Cultural events

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!

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.

Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games from May to September in Canada’s capital at Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown. The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club plays in the Eastern Conference of the Frontier League, which includes 15 teams from Ontario, Québec, and the U.S. northeast. The team’s mascot, Cappy, is a family  … Read more

The MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival features an award-winning lineup of Canadian authors and illustrators.Students in grades 4 to 8 are invited to sign up for one or two days of literary activities, including artist presentations and hands-on master classes, where they will work with a professional author or illustrator of their choice.Bring your  … Read more

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! Situated at the gateway to Hintonburg, in the Wellington  … Read more

This music event will connect active industry professionals with musicians, artists and people making moves in the arts and entertainment business. The weekend will feature networking sessions, information panels with music professionals, masterclasses, and a showcase featuring some great emerging talent. Free and paid events.

Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games from May to September in Canada’s capital at Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown. The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club plays in the Eastern Conference of the Frontier League, which includes 15 teams from Ontario, Québec, and the U.S. northeast. The team’s mascot, Cappy, is a family  … Read more

Discover the latest in accessibility and adaptive living. 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!

The Amazing Silent Disco lands at the National Gallery of Canada for one unforgettable night of retro beats and dancing. Choose between three live DJs spinning 80s, 90s and 00s hits through wireless headphones in a stunning gallery setting complete with lights, visuals and a bar. Already a global sensation, this silent disco experience blends  … Read more

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.

Catch professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital! Don't miss the fast breaks, big dunks and impressive blocks inside the Arena at TD Place at Lansdowne. As members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks play against teams from across the country from May to August. Sports fans can count  … Read more

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! Situated at the gateway to Hintonburg, in the Wellington  … Read more

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.

Discover more than 60 local vendors in Westboro every Saturday from May to October. Wander beneath the tree canopy as you shop for the freshest seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more. Enjoy lunch at the food court while listening to live music. Everything is authentic, with no resellers and produced  … Read more

Support your local farmers' market every Saturday from May to October! Discover the finest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, crafts, hot meals and more. As a producer-only market, all vendors make, bake and grow everything within 100 kilometers of Ottawa. Enjoy live music and special programming while you shop.

Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Each week, around 30 passionate vendors come together to showcase farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious homemade treats. With live music setting the mood and special events sprinkled throughout the season, the market offers a warm and  … Read more

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  … Read more

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.

Join in the celebration as the 1860s Village celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday. Sing "God Save the Queen," hear historical patriotic speeches, see grand military manoeuvres’, lace up for the 1860s athletic games, watch the Village’s “Queen” in action (a hand-pumped fire engine), and enjoy a piece of birthday cake.

Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games from May to September in Canada’s capital at Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown. The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club plays in the Eastern Conference of the Frontier League, which includes 15 teams from Ontario, Québec, and the U.S. northeast. The team’s mascot, Cappy, is a family  … Read more

Catch professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital! Don't miss the fast breaks, big dunks and impressive blocks inside the Arena at TD Place at Lansdowne. As members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks play against teams from across the country from May to August. Sports fans can count  … Read more

Enjoy an evening of Dueling Pianos featuring Jeff Rogers and Mellow Dee. Seating is allocated based on group size and availability, with larger tables shared between groups to create a lively, social atmosphere. Food and drinks are available throughout the event, complemented by Wine Wednesday specials including half-litre pours, select bottles at a reduced price,  … Read more

Join fellow sports fans and catch professional baseball games from May to September in Canada’s capital at Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown. The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club plays in the Eastern Conference of the Frontier League, which includes 15 teams from Ontario, Québec, and the U.S. northeast. The team’s mascot, Cappy, is a family  … Read more

Explore 35+ local vendors in Orléans every Thursday from May to October. Browse the freshest seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more. This producer-only market ensures that everything is made within 100 kilometers of Ottawa, providing a truly local shopping experience.

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! Situated at the gateway to Hintonburg, in the Wellington  … Read more

Catch professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital! Don't miss the fast breaks, big dunks and impressive blocks inside the Arena at TD Place at Lansdowne. As members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks play against teams from across the country from May to August. Sports fans can count  … Read more

Craft beer, delicious food, and live entertainment to kick off the barbecue season!

