Top 15 Things Happening in Ottawa This Weekend (May 8-10, 2026)

Ottawa is heading into one of the busiest spring weekends of the season as festival crowds, outdoor markets, concerts, and family-friendly activities take over the city. The biggest draw is easily the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 celebrations, with Commissioners Park bursting into colour and packed with special programming all weekend long. From immersive night walks and baseball season kickoffs to live music and artisan markets, there is something happening in nearly every corner of the city. Whether you want a laid-back afternoon among the flowers or a high-energy night out downtown, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to explore Ottawa.

Top picks this weekend other than Tulip festival Ottawa 2026

1. Canadian Tulip Festival

The Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 officially begins this weekend, transforming Commissioners Park into one of the most vibrant destinations in the city. Visitors can explore more than 300,000 tulips across 26 gardens while enjoying cultural pavilions, food vendors, interactive exhibits, family programming, and special evening experiences throughout the grounds. The Canadian tulip festival 2026 remains one of Ottawa’s signature spring traditions and a must-see event for both locals and visitors.

• 🌷 Location: Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
• 📅 Dates: May 8-18, 2026
• 🎟️ Cost: Free admission with optional paid activities

2. Oniro – Magical Forest Walk

Parc Omega’s immersive Oniro night experience offers a completely different kind of spring outing just outside Ottawa. Guests walk through illuminated forest installations while following the story of wolf cub Oniro through projections, soundscapes, narration, and theatrical lighting spread across 17 scenes. If you are looking for a memorable nighttime adventure during the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend, this is one of the region’s most unique experiences.

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

3. Ottawa Titans Home Opener

Baseball season officially returns to the capital this Friday as the Ottawa Titans host their home opener against the Québec Capitales at RCGT Park. Fans arriving early will receive a free jersey while the evening also includes food trucks, family activities, and post-game fireworks. It is an excellent sports option to pair with a full Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend itinerary.

• ⚾ Location: Ottawa Stadium at RCGT Park
• 📅 Date: Friday, May 8
• 🎟️ Cost: From $15

4. Tulipfest at Saunders Farm

Saunders Farm launches its brand-new tulip experience this weekend with nearly 500,000 blooms spread across a six-acre orchard setting. Visitors can expect Dutch-inspired installations, strolling performers, food vendors, cider, and endless photo opportunities throughout the farm. The event adds another major attraction to the growing Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 season outside the downtown core.

• 🌷 Location: Saunders Farm
• 📅 Dates: May 9-18, 2026
• 🎟️ Cost: Approximately $15-$25 plus fees

More things happening this weekend

1. CIBC Tulip Trek – Tulip festival Ottawa 2026

The CIBC Tulip Trek is one of the most interactive family experiences happening during the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 celebrations this weekend. This self-guided scavenger hunt takes participants through Commissioners Park while uncovering clues connected to the history of the Canadian tulip festival 2026 and Ottawa’s famous Gift of Tulips story. Guests begin at the Dow’s Lake Pavilion where they collect their first clue and explorer tools before setting off through the gardens. Along the route, participants solve six different challenges hidden among the tulip displays and festival landmarks. The experience is specifically designed to be engaging for children while still giving adults plenty of historical information about the festival grounds. One of the highlights is the final mission involving the hidden Groundskeeper’s shed and the effort to “save” the tulips. Because the hunt is self-paced, visitors can stop for photos, snacks, or additional festival activities at any point during the experience. It is an easy activity to combine with the Dutch Pavilion, Tulip Market, or nearby food vendors around Dow’s Lake. Families looking for a low-cost interactive addition to their weekend plans should strongly consider adding this adventure to their festival schedule.

• 🌷 Location: Commissioners Park
• 🕙 Time: 10 AM – 8 PM daily
• 🎟️ Cost: $5 per person

2. Tulip Trail Guided Experience

The newly launched Tulip Trail experience offers one of the most educational attractions connected to Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 this year. Over approximately 40 minutes, visitors travel through 4,000 years of tulip history while exploring how the flower moved from the Himalayan mountains to modern-day Ottawa. The immersive guided-style attraction combines storytelling, historical displays, themed environments, and visual installations that trace the tulip’s path through the Silk Road, Ottoman Empire, Dutch Tulipmania period, and Canada’s wartime relationship with the Netherlands. One of the most memorable sections highlights the Royal Gift of Tulips and the emotional postwar connection that eventually inspired the Canadian tulip festival 2026 celebrations seen today. The experience also includes a recreated photography studio honouring Malak Karsh, one of the festival’s founding figures. Because entrance spots are limited each day, early reservations are highly recommended for visitors planning to attend on peak weekend dates. The attraction is especially appealing for history lovers and visitors interested in understanding the deeper meaning behind Ottawa’s tulip tradition. The location near the Great Lawn also places guests close to food trucks, live entertainment, and additional festival programming. It is one of the best ways to turn a casual flower visit into a richer cultural experience.

