Things to do in Ottawa This Weekend — May 19-21, 2023

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Carp Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday until the end of October
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd
What time: 8 am to 1 pm
Admission: Free 

The largest producer-based farmers market in Eastern Ontario is back for its 32nd season. The Carp Farmers Market is a producer-only market, meaning that every one of their vendors makes, bakes, or grows what they sell. All of their vendors also live within 100km of Carp!

Photo: Carp Farmers Market

Barrhaven Rib & Poutine

When: Friday, May 19 – Monday, May 22, 2023
Where: Clarke Field, 93 Houlahan Street
What time: 11 am – 7 pm
Admission: Free 

Bring your appetite and eat your way across the Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine — five big sticky rib teams, five curdalicious poutiners, Corn, ice cream, live music, a new bevy and beer garden, artisan market, and more.

Photo: Courtesy Barrhaven Rib & Poutine

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Kemptville Buskerfest

When: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: Prescott Street, Kemptville
What time: 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: Free • Click here for more information

In its second year, Buskerfest 2023 will take over Prescott Street in downtown Kemptville with a wide range of breathtaking acts, including acrobats, magicians, jugglers, and fire breathers, alongside talented musicians, artists, comedians, and much more. Check out the kids' zone, unique market vendors, the Kemptville's Got Talent showcase, local restaurants and businesses, food trucks, and all the interactive entertainment! 

Free parking at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (285 County Road #44) and free shuttle service to the festival site and back. 

Photo: Courtesy Kemptville Buskerfest

RNATION Fan Fest

When: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 10 Daly Ave
What time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Admission: Free but registration required • Click here to register

The Ottawa REDBLACKS are hosting a day of football fun for all ages as they gear up for an exciting season. The concessions on the South Side will be open, so grab some lunch while enjoying the family fun zone at Gate #1, with bouncy castles, face painters, balloon twisters, and glitter tattoos. 

Ottawa Art Gallery Creative Sundays

When: Thursday, May 11 – Sunday, May 14, 2023
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave
What time: 10 am – 2 pm
Admission: Free • Click here for more information

Join the folks at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) to paint your memories! This activity is inspired by the artworks of Madeline Richards from the OAG’s Le Rendu exhibition. Richards uses paint to explore memory and emotions; using acrylic paint, participants will create a realistic or abstract recreation of one of their many memories. Dress for mess!

Photo: OAG

Peak to Peak Ziplines at Camp Fortune

When: Opens for the season Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: Camp Fortune, 300 rue Dunlop, Chelsea
What time: 9 am – 2 hrs before dusk
Admission: 15+ $65, 14 & under $55  • Click here to for more information

Saturday marks the opening of the all-new Peak to Peak Ziplines at Camp Fortune. Bring a friend and soar along the dual zipline course that spans 4,478 ft across three lines and offers spectacular views of Gatineau Park. When you go, wear form-fitting clothing and closed-toed shoes and leave all your belongings at home.  

Photo: Camp Fortune

Taste Ottawa

When: Until 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

​Canadian Tulip Festival

When: Until Monday, 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, 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 ride the Tulip Shuttle for a small fee. It will make stops between downtown Ottawa hotels, attractions, and the festival grounds. 

Photo: Courtesy NCC

RCMP Annual Sunset Ceremony

When: Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20,  Sunday, May 21
Where: RCMP Rockcliffe Stables, 1 Sandridge Road
What time: 7 pm
Admission: Free 

The RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremony features the Musical Ride before the tour takes to the road to travel across the country to celebrate 150 years of service. Arrive early to get a good spot and check out the RCMP and partner booths and food vendors. 

Note: Parking is limited, so public transportation is encouraged.

Kanata Theatre presents Quartet

When: Until May 20, 2023
Where: Ron Maislin Theatre, 1 Ron 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

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 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

Harley Giveaway Promotion

When: May 1-27th, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock – 4837 Albion Rd S
What time: Open 24/7
Admission: N/A

Ride Away a Winner | One Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Remaining to be won!

Explore the open road and seek thrilling adventures this summer with our Harley-Davidson promotion! One Harley-Davidson motorcycle remains to be won on May 27th at 9 pm.

Every $20 wagered from May 1-27th earns you a ballot to win.

Plus, visit us weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays to earn two times the entries for a chance to win!

• Free Parking
• 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.

Victoria Day Fireworks

When: Monday May 22nd, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Raceway (Racetrack) – 4837 Albion Rd S
What time: DJ starts at 8:30pm, Fireworks to begin around 10pm (lasts 15-20 minutes)
Admission: Free

Come Celebrate Victoria Day with Rockin’ Fireworks at Rideau Carleton Casino

Watch the fireworks from the Raceway (all ages) or grab a snack and watch the show from Mr. Lucky’s (19+), with direct sightlines overlooking the racetrack. Plus, keep the party going inside the casino all night long! (19+)

• DJ and Food & Beverages available starting at 8:30pm
• Firework display begins at 10pm (last 15-20 minutes)
• Free Admission
• Free Parking

Outdoor Fireworks Viewing Area:

• Walking access is located on the North side of the building, follow the pathway with marked signs
• Lawn chairs are welcome
• No outside food or drink permitted
• No pets permitted (service animals only)
• Under 19 years of age may access Outdoor viewing area only

UCOMING EVENTS

A Magical Evening of Mozart at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre

When: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street
What time: 8 pm
Admission: From $38 • Click here to purchase tickets

The choirs and orchestra of the Société Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde, led by Michel Brousseau, present one of the finest works in the sacred repertoire—a unique opportunity to witness the genius of Mozart. Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor is one of the composer’s most compelling works, both for its emotional power and for its technical difficulty. This masterpiece will be preceded by the sublime Exsultate, Jubilate, a motet for soprano and orchestra.

A magical evening featuring 150 choristers, a 27-piece orchestra, and four talented soloists known for their vocal agility and the accuracy of their interpretation: sopranos Ania Hejnar and Andréanne Brisson Paquin, tenor Emmanuel Hasler and bass‑baritone Alexandre Sylvestre.

Click here for more information on the choirs and orchestra of the Société Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde.

Photo: Courtesy Société Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde