Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this May 2025. Click on the event title for more information.
Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | May 1
Urban Art Collective | 1088 Somerset Street West
Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market to pickup local eats, treats and all things handmade. Sit back, relax, eat and be entertained by local musicians, buskers and entertainers.
All markets are carefully curated to bring you new vendors and the best of the best each week!
Voices of the Earth | May 3
Orleans United Church | 1111 Orleans Blvd | Orleans
Let music inspire and move you at Voices of the Earth! Experience an unforgettable evening featuring powerful works from Canadian and Indigenous composers, weaving stories of beauty, hope, and resilience. Let each note and silence spark emotion in this captivating celebration of sound.
ArohaFest | May 2 – 3
Shenkman Arts Centre | 245 Centrum Boulevard
The only fully bilingual festival celebrating the arts of India to be held in Canada will feature dance, music, visual arts, yoga and Bollywood!
Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market | May 3
Fisher Park Community Centre | 250 Holland Avenue
Don’t miss out on bargain prices on all things sewing-related: quilting cotton, notions, buttons, wool, patterns, tools and so much more.
Ottawa International Writers Festival | May 1 – 4
Library and Archives Canada | 395 Wellington Street
Attend the celebration of the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world with a fall and a spring edition.
Spring Craft Market – Mother’s Day edition | May 4
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Celebrate the 10th year of the Spring Craft Market at the NAC and shop a curated selection of handmade goods, makers, and artists. Support local businesses while finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Admission is free with onsite parking and an accessible venue.
Ottawa PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese | May 2 – 4
Ottawa City Hall | 110 Laurier Avenue West
More than 30 poutine vendors take over downtown Ottawa and offer up their take on Canada’s dish. Get your curd on!
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | May 4
ByWard Market neighbourhood | Ottawa
Celebrate Mexican heritage at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in ByWard Market! Dance to live music, savor mouthwatering cuisine, and admire vibrant folkloric art beneath dazzling “papel picado.” A fiesta full of color, culture, and fun awaits—don’t miss it!
CN Cycle for CHEO | May 4
Canadian War Museum | 1 Vimy Place
Cycle along fully supported, traffic-free urban routes (15K, 35K and 70K) and enjoy Ottawa’s scenic beauty and top landmarks while raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Blossom Banquet: Feast of Foraged Flavours | May 8
Farmgate Cider | 4547 Mohrs Rd | Arnprior
Celebrate spring at the annual dining experience hosted by family-run Farmgate Cider. Enjoy a four-course fine-dining meal expertly paired with sparkling ciders.
This year’s event features a collaboration with local Indigenous chefs, highlighting foraged and wild ingredients alongside traditional culinary practices. The evening promises a celebration of what matters most — local, sustainable and flavourful.
Grande Première | May 10
National Gallery of Canada | 380 Sussex Drive
Experience Grande Première, an exciting fashion show showcasing emerging designers from the Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy. Enjoy stunning haute couture and unique collections, all inspired by the theme of surrealism. Dress creatively and be part of this extraordinary celebration.
Ottawa Flower Market | May 10
Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue
Your local farmer-florists are bringing an array of beautiful blooms from the Ottawa Valley to the Parkdale Public Market.
Stop by and create your own stunning bouquet at the build-your-own bouquet bar! Or choose from a selection of ready to go bouquets carefully crafted by our florists.
Friends of the Farm Plant Sale | May 11
Parking lot beside K.W. Neatby Building at 960 Carling & Maple Drive
The Friends of the Farm Annual Plant Sale offers everything you need for your garden, with top regional growers and nursery vendors. Get expert advice from the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton and enjoy refreshments while you shop. Admission is free, with donations to FCEF gratefully accepted.
Mother’s Day Flower Fun Run | May 11
Dows Lake | 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Walk or run 1K (for kids under 12) or 5K past hundreds of thousands of blooming tulip beds and the Rideau Canal / Dows Lake and raise funds for the Canadian Tulip Legacy.