• 🌷 Location: Great Lawn entrance at Commissioners Park
• 🕙 Time: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
• 🎟️ Cost: $5 per person

3. Retro Silent Disco at the National Gallery

The National Gallery of Canada transforms into a massive dance floor this Saturday night for the Retro Silent Disco event. Guests receive wireless headphones with multiple DJ channels playing nonstop hits from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The atmosphere combines nightclub energy with the dramatic architecture and artistic surroundings of one of Ottawa’s most iconic cultural spaces. Visual effects, lighting displays, and a fully licensed bar help create an immersive nightlife experience that feels very different from a standard club event. Because attendees can switch between DJs at any time, the dance floor becomes a mix of people singing along to completely different songs simultaneously. It is one of the most talked-about nightlife experiences happening during the busy Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend. The event appeals to groups of friends, couples, and anyone looking for a nostalgic night out downtown. Organizers have already listed the event as nearly full, so late ticket availability may be limited. Visitors attending earlier daytime festival events can easily continue the evening downtown at the gallery.

• 🎧 Location: National Gallery of Canada
• 🕢 Time: Saturday from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $50

4. Best Fest Ottawa

Best Fest Ottawa brings together many of the city’s most popular food and drink vendors inside the Aberdeen Pavilion this weekend. The event features everything from BBQ and fried chicken to Indian cuisine, Japanese dishes, Italian specialties, desserts, craft cocktails, wine, and local beer. Visitors can sample food from a wide range of Ottawa-area businesses all under one roof while also discovering handmade local goods and specialty products. The festival atmosphere is lively and social, making it an excellent stop for groups looking to spend an afternoon grazing through different cuisines. Since food purchases are separate from admission, guests have flexibility to build their own tasting experience throughout the event. The timing also works well for visitors spending part of their weekend exploring Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 activities nearby at Dow’s Lake and Lansdowne. The indoor setting makes it a good backup option if weather conditions shift during the weekend. Expect busy crowds during peak evening hours, especially on Saturday night. Food-focused visitors looking to experience Ottawa’s local culinary scene will likely find plenty to enjoy here.

• 🍔 Location: Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne
• 📅 Dates: Friday and Saturday
• 🎟️ Cost: Ticket required

5. Alone in the Dark at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

This immersive paranormal investigation experience offers one of the most unusual after-dark activities happening around Ottawa this weekend. Participants explore historic buildings inside Cumberland Heritage Village Museum including a church, schoolhouse, train station, and family home after public hours. Unlike a traditional haunted house attraction, the experience focuses on guided paranormal investigation techniques using both modern tools and older observational methods. Small group sizes help maintain an eerie atmosphere throughout the evening as guests move quietly between dimly lit heritage structures. Organizers emphasize that nothing is staged, encouraging participants to form their own interpretations of anything they may encounter during the investigation. The event appeals equally to paranormal enthusiasts, history lovers, and people simply looking for something different to do during the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend. Heated buildings and experienced hosts help make the experience accessible even for first-time participants. Because only a limited number of nights remain, tickets are expected to move quickly. It is one of the strongest options this weekend for anyone wanting a suspenseful and immersive late-night outing.

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

6. Flower Fun Run

The Flower Fun Run returns for Mother’s Day weekend as one of the signature fitness events connected to the Canadian tulip festival 2026. Participants run or walk along a scenic closed course winding through the tulip displays and festival grounds near Dow’s Lake. The event includes both a 5K option and a family-friendly 1K Kids Run, making it accessible for a wide range of ages and experience levels. Organizers from Somersault Events are known for delivering polished race experiences with professional timing, medals, photography, and strong on-course support. One of the biggest draws is the chance to experience the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 grounds before they become fully crowded later in the day. The route itself is expected to provide excellent flower views and spring scenery throughout the morning. Participants also receive post-race snacks and eligibility for podium prizes in multiple categories. Since registration capacity is limited to 600 participants, this event often sells out before race day arrives. Active visitors looking for a memorable and scenic way to spend Mother’s Day morning will likely enjoy this unique festival run.

• 🏃 Location: Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
• 🕛 Time: Sunday beginning at 12 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: $59

7. Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne

The outdoor season officially continues this Sunday at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park. More than 85 local vendors from within 100 kilometres of Ottawa gather to sell fresh produce, baked goods, meats, dairy products, preserves, prepared foods, and artisan products directly to shoppers. The producer-only format means visitors buy directly from the farmers, bakers, and makers responsible for creating the products themselves. The market atmosphere becomes especially lively during spring weekends as patios, buskers, and nearby Lansdowne attractions fill the area with activity. Visitors attending Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 events earlier in the weekend can use Sunday morning to slow things down with coffee, pastries, and local shopping. Many vendors also offer seasonal tulip-themed products, floral baking, and spring-inspired treats during May. Pets are permitted throughout the market as long as owners follow the posted code of conduct rules. Underground parking is available on site while many nearby side streets offer free Sunday parking. It is one of the best recurring community events in Ottawa for anyone who enjoys supporting local businesses and discovering fresh seasonal products.

