Ottawa Weekend Events Bring Excitement From May 8–10
Ottawa is ready for a lively spring weekend from May 8 to 10, with colourful festivals, family-friendly activities, food events, sports, outdoor adventures, and Mother’s Day celebrations. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor planning a short city break, this weekend offers several exciting ways to enjoy Canada’s capital.
From the return of the Canadian Tulip Festival to baseball at Ottawa Stadium and car-free parkway adventures, there is no shortage of things to do in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism’s event calendar lists several major activities during this period, including Ottawa Charge, The Box, Best Fest Ottawa, local markets, the Ottawa Titans, and more.
Canadian Tulip Festival Adds Colour to Ottawa
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend is the Canadian Tulip Festival 2026, running from May 8 to 18 at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake. The festival features more than 300,000 tulips, free site access, and several spring attractions, making it one of the most beautiful Ottawa events of the season.
Visitors can enjoy tulip gardens, cultural pavilions, self-guided tours, a tulip market, family activities, and scenic photo spots along the Rideau Canal. The festival is a perfect choice for families, couples, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Ottawa Titans Home Opener Brings Big Sports Energy
Sports fans should keep an eye on the Ottawa Titans Baseball Club, which opens its 2026 home season on Friday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. The team’s home opener includes a jersey giveaway for the first 5,000 fans, pre-game food trucks, special entertainment, and post-game fireworks.
This event is expected to bring a strong crowd and a high-energy atmosphere. For anyone searching for fun Ottawa weekend events, the Titans game is a great option for families, friend groups, and baseball lovers.
NCC Weekend Bikedays Start for the Season
Outdoor lovers can enjoy the return of NCC Weekend Bikedays, beginning May 9 and continuing until October 12, 2026. The program opens selected Ottawa parkways for active use, giving people a safe and scenic way to bike, walk, skate, run, use a wheelchair, or push a stroller.
This is one of the best free things to do in Ottawa during spring. It is especially useful for families and fitness lovers who want to enjoy the National Capital Region without heavy traffic stress.
Best Fest Ottawa Offers Food and Drink Fun
Food lovers can head to Best Fest Ottawa, happening May 8–9. Ottawa Tourism describes it as a premium food and drink celebration hosted by Best Eats 613, featuring cuisines from top local vendors.
This event is ideal for anyone who wants to try local flavours, discover new restaurants, and enjoy a lively festival-style atmosphere. It adds another strong reason why Ottawa is a must-visit city during this spring weekend.
Markets, Art and Local Shopping Experiences
If you prefer a slower weekend plan, Ottawa has several creative and community-focused events. Fetch Local Markets on May 9 brings together more than 30 local makers in a dog-friendly setting, while the Spring Art Festival highlights local creativity through an outdoor family-friendly art celebration. Ottawa Tourism also lists the Carp Farmers’ Market, one of Eastern Ontario’s largest producer-based farmers’ markets, with more than 100 vendors.
These events are great for shoppers, pet owners, families, and visitors looking for handmade goods, fresh produce, crafts, and local art.
Mother’s Day Events Make May 10 Special
Sunday, May 10, brings several Mother’s Day-friendly activities. The Mother’s Day Flower Fun Run takes place at Dow’s Lake, offering a 1K kids run and a 5K route past tulip beds and the Rideau Canal.
Another great option is the Friends of the Farm Plant Sale, scheduled for May 10. The event features regional growers, nursery vendors, Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton, refreshments, and free admission.
For something unique, Live Chess on Parliament also takes place on May 10, turning Parliament Hill into a life-sized chess match where real participants bring the game to life.
Music, Culture and Nightlife in Ottawa
Ottawa’s weekend calendar also includes entertainment for music and culture fans. The Box – Deux Voix, Une Capitale is scheduled for May 8 at the Bronson Centre, while Retro Silent Disco lands at the National Gallery of Canada on May 9.
For theatre lovers, THE INVISIBLE runs May 6–9, offering a musical inspired by the story of seven female operatives during World War II.
Also Read About: AI Tools Ottawa Professionals Are Using in 2026