Ottawa Events Calendar

I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-17
Set in John Barrymore’s untouched 1930s-era apartment in New York City, I Hate Hamlet follows television star Andrew Rally as he wrestles with the challenge of playing the role of Hamlet on stage.
Already facing pressure from the weight of Shakespeare’s iconic character, Andrew also finds himself clashing with a girlfriend committed to chastity — and unexpectedly hosting the ghost of John Barrymore, summoned during a séance led by a well-meaning but unqualified friend.
This clever and comedic play explores the timeless tug-of-war between ambition, legacy and love.

And Then There Were None
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-24 | And Then There Were None, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, K1N 7M7
Ten strangers are mysteriously summoned to a remote island. Bound by their shared dark secrets, they soon realize they have been condemned to death. Trapped by a violent storm, the guests are killed one by one, each demise eerily following the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.
This chilling stage adaptation, penned by Dame Agatha Christie herself, is based on her world-renowned novel—the best-selling mystery of all time.
Described as “a dark, twisted tale: a tribute to the author’s genius” by Review Hub and “certainly one of Christie’s cleverest mysteries” by WhatsOnStage, this gripping whodunit promises suspense and intrigue from start to finish.
Please note: this performance contains scenes of violence.

ABRA Cadabra - A Tribute to ABBA
2025-05-07 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
ABBA tribute group ABRA Cadabra is coming to Ottawa for the first time. This all-ages, family-friendly stage extravaganza has received rave reviews from coast to coast.
Featuring a captivating live band, powerful vocals, dancers, dazzling costumes, and engaging multimedia, this interactive show will have audiences smiling, dancing, and singing along to favourite ABBA hits such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance, SOS, Waterloo, Fernando, and more.
ABRA Cadabra, from Vancouver, British Columbia, has been touring the world for over 20 years, bringing the timeless music of ABBA to audiences of all ages and cultures. Past performances include shows for the Malaysian Royal Family, as well as performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, Universal Studios in Florida, the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria, the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, the Dalhousie Arts Centre in Halifax, Théâtre Capitol Moncton, Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, and more.

Gerry Dee: Funny You Should Say That
2025-05-07 20:00 - 22:00 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1, Canada
Acclaimed comedian Gerry Dee announce that he’ll embark on a new standup comedy tour across Canada throughout 2025. Gerry will debut all new material full of stories and observations from how he sees the world.
Gerry Dee was the star and co-creator of the hit CBC comedy â€œMr.Dâ€ for 8 seasons.
He is currently the host of â€œFamily Feud Canadaâ€. He currently plays the role of â€œTempleton Dudgeâ€ in the sitcom â€œAnimal Controlâ€ on FOX Television.
His first book, â€œTeaching: Itâ€™s Harder Than It Looksâ€ was released in 2012 and was a National best seller. He released his second book in October 2023.
For more information visit www.gerrydee.com.

Jukebox Lunch Concerts
2025-05-08 | 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Stop by the NAC on Thursdays this spring for the third season of Jukebox Lunch Concerts! Enjoy a free, music-filled midday break in the sunny Peter A. Herrndorf Place. Bring your meal, grab a spot, and experience incredible live performances by talented Canadian artists — it’s the perfect way to refuel your energy for the rest of the day!

Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market
2025-05-08
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.

Empowering Women in the Music Industry
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-11
Axé WorldFest’s fifth annual conference, Rise, Connect, Create – EWIMI5, brings three days of panels, workshops, mentorship, performances, and networking to venues across Ottawa. Focused on inclusion and equity in the creative industries, this dynamic event highlights the voices of women while welcoming all. Presented in partnership with the National Arts Centre and supported by arts and cultural funders.

Ottawa Children’s Festival
2025-05-08 00:00 - 2025-05-13 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
40th Annual Ottawa Children’s Festival
From May 8-13, celebrate our 40th anniversary at the Ottawa Children’s Festival’s vibrant new main site at Lansdowne! Experience thrilling performances in the beautiful Horticulture Building and soak up the festival magic under a lively big-top tent on the Great Lawn. It’s a dynamic, family-friendly space bursting with energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments!

