Top things to do in Ottawa this May 2025
20 Minute Read
Birds chirping, sun shining, flowers blooming - it’s finally spring in Ottawa. May is jam-packed with events as the weather warms, which means farmers’ markets, outdoor food festivals and sporting events.
Head into the city to enjoy the many festivals and experiences, including multiple producer markets and rib festivals, theatre shows, art exhibitions, music concerts, walking tours, annual races, floral experiences and unique performances. This month also includes holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day, so there is much to celebrate.
Check out these fun things to do in Ottawa this May 2025.
Supersonic Hearts Band
Where: Manor Lounge, 292 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 1, 2025
Playing your favourite hits, this premium three-to-14-piece band is known to rock weddings, festivals and events. They bring high energy with songs you’ll want to move to, and you may end up on the dance floor.
Hintonburg Night Market
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: (Thursdays) May 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025
Stroll through one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighbourhoods during this weekly Thursday night market. Starting at the beginning of May and running through September, shop for local goodies, from handmade gifts to fresh treats. Find new vendors each week, so there is always something to discover.
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 1 to 4 and 14 to 16, 2025
Celebrate Canadian authors and their established writing during the spring edition festival. Join various conversations, presentations and readings from different authors providing their unique words and perspectives.
ArohaFest
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7KEbcsuQNj/
Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 and 3, 2025
Celebrate India’s arts and culture with a bilingual festival featuring dance, music, visual arts, yoga and Bollywood. There are many free performances and workshops to enjoy, so prepare for dance parties, a community mural, henna painting and more.
Ben-Hur In Concert
Where: St. Matthew's Church, 130 Glebe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 and 3, 2025
Acknowledge the 100th anniversary of Ben Hur, the 1925 silent classic film, as it is brought to life in a new way, full of sound. Three choirs create a concert experience as the film fuses the silent work of cinema with some beautiful tunes.
Ottawa PoutineFest
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 to 4, 2025
Eat your heart out and fall in love with various cheesy gravy dishes at Ottawa’s poutine festival. You’ll find classic options and discover unique toppings from multiple vendors.
Arts Carleton Place Fine Art Exhibition
Where: Arts Carleton Place Art Hub, 50 Bennett St. & Carleton Place Arena, 75 Neelin St., Carleton Place, ON
When: May 2 to 4, 2025
Discover 65 local artists presenting their unique work at two locations over three days. Grab your stamped weekend passport for a chance to win one of three door prizes.
Ottawa Clay Festival
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 to 4, 2025
You may be surprised to realize how much you can learn and appreciate about clay. This beautiful art form is celebrated as you meet local artisans, shop for unique ceramics and handcrafted gifts, watch live demonstrations, catch a juried exhibition, visit the pottery throw down and bring your little ones to the kids’ clay area.
Voices Of The Earth
Where: Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 3, 2025
The music will fill your spirit and evoke emotions as this powerful concert features sets from various Canadian and Indigenous composers. Stories of hope, darkness, fragility, resilience and more will provide thoughtful images in your mind.
VE Day 80 Ottawa
Where: Starting at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON
When: May 3, 2025
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Victory Day in Europe, with a powerful tribute in Ottawa’s downtown. The celebration begins at the Canadian War Museum with speeches and official photos before pipers and drummers perform along Wellington Street near Parliament Hill.
Jane’s Walk
Where: Various locations in Ottawa-Gatineau
When: May 3 and 4, 2025
Embark on a community-led stroll where you’ll learn about history and celebrate culture. This annual free walking tour festival takes place in cities worldwide each May to encourage stories to be shared and discover unseen aspects of your hometown. Join a walk in Chinatown, Lowertown, Gatineau’s Quartier-du-Musée, Greenboro and other locations around the capital region.
Atlético Ottawa
Where: TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 3 and 10, 2025
Surround yourself with game day buzz at Lansdowne’s TD Place as you cheer on the home soccer team. Dress for the weather and indulge in tasty stadium snacks like pizza, hotdogs, ice cream or nachos. Rock some red, white and blue swag to support the players. Keep your eyes peeled for the quirky mascot Wally the T-Rex.
