Things To Do In Ottawa This Weekend: May 1–3 Events, Festivals, Concerts And Family Fun
Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa this weekend, May 1–3? The capital region has a packed lineup of events, including charity rides, live music, food festivals, sports, walking tours, markets, museums and family-friendly activities.
CN Cycle For CHEO
One of the biggest community events in Ottawa this weekend is CN Cycle for CHEO. Participants can cycle or walk in support of children, youth and families receiving care through CHEO.
The event takes place on Sunday morning and begins at the Canadian War Museum. Options include a 2K walk, 5K walk, and cycling routes ranging from 15K to the full Century Ride. It is a meaningful way to enjoy the city while supporting an important local cause.
Rapid FC Home Opener
Sports fans can head to TD Place on Saturday as Ottawa Rapid FC plays its home opener. The match begins at 5 p.m., giving fans a chance to support the team in an exciting local soccer atmosphere.
Triumph At Canadian Tire Centre
Classic rock fans have a major concert to look forward to as Triumph performs at the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday night. The Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded Tour begins at 8 p.m., making it one of the weekend’s top entertainment highlights.
Ottawa PoutineFest And Mac My Cheese
Food lovers can enjoy a delicious weekend at the RA Centre, where Ottawa PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese take over the Great Lawn.
The 10th anniversary of Ottawa PoutineFest runs from Friday through Sunday, offering plenty of poutine variations, cheesy comfort food and festival fun. It is a great stop for families, friends and anyone craving classic Canadian flavours.
Ontario Butter Tart Festival
The Ontario Butter Tart Festival is also happening at the RA Centre on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can sample traditional and creative butter tart flavours from different vendors, making it a sweet addition to Ottawa’s weekend food scene.
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
Celebrate Mexican culture, heritage and history at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in the ByWard Market on Sunday. The event features music, food and colourful folkloric art, creating a lively downtown experience for visitors of all ages.
National Arts Centre Events
The National Arts Centre has several events scheduled this weekend. Running until May 9 is The Invisible – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare. On Friday and Saturday, the NAC hosts the Empowering Women in the Music Industry artist showcase.
On Sunday, audiences can enjoy Why Sci-Fi with the NAC Orchestra at Southam Hall, along with NAC Orchestra – James Ehnes in Recital.
Live Music And Theatre In Ottawa
Ottawa’s entertainment calendar is full of concerts and stage performances. On Friday, events include Le Consort Laurentien x Lagrime at MacKay United, Leith Ross at the Bronson Centre, Highway Sunrise at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, and The Vanduras featuring Jayla Kirkey.
From Friday to Saturday, audiences can see Alice by Heart at the Shenkman Arts Centre and The Little Mermaid by Les Petits Ballets. On Saturday, Lowest of the Low plays the Bronson Centre, while DadSon Duo and The Windup perform at Hard Rock venues. On Sunday, Cattle Decapitation takes the stage at the Bronson Centre.
Ottawa Clay Festival
The Ottawa Guild of Potters presents the Ottawa Clay Festival at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. Running Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the festival includes a spring pottery sale, pottery demonstrations, a children’s clay area, live music and a pottery throwdown.
Jane’s Walk Ottawa
For those who enjoy exploring neighbourhoods, Jane’s Walk offers free walking tours across Ottawa and Gatineau. This year’s theme is Walk the Story, with tours scheduled throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ottawa Orchid Society Show
The Ottawa Orchid Society’s annual show and sale takes place on Saturday at Algonquin College. Visitors can view colourful orchid displays and shop for plants and supplies. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Building D.
Markets, Fleas And Local Shopping
Ottawa shoppers have several great options this weekend. 613flea returns to Lansdowne Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring around 150 vendors.
The Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market takes place on Saturday at Fisher Park Community Centre, with more than 80 vendors offering sewing and fabric items. On Sunday, the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market continues inside the Aberdeen Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring more than 75 vendors.
Capitol City Bloodbath
Fans of tabletop gaming can visit the EY Centre on Saturday and Sunday for Capitol City Bloodbath Spring 2026. The event includes miniatures gaming, larger player events and competitive board games.
Museums To Visit In Ottawa
This weekend is also a good time to explore Ottawa’s museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa Art Gallery, Bytown Museum and Diefenbunker.
Nearby Events In Kingston, Brockville And Cornwall
Outside Ottawa, Kingston has several weekend events, including James Ehnes, Retro Rewind, The Big Art Show, the Kingston Potters’ Guild Spring Pottery Sale, Homegrown Live Music Festival and A Night on Broadway.
In Brockville, visitors can check out the Brockville Farmers Market and the Fulford Place Juried Fine Art Show and Exhibition. In Cornwall, Morgan Toney performs with special guest Grahm Lindsay at the Upper Canada Playhouse.
Northern Premier Hockey League
The Northern Premier Hockey League Outlaw Championship wraps up this weekend at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre, with the championship continuing until Saturday.
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