Ottawa Children’s Festival | May 8 – 13
1525 Princess Patricia Way | 2 Daly Avenu
Every year, the Ottawa Children’s Festival holds a five-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences in our community. We create programs for children of all ages focused on enriching school curriculum and promoting the arts as an integral part of children’s education. Join us for an amazing performing arts experience that will excite and amaze the whole family!
All Things Bookish Market | May 17
Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue
Book lovers unite at the All-Things Bookish Market! Discover hidden gems, meet local authors, and shop unique finds like blind date books and bookish totes. Enjoy exclusive author signings and more at this outdoor event hosted by PreLoved Pages. Don’t just read experience.
Fun Philippines Ottawa Street Festival | May 17 – 18
144 Wellington Street | Ottawa
Experience the vibrant spirit of the Fun Philippines Ottawa Street Festival! Celebrate Filipino culture with delicious food, electrifying entertainment, and exciting activities for all. Discover rich traditions, reconnect with community, and enjoy a festival filled with joy, flavor, and fun!
May Show Festival | May 18
Main Street | Vankleek Hill
Celebrate arts, crafts, music, dance, and delicious food at the May Show Festival. This lively event brings together fantastic vendors and entertainment for all to enjoy. Explore, shop, and soak in the festive vibes. Admission is free.
Orleans Blooms | May 18
Orleans Town Centre | 250 Centrum Boulevard
Celebrate the beauty of spring at Orleans Blooms. Shop a variety of premium garden plants, get expert gardening tips, and explore stunning artwork from local artists. Kids can enjoy a fun, hands-on educational corner. Rain or shine, everyone is welcome to this vibrant garden event. Entry is free.
Cangames | May 16 – 18
Rideau Curling Club | 715 Cooper Street
Hundreds of miniatures, role-playing, and board gamers together in more than 300 different games over 8 time slots. There is also a vendor marketplace, a full bar, and meal service on-site.
Tulips @ Tanger | May 19
Tanger Ottawa | 8555 Campeau Drive
Enjoy live music, fun games, face painting and beautiful potted tulips for sale!
Canadian Tulip Festival | May 9 – 19
Commissioners Park | Ottawa
Welcome spring at the world’s largest tulip festival! This popular annual event features massive tulip displays, family fun and more.
Over 11 days each May, the Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates the seasonal flower’s beauty and its historic ties to Canada’s capital. The outdoor event takes place at Commissioners Park, where over 300,000 tulips bloom alongside the Rideau Canal’s picturesque Dows Lake. Access to the site and select programming is free!
Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine | May 15 – 19
Clarke Fields Park | 93 Houlahan Street
Get sticky at Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine! They’re making it even better with more Ribs, more BBQ, more Poutine, a Kid Zone and more Live Music.
Capital Music Awards | May 22
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Celebrate Ottawa’s incredible music scene at the Capital Music Awards! Honouring the city’s top artists, educators, venues, and industry pros, this unforgettable night showcases the best in local talent. Join the celebration, connect with the music community, and witness the stars of tomorrow.
Monster Spectacular | May 24
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
The ultimate sports and entertainment spectacle mixing racing, showmanship, and the ultimate fan experience into one incredible, action-packed show which roars into Ottawa to electrify the crowd.
Capital Comic Book Convention | May 24
RA Centre | 2451 Riverside Drive
An event designed for both casual comic book fans and serious collectors. The show focuses solely on comic books and graphic novels. You’ll see comics from the Golden Age right up to present day. Vendors will be appearing from Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The best selection of comics at any convention in Ontario or Quebec.
Bytown Brawl: A Quest for Glory | May 24
Arena at TD Place | 1015 Bank Street
PCW brings you an old-fashioned, family-friendly wrestling event. A wrestling show featuring spectacular maneuvers, twists and turns and characters that will thrill young and old alike.
Great Glebe Garage Sale | May 24
The Glebe neighbourhood | Ottawa
Individual garage sales combine to make one giant neighbourhood sale.
Bunnypalooza | May 24
Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre | 102 Greenview Avenue
Hop on over to Bunnypalooza if you’re a bunny lover. Learn, shop and experience everything BUNNY!
This event raises awareness about the increasing popularity of bunnies as pets, and the rise in rabbit abandonment.
