Ottawa Events Calendar

Butterflies in Flight
2024-12-06 - 2026-01-04 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4
Step into a tropical paradise where over 100 live butterflies glide through lush greenery. Marvel at stunning species such as the blue morpho, swallowtails, and monarchs as pupae from Costa Rica and the Philippines transform into these beautiful creatures.
Bright clothing may attract butterflies, offering a chance to admire them up close. On-site science interpreters share fascinating insights into their lives. Tickets are limited—plan ahead to enjoy this captivating tropical experience.

Butterflies in Flight
2024-12-06 - 2026-03-30 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K2P 2R1, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K2P 2R1

Nana’s Jamaican Christmas Pudding
2024-12-21 - 2025-09-30 | 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, K2C 3K1, 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, K2C 3K1
Nana’s Jamaican Christmas Pudding is a beloved holiday delicacy passed down through generations, connecting family members to their heritage. Made with fruits soaked in rum, port, and sherry, and steamed for hours, the pudding is a symbol of love and tradition.
Mary Anne, who now makes it in Canada, uses a mixing bowl and wooden spoon passed down from her mother, who left Jamaica in 1974. The pudding, often served at Christmas or as wedding favours, represents more than just a treat—it’s a piece of history and family.
This exhibit, part of the Memories are Made in the Kitchen exhibition, celebrates culinary traditions and their ability to bring people together, with highlights including the recipe process, family heirlooms, and cultural connections.

Pucker Up! The Lipstick Prints of Joyce Wieland
2025-02-07 - 2025-10-26, 2025-02-07 - 2025-11-26 | 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4
This exhibition highlights Joyce Wieland’s influential exploration of Canadian identity and feminist themes through innovative prints and mixed media. Featuring her iconic “lipstick” and “lip-synch” series created after her return to Toronto, the show questions and redefines what it means to be Canadian.

GROTTO: The Bill Staubi Collection
2025-03-08 - 2026-02-08 | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, K1N 0C5
Grotto features a selection of artworks donated by Bill Staubi to the OAG in 2024, honoring his support for queer artists and Ottawa’s contemporary art scene. The exhibition explores themes of queer identity, community, and activism, inspired by Staubi’s iconic, personal grotto installation. This collection offers a powerful exploration of human connection.

Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa
2025-03-14 - 2025-09-30 | Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa, 330 Kent Street, Ottawa, K2P 2A6
This family friendly musical production celebrates all things Canadian! The two-hour show features famous characters singing Canadian hits, plus an optional Canadian meal. During Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa, you’ll see some of your favourite Canadian pop culture personalities, such as a Mountie, a Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables and Klondike Kitty. They all sing songs by artists like Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many more. The performances are accompanied by a live band.If you choose to opt into the dining option, performers serve you a delicious Canadian meal during the show. Alcoholic beverages are also available. This show is presented by Totally Legit Productions.

Atlético Ottawa Soccer
2025-04-01 00:00 - 2025-11-15 23:59 UTC | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada

Lansdowne Outdoor Farmers' Market
2025-05-04 00:00 - 2025-10-26 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
From the heart of the land to the heart of the city! Connect with 85+ local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square every Sunday. Shop for the freshest seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, and more. Stop by the food court for lunch and enjoy the market musicians. Everything is authentic (no resellers) and produced within 100km of Ottawa!

Last Voices of the Second World War
2025-05-08 - 2026-01-18 | 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8
Marking 80 years since the war’s end, this moving exhibition features new interviews with surviving veterans and their families, revealing personal stories of service, sacrifice and resilience.

Parkdale Public Market
2025-05-11 - 2025-10-31 | Parkdale Public Market
Experience the joy and excitement of 100 years of Parkdale Market at our grand opening celebration! Join for a day filled with festivities suitable for all ages. From live entertainment to delicious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come be a part of this historic milestone as we commemorate a century of community and tradition at Parkdale Market. This is a free outdoor event.

The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale
2025-05-16 - 2025-10-13 | 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, K1P 6P4
This immersive experience, inspired by Jean Giono’s beloved story and adapted into an Oscar-winning film by Quebec animator Frédéric Back, takes visitors through a multimedia journey that showcases how one shepherd’s dedication to reforesting a barren valley transformed the entire landscape. Through captivating sound and visuals by Montreal’s Supply and Demand, the exhibition celebrates the importance of trees and the impact of individual action. Scientific content from the museum enhances the experience, and timed tickets must be reserved in advance.

Westboro Farmers' Market
2025-05-17 - 2025-10-25 | PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4, PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4
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 within 100 kilometers of Ottawa.

Canada’s Unknown Soldier
2025-05-24 - 2026-05-24 | 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, K1A 0M8
Marking 25 years since his return, this commemorative panel exhibition reflects on the legacy of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its role in national remembrance.

Barrhaven Farmers' Market
2025-05-25 - 2025-10-26 | PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4, PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4
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.

Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s
2025-06-06 - 2026-01-11 | 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, K1A 0M8
Experience Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s! Explore 100+ artists who shaped an era, from Joni Mitchell to Rush. See stage outfits, instruments, and rare memorabilia while reliving the music that defined generations. Feel the power of music as a force for creativity, expression, and change.

Live from the Booth
2025-06-07 18:00 - 2025-10-11 20:00, 2025-06-14 18:00 - 2025-10-18 20:00, 2025-06-21 18:00 - 2025-10-25 20:00, 2025-06-28 18:00 - 2025-11-01 20:00
This summer, Sparks Street pulses with the energy of Ottawa’s electronic music scene through Live from the Booth, a free outdoor concert series presented by the Downtown BIA and Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). Every Saturday evening, local DJs and electronic artists transform the pedestrian mall into a vibrant dance floor, offering music enthusiasts an energetic start to their weekends.

Songs from the Shed
2025-06-10 - 2025-10-14, 2025-06-12 - 2025-10-16, 2025-06-17 - 2025-10-21, 2025-06-19 - 2025-10-23, 2025-06-24 - 2025-10-28, 2025-06-26 - 2025-10-30, 2025-07-01 - 2025-11-04 | Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7, Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7
A collaboration between the Downtown BIA and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is bringing local music to The Shed on Sparks Street all summer long! The lunchtime concert series, Songs from the Shed, will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm-1:30pm. Music lovers from the Ottawa region are invited to come enjoy lunch outdoors with a variety of captivating singer-songwriters in solo or duo formations. The project will be run by Ottawa’s own Jessy Lindsay, bilingual singer-songwriter and program coordinator.

Resistant Fibres
2025-06-17 - 2026-05-19
Discover Resistant Fibres, a new exhibition at Âjagemô showcasing textile art as a powerful form of protest, celebration, and healing. Curated by Julie Graff, this display features works from the Canada Council Art Bank collection from June 17, 2025, to May 19, 2026.

Salsa Sundays
2025-06-22 15:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00
Get ready to dance, Ottawa! Head to the ByWard Market every Sunday with free open-level dance classes at 3 pm, followed by social dancing at 4. No partner or experience needed—just bring your energy. Led by instructors from the University of Ottawa Salsa Club.
