Things to Do in Ottawa This Weekend — May 12-14, 2023

Kanata Theatre presents Quartet

When: Until May 20, 2023
Where: Tom Maislin Theatre, 1 Tom Maislin Way
What time: Tues-Sat 7:30 pm,  Sun 2:30 pm
Admission: $25 • Click here to purchase tickets

Cecily, Reggie, and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers. Each year, on the 10th of October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing; however, the show must go on. Enjoy this funny and poignant tale of a “fab four” who have come together, in their retirement years, in search of a little harmony.

Photo: Courtesy Kanata Theatre

Ottawa Children’s Festival

When: Thursday, May 11 – Sunday, May 14, 2023
Where: LeBreton Flats, The Canadian War Museum, Arts Court
What time: Click here for the full schedule
Admission: prices vary • Click here to purchase tickets

The Ottawa Children's Festival presents a multi-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance, and music for young audiences. The abundance of award-winning artists from around the globe will make wide-eyed children out of everyone who attends. In addition to presenting world-class performance art, the festival prides itself on offering a variety of educational workshops and activities.

Image: OCF

Ottawa Titans Home Opener vs. Empire State Greys

When: Friday, May 12, 2023
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road
What time: 6:30 pm
Admission: From $11 • Click here to purchase tickets

Join the Ottawa Titans for their Home Opener – presented by Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company and TSN 1200, as they kick off year two in the Frontiere League. Be among the first 500 fans in attendance and receive an Ottawa Titans Hat!

Photo: Ottawa Titans

613 Flea

When: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street 
What time: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: Free 

It's the monthly not-for-profit 613 Flea’s annual Mother’s Day market. New and exciting vendors are always selling everything from antiques to hand-dyed wools, even gourmet salsa. Don’t miss your opportunity to shop the 150-ish unique vendors.

Photo: Courtesy 613 Flea

Kelly Lee Evans — The Rebirth of Nina

When: Sunday, May 14, 2023
Where: National Arts Centre
What time: 7:30 pm
Admission: From $35 • Click here to purchase tickets

In a spectacular one-night-only event, the inimitable Ottawa-based jazz musician Kellylee Evans brings to life her 2010 album Nina. In 2011, Evans won her first Juno award for the album, a tribute to jazz and civil rights icon Nina Simone. Joining her on stage will be an all-star band that includes two members from the original recording Marvin Sewell (Cassandra Wilson, Marcus Miller, Jack DeJohnette) and Francois Moutin (Jimmy Heath, Monty Alexander, Michel Legrand). 

Photo: Via NAC

Taste Ottawa

When: Sunday, May 14 – Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: n/a
What time: n/a
Admission: Click here for a list of participating restaurants

Enjoy an assortment of diverse, delicious meals presented by some of the city’s finest restaurants in Ottawa. As part of Taste Ottawa, each restaurant will create a special menu with a range of exclusive pre-fixed, custom ‘Taste Ottawa Tulip Festival Menu’ items for guests to try. 

Photo: OLM file

Good2Go

When: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where: Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street
What time: 6 pm
Admission: Free

Ottawa punk legends Good2Go are in their 23rd year as a band, and by all accounts, they’re as strong as ever. Catch them this weekend live at the Atomic Rooster.

Photo: Sandy Sharkey

Canadian Tulip Festival

When: Saturday, May 22, 2023
Where: Commissioners Park, Queen Elizabeth Parkway
What time: 10 am – 10 pm
Admission: Free and $$ • Click here for more information

From Tulip Legacy Walking Tours to Movies in the Park and the Mother’s Day Flower Fun Run, get out and see the beautiful tulips in the capital and stop by Commissioners Park. Of note, the Queen Elizabeth Parkway will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am – 4 pm but for a small fee, ride the Tulip Shuttle. It will make stops between downtown Ottawa hotels, attractions, and the Festival grounds. 

