Ottawa Events Calendar

Bunnypalooza
2026-05-23
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!

Monster Spectacular
2026-05-23 | 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa (Kanata), K2V 1A5, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa (Kanata), K2V 1A5
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.

Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club
2026-05-23 | 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.

Crafter's Movie Afternoon
2026-05-23
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.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24 | 45-5450 Canotek Road, Ottawa, K1J 9G2, 45-5450 Canotek Road, Ottawa, K1J 9G2
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, 2K and kids’ marathon.
Tens of thousands of spectators line routes along the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River and other scenic locations to cheer on the competitors. Before and after the race, runners and spectators enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden, and a health and fitness expo, all near the starting area at Ottawa City Hall.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is one of the only running events in the world to host two World Athletics Gold Label events: the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and the Ottawa 10K.

Annual Traditional Pow Wow
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24
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!

The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre
2026-05-23 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-24 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-25 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-26 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-28 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-30 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre, 1200 St Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario
The Shop List at St. Laurent Centre
Discover your fall style with The Shop List, running September 16–30 alongside our Share It to Win It Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree! ✨Visit the Rules and Regulations for more information about the contest.
📅 Event Hours
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28 | 11 AM – 4 PM
🎁 What’s happening during event hours:
Free limited-edition tote bags (while supplies last)
On-site brand styling ambassadors to guide you through The Shop List and curated fall capsule collections from St. Laurent retailers
Step into the season with style inspiration, shopping perks, and your chance at an unforgettable shopping spree.

Geek Hoard Haul
2026-05-24 10:00 - 17:00
For your summer geek fix, swing by the Geek Hoard Haul! Over 60 vendors await with comics, collectibles, games, trading cards and artisan crafts to fuel your fandom! Family fun, interactive events and a door prize make this pop-up convention a must for every nerdy haul!

2026 Riverkeeper Gala // Gala de Garde-rivière des Outaouais 2026
2026-05-27 18:00 - 23:00 | 2026 Riverkeeper Gala // Gala de Garde-rivière des Outaouais 2026, Lemieux Island, Lemieux Island, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Français Suite
Ottawa Riverkeeper’s annual Riverkeeper Gala is taking place on Wednesday, May 27th on Lemieux Island – and we hope to see you there!
The party will kick-off at 6 pm and be full of fantastic programming! Enjoy delicious plates from award-winning caterer Thyme & Again, mouth-watering Whalesbone oysters, explore (and bid on!) the incredible auction items, then dance the night away, or simply relax and take in the incredible river views.
Party for a good cause and get your tickets for the Riverkeeper Gala today!
With your ticket to the Riverkeeper Gala, you’re protecting the Ottawa River. This river is home to precious biodiversity and ecosystems, and is the source of drinking water to over 2 million people. Freshwater protection is more important than ever before, so grab your tickets and help lead the way to a swimmable, drinkable, fishable watershed now, and for generations to come.
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Le Gala Garde-rivière des Outaouais aura lieu le mercredi 27 mai sur l’île Lemieux – et nous espérons vous y voir!
La fête débutera à 18 h et sera remplie d’un programme fantastique! Dégustez les délicieux plats du traiteur primé Thyme & Again, les appétissantes huîtres Whalesbone, découvrez (et enchérissez!) les incroyables articles mis aux enchères, puis dansez jusqu’au bout de la nuit, ou détendez-vous simplement en admirant l’incroyable vue sur le fleuve.
Faites la fête pour une bonne cause et achetez vos billets pour le Gala Garde-rivière dès aujourd’hui!
En achetant un billet pour le Gala Garde-rivière des Outaouais, vous protégez la rivière des Outaouais. Cette rivière abrite une biodiversité et des écosystèmes précieux et constitue la source d’eau potable de plus de 2 millions de personnes. La protection de l’eau douce est plus importante que jamais, alors prenez vos billets et aidez-nous à ouvrir la voie à un bassin versant où il est possible de nager, de boire et de pêcher, maintenant et pour les générations à venir.

Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
2026-05-28
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 West food and shopping district.

Ottawa Improv Festival
2026-05-28 - 2026-05-30
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.

Ottawa Dressage Festival
2026-05-28 - 2026-05-31 | 401 & 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa, K2H 8T1, 401 & 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa, K2H 8T1
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.

Nikki Middlemiss – Innerline exhibit
2026-05-28 - 2026-09-06
Explore the intricate paper-based works of Nikki Middlemiss in this contemporary exhibition examining themes of ruin, transformation, and renewal. Through repeated folding, layering, and mark-making, the artist creates richly textured compositions that blur the boundaries between drawing and sculpture.

Ottawa REDBLACKS
2026-05-29 | 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W7, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W7
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 favourite players on sunny summer days, on crisp fall afternoons and even through the occasional snow flurry (the team plays from June through November). When getting tickets, pick your side of the stands wisely (fans are staunchly north- or south-siders). Wherever you sit, visit the concessions for sustenance, and make friends with the REDBLACKS’ giant but lovable lumberjack mascot, Big Joe, who pays homage to the region’s storied logging heritage.
You can always tell when it’s a game day, as the charming Glebe neighbourhood around Lansdowne is filled with fans decked out in red-and-black jerseys, hats and scarves. Build a whole day around a REDBLACKS game by walking or biking to Lansdowne Park along scenic Rideau Canal paths and meeting fans at restaurants, shops and other businesses around TD Place.

Fantastic Fibres & Terrific Textiles
2026-05-29 | 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, K0C 1X0, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, K0C 1X0
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 of fleece, carding, spinning and weaving by hand and using the latest 1860s machinery.

Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
2026-05-29 - 2026-05-31 | 299 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, K1R 6J1, 299 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, K1R 6J1
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
2026-05-29 - 2026-05-31 | Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7, Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street, Ottawa, K1P 5B7
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.

Wakefield Market
2026-05-30 | 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!

See the Bees
2026-05-30 | 538 River Road, Ottawa, K1V 1E9, 538 River Road, Ottawa, K1V 1E9
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.

Glengarry Renaissance Festival
2026-05-30 - 2026-05-31 | 35 Fair Street, Maxville, K0C 1T0, 35 Fair Street, Maxville, K0C 1T0
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 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.

Barrhaven Farmers' Market
2026-05-31 | 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.

Annual Garden Party
2026-05-31 | 284 Pleasant Corners Road East, Vankleek Hill, K0B 1R0, 284 Pleasant Corners Road East, Vankleek Hill, K0B 1R0
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 using some ingredients from the gardens. Celebrate the summer, the gardens and friends at an afternoon in the country. The event will take place rain or shine.