• 🥕 Location: Lansdowne Park
• 🕘 Time: Sunday from 9 AM – 3 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free entry

8. Free Fishing Weekend in Ontario

Ontario’s Free Fishing Weekend gives Canadian residents the opportunity to fish without purchasing a licence this Saturday and Sunday. The initiative encourages families, beginners, and casual outdoor enthusiasts to explore Ontario waterways while learning more about recreational fishing. Around Ottawa, participants can visit rivers, lakes, and local conservation areas without worrying about standard licence requirements. Although fishing regulations and catch limits still apply, the event lowers the barrier for anyone interested in trying the activity for the first time. The timing works particularly well alongside Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 plans because it gives residents a quieter outdoor option away from downtown crowds. Families often use the weekend to introduce children to fishing while enjoying picnics and spring weather at nearby parks. Provincial organizers also encourage experienced anglers to bring along friends or relatives who have never tried fishing before. Since participation is completely free, it remains one of the most accessible outdoor activities happening this weekend. Anyone planning to participate should still review Ontario fishing regulations before heading out.

• 🎣 Location: Various Ottawa-area waterways
• 📅 Dates: Saturday and Sunday
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

9. Friends of the Farm Plant Sale

Garden lovers will have plenty to browse at the annual Friends of the Farm Plant Sale taking place at the Central Experimental Farm this Sunday morning. The event gathers many of the region’s top specialty growers and nursery vendors in one location, creating an excellent opportunity to shop for flowers, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and unique gardening additions. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton will also be on site offering free gardening advice for visitors seeking help with planting, landscaping, or seasonal care questions. The atmosphere is part community gathering and part serious gardening marketplace, attracting both casual home gardeners and experienced horticulture enthusiasts. Because the sale happens during Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend, many attendees make it part of a full spring-themed outing across the city. Visitors can expect strong demand for seasonal flowering plants and locally grown varieties suited to Ottawa’s climate. Refreshments and gardening books will also be available throughout the event. Rain or shine scheduling means the sale proceeds regardless of weather conditions. Anyone hoping to shop the best inventory should plan to arrive early in the morning.

• 🌱 Location: Central Experimental Farm
• 🕣 Time: Sunday from 8:30 AM – 1 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free admission

10. Sooshi Mango: The Home Made World Tour

Australian comedy trio Sooshi Mango arrives at the National Arts Centre this Friday night with their hugely popular Home Made World Tour. The group has built an international following through exaggerated family characters, immigrant household humour, and viral online sketches that resonate strongly with multicultural audiences. Their live performances combine stand-up comedy, theatrical storytelling, audience interaction, and familiar family situations that many attendees immediately recognize from their own upbringing. Southam Hall’s large venue setup is expected to create a high-energy atmosphere as fans gather for one of the biggest comedy shows of the weekend. The event adds another major entertainment option to the already packed Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 schedule downtown. VIP upgrades are available separately for guests wanting enhanced seating or additional experiences connected to the performance. Since the show has sold out large arenas in Australia, demand for Ottawa tickets has also been strong. Visitors planning a full evening downtown can easily combine dinner, nearby nightlife, or festival activities before the show begins. Comedy fans looking for a lively Friday night event should keep this performance high on their list.

• 😂 Location: Southam Hall at the NAC
• 🕗 Time: Friday at 8 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From approximately $40

11. Dwayne Gretzky Show

Toronto cover band Dwayne Gretzky brings its popular “Does The 90s” performance to The Bronson this Saturday night. Known for energetic live sets and crowd participation, the band performs nonstop hit songs spanning multiple decades while recreating the atmosphere of a massive singalong party. This specific themed performance focuses heavily on 1990s favourites, making it especially appealing for attendees looking for nostalgia-driven nightlife during Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend. The show includes two full sets and no opening act, allowing the evening to stay focused entirely on the band’s marathon performance style. Fans regularly describe Dwayne Gretzky concerts as part concert and part dance party because audiences tend to sing nearly every song together. The Bronson’s intimate venue setup helps create a lively and interactive crowd atmosphere throughout the night. Because the event is licensed 19+, attendees should expect a busy bar scene and strong weekend energy inside the venue. General admission standing space tends to fill quickly near the stage, while balcony seating offers a more relaxed viewing experience. Music fans looking for a high-energy Saturday night event downtown will likely enjoy this performance.

