support professional women’s soccer in the capital while enjoying an evening atmosphere at the stadium in the Glebe. Rapid FC is part of the growing NSL landscape, and home matches are quickly becoming important gathering points for soccer fans in Ottawa. Expect competitive play, supporter energy, and a family-friendly sporting environment that works for both longtime fans and newcomers. This is one of the best Ottawa may 2026 events for anyone looking to get outside on a weeknight and cheer for a local team. The TD Place location also makes it easy to combine the match with dinner or drinks at Lansdowne before or after kickoff. Parking add-ons may be available through Ticketmaster, though transit and walking options are also practical depending on where you are coming from. The event is a good choice for families, friend groups, sports fans, and anyone looking for an energetic midweek outing. Check final ticket and stadium details before heading to the match.

• ⚽ Location: The Stadium at TD Place
• 🕖 Time: Wednesday at 7 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $25

7. Free Jukebox Lunch Concert: Sophie Grenier

The NAC’s free Jukebox Lunch Concert series continues Thursday with a lunchtime performance by francophone pop artist Sophie Grenier. The 12:10 PM start time makes it an easy cultural break for downtown workers, students, visitors, and anyone with a flexible lunch hour. Sophie Grenier brings a polished pop sound and francophone performance style that fits well within the NAC’s accessible midday concert format. Because admission is free, attendees can enjoy live music without planning an expensive evening out. This is one of the simplest Ottawa may 2026 events to add to a weekday schedule, especially for people already near Elgin Street. The atmosphere is usually casual and welcoming, with audiences dropping in for a short performance rather than a full formal concert. It is a good option for solo attendees, colleagues, or friends looking to brighten up a Thursday afternoon. The free format also makes it a useful discovery platform for people who want to hear local or Canadian artists they may not know yet. As always, guests should confirm final timing through the NAC before attending.

• 🎤 Location: National Arts Centre
• 🕛 Time: Thursday at 12:10 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

8. Andrea Lindsay Show: D’or et d’argent

Andrea Lindsay performs D’or et d’argent at the National Arts Centre on Thursday night as part of the NAC’s Popular Music and Variety programming. The francophone pop artist is known for elegant songwriting, warm vocals, and performances that blend intimacy with polished stagecraft. This concert is a strong pick for listeners who enjoy French-language music, singer-songwriter performances, and refined evening concerts in a seated arts venue. The NAC setting gives the show a more intimate and focused feel than a loud club environment. For people browsing Ottawa may 2026 events with date-night potential, this performance offers a calm and atmospheric alternative to sports or festival crowds. The evening may also appeal to francophone audiences and anyone interested in discovering more Canadian music. The show begins at 8 PM, leaving time for dinner downtown before the performance. Tickets are available through the NAC, with prices starting at $35. Guests should verify final details with the venue before attending.

• 🎶 Location: National Arts Centre
• 🕗 Time: Thursday at 8 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $35

9. Oniro – Magical Forest Walk

Oniro at Parc Omega offers an immersive nighttime forest walk on Friday and Saturday, beginning as the sun sets over the park. The experience follows the story of wolf cub Oniro through 17 illuminated scenes that combine projections, theatrical lighting, sound, music, narration, and natural surroundings. Created by artist Michel Lemieux, the walk is designed to feel dreamlike, poetic, and cinematic rather than like a standard trail visit. Visitors move through the forest at a slower pace, allowing the visuals and soundscapes to unfold as part of the environment. Although it takes place outside Ottawa in Montebello, it is a strong regional pick among Ottawa may 2026 events for anyone willing to make the drive. The experience is especially well suited to couples, families with older children, photographers, and anyone looking for a memorable evening activity. Because departures begin at sunset, guests should plan travel time carefully and dress for nighttime outdoor conditions. The full walk lasts about 60 minutes and provides a different atmosphere from daytime wildlife visits at Parc Omega. Tickets start at $29, and advance booking is recommended.

• 🌲 Location: Parc Omega, Montebello
• 🕘 Time: Friday and Saturday from 9 PM – 10 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $29

10. Alone in the Dark at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Alone in the Dark returns to Cumberland Heritage Village Museum on Friday and Saturday with a guided paranormal investigation through historic buildings after dark. Participants explore spaces such as the old church, schoolhouse, train station, and family home while the village is closed to the public. This is not staged as a ghost tour, which gives the experience a quieter and more suspenseful tone. Hosts guide participants through traditional and modern paranormal investigation techniques while encouraging careful observation and personal interpretation. The limited group size makes the evening feel immersive, isolated, and far removed from a typical museum visit. Among Ottawa may 2026 events, this is one of the most atmospheric options for people who enjoy mystery, history, and unusual night outings. It is best suited to curious adults and older teens, with participants required to be at least 16 years old. Some guests attend for the thrill, while others come for the heritage setting or the chance to try something they cannot easily experience elsewhere. Tickets are limited, so advance reservations are a smart idea.

• 👻 Location: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
• 🕗 Time: Friday and Saturday from 8 PM – 10 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: $67.99

11. K-Man and the 45s + Joystick + Goat + Chapter 33

K-Man and the 45s bring Montreal ska-rock energy to Dominion Tavern on Friday night with support from Joystick, Goat, and Chapter 33. The Dominion Tavern is one of Ottawa’s longtime homes for punk, garage, rock, and late-night music in the ByWard Market. Fans can expect a loud, fast, danceable show with horns, guitars, and the kind of high-energy crowd that suits a small venue. The lineup should appeal to ska fans, punk listeners, and anyone looking for a less polished but more immediate live music experience. As one of the grittier Ottawa may 2026 events this week, it offers a strong contrast to the theatre and concert hall programming happening elsewhere downtown. The 19+ setting means attendees should bring valid photo identification. Because the venue is central, it is easy to pair the show with dinner, drinks, or other ByWard Market plans before doors. Tickets are listed at $20, keeping the event relatively accessible for a Friday night concert. Anyone looking to end the workweek with a sweaty, upbeat club show should keep this one in mind.

• 🎺 Location: Dominion Tavern
• 🕗 Time: Friday at 8 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: $20

Find more upcoming events in and around Ottawa here.