Ottawa Events Calendar

Dance at Zibi – K-pop with Synaptik Dance Crew
2025-05-15 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Enjoy free outdoor dance lessons at Zibi, presented by the National Arts Centre. Join Synaptik Dance Crew on May 15 for a fun and energetic K-pop dance evening. No experience required, just a desire to move and have fun.

Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
2025-05-15 - 2025-05-19
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.

BGC Ottawa Morning Social
2025-05-15 07:00 - 09:00 UTC | Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse, 1770 Heatherington Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Morning Social is an event that starts your day off right, while inspiring hundreds of guests from across Ottawa’s business community.
Smiles, laughter and stories of hope will be shared, as we shine a spotlight on our Members and community heroes. When we work together we are stronger, and our collective efforts create lasting change in the lives of young people.

Katherine Ryan
2025-05-15 15:30 - 22:00 | 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, K1R 6H5, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, K1R 6H5
Television favourite Katherine Ryan returns to the stage with her brand-new live show Battleaxe — part of a major UK and European tour in 2024.
Known for her sharp wit and fearless humour, Katherine stars in UKTV’s popular series Parental Guidance, and will also appear in Comedy Central’s upcoming Out of Order alongside Rosie Jones and Judi Love.

Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
2025-05-15 19:00 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
Ottawa’s inaugural professional women’s soccer team, competing in the Northern Super League (NSL) take on Vancouver Rise FC, who includes global soccer icon Christine Sinclair as part of their ownership group.

Steel Panther & Buckcherry - The Northern Exposure Tour Ottawa
2025-05-16 | 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, K1R 6H5, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, K1R 6H5
The Diamond Mine Agency presents Steel Panther & Buckcherry – The Northern Exposure Tour live in Ottawa. Get ready for a night of high-energy rock as Steel Panther, the ultimate party band from Los Angeles, brings its signature blend of hard rock virtuosity and outrageous humour to the stage. Joining them are multi-platinum rockers Buckcherry, known for their raw, unapologetic sound and electrifying performances. Special guest Kurt Deimer kicks off the night.

Cangames
2025-05-16 - 2025-05-18
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.

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.

PWHL Playoffs: Ottawa Charge vs. Montréal Victoire
2025-05-16 19:00 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
PWHL Playoffs: Game 4, Ottawa Charge (3) vs. Montréal Victoire (1).

Dean Lewis: The Epilogue World Tour
2025-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1, Canada
Since his emergence in 2017, Dean Lewis has gathered over 13 billion streams and dozens of multiplatinum, platinum, and gold certifications worldwide. Dean’s 2019 gold-certified debut, A Place We Knew, housed the hits “Waves” and “Be Alright”—which also reached rarified air as a member of the Spotify “Billions Club.” He has picked up 3 ARIA Awards and 2 APRA Awards. Moreover, he has amassed a cumulative social media following of nearly 7 million fans. Not to mention, collaborated with everyone from Kygo, Martin Garrix, and Tiësto to Ruth B. and Julia Michaels.
On the road, he’s enraptured audiences at packed headline shows in addition to touring with AJR and James Arthur. Speaking to his impact, he regularly averages north of 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify and has consistently soared as one of the “Top 5 Most Viewed AU Artists on TikTok.” During 2022, Lewis unveiled his sophomore effort The Hardest Love to critical acclaim. EUPHORIA. hailed it as “an emotionally rich record,” and Atwood Magazine raved, “His gut-wrenching and powerful storytelling has captivated hearts, and now he’s coming back with a bang.”
In the end, The Epilogue is the start of the best chapter of Dean’s story.

There are no program notes for this event.

Metcalfe Farmers' Market
2025-05-17
Farm-fresh produce, baking, flowers, bedding plants, pottery, furniture and more including the Sunflower Café.

Wakefield Market
2025-05-17 | 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, J0X 3G0, 38 Chemin de la Vallée de Wakefield, Wakefield, J0X 3G0
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 festive atmosphere.
Since its beginnings in 1997, the market has remained a vibrant hub for local producers and artisans to connect with visitors and neighbours alike. From handcrafted goods to seasonal delights, every visit brings something new to discover. Soak in the lively energy, grab a bite, and make the most of the warm months in beautiful Wakefield!

All Things Bookish Market
2025-05-17 | 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3, 55 ByWard Market, Ottawa, K1N 9C3
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.

Desi Dhamaka - A Celebration of South Asian Arts & Culture
2025-05-17 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Stop by the NAC for an unforgettable afternoon of vibrant rhythms, colourful traditions, and joyful connection at Desi Dhamaka!
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of South Asia through live artistic performances representing India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan – including a special performance by JUNO Award-winning band Autorickshaw. Enjoy the captivating energy of a live DJ, get a beautiful henna design, and bring the little ones for a family craft activity filled with creativity and fun.
Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or exploring something new, this free event is open to everyone. Come celebrate!
This event is proudly supported by Aroha Fine Arts and Radio Huns.

Fun Philippines Ottawa Street Festival
2025-05-17 - 2025-05-18
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!

