Top things to do in Ottawa this May 2026
8 Minute Read
Summary
- Ottawa’s May 2026 calendar features major events spanning arts, sports, markets and festivals.
- Highlights include the Canadian Tulip Festival, May 8–18, and Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, May 23–24.
- Family-friendly draws include the Ottawa Titans home opener on May 8, with 5,000 free jerseys for fans.
April showers bring May flowers, and each May, Ottawa’s downtown core becomes a riot of colour as tulips take over the city. Against a backdrop of blooms, Ottawa is full of fun things to do to enjoy the mild weather.
From cycling to theatre to arts festivals, the city comes alive under the spring sunshine. Whether you’re attending Ottawa’s biggest garage sale, taking on the challenge of a marathon, or travelling back in time to the Renaissance, there are plenty of things to do in Ottawa this May.
The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: Until May 9, 2026
Drawing on the stories of real women in World War II, this explosive original musical follows seven female agents who risked their lives in a battle of espionage, sabotage and propaganda. With graphic-novel-style vignettes, film noir, and historical details, this show will immerse you in an unforgettable story.
Ottawa International Writers Festival
Where: Various locations, Ottawa, Ontario
When: Until May 22, 2026
Ottawa’s spring Writers Festival is in full swing in May, featuring artists from Ottawa, Canada and beyond, like Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Emily Austin and Tara Gereaux. From prose to poetry to nonfiction, these authors share their ideas, book recommendations, and stories.
Ottawa Clay Festival
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Where: Horticulture Building, 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: May 1 to 3, 2026
The Ottawa Guild of Potters presents their annual event, starting with the Spring Pottery Sale, where you can shop for handmade clay goods. The weekend also features unique works of art at the juried exhibition. You can even try out the wheel yourself, watch expert demonstrations and enjoy live music.
Orchidophilia
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 to 3, 2026
Ottawa’s annual orchid show is in bloom this May, with fragrance displays, workshops and orchid shopping for collectors and horticulturalists alike. Explore the beauty and diversity of hundreds of orchids, plus learn more about orchid care from expert flower vendors.
613flea Market
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 2 and May 16, 2026
With free admission and 150 vendors to check out, 613flea is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. From handmade jewelry and vintage clothes to original art and glazed ceramics, this huge flea market offers a diverse range of decor, lifestyle and fashion items. Chat with makers in your community and hunt for a great find to bring home.
CN Cycle for CHEO
Where: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, Ontario
When: May 3, 2026
Support CHEO’s cutting-edge childhood cancer research at the CN Cycle. Walk or bike on Ottawa’s streets and pathways, with routes that go along the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, Dow’s Lake, Lebreton Flats and more, enjoying the vibrant race atmosphere for a great cause.
Say hi to the CAA team at our community kiosk at the event.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Where: ByWard Market, 55 ByWard Market Sq., Ottawa, ON
When: May 3, 2026
Cinco de Mayo is back in the ByWard Market to celebrate Mexican heritage. With live music, performances like Ballet Viva Mexico, tasty cuisine and folkloric art, you can experience a fiesta full of vibrant colour and culture. Dance beneath the iconic papel picado to honour the Mexican community’s contributions to Ottawa’s 200th anniversary.
Red Dress Day
Where: Various locations, please see the event site for details
When: May 4 and 5, 2026
Gather in remembrance and advocacy for the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+). On May 4, the gathering features educational displays, art installations, commemorative activities and creative projects. On May 5, you can attend a sunrise ceremony on Parliament Hill to foster healing and unity.
The Birds and the Bees
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 6 to 23, 2026
Beekeeper Gail’s husband ran off with the neighbour’s wife 20 years ago, and now her turkey farmer daughter is moving back home after leaving her own husband. Hilarity ensues in this heartwarming rural comedy where the rules of the natural world and the complexities of human relationships collide.
Hintonburg Night Market
Where: 1088 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: May 7, 2026
After a long winter and a closure for renovations, the Urban Art Collective is hosting a grand reopening at its first market of the festival season. Shop for everything handmade, pre-loved and local at an outdoor market for art aficionados and foodies alike.
Learn more
Ottawa Titans Home Opener
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: May 8, 2026
The Ottawa Titans are your ultimate destination for family-friendly sports games. They're kicking off their fifth season at Ottawa Stadium by giving away free jerseys to the first 5,000 fans. Stay until the end for post-game fireworks to celebrate baseball in full swing.
