Top 17 Things To Do and Events in Ottawa This May 2026

May is one of the best months to get out in Ottawa, with tulips blooming, markets returning, and festival season picking up across the city. This guide highlights major festivals, concerts, family outings, sports, theatre, outdoor activities, and plenty of other Ottawa May 2026 events worth adding to your calendar. The Ottawa May tulip festival is the biggest draw of the month, but it is far from the only thing happening. From Dow’s Lake to Lansdowne, the NAC, Barrhaven, and beyond, May brings a full slate of ways to enjoy the capital.

Top Ottawa events this May 2026

1. Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Festival is the signature event of May, bringing more than 300,000 tulips to Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake. As one of the biggest Ottawa May 2026 events, it includes garden displays, cultural pavilions, Tulip Town activities for kids, a Tulip Market, and paid add-ons like the Tulip Trail and CIBC Tulip Trek. The Ottawa May tulip festival is free to enter, making it one of the most accessible and colourful outings of the month.

• 📍 Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
• 🕒 May 8-18, 10 AM-8 PM
• 💸 Free admission, some paid add-ons

2. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings Broadway spectacle to the National Arts Centre with a high-energy stage production packed with more than 70 pop hits. This is one of the major Ottawa May 2026 events for theatre fans, especially anyone looking for a big, polished night out downtown. Expect bold costumes, dramatic staging, mature themes, and a full-scale musical experience.

• 📍 Southam Hall, NAC
• 🕒 May 12-17
• 💸 From $249

3. Ottawa Titans Home Opener

The Ottawa Titans open their season against the Québec Capitales with fireworks, food trucks, family activities, and free jerseys for the first 5,000 fans. It is one of the most exciting Ottawa May 2026 events for sports fans and families looking for an affordable night out. Free OC Transpo transit with a game ticket makes the evening easier to plan.

• 📍 Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd
• 🕒 May 8, 7 PM
• 💸 From $15

4. Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine

Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine brings four days of BBQ, ribs, pulled pork, poutine, desserts, a kid zone, and live music to Clarke Fields Park. It is one of the tastiest Ottawa May 2026 events, especially for anyone who likes casual outdoor food festivals. Admission is free, with food available for purchase from vendors.

• 📍 Clarke Fields Park, Barrhaven
• 🕒 May 15-18
• 💸 Free admission, food extra

5. Tulipfest at Saunders Farm

Tulipfest at Saunders Farm celebrates the farm’s 50th anniversary with nearly 500,000 tulips across a 6-acre apple orchard. This Ottawa May tulip festival alternative offers a rural west Ottawa twist, with a Dutch windmill, installations, food, musicians, performers, and photo-friendly spring scenery. It is a strong pick for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience tulips beyond Dow’s Lake.

• 📍 Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd
• 🕒 Starts May 9
• 💸 $15-$25 plus fees

More Ottawa events in May 2026

1. Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

The Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa is one of the longest-running and most atmospheric Ottawa May 2026 events for people who like their history with a spooky edge. This lantern-lit 90-minute walking tour takes guests through some of the capital’s most familiar landmarks, including the Fairmont Château Laurier, Bytown Museum, Rideau Canal, Commissariat Building, and Lisgar Collegiate. The route gives locals and visitors a different way to experience downtown Ottawa after dark. Guides blend storytelling, local history, and ghostly legends in a way that feels entertaining without requiring a love of horror. Multiple departure times are offered most evenings, which makes it easy to fit into a date night, visitor itinerary, or casual evening out. The tour is suitable for all ages, though younger guests should be comfortable with eerie stories and nighttime walking. It is especially useful for out-of-town guests who want an activity that feels specific to Ottawa. Since the event runs year-round, it is a dependable pick throughout May. Anyone attending should wear comfortable shoes and confirm timing with the organizer before heading out.

• 📍 ByWard Market, 46½ Sparks St at Elgin
• 🕒 Ongoing, multiple evening departures
• 💸 Adults $29.99, youth $21.99

2. Ottawa PoutineFest – 10th Anniversary

Ottawa PoutineFest returns for its 10th anniversary with more than 100 poutine varieties, making it one of the most indulgent Ottawa May 2026 events. The festival takes over the RA Centre with classic, gourmet, and adventurous poutine options from multiple vendors. It also includes live music, a Kids Zone, a Bevvy Garden, and an exotic poutine competition. New this year, the Ontario Buttertart Festival appears on site, giving visitors another reason to arrive hungry. The event is free to enter, so guests can browse before deciding what to buy. It is a good fit for families, groups of friends, and anyone who likes casual festival energy without a high upfront cost. The RA Centre location offers parking and transit access, which helps make the event easier to navigate. Food and drinks are purchased directly from vendors, so budgeting depends on how much you want to sample. For anyone looking beyond the Ottawa May tulip festival, this is one of the first big food-focused weekends of the month.