This year’s lineup features incredible shows from around the world including:
✓ The hilarious & insightful BULLYBULLY (Netherlands)
✓ The heartwarming tale of Polar Bear & Penguin (Ireland)
✓ Missy D’s bilingual musical adventure (Canada)
✓ Architects of Air’s mesmerizing Arborealis (England)
And so much more!

Ottawa Children's Festival
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-13 | Ottawa Children’s Festival, , Ottawa
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!

Blossom Banquet: Feast of Foraged Flavours
2025-05-08 17:00 - 21:00 | 4547 Mohr’s Road, Arnprior, K7S 3G7, 4547 Mohr's Road, Arnprior, K7S 3G7
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.

Next Chapter Expo
2025-05-09 - 2025-05-11 | 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Ottawa, K0A 1V0, 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Ottawa, K0A 1V0
The Next Chapter Expo is the ultimate event for adults looking to embrace new opportunities and live life to the fullest. Featuring a diverse range of exhibitors and experts, the event showcases travel, finance, health, wellness, hobbies, home improvement, and more—including exciting displays of ATVs, cars, and RVs. Held at the scenic Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, the expo offers engaging keynote speakers and interactive demonstrations to spark ideas and inspire future adventures. Whether seeking a new passion, fresh perspectives, or practical advice, the Next Chapter Expo has something for everyone.

Canadian Tulip Festival
2025-05-09 - 2025-05-19 | Canadian Tulip Festival, , 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!
Tulips (day and night), kids fun and souvenirs
Take photos and selfies amongst the dozens of multicoloured garden beds; visit the heritage display to learn about the historic gift of tulips which led to the festival’s creation; shop for fresh cut flowers, crafts, art and more at the tulip boutique; take the kids to the Tulip Town activity area; and enjoy lit garden beds and a blacklight boardwalk experience after dark.
Tours, workshops and movie
Enjoy a Self-Guided Legacy Tour that conveniently uses QR codes. Additional free programming includes daily outdoor movies at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as a new sound and light show every evening on the blacklight boardwalk at 9:15 p.m.
Royal roots
The festival began with a special gift. The Royal Family of the Kingdom of the Netherlands took refuge in Ottawa during the Second World War, and Her Royal Highness, Princess Margriet was born here in 1943. Two years later, Canadian troops played a key role in liberating the Netherlands. In gratitude, the Dutch government has sent Canada a gift of tulip bulbs every year since 1945, inspiring what has become the Canadian Tulip Festival.

MOMIX
2025-05-09 20:00 - 2025-05-10 23:00 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1, Canada
For almost 45 years, MOMIX has captivated audiences of all ages and has developed a worldwide following with its inimitable productions. As a company of dancer-illusionists, its works artfully fuse dance, lighting, musical effects, costumes, and video projections. Artistic Director Moses Pendleton is interested in how the human body can investigate non-human worlds, and Lewisâ€¯Carrollâ€™s classic tale Alice in Wonderland is a natural fit to let oneâ€™s imagination run wild.â€¯
A magical dream world takes the stage, bursting at the seams with surprising ingenuity and playful fantasy. In her search for Wonderland, our heroine Alice ventures into the burrow of the Whiteâ€¯Rabbit. There, she is thrown into a universe where the usual laws of space, time and language are subtly transformed through increasingly madcap imagery. In the scenes that follow, she meets extraordinarily strange creatures with exceptional abilities. Here, the stage is MOMIXâ€™s rabbit hole, and you wonâ€™t want to miss this fascinating adventure!â€¯

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Smoke machine

Heritage in Motion/ the soul of Armenian dance
2025-05-10 | 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, K1E 0A1, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, K1E 0A1
Embark on a historical journey through Armenian dance and culture with Heritage in Motion — a spirited and soulful performance by Noraïk Dance Ensemble, Ottawa’s first and only Armenian folk dance studio.
Blending traditional choreography with modern interpretations, the show explores Armenia’s regional dances, each reflecting a unique aspect of the country’s rich history and cultural identity. Set to captivating music and vibrant costumes, Heritage in Motion celebrates the artistry, rituals and enduring resilience of the Armenian people.
Experience an evening that honours the living legacy of Armenian dance and the powerful stories it continues to share.