Save 20% on Atlético Ottawa home tickets with your CAA Membership.
CN Cycle For CHEO
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON
When: May 4, 2025
Ride or walk for this non-competitive outdoor event and CHEO’s largest fundraiser, CN Cycle for CHEO. Cycle along beautiful urban routes around Ottawa, enjoying views of the Rideau Canal, Dow’s Lake, the Ottawa River, and more, depending on your preferred distance. There are 15-, 35-, 70- and 100-kilometre biking options and 2- and 5-kilometre walking routes.
CAA will have a team participating (look out for the matching jerseys and say hi) and a kiosk where you can visit to grab some free swag.
Spring Craft Market By Common Markets
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 4, 2025
The annual spring market presented by Common Markets is backfilling the NAC atrium with unique Canadian-made items. Grab a coffee and browse a variety of local vendors during this tenth-anniversary market celebration. It’s a great place to find unique gift ideas, especially with Mother’s Day approaching, and to treat yourself to fun handmade finds.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Where: 55 Byward Market Squ., Ottawa, ON
When: May 4, 2025
A fiesta like no other – surround yourself with Mexican culture's vibrant colours, sights and sounds to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Decorations will adorn the historic market square, where you can participate in many free activities, including dance workshops, traditional cuisine tasting and carnival games.
Ottawa Farmers’ Markets
Where: Five market locations in Ottawa, ON
When: Seasonal markets open as of May 4, 17, 22 and 25, 2025 (depending on the market)
Outdoor market season is finally back across the capital city to buy your fresh produce, food and preserves from local vendors. The Ottawa Farmer’s Markets are 100% local, with producer-only farmers’ markets, meaning you’re buying straight from the source, with no resellers.
The seasonal market at Lansdowne reopens on May 4, the Westboro and Main Street markets open on May 17, the Orleans location opens on the 22nd, and the Barrhaven Farmers’ Market begins on May 25.
Bush - Loaded: The Greatest Hits
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 6, 2025
Popular in the 90s and known for their grunge rock sound, the band Bush has a collection of hits that they’ve compounded into a greatest hits album spanning three decades. Listen to classic songs like Glycerine, Swallowed and Everything Zen, and recent singles like Nowhere to Go But Everywhere.
Toddler Tuesdays
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025
Do you have a child aged 18 months to five years? Bring your little one to a free weekly event where they can dance, sing, play games, listen to story time and more.
If you’re looking for an active, adult-only event on Tuesdays, you can also join in on the free SoulRhythms workshops. Work up a sweat on a journey of movement and dance to Afro-Caribbean sounds.
Gerry Dee: Funny You Should Say That
Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 7, 2025
Spend the evening in a fit of the giggles as acclaimed comedian Gerry Dee brings his new tour across Canada. You may recognize him from starring in eight seasons of the series Mr. D or hosting Family Feud Canada.
Silverstein - 25 Years Of Noise Tour
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 8, 2025
Canadian post-hardcore band Silverstein is bringing their rock metal sound to Ottawa on their 25 Years Of Noise Tour. Enjoy a variety of their hits, including songs like Smile in Your Sleep and My Heroine. They will be joined by special guests Real Friends, Broadside, and Greyhaven.
The Blossom Banquet
Where: Farmgate Cider, 4547 Mohr's Rd., Arnprior, ON
When: May 8, 2025
Local, sustainable and delicious. Book your ticket for an evening of orchard dining where you can indulge in an expertly crafted four-course meal paired with Farmgate Ciders as musicians complete the sensory experience. Begin with cocktail hour on the porch before your evening celebrating wild, foraged food.
Ottawa Children's Festival
Where: Lansdowne Park and Arts Court, Ottawa, ON
When: May 8 to 13, 2025
An annual extravaganza for your little ones awaits. The five-day event combines quality theatre, music, and dance to foster the creativity and imagination of our community's young ones. Enjoy a variety of performances.