• 📍 RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr
• 🕒 May 1-3
• 💸 Free admission

3. Ottawa Clay Festival

The Ottawa Clay Festival brings local creativity to Lansdowne with a spring pottery sale, juried exhibition, live demonstrations, and a kids clay area. It is one of the more hands-on Ottawa May 2026 events, especially for people who enjoy handmade goods and local art. More than 30 local potters are expected, giving visitors a wide range of styles, techniques, and price points to explore. The event is free to enter, making it easy to browse without pressure. Live pottery demonstrations add an educational element and help visitors understand the craft behind the finished pieces. The juried exhibition gives the festival a polished gallery-style component. Families can enjoy the kids clay area while adults shop or watch demonstrations. The Lansdowne setting makes it easy to pair with food, shopping, or a walk nearby. It is a calmer alternative to larger outdoor festivals while still feeling connected to the city’s spring energy.

• 📍 Horticulture Building, Lansdowne
• 🕒 May 1-3
• 💸 Free

4. THE INVISIBLE – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare

THE INVISIBLE – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare brings a film noir musical approach to the National Arts Centre. It is one of the most distinctive Ottawa May 2026 events for theatre fans who want something bold, stylish, and historically inspired. The production is based on real female Second World War operatives and blends spy fiction, graphic novel aesthetics, multilingual performance, and original music. That mix gives the show a cinematic texture that sets it apart from more traditional stage productions. It is recommended for ages 13 and up, making it more suitable for teens and adults than young children. The show runs through May 9, so early May is the time to catch it. The NAC setting adds a polished cultural experience in the heart of downtown. Audiences can expect atmosphere, tension, and a story rooted in overlooked wartime histories. For anyone who wants Ottawa May 2026 events with both entertainment and substance, this production is worth considering.

• 📍 Babs Asper Theatre, NAC
• 🕒 May 1-9
• 💸 Check NAC

5. Brad Mehldau – Presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival

Brad Mehldau’s solo performance at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts is a major Ottawa May 2026 event for jazz fans. Presented by the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the concert offers a rare chance to hear one of the world’s most respected jazz pianists in an intimate heritage venue. The setting matters here, since Saint Brigid’s Church adds warmth, resonance, and character to a solo piano performance. Mehldau is known for his lyrical improvisation, deep musical intelligence, and ability to move between jazz language and broader musical influences. The show is all ages, which makes it accessible to younger serious music fans as well as longtime listeners. General admission and reserved front-row seating options are available. The event also works as a spring pre-festival moment before Ottawa’s larger jazz season ramps up. It is ideal for audiences who want a quieter, more focused concert experience. Among Ottawa May 2026 events, this is one of the strongest picks for pure musicianship.

• 📍 Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts
• 🕒 May 6, 7:30 PM
• 💸 Check ticket listing

6. Mozart, Korngold & Bryan Cheng with the NAC Orchestra

Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng joins the NAC Orchestra for a program featuring Korngold’s Cello Concerto and Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony. This is one of the most polished Ottawa May 2026 events for classical music audiences. Korngold’s concerto, composed for the 1946 film noir Deception, brings a cinematic and dramatic quality to the evening. Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony adds grandeur, structure, and brightness to the program. Conductor Teddy Abrams leads the performance, giving the concert an added layer of artistic interest. Southam Hall provides the scale and acoustics needed for a full orchestral experience. The concert is a strong choice for date night, a refined evening out, or anyone wanting to explore the NAC’s mainstage programming. It also helps balance the month’s festival-heavy calendar with a formal cultural event. For those building a list of Ottawa May 2026 events beyond the Ottawa May tulip festival, this is a high-quality indoor option.

• 📍 Southam Hall, NAC
• 🕒 May 6-7, 8 PM
• 💸 From $54

7. CIBC Tulip Trek

The CIBC Tulip Trek is a self-guided scavenger hunt through Commissioners Park, making it one of the most family-friendly Ottawa May 2026 events tied to the Canadian Tulip Festival. Participants start at Dow’s Lake Pavilion, collect their first clue, and follow a route through the gardens. The activity includes six hidden clues and teaches the history of Commissioners Park and the Gift of Tulips along the way. The final mission asks participants to find the Groundskeeper’s hidden shed and turn on the water to save the tulips. It adds a playful structure to a festival visit, which can be helpful for families with kids who need more than walking and photo stops. Tickets are sold through the festival website, and the receipt acts as the ticket. The $5 price point keeps it accessible while still feeling like a special activity. It fits naturally into a wider Ottawa May tulip festival outing with food, pavilions, and market browsing. For families visiting Dow’s Lake, this is one of the easiest add-ons to recommend.

• 📍 Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
• 🕒 May 8-18
• 💸 $5 per person

8. Tulip Trail

The Tulip Trail is a new 40-minute guided-style experience at the Canadian Tulip Festival that traces 4,000 years of tulip history across 12,000 kilometres. It is one of the most educational Ottawa May 2026 events connected to the Ottawa May tulip festival. The route moves from wild tulips in Central Asia to the Silk Road, Ottoman gardens, Dutch Tulipmania, Canada’s wartime legacy, and Ottawa’s Royal Gift of Tulips. The experience ends with a photo opportunity in the studio of legendary Canadian photographer and festival founder Malak Karsh. It gives visitors historical context that goes far beyond a simple garden walk. The entrance is at the Great Lawn near Preston Road and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Tickets are limited, so booking ahead is recommended. At $5 per person, it is a low-cost way to add meaning to a tulip festival visit. It is especially useful for visitors, history lovers, and anyone who wants a more structured festival experience.

• 📍 Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
• 🕒 May 8-18
• 💸 $5 per person

9. Ottawa Tulip Taxi

The Polestar Ottawa Tulip Taxi offers hop-on, hop-off golf cart rides through the Canadian Tulip Festival grounds. It is one of the most practical Ottawa May 2026 events for visitors who want to experience the full 1.2 km festival route without walking the entire distance. The ride covers 26 gardens, more than 100 varieties, and 300,000 tulips. Stops include the South End Hub, the Mid-Festival Stop, and the Great Lawn Gateway. The route connects key areas like food trucks, artisan vendors, the Dutch Pavilion, the Booth Street Info Centre, Dow’s Lake Pavilion, and the Tulip Trek and Tulip Trail entrances. It is particularly helpful for families with young children, older visitors, or anyone trying to see more of the festival in less time. Wristbands are available at Info Centres, though passes are limited. The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis on the day. As part of the Ottawa May tulip festival, it is both useful and fun.

• 📍 Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
• 🕒 May 8-18
• 💸 $5

10. Ottawa Titans Home Opener

The Ottawa Titans Home Opener brings baseball, fireworks, giveaways, and family activities to RCGT Park. As one of the top Ottawa May 2026 events, it marks the start of the local baseball season with a matchup against the Québec Capitales. The first 5,000 fans receive a free XL jersey, adding a strong incentive to arrive early. The game also includes post-game fireworks, which makes it especially appealing for families and groups. Food trucks and activities for all ages add to the ballpark atmosphere. Free OC Transpo transit is included with a ticket on game day from 3 PM until three hours after the game. Parking is limited, so transit is the recommended option. The opponent adds extra interest, since Québec enters as a four-time defending Frontier League champion. For anyone looking for Ottawa May 2026 events outside the Ottawa May tulip festival, this is a classic warm-weather pick.

• 📍 Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd
• 🕒 May 8, 7 PM
• 💸 From $15

11. Best Fest Ottawa

Best Fest Ottawa brings premium food, drink, and local goods to Lansdowne Park for a social and flavour-focused weekend. It is one of the most appetizing Ottawa May 2026 events for anyone who likes discovering local vendors in one place. The event is hosted by The Best Eats 613 and features food styles including BBQ, Indian, fried chicken, Italian, Japanese, and more. Local breweries, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails add to the festival atmosphere. The ticket includes entry, while food and drinks are purchased separately from vendors. That format gives attendees control over how much they want to sample. The Aberdeen Pavilion setting at Lansdowne makes the event easy to pair with other Glebe plans. It works well for couples, friend groups, and anyone who enjoys a lively indoor market-style food experience. While the Ottawa May tulip festival dominates the month visually, Best Fest offers a strong food-driven alternative.

• 📍 Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
• 🕒 May 8-9
• 💸 Ticket required

12. Flower Fun Run

The Flower Fun Run is an official Canadian Tulip Festival event taking place on Mother’s Day through the festival grounds at Dow’s Lake. It is one of the most active Ottawa May 2026 events and a fun way to experience the Ottawa May tulip festival from a different angle. The event is run by Somersault Events and uses a closed scenic course through the festival area. Participants can choose a 1K Kids Run for ages 12 and under or a 5K run, walk, or stroll. All ages and abilities are welcome, which makes the event approachable for families and casual participants. Registration includes a race bib, professional timing, course nutrition, race photography, podium prizes for top finishers, and post-race snacks. The event is limited to 600 participants and is expected to sell out early. Bib pickup options are available before the race and on race day. It is a cheerful Mother’s Day outing that blends movement, flowers, and community energy.