Metcalfe Farmers' Market
2025-05-10
Farm-fresh produce, baking, flowers, bedding plants, pottery, furniture and more including the Sunflower Café.

613flea
2025-05-10 | 613flea, PO. Box 8235, Station T, Ottawa, K1G 3H7
The not-for-profit 613flea is a humongous once a month marketplace held in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. The free to attend event features an exciting (and ever-changing!) lineup of over 140 vendors who offer eclectic goods, hand made treasures, vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds. Makers and bakers, artists and artisans, antiques and vintage clothing, records and comics, plus great food too! 613flea is open one Saturday each month except January and December.

Atlético Ottawa
2025-05-10 | Atlético Ottawa, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3W7
Experience the passion of Atlético Ottawa, where grit meets glory on the pitch. As Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League team, they bring the energy, heart, and determination of their parent club, Atlético de Madrid. With a focus on developing local talent and delivering thrilling matches, they embody the city’s hardworking spirit and love for the beautiful game.
Catch the action at TD Place, where the crowd roars and every goal fuels the city’s soccer fever. Whether you are a die-hard fan or new to the sport, Atlético Ottawa is the team to support. Wear your red and white, feel the adrenaline, and be part of the movement. Let’s go, Ottawa!

Grande Première
2025-05-10 | Grande Première, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4
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
2025-05-10 | Ottawa Flower Market
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.

Weekend Bikedays
2025-05-10 - 2025-05-11 | 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.

Carp Farmers’ Market
2025-05-10 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
2025-05-10 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
2025-05-10 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.

613Flea
2025-05-10 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.

Happy Mother's Day
2025-05-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Happy Mother’s Day, Hazeldean Mall 300 Eagleson Rd, Kanata, ON K2M 1C9
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re thrilled to invite you and your loved ones to a special in-person event hosted by HT Realty! Join us for an afternoon of joy, creativity, and appreciation for all the amazing moms in our lives.
Scan the QR code on the poster to register and nominate the wonderful moms in your life! Limited spots available, first come, first served.
We look forward to celebrating this beautiful day with you. Come make lasting memories with family and friends!

Atlético Ottawa
2025-05-10 14:00 - 17:00 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
Ottawa’s Canadian Premier League (CPL) soccer team takes on an opponent on the home pitch at TD Place Stadium.

Atlético Ottawa vs Valour FC
2025-05-10 14:00 - 23:59 | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3W7, Canada
Atlético Ottawa vs Valour FC
Atlético Ottawa takes on Valour FC in CPL action.

The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan
2025-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5W1
Get ready for The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan! Enjoy a star-studded lineup of top comedians, including Rick Currie, Mike Paterson, Jim McNally, Alastair McAlastair, and Todd Reid, hosted by Matt Watson. A night of hilarious entertainment you won’t want to miss, all for a great cause!

All Pain No Gain album release show
2025-05-10 19:00 - 23:00
Kingfisher celebrates the release of All Pain No Gain with a high-energy album launch! Experience raw DIY rock with special guests MAJORS (Ottawa/Charleston) and Among Legends (Waterloo). Get ready for a night of 80s and 90s-inspired punk and rock vibes!

Canadian Centennial Choir concert - Music inspired by Nature
2025-05-10 19:30 - 21:15
Enjoy a spring selection of nature-themed works, featuring Les chansons des roses by Morten Luridsen, Four Choral Critters by Christine Donkin, and There Will Come Soft Rains by Ivo Antognini. The performance will be directed by Marg Stubington with Nicholas Busch on piano and Gertrude Letourneau on flute.
