What to Do This Weekend
Get ready for a fantastic weekend, Ottawa-Gatineau! From live music to unique cultural experiences, there's something for everyone as we ease into May. Don't miss these highlights:
- Fresh Horses: Garth Brooks Tribute | Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM | Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe | More info | directions
- Object//Project Art Book Fair 2026 | Friday, May 8 at 11:00 AM | Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (Free) | directions
- Ontario Guild of Town Criers Competition | Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM | Commissioners Park (Free) | directions
- Urban Art Collective Hintonburg Night Market | Friday, May 8 at 4:00 PM | Urban Art Collective (Free) | directions
- Sooshi Mango: The Home Made World Tour | Friday, May 8 at 8:00 PM | National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts | More info | directions
- Retro Silent Disco | Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 PM | National Gallery of Canada | directions
- Dwayne Gretzky | Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 PM | The Bronson ($63) | More info | directions
- Strung Out, Belvedere, MAJORS | Sunday, May 10 at 7:30 PM | Overflow Brewing Co. ($47) | More info | directions
Family Events
Looking for fun for all ages this weekend? With Mother's Day on Sunday, there are plenty of special activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some top picks:
- Canadian Tulip Festival | Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10, various times | Commissioners Park | More info | directions
- NCC Weekend Bikedays | Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10 at 10:00 AM | Kichi Zibi Mikan, George Etienne Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Drive. (Free) | directions
- Saunders Farm Tulip Fest | Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM | Saunders Farm | directions
- A Glow of Love: Mother’s Day Market and Concert | Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 PM | Shenkman Arts Centre | directions
- Mother’s Day Train Rides at RMEO | Sunday, May 10 at 10:00 AM | Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario | directions
- Mother’s Day Brunch at the NCC River house | Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 AM | 502 George Etienne Cartier Parkway | directions
- Mothers Day Flower Fun Run | Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 PM | Dow’s Lake | directions
- Live Chess on Parliament | Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 PM | Parliament, great lawn. (Free) | directions
Big Events
Mark your calendars for these major happenings in the capital region! From celebrated festivals to thrilling professional sports, there's no shortage of large-scale excitement:
- Canadian Tulip Festival | Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10, various times | Commissioners Park and other city locations | More info | directions
- Ottawa Charge PWHL Playoffs Round 1 Home Game 1 & 2 | Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM & Sunday, May 10 at 3:00 PM | Canadian Tire Centre | More info (Fri), More info (Sun) | directions
- Bestfest Ottawa | Friday, May 8 at 10:00 AM (continues through the day) | Aberdeen Pavilion | directions
- Cranium Conference & Showcase | Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM & Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 PM | Various locations (incl. National Arts Centre) | directions
- Spring Art Festival 2026 | Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM | Jim Tubman Chevrolet Sens Rink, Canterbury Recreation Complex (Free) | directions
- Ottawa Titans vs Quebec Capitales | Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM | Ottawa Stadium | directions