• 📍 Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
• 🕒 May 10, 12 PM
• 💸 $59

13. Friends of the Farm Plant Sale

The Friends of the Farm Plant Sale is a spring favourite at the Central Experimental Farm and one of the best Ottawa May 2026 events for gardeners. The annual sale features many of the region’s top specialty growers and nursery vendors. Visitors can shop for plants while also getting free gardening advice from Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton. A plant check service is available under a canopy, which makes shopping easier for people buying multiple items. Refreshments are available on site, and new and used gardening books are also for sale. The event runs rain or shine, so it is worth preparing for the weather. Admission is free, with donations to Friends of the Central Experimental Farm gratefully accepted. It is a strong choice for anyone planning a garden, balcony setup, or backyard refresh. For people balancing festival visits with practical spring projects, this is a useful and enjoyable stop.

• 📍 Central Experimental Farm, near K.W. Neatby Building
• 🕒 May 10, 8:30 AM-1 PM
• 💸 Free

14. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is one of the biggest theatrical Ottawa May 2026 events, arriving at the NAC as part of Broadway Across Canada. The production won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is based on Baz Luhrmann’s film. It celebrates Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love through a spectacle-heavy stage experience. The score features more than 70 pop hits, giving the show broad appeal beyond traditional musical theatre audiences. Expect bold visuals, revealing costumes, mature themes, adult language, and flashing lights. The recommended age is 12 and up, so it is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults. The run time is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes with one intermission. Tickets are premium-priced, making this a bigger night out rather than a casual drop-in event. For anyone wanting Ottawa May 2026 events that feel like a major occasion, this is one of the month’s clearest picks.

• 📍 Southam Hall, NAC
• 🕒 May 12-17
• 💸 From $249

15. CanGames Tabletop Game Convention

CanGames returns over the Victoria Day long weekend as Canada’s longest-running volunteer-led gaming convention. It is one of the most community-driven Ottawa May 2026 events for board game, roleplaying game, and miniature game fans. The convention has been running annually since 1977 and features more than 300 games across eight time slots. Attendees can join scheduled games, browse the vendor marketplace, and connect with other gaming enthusiasts. The event includes board games, miniature games, and roleplaying games, so there is a wide range of play styles represented. The Rideau Curling Club provides a casual and social setting with a full bar and meal service on site. Badges are required, and online pre-registration is recommended for the best experience. The venue is partially wheelchair accessible, including the main floor and rink. For anyone looking beyond the Ottawa May tulip festival, CanGames offers a completely different kind of long weekend tradition.

• 📍 Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper St
• 🕒 May 15-17
• 💸 From $15

16. Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish

Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish is a family theatre production presented through NAC Indigenous Theatre. It is one of the most meaningful Ottawa May 2026 events for families with young children and anyone interested in Indigenous storytelling. Written by Kwantlen First Nations playwright Joseph A. Dandurand and presented by Axis Theatre, the show tells the story of an ogress spirit who inhabits a feast dish. The production uses masks, songs, and dance to bring the tale to life. Its central lesson is that when you take something from the earth, you must give something back. The performance is approximately one hour, making it manageable for younger audiences. The May 16 performance will be interpreted in American Sign Language, increasing accessibility. The Azrieli Studio setting offers a close and intimate theatre experience. This is a thoughtful alternative for families looking for more than festivals and markets in May.

• 📍 Azrieli Studio, NAC
• 🕒 May 16, 2 PM
• 💸 Check NAC

17. La Vida Loca with the NAC Orchestra

La Vida Loca with the NAC Orchestra brings a high-energy Latin pop concert to Southam Hall near the end of the month. It is one of the liveliest Ottawa May 2026 events for audiences who want orchestral music with a popular, danceable twist. The program features hits associated with Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Ricky Martin, and more. Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the performance, with vocalists Ender Thomas and Jackie Mendez. José Sibaja appears on trumpet, while Luisito Quintero brings percussion energy to the stage. The arrangements are newly created for symphonic performance, giving familiar songs a fresh sound. This event is a strong choice for people who like the scale of the NAC Orchestra but want a less formal concert format. It works well for date night, group outings, and music fans who enjoy Latin pop. After the Ottawa May tulip festival wraps, this is a bright way to keep the month’s energy going.

• 📍 Southam Hall, NAC
• 🕒 May 21-23, 8 PM
• 💸 Check NAC

Find more upcoming May 2026 events in and around Ottawa.