Tulip festival, farmers market season and more: Things to do in Ottawa during Mother’s Day weekend

The tulips are in bloom at Commissioners Park in Ottawa ahead of the opening of the Canadian Tulip Festival. (Scott Rook/CTV News Ottawa)

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.

Canadian Tulip Festival

The tulips are in bloom across Ottawa for the opening weekend of the Canadian Tulip Festival.

The 11-day festival at Commissioners Park is a celebration of floral beautify and a historic tribute. Checkout 300,000 blooming tulips in 26 gardens.

Saturday’s opening ceremony at 11 a.m. features the CAF Central Band, the lighting of the Canadian Remembrance Torch and a convoy of vintage military vehicles.

• Here’s what you need to know about the 73rd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival

Other events this weekend include:

• Movies in the Park: Cozy up twice daