Enjoy Ribfest, Redblacks football, Asian night markets, theatre, and more across Ottawa this weekend, May 30 to June 1.
Ottawa Launches Summer with Festival-Filled Weekend
From May 30 to June 1, the nation’s capital comes alive with a wide variety of events celebrating food, sports, culture, and community. With summer just beginning, Ottawans and visitors alike will find no shortage of things to do across the city.
TD Place Hosts Redblacks’ Preseason Clash and Fan Event
On Friday night, TD Place Stadium will welcome fans for the Ottawa Redblacks’ first preseason game of 2025. The Redblacks host the Montreal Alouettes at 7 p.m., marking the unofficial kickoff of the CFL season. Football fans can also attend a free open practice and hot stove session on Sunday at 10:45 a.m., featuring Redblacks president Adrian Sciarra and GM Shawn Burke.
Sparks Street and Chinatown Heat Up with Food and Culture
Downtown Ottawa will be filled with mouthwatering aromas as Ribfest on Sparks Street returns with award-winning BBQ, live entertainment, and family-friendly festivities through Sunday. Meanwhile, Somerset Street in Chinatown transforms into a vibrant Night Market with street food, cultural performances, and artisan vendors.
Night Market Continues in Kanata and Wellness at Lansdowne
The Ottawa Asian Fest Night Market celebrates its 11th year at Tanger Outlets in Kanata, running until Sunday with free admission. Guests can explore Asian cuisine, antiques, and crafts. At Lansdowne Park, the City of Om festival offers over 75 classes and workshops on yoga, mindfulness, and wellness all weekend long.
Community Events Celebrate Inclusivity and Culture
Saturday features Adapt Expo Ottawa at Carleton University’s Fieldhouse, spotlighting accessibility and inclusion with more than 90 exhibitors. At Nepean Sportsplex, the Eid Expo runs both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering a space for community connection and celebration.
New Food Festival, Classic Comforts in Gatineau
Ottawa introduces its first-ever Shawarma Festival in the ByWard Market on Sunday, highlighting top local vendors with music and performances from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Across the river, Le Grand Poutinefest in Gatineau brings food trucks, cheese curds, and creative poutine pairings to 320 Saint-Joseph Boulevard all weekend.
Outdoor Activities and Art Across the Capital
The NCC Weekend Bikedays continue, closing scenic parkways like Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for runners, cyclists, and walkers. The National Arts Centre features a stacked lineup, including Beetlejuice, comedy shows, and workshops. Meridian Theatres hosts the dance show Cradling Our Culture and the musical The Music Man, while Ride the Cyclone plays at the Gladstone Theatre through Sunday.
Markets and Historical Attractions Offer Local Flair
Shoppers can browse local goods at 613flea on Saturday at Lansdowne, or explore a variety of weekend farmers markets in Carp, Metcalfe, Westboro, and Main Street. Historical attractions like Upper Canada Village host Fantastic Fibres and Terrific Textiles, showcasing traditional wool-making techniques. Free guided tours of Parliament and a 360-degree immersive Centre Block experience are also available downtown.
Regional Events Round Out the Weekend
Outside Ottawa, Night in Nashville lights up Brockville Memorial Centre on Friday with music and a charity fundraiser. Cornwall Motor Speedway hosts dirt track racing Sunday at 6 p.m., and Kingston Grand Theatre presents Call Me By Name on Sunday.
With sunny weather and packed lineups, Ottawa’s final weekend of May promises something for everyone—whether you’re hungry for shawarma, cheering in the stands, or cycling along the canal.
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