What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 2-4

Playing null of undefined

Things to do in May

OC Transpo offering free service this weekend

What’s new in theatres!

Pottery at the clay festival

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario during the first weekend of May.

Free Transit Weekend

OC Transpo is offering riders a free ride on OC Transpo buses and the O-Train this weekend.

The City of Ottawa says OC Transpo is offering free service on Saturday and Sunday to “show customers our appreciation and provide all residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience the New Ways to Bus Network and O-Train Lines 1, 2, and 4.”

Atletico Ottawa

Atletico Ottawa hosts Pacific FC in Canadian Premier League soccer action Saturday afternoon at TD Place.

Game time is 1 p.m.

It’s the Toonie Hot Dog Match.

For tickets, visit https://www.canpl.ca/atleticoottawa.

CN Cycle for CHEO

Thousands of people will ride through Ottawa on Sunday for the CN Cycle for CHEO, the children’s hospital’s largest fundraiser for pediatric oncology care and research.

Events include the Century Ride, 70K Cycle, a 35K Cycle, a 5K Walk and a 2K Walk.

Events begin at 7 a.m. at the Canadian War Museum.

For information, visit https://cncycle.cheofoundation.com/.

Ottawa PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese

Over 30 vendors will be on display at Ottawa City Hall this weekend for the Ottawa PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese.

The event runs Friday to Sunday, with vendors providing their take on Canada’s dish.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Celebrate Mexican heritage this weekend in the ByWard Market during the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

Enjoy live music, mouthwatering cuisine and the folkloric art beneath dazzling “papel picado.” There will also be a children’s zone, carnival games and dance workshop.

The festival is Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Stamp Exhibition

Check out Orapex – Ottawa’s National Stamp Exhibition on Saturday and Sunday at the Nepean Sportsplex.

The theme this year is “The Beaver.”

Admission and parking are free.

Jane’s Walk

Jane’s Walk is Saturday and Sunday in Ottawa and Gatineau.

The free neighbourhood walking tours by locals introduce you to areas of the national capital region.

“Jane’s Walk is a pedestrian-focused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing,” says the website.

For more information, visit www.janeswalkottawa.ca.

The Ottawa Clay Festival

The Ottawa Guild of Potters hosts the Ottawa Clay Festival this weekend at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne.

Explore a wide array of pottery celebrating spring from vendors from across the region.

For tickets and information, visit www.ottawaguildofpotters.ca.

Spring Craft Market

The National Arts Centre hosts its Spring Craft Market – Mother’s Day edition on Sunday.

Shop from a selection of handmade goods, makers, producers and artists.

The market is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Arts Centre

Here’s a look at what’s happening at the National Arts Centre this weekend.

• Friday: NAC Dance presents Faso Danse Theatre
• Friday: Roch Voisine – 35th anniversary of the album Hélène
• Saturday: Golden Girls – the Laughs Continue
• Saturday-Sunday: NAC French Theatre presents Joséphine et les grandes personnes
• Saturday: Cranium Showcase 2025
• Sunday: NAC Orchestra presents Superheroes

Shenkman Arts Centre

Here’s a look at what’s happening at the Shenkman Arts Centre this weekend.

• Friday-Saturday: ArohaFest: Spring Edition
• Friday-Saturday: The Sound of Music: Youth Edition
• Saturday: Arohafest: Melodies of Krishna
• Sunday: In Spite of Ourselves: A evening of John Prine

Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe

Here’s a look at what’s happening at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe this weekend.

• Friday-Saturday: Les Petits Ballets presents Cinderella

Lansdowne Farmers Market

The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday with the first outdoor market of the season.

Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market

The Hintonburg Flea Market is Saturday at 250 Holland Avenue.

Entrance is $3.

Chicken Poop-a-Palooza

Chicken Poop-a-Palooza is a fundraiser for a good cause.

The Good Garden’s community fundraising party is Sunday at Nonna’s Famous Pizza on Beech Street from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Learn about chickens and regenerative gardening, check out the spring plant sale, get in on some line dancing, and enjoy top notch food and entertainment – all for a great cause,” organizers say.

For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chicken-poop-a-looza-a-good-garden-fundraiser-tickets-1326030626299.

Museums

Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario:

• 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

Parliament of Canada Tours

Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block.

For tickets and tour times, visit https://rts.parl.ca/.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience

Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience.

Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019.

The self-guided tour is 45 minutes.

Tickets are available at no cost at visit parl.ca.

Events Happening in Kingston this weekend

• Friday: Dan Hill and Andy Kim – In Story and Song at The Spire
• Friday: Susan Aglukark with special guest Angela Amarualik at the Kingston Grand Theatre
• Saturday: In Spite of Ourselves – An Evening of John Prine at The Spire
• Saturday: Forever Seger at the Kingston Grand Theatre
• Sunday: Heritage Day at the Kingston Grand Theatre

HomeGrown Live Music Festival

The HomeGrown Live Music Festival is this weekend in Kingston.

For the lineup, visit https://homegrownlive.ca/.

The Big Art Show

Don’t miss The Big Art Show Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Tett Centre in Kingston.

It’s an exclusive showcase featuring stunning large-scale pieces by a collection of local artists.

Brockville Farmers Market

The Brockville Farmers Market is open on Saturday.

Visit more than 30 booths along Market Street West from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Steven Page

See Steven Page with special guest Landon A.R. Coleman Saturday night in Morrisburg.

Page performs at the Upper Canada Playhouse at 7 p.m.

Burn

See Burn at the Seaway Valley Theatre Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“A critically acclaimed, award-winning Canadian play, Burn is a tense psychological thriller that will keep you guessing right up to its very end,” says Cornwall Tourism.

For tickets, visit https://www.svtc.ca/.

Great Merrickville Garage Sale

The Great Merrickville Garage Sale is Saturday in Merrickville.

In addition to the sale, St. Ann Church is hosting a barbeque and sale, offering BBQ and baked goods for sale.

The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.