Canada's most popular multi-day running event sees close to 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races—including the country's largest marathon—along picturesque downtown routes.In May, keen runners—including Olympic athletes and champions from around the world—converge on Canada's capital to compete in one or more of six amazing events: the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K,  … Read more

Individual garage sales combine to make one giant neighbourhood sale.

Discover more than 60 local vendors in Westboro every Saturday from May to October. Wander beneath the tree canopy as you shop for the freshest seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more. Enjoy lunch at the food court while listening to live music. Everything is authentic, with no resellers and produced  … Read more

Support your local farmers' market every Saturday from May to October! Discover the finest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, crafts, hot meals and more. As a producer-only market, all vendors make, bake and grow everything within 100 kilometers of Ottawa. Enjoy live music and special programming while you shop.

Farm-fresh produce, baking, flowers, bedding plants, pottery, furniture and more including the Sunflower Café.

 Wanderlust is a fully improvised theatre experience following two friends on an unpredictable road trip across Canada. Guided by audience suggestions, each performance creates a new journey filled with unexpected destinations, memorable characters, and evolving relationships. Through physical theatre, vocal creativity, and spontaneous storytelling, the ensemble transforms the stage into highways, towns, and landscapes across  … Read more

Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Each week, around 30 passionate vendors come together to showcase farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious homemade treats. With live music setting the mood and special events sprinkled throughout the season, the market offers a warm and  … Read more

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!

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!

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.

Catch professional basketball action and family-friendly entertainment in Canada's capital! Don't miss the fast breaks, big dunks and impressive blocks inside the Arena at TD Place at Lansdowne. As members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks play against teams from across the country from May to August. Sports fans can count  … Read more

Calling all crafters! Join in for a cozy afternoon of stitching and cinema!This event is created by crafters, for crafters, with a special twist: the theater lights will be dimmed — just enough for you to enjoy the movie while working on your latest crochet, knitting, cross-stitch or whatever project you're working on.

Experience the elegance and precision of world-class dressage at one of Canada’s largest dressage shows. Watch elite riders compete for international qualifications, cheer on future stars in the Rising Stars and Pony Cup divisions, and enjoy an exciting atmosphere celebrating the beauty of this sport.

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  … Read more

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! Situated at the gateway to Hintonburg, in the Wellington  … Read more

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!

Join the roaring crowds at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne as Ottawa’s Canadian Football League (CFL) team battles for a chance at the Grey Cup. The city’s first football team launched in 1876 and, thanks to the Ottawa REDBLACKS, the sport is as popular as ever in Canada’s capital. Loyal fans regularly cheer for their  … Read more

Ottawa's beloved Ribfest returns to Sparks Street, offering a mouthwatering experience for locals and visitors alike. This free, family-friendly festival features a variety of vendors serving up the best ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and more.  

How does wool go from keeping a sheep warm to making wool sweaters? Drop in at the Main Barn on Loucks Farm to see and learn about sheep shearing as the farm staff shear the Village flock by hand. Then, visit the McDiarmid Home and Asselstine’s water-powered Woollen Factory to learn more about the washing  … Read more

Experience the excitement and wonder of the Middle Ages at this annual festival in Maxville, Ontario. As you walk through the gates at the Glengarry Renaissance Festival, you will be transported to a small medieval village in Scotland in the 1500s. The family-friendly festival combines live music, stage shows, interactive renaissance characters, and a host  … Read more

Experience the charm of the Wakefield Market, a lively outdoor market happening every Saturday from May to October. Each week, around 30 passionate vendors come together to showcase farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious homemade treats. With live music setting the mood and special events sprinkled throughout the season, the market offers a warm and  … Read more

Get the buzz on bees during this hands-on weekend experience, running from May 17 to August 17. Watch beekeepers at work, learn how hives function, and if you're feeling brave, suit up and hold a frame of bees. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Experience over 20 local vendors in Barrhaven every Sunday from May to October. Engage with the community while exploring the freshest seasonal produce, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Savor a delicious lunch and enjoy live music. Everything is authentic, with no resellers and produced within 100 kilometers of Ottawa.

Spend an afternoon touring the lush gardens, shopping at the outdoor artisan market and listening to live music as you sip on a beverage and snack on homemade treats. The production room will be open to visitors and you can learn more about the natural, homemade bath and body products that are made on site  … Read more