Vendors, rescues and all kinds of activities!
Ottawa Polish Fest | May 24
ByWard Market neighbourhood | Ottawa
Join us for an afternoon of family fun filled with Polish food, folk dancing, fun and so much more! Located in the heart of the ByWard Market, this festival is fun for everyone. With out-of-town guest performers, vendors and a great dance party for all ages to end the night off, it’s sure to be a blast for the whole family!
Pakistani Food Festival | May 24
Greely Community Center | 1448 Meadow Drive | Greely
Enjoy authentic Pakistani food! Live cooking, live music and much more. Free admission.
The Original Navan Market | May 25
1279 Colonial Road | Navan
Come out and support local vendors for the Original Navan Market. Produce, breads, cheese, honey, jams, jellies, wineries/distilleries, jewelers, soapers, crafters and so much more.
Enjoy the delicious food and drinks. Listen to the live entertainment on the stage in the domes. And more!
Annual Traditional Pow Wow | May 24 – 25
Odawa Native Friendship Centre | 815 St. Laurent Blvd
Kick off Pow Wow season at the Annual Traditional Pow Wow, hosted by the Odawa Native Friendship Centre! Experience vibrant dancers, powerful drumming, soulful singing, delicious traditional food, and unique craft vendors. A celebration of Indigenous culture for all to enjoy. Free event for all ages!
Paw Patrol: A Mighty Adventure | May 27 – 28
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Audiences will join the beloved pups in Adventure City as they harness their mighty powers and work together to save the day. With heroic action, catchy songs and interactive fun, this exciting live experience is sure to delight the whole family.
Nature Nocturne | May 30
Canadian Museum of Nature | 240 McLeod Street
Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle with awesome sound! Meet artists throughout the galleries. Discover four floors of world-class museum exhibitions. Thought-provoking, interactive, immersive, social—an exciting and different kind of museum experience!
Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival | May 30
Parkdale Public Market | 366 Parkdale Avenue
Snack, shop, and soak in the vibes at Vegans Who Snack Food & Art Festival! Indulge in delicious vegan treats, shop local art and self-care goodies, and discover amazing small businesses—all at the iconic Parkdale Market. A night of plant-based bites and creative delights awaits!
Adapt Expo Ottawa | May 31
Carleton University Fieldhouse and Ravens’ Nest | 85 University Road
Discover the latest in accessibility and adaptive living at the Adapt Expo Ottawa! Explore innovative tech, adaptive sports, and inclusive designs. Enjoy workshops, demos, and the Chronic & Iconic Makers’ Market. The first 400 attendees get a free swag bag—don’t miss out!
Ottawa Improv Festival | May 29 – 31
Arts Court Theatre | 2 Daly Avenue
Get ready to laugh and have fun as you witness hilarious comedy created on the spot! The Ottawa Improv Festival has lined up some awesome local, national and international improv talent that is sure to have you rolling in the aisles. They also offer workshops to help you develop and hone your skills with some incredible teachers and performers.
Beetlejuice | May 27 – June 1
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
City of Om | May 30 – June 1
Lansdowne | Ottawa
Come to the largest health and wellness festival to deepen your passion for yoga, fitness, and wellness and enjoy live music, local artisans, and food vendors.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market | May 30 – June 1
Ottawa Chinatown | Somerset Street West between Bronson Avenue and Bell Street North
Explore the vibrant heart of Chinatown at this annual cultural festival! Enjoy delicious cuisine, from traditional Chinese to fusion dishes, and watch live performances like lion dances and martial arts. Support local artisans and take-home unique treasures. Free admission—fun for all ages!
Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street | May 28 – June 1
Sparks Street | Ottawa
Sample some of the best BBQ chicken and ribs you’ll ever taste!
Glengarry Renaissance Festival | May 30 – June 1
Maxville Fair Grounds | 35 Fair Street | Maxville
The family-friendly festival combines live music, stage shows, interactive renaissance characters, and a host of renaissance-styled vendors.
With the perfect mix of entertainment, food, fun and history, the Glengarry Renaissance Festival will take you back in time to a world of knights, princesses and medieval marvels.
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