Canadian Tulip Festival
Where: Commissioners Park, Preston St. and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON
When: May 9 to 19, 2025
Ottawa bursts with a rainbow of colours each May as tulips pop up around the city. Commissioners Park features most of these beautiful and historic stems. During the annual festival, you can see these flowers at their peak and enjoy special programming and vendors such as food trucks. Catch a free movie screening in the park, explore a backlist upcycle garden, browse locally made artwork, and bring your kids to the play zone, among other festive activities.
The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan
Where: Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 10, 2025
Some of Canada’s top TV and film writers, actors and Just For Laughs stars are bringing an evening of comedy to Ottawa and supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa. The lineup includes Rick Currie, Mike Paterson, Rob Pue and others.
The Ottawa Flower Market
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 10, 2025
Once a month, you can shop for a vibrant selection of blooms at the Parkdale Market, which is sourced from local farms. Choose from various pre-arranged bouquets or create your own by selecting individual stems.
Kingfisher, MAJORS and Among Legends show
Where: The 27 Club, 27 York St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 10, 2025
The band Kingfisher will celebrate the release of their All Pain No Gain album with a lively concert. The 80s and 90s-inspired punk rock show includes special guests like MAJORS and Among Legends.
Grande Première
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 10, 2025
Discover emerging fashion designers from the Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy during this annual fashion show. Gaze upon an elegant display of Haute Couture dresses and pieces inspired by the History of Fashion, in addition to complete collections. This year’s inspirational theme is surrealism.
613 Flea
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: May 10 and 17, 2025
613 Flea is a large marketplace featuring handmade goods, antique pieces, fresh food, vintage clothing, and more. It offers an opportunity to search for treasures and uncover hidden gems. More than 150 vendors are present, and the site is always free to visit.
Carp Farmers’ Market
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: Saturdays starting May 10, 2025
As the market season kicks off around the capital, don’t forget about the quaint village of Carp. The producer-only market features vendors selling fruits, veggies, homemade pies, kombucha, farm meats, and much more. There is usually live music to enjoy as you shop.
Metcalfe Farmers' Market
Where: Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, ON
When: Saturdays starting May 10, 2025
This producer-based market begins each May season, so enjoy browsing fresh produce and goodies again. From preserves to dog apparel, wooden toys, cookies, honey, soap, pottery, jewelry, and more, there is much to explore and shop.
NCC Weekend Bikedays
Where: Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON
When: Weekends starting May 10, 2025
Enjoy some stunning views around Ottawa, like the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, as you cycle, roll or walk along significant parkways. Kicking off each May, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays to vehicles for active use. Note that the closure hours differ per parkway.
Mother’s Day Flower Fun Run
Where: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON
When: May 11, 2025
One of the official Tulip Festival events is an annual Mother’s Day race. Select from 1-kilometre kids run, a 5-kilometre run or the 5-kilometre walk/run/stroll option around Dow’s Lake and enjoy the colourful tulips as you go. A personalized bib, race photography, podium prizes for top athletes and post-race snacks are included.
York Street Artisans' Market
Where: York St. at the OTTAWA sign, Ottawa, ON
When: May 11 and 24, 2025
Wander the lively and historic Byward Market every two weeks during the artisans’ market. More than 40 unique vendors will line York Street for you to browse home decor, jewelry, preserves, produce and more.
Powwow Workout
Where: Canal Lobby Stage at the NAC, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 14 and 21, 2025
Join in on a powwow, a cultural Indigenous dance and song gathering open to all. Different styles of powwow dancing are combined for an easy-to-follow 45-minute exercise. Historical context will be provided as you go; you’re welcome to ask questions.
Katherine Ryan - Battleaxe Tour
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 15, 2025
Canadian comedian, actress and writer Katherine Ryan has appeared on various British shows, and you can watch some of her stand-up specials on Netflix. You may recognize her from the limited sitcom The Duchess, also on Netflix. She brings her charisma, sharp wit and edgy comedic style to Ottawa’s Bronson Music Theatre this spring.
Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine
Where: Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 15 to 19, 2025
Whether you live in the Barrhaven neighbourhood or simply love food festival season, you can expect even more ribs and BBQ at this year’s festival. Enjoy live music as you eat your heart out and bring your little ones to the kid's play area.