CAA Members save up to 50 per cent on tickets to the Ottawa Titans Home Opener. While at the game, visit the CAA Kiosk with your Membership card for free swag or popcorn while supplies last.
Learn more
Canadian Tulip Festival
Where: Various locations, please see the event site for details
When: May 8 to 18, 2026
The Tulip Festival is Ottawa’s longest-running free public festival, celebrating spring and paying tribute to a historic bond of international friendship. Explore the self-guided Tulip Trail, take in the displays and check out the vendors and food trucks as you learn about Canada’s historical connection to this special flower.
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 8 to October 12, 2026
This new exhibit at the National Gallery features Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll, celebrated for her immersive lighting and careful depiction of her subjects. Although McNicoll passed away at age 35 in 1915, her depictions of labour and domestic life are considered pioneering portrayals of modern womanhood.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 12 to 17, 2026
Moulin Rouge! is a glamorous, glitzy celebration of truth, beauty and freedom, set against a romantic backdrop of splendid excess. The winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this jukebox mashup is a visually stunning ode to the power of love.
CanGames Tabletop Game Convention
Where: Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 15 to 17, 2026
Board game fans assemble! From miniatures to roleplaying games, this community-led convention is your opportunity to play alongside other enthusiasts and browse the wares of local vendors. You can pre-register for each game to secure a seat at the table.
Ottawa Circus Festival
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 22 to 24, 2026
Prepare to be amazed by world-class shows, workshops, competitions and circus jams, all dedicated to the stunning artistry and technical expertise of circus performers from Ottawa and beyond. From hoop diving to trapeze and aerial silks, you can watch the pros at work or learn the ropes yourself.
Monster Spectacular
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 23, 2026
Canada's biggest monster truck tour is hitting Canadian Tire Centre, with seven trucks including Overkill Evolution, Mayhem and Avenger. The event also includes freestyle motocross, BMX and lawnmower races for an afternoon of thrilling fun.
Great Glebe Garage Sale
Where: Various locations in the Glebe, Ottawa, ON
When: May 23, 2026
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and the Great Glebe Garage Sale is full of treasures. Sales at homes across the Glebe attract thousands of people every year for great bargains and unique items. Local businesses also hold sidewalk sales, transforming the neighbourhood into one big, bustling outdoor market.
Orleans Blooms
Where: 1234 Prestone Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: May 23, 2026
Get ready for garden season with unique, Canadian-grown plants at Orleans Blooms. The event is specifically tailored for green thumbs, featuring gardening advice, presentations from local suppliers, and work by local crafters and artisans. There will also be a kids’ corner, where young gardeners can learn about plant care.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: May 23 to 24, 2026
Whether you’re a first-timer, a seasoned pro, or you’re cheering from the sidelines, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the city’s biggest running event all year. From the marathon to the 2K, there’s a race for every kind of runner, and a chance for everyone to cross the finish line.
Ottawa Improv Festival
Where: 176 Morris St., Ottawa, ON
When: May 28 to 30, 2026
Funny, surprising, and completely made up on the spot—the Ottawa Improv Festival features hilarious performers from Ottawa, Canada and the world. The festival presents three nights of hilarious acts, plus workshops for beginners and experienced improvisers alike.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
Where: Somerset St. W. (between Bronson Ave. and Bell St.), Ottawa, ON
When: May 29 to 31, 2026
Somerset Street will transform into a vibrant celebration of community, culture and connection this May. From culinary delights like dumplings and BBQ skewers to local artisans, traditional lion dances, live entertainment and delectable treats, this is a night you won’t soon forget.
Glengarry Renaissance Festival
Where: Maxville Fairgrounds, 35 Fair St., Maxville, ON
When: May 30 to 31, 2026
Hear ye, hear ye! Gather round for a weekend of princesses and knights on horseback, turkey legs and live falconry demonstrations. From vendors peddling their wares to sword demonstrations to live bardic entertainment, this festival will transport you back to a more magical time.
Do more with CAA
Wherever your adventures take you this May, bring your CAA Membership along for the ride. From shopping to sports, dining and more, everyday savings can be your everyday reality this spring.
The best part? You can sign up for as little as $30 a year.