Photo: Courtesy NCC

12 Angry Jurors

When: Until May 20, 2023
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue
What time: Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm
Admission: Adults $30 • Click here to purchase tickets

It is the 1950s in New York City, and the fate of a young man accused of brutally murdering his father rests in the hands of a jury of 12. Locked together in a cramped and hot room, each individual comes with their own personal stories and prejudices that could influence their vote. This incredible tale appeared as a television ‘movie of the week’ in 1954 and was later made into the 1957 Oscar-winning film 12 Angry Men, starring Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb.

Image: Via OLT

Toronto

When: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where: The Joint @ Rideau Carleton Casino (2nd Floor) – 4837 Albion Rd South
What time: Doors Open at 8:30 pm, Toronto takes the stage at 9:30 pm
Admission: $20+ taxes and admin fees  •  Click here to purchase tickets.

Go Head On with Canadian Hard Rockers Toronto

Celebrate Mother’s Day All Weekend Long with us! Coming for dinner? Why not add on a show!

Be there to see Toronto tear up the stage with decades of success, platinum albums, and hit singles including “Even the Score” and “Your Daddy Don’t Know.” Don't miss out on hearing top 80’s hits from the band that is still rockin’ today! Plus, enjoy the very best variety of slots, table games, and exceptional dining, all under one roof.

• Doors open at 8:30 pm, Toronto takes the stage at 9:30 pm
• Food and Beverages available for purchase
• $10 in free play for all ticket holders
• Free Parking
• Must be 19+

Our limited-time Mother’s Day dining menus are available all weekend long from May 12 to May 14, including: Caffé Italiano Mother’s Day Dinner Menu, Mr. Lucky’s Mother’s Day Dinner Menu

To view the entire entertainment lineup, visit https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm

For more information, including the ticket purchase policy, visit https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm

Ultimate Mother’s Day Experience

When: Sunday, May 14, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock – 4837 Albion Rd South
What time: Open 24/7 | Limited Dining Hours | 6:30pm Harness Racing Post Time
Admission: Mother's Day Dinner Specials starting from $55/person

Celebrate Mom with the Ultimate Mother’s Day Experience | Special Promotion, Exclusive Menus, and Live Harness Racing

Join us and celebrate Mother’s Day with fun and excitement at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, including a featured Mother’s Day promotion, two exclusive dining menus and Live Harness Racing.

Mother’s Day Promotion

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are giving away over $10,000 in Pandora gift cards!

• 320 total winners of gift cards ranging from $25 to $500
  • 15 winners of $25 gift cards drawn every 30 minutes, from 10 am-8 pm
  • $500 grand prize draws at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm
  • Every $10 wagered from 10 am to 8 pm earns you a ballot in the draws while using your Rock Star Rewards Card
  • Play Smart. Must be 19+

Click HERE to view full promotional details.

*Signing up for a Rock Star Rewards card is easy and free; visit our Rock Star Rewards Desk for details.

Caffé Italiano Mother’s Day Dinner Special

Try Caffé Italiano’s 4-course Mother’s Day dinner special available only from May 12 to 14.

• Reserve a table to secure your spot in advance
• Available while quantities last
• Must be 19+

VIEW THE MENU

RESERVE A TABLE

Mr Lucky’s Mother’s Day Dinner Special

Check out Mr. Lucky’s Mother’s Day dinner special featuring Wild Mushroom Bisque and Alberta AAA peppercorn-crusted prime rib. Available only from May 12 to 14.

• Walk-in dining special only. No advanced reservation. Available while quantities last.
• Must be 19+

VIEW THE MENU

Live Harness Racing

Experience exhilarating live standardbred harness racing in Ottawa! Join us this coming Sunday for an evening at the track in celebration of Mother’s Day. With a 6:30 pm post time, treat mom to a night out with our featured mothers day dining specials and enjoy track-side views of the race, while dining in either Mr Lucky’s or Caffé Italiano.

A one-of-a-kind harness racing events that you can't find anywhere else in the city. Rideau Carleton Raceway also offers off track wagering and simulcast racing from Canada and across the world.

• Must be 19+

VIEW THE RACING SCHEDULE