Ottawa Rapid FC
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 15 and 25, 2025
Be a part of Ottawa’s history in women’s sports and catch the Northern Super League home team in their inaugural season. Soak in the classic sporting event energy and hype of TD Place and cheer on Ottawa Rapid FC. Enjoy action-packed matches that represent the highest level of women’s soccer.
Steel Panther and Buckcherry - The Northern Exposure Tour
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 16, 2025
Hard rock and metal bands Steel Panther and Buckcherry bring their co-headlining tour to Ottawa with opening act Kurt Deimer.
CanGames
Where: Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 16 to 18, 2025
A three-day convention of board games, miniature and roleplaying games awaits. There are multiple ways to attend, such as a player who wants to simply play games, a game master to run games, a volunteer to both play and help administer or a vendor to sell during the convention.
Fun Philippines Ottawa Street Festival
Where: Parliament Hill, Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 17 and 18, 2025
Celebrate and discover the Philippines’ culture during a lively street festival. Surround yourself with energy as you eat cultural cuisine, watch entertainment, including singing and dancing, and participate in various activities.
Orleans Blooms
Where: Orleans Town Centre, 250 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 18, 2025
Spring is here, and you can shop for premium and unique garden plants at this community event. Learn some gardening tips and browse locally created artwork as well. There will also be an educational corner geared towards kids.
Ottawa Blackjacks
Where: TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 18 and 21, 2025
The basketball season in Ottawa starts in May, and you can catch action-packed games in the lively Lansdowne area. Wear the team colours—red, black, and grey—as you indulge in stadium eats while cheering on the local Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team.
Nepean Night Market
Where: Mr. Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Sundays starting May 18, 2025
Get your week started on a fun note during the weekly night markets on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Browse a variety of local vendors as you listen to live music and grab food truck eats. You may just end up dancing and are welcome to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the energetic evening.
Ottawa Titans
Where: 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, 2025
The fourth baseball season at Ottawa Stadium kicks off at the May 20 home opener game against the New Jersey Jackals. The first 3,500 fans who attend this game will receive an Ottawa Titans Jersey. Enjoy some post-match fireworks to send the night off right.
CAA Members save on home game tickets to watch the Ottawa Titans play.
The Prom
Where: Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 21 to 25, 2025
Spend an evening (or afternoon) at the theatre to watch this heartfelt story that also captures the humour of a typical musical comedy with a theme that deeply resonates today. Four quirky Broadway stars hear of a small-town prom where some school parents create an issue around a high school girl wanting to bring her girlfriend to the dance. The stars join forces to help the girl as they cast the spotlight on the situation and themselves.
Capital Music Awards
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 22, 2025
The 2025 Capital Music Awards nominees have been announced. The winners are announced at the annual ceremony, where attendees can dress up, walk the red carpet, and discover new music during the performances.
Kanata Ribfest
Where: Community Hub, 400 March Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 23 to 25, 2025
May is the month for rib festivals, so if you live in the Kanata neighbourhood, don’t miss this tasty event. Enjoy three days of smoky BBQ eats along with cheesy, carby food options. Listen to live music as you feast.
Polish Fest
Where: Byward Market, 42 York St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 24, 2025
Polish Heritage Month is in May, and you can celebrate and honour the culture at this festive event in the Byward Market.
Great Glebe Garage Sale
Where: The Glebe, Ottawa, ON
When: May 24, 2025
This popular community event brings the Glebe neighbourhood to life with hidden treasures each May. The primary vendors are the residents of the Glebe, filling their driveways and lawns with items for sale. Some local organizations accept quality donations if you have things to sell.
Monster Spectacular
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 24, 2025
Canada’s largest monster truck event is returning to Ottawa with an epic motorsports family show. Enjoy a mix of racing, showmanship, and fan involvement in this live performance, which is filled with stunts, freestyle competitions, wheelie contests, massive jumps, and more.