Weekend Bikedays
2025-05-17 - 2025-05-19 | Throughout urban and rural Ottawa and Gatineau, Ottawa-Gatineau, Throughout urban and rural Ottawa and Gatineau, Ottawa-Gatineau
On weekends—and even some weekdays—you can bike, walk, run and in-line skate on several car-free parkways in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Weekend Bikedays (previously Sunday Bikedays) creates additional space and time for people to enjoy environmentally friendly outdoor recreation in Canada’s capital. During the warm months, people can safely exercise during select periods on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as select weekdays) on scenic roadways along the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal and in Gatineau Park.
Full details on locations schedules are listed on the National Capital Commission website.

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.

Carp Farmers’ Market
2025-05-17 08:00 - 13:00 | Carp Farmers’ Market
The largest producer-based farmers’ market in Eastern Ontario, with over 100 vendors offering produce, baked goods and crafts.

North Gower Farmers' Market
2025-05-17 08:30 - 13:00 | North Gower Farmers’ Market
Come purchase vegetables, honey, meat, sauces, cheese, and other goods from local producers in rural Ottawa. The market was founded in 1994 by local residents Carolyn Seabrook and Andrew Harkness. Carolyn sold Andrew on the idea of a farmers’ market in her family’s vacant barn, and together they launched the project.

Main Street Farmers' Market
2025-05-17 09:00 - 14:00 | Main Street Farmers’ Market, PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4
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.

Spring Up Market
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the beauty of spring with creative workshops, hands-on planting activities, and kid-friendly fun. Join Cherrish Art for a spring-themed art session and plant seedlings with Just Food Ottawa. Explore nature through interactive activities with the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library.

613Flea
2025-05-17 10:00 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
Don’t miss the ever-changing 613flea marketplace that features eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great foods and one-of-a-kinds at Lansdowne Park. The 613flea marketplace is always on a Saturday (and always free to attend) but the dates change each month.

Desi Dhamaka - A Celebration of the South Asian Arts & Culture
2025-05-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Desi Dhamaka – A Celebration of the South Asian Arts & Culture, 1 Elgin St
Desi Dhamaka – A Celebration of South Asian Arts & Culture
Saturday, May 17 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Peter A. Herrndorf Place, National Arts Centre
Free Event – Everyone Welcome!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of vibrant rhythms, colourful traditions, and joyful connection at South Asian Celebration Day!
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of South Asia through live artistic performances representing India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan – including a special performance by JUNO Award-winning band Autorickshaw. Enjoy the captivating energy of a live DJ, get a beautiful henna design, and bring the little ones for a family craft activity filled with creativity and fun.
Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or exploring something new, this free event is open to everyone. Come celebrate with us!
This event is proudly supported by Aroha Fine Arts and Radio Huns.

Rhiannon Giddens
2025-05-17 20:00 - 22:00 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1, Canada
Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue is Giddens’ much-anticipated return to her North Carolina roots and the old-time music tradition that launched her career. 2x GRAMMY, MacArthur “Genius”, and Pulitzer Prize winner Giddens has pulled together a remarkable band that represents an incredible array of talent and American musical traditions to celebrate her new album What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a fiddle-and-banjo record made in collaboration with Justin Robinson. Joining them on stage will be celebrated multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, bassist Jason Sypher, guitarist Amelia Powell, and bones player and rapper Demeanor.
What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow features a mix of North Carolinian instrumentals and traditional songs. Thompson was one of the last musicians of his era and his community to carry on the southern Black string band tradition. Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue pay homage to that legacy and shepard it into a new era.
Giddens’ new album, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow is out April 2025.
Rhiannon Giddens has pledged to donate $1 per ticket to a charitable cause of her choice.

Nia Nadurata
2025-05-17 20:00 - 23:00
Nia Nadurata is heading across Ontario with a series of live performances presented by Modo Live and Programme.
Do not miss this rising star live on stage with special guests.

May Show Festival
2025-05-18
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
2025-05-18
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.

Lansdowne Farmers' Market
2025-05-18 | PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4, PO Box 4465 Ottawa Postal Station E, ottawa, K1S 5B4
Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at Lansdowne Park every Sunday.
Ottawa Farmers’ Market is a producer-only organization that features vendors from within 100 kilometres of the city of Ottawa. The market is a great place to buy the freshest local products the season has to offer directly from the people who produce them, meet friends, have lunch and enjoy musicians, buskers and special events.
Open all year round at Lansdowne Park, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market takes place outside the Aberdeen Pavilion during the warmer months and inside the historic building in the winter. In the weeks before Christmas, the market is usually open on Saturdays.

Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club
2025-05-18 | 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W7, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W7
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 on high-quality action on the court thanks to CEBL players who come from NBA G-League clubs, other Division 1 FIBA leagues around the world, top NCAA programs, the Canadian national program, and from U SPORTS.

Nepean Night Market
2025-05-18
Soak up the good vibes at Nepean Night Market! Every Sunday from 5–9 p.m., enjoy amazing local vendors, delicious food trucks and fantastic live music. Bring your dancing shoes, lawn chairs, and pups—dogs are always welcome, and treats are on hand. Glow sticks for the kids, fun for all!