• 🎶 Location: The Bronson
• 🕗 Time: Saturday at 8 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $104

12. Retro Weekend at the Ontario Guild of Town Criers Competition

The Ontario Guild of Town Criers Competition adds a uniquely historic atmosphere to the Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 celebrations this weekend. More than 15 Town Criers and Consorts from across Ontario will gather at Commissioners Park to compete in a series of formal public cries celebrating local history, heritage, and storytelling traditions. Visitors can expect elaborate period costumes, booming ceremonial announcements, and lively performances spread throughout the afternoon. The event is presented in partnership with Capital Heritage Connexion and helps connect Ottawa’s spring festival season with older traditions that many visitors rarely experience firsthand. Because the competition takes place directly within the tulip festival grounds, it is easy to combine with flower viewing, food vendors, and nearby attractions. Spectators are free to move around the grounds while different participants perform their prepared cries and themed presentations. Families often enjoy the theatrical and interactive nature of the event, especially younger children hearing traditional town criers for the first time. The atmosphere is far more entertaining and energetic than many people expect from a heritage competition. Visitors exploring the Canadian tulip festival 2026 schedule should absolutely make time to catch at least part of the performances.

• 📣 Location: Commissioners Park
• 🕛 Time: Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM – 5 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

13. Ottawa – Mothers in Bloom Holistic Healing Fair™

The Mothers in Bloom Holistic Healing Fair takes over the Nepean Sportsplex this Saturday with a full day focused on wellness, self-care, spirituality, and community connection. Attendees can browse vendors specializing in crystals, handcrafted products, wellness services, holistic healing, and natural self-care items while also meeting local makers and practitioners from across the Ottawa region. Free workshops and talks are scheduled throughout the day, giving visitors opportunities to learn about mindfulness, energy work, alternative therapies, and personal wellness practices. Families are also welcome, with free face painting available for children and swag bags reserved for the first attendees through the doors. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed and community-oriented, attracting both experienced wellness enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors. During the busy Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend, the fair offers a quieter indoor alternative for people wanting a slower-paced outing away from festival crowds downtown. Door prize ballots and interactive activities add an extra layer of engagement throughout the event. Because admission is free, visitors can comfortably drop in for a short visit or spend several hours exploring booths and presentations. Anyone interested in wellness culture and local small businesses will likely find plenty to discover here.

• 💐 Location: Nepean Sportsplex
• 🕙 Time: Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: Free

14. Electric Feel Indie Sleaze Dance Party

Electric Feel brings indie sleaze nostalgia to The 27 Club this Saturday night with a dance party dedicated to chaotic late-2000s and early-2010s club culture. DJ Le Hartt will spin indie rock favourites, electro-pop anthems, dance remixes, and throwback tracks that defined the Tumblr-era nightlife scene. The event is expected to attract a packed late-night crowd looking for an energetic alternative to more traditional bar experiences happening during Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend. The 27 Club’s intimate setup helps create a sweaty, high-energy dance floor atmosphere that works perfectly for this style of music event. Guests can expect everything from MGMT and LCD Soundsystem to early Lady Gaga, Justice, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and other staples of the indie sleaze era. Because doors do not open until 10 PM, many attendees will likely arrive after spending the evening at tulip festival events, concerts, or downtown restaurants. The event is licensed 19+, and photo ID is required at entry. Ticket prices remain relatively affordable compared to many larger nightlife events happening across Ottawa this weekend. Music fans looking for a carefree dance-focused night out should keep this party on their radar.

• 🎵 Location: The 27 Club
• 🕙 Time: Saturday at 10 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: From $13.36

15. An Evening With Black Flag

Legendary punk band Black Flag returns to Ottawa this Sunday night for a rare performance at the 27 Club in the ByWard Market. Formed in 1976, the influential American hardcore group helped shape punk music for generations and continues to draw devoted fans across North America. This special event features two full sets in one night, giving attendees an extended live experience packed with classic material and intense stage energy. The concert is expected to attract a mix of longtime punk fans and younger audiences discovering the band’s legacy for the first time. During the already packed Tulip festival Ottawa 2026 weekend, the performance stands out as one of the city’s most notable live music events for alternative and punk audiences. The intimate venue environment should create an especially loud and energetic atmosphere compared to larger concert halls. Doors open at 7:30 PM, and because the event is 19+, attendees should bring valid photo identification. Demand is expected to remain high due to the band’s iconic status within punk history. Anyone looking to close out the weekend with a high-energy concert experience downtown should strongly consider this show.

• 🎸 Location: The 27 Club
• 🕢 Time: Sunday at 7:30 PM
• 🎟️ Cost: $42.89

Find more upcoming events in and around Ottawa here.