Bytown Brawl: A Quest For Glory
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 24, 2025
If you’re a pro wrestling fan, don’t miss this family-friendly experience featuring old-fashioned-style wrestling. You can expect spectacular maneuvers, twists and turns, and unique characters. Harry Smith, son of legendary British Bulldog Davy Boy Smith, is making a rare Canadian appearance and will be joined by some of your favourite wrestlers.
Capital Comic Book Convention
Where: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 24, 2025
Connect with fellow comic book readers at an event that brings together collectors and retailers. See local artists, writers and other creators and browse a curated selection of vendors all focused solely on comics.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
Where: Starting at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON
When: May 24 to 25, 2025
Register for Ottawa Race Weekend, a popular multi-day running event, where you can choose between various race options ranging from a two-kilometre route or kids' marathon to an international marathon. Admire the stunning downtown views as you run past picturesque areas and the spectators that line the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River and more. Before and after the race, you can enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden and a health and fitness expo.
The Original Navan Market
Where: 1279 Colonial Rd., Navan, ON
When: May 25, 2025
Head to the village of Navan for a monthly farmers’ market to explore a variety of vendors. Flowers, cider, artwork, produce, toys, baking, knits, jewelry, and more are available to browse and shop for during your visit.
Paw Patrol Live!
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 27 and 28, 2025
Your kids’ favourite rescue dogs are bringing Adventure Bay to Ottawa to present two shows of ‘A Mighty Adventure.’ The little ones will love following Chase, Marshall, Skye and the entire pack as they save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers from a supervillain scientist.
Beetlejuice
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 27 to June 1, 2025
Catch the manic, creepy and funny story of teenager Lydia Deetz as she moves into a new house, becomes friends with a deceased couple, the Maitlands, and comes across a demon with his agenda. The ghost with the most is bringing his chaotic charisma to the NAC stage, based on the popular 1988 Tim Burton film.
Ottawa Ribfest
Where: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 28 to June 1, 2025
Take a stroll down Ottawa’s pedestrian street, savouring the scent of BBQed sauce and delicious ribs. Try a few sauces and order from a few vendors to pick your favourite dish. Grab sides like mac n’ cheese or coleslaw, or enjoy BBQ chicken if you’re there to support a rib-loving friend.
Nature Nocturne
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 30, 2025
A new season of magically themed museum parties kicks off this month with the first of five events this upcoming year. The castle-like building comes to life with colours, costumes, music, food, dancing and surprises. The theme is Tremendous, so you can expect the museum to turn into an enchanted forest where you can dance among the trees and unleash your wild side.
Vegans Who Snack Festival
Where: Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 30, 2025
Snack, shop and connect while you’re surrounded by positivity at the Vegans Who Snack Festival. Open to everyone, if you have a vegan diet, you shouldn’t miss discovering the unique vendors and treats available. In addition to tasty plant-based bites, you can browse local artwork, self-care goods and craft gifts.
Ottawa Redblacks pre-season game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 30, 2025
The football home opener game is in June, but you can catch the pre-season game against the Montreal Alouettes in May. Join TD Place's lively crowds as you sport your favourite red and black plaid attire, indulge in stadium eats and keep your eyes peeled for the lumberjack mascot, Big Joe. Now, the only thing to decide for this season is whether you are a Northside or Southside fan.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
Where: Chinatown, Somerset St. W, Ottawa, ON
When: May 30 to June 1, 2025
Transport yourself to Asia with the Chinatown Night Market's sights, sounds and smells. This cultural and community event has become a fan favourite since it came to the capital and is a fun spot to discover uniquely delicious food. Enjoy dumplings, BBQ skewers, bubble tea and many other food options. Browse local artisan vendors and watch lively entertainment, such as lion dances and martial arts displays.
City Of Om
Where: Lansdowne Park, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: May 30 to June 1, 2025
Three days of spiritual connection, community fitness, and yoga classes return this spring. Get your ohm on and experience Canada's largest health and wellness festival in the capital city. The schedule is jam-packed with options no matter your fitness preferences or level, from sound bath journeys and slow flows to dance parties and competitive sculpting.
Take your CAA Membership on your adventures
Starting at only $30 a year, CAA Members enjoy discounts on museums, sports tickets, restaurants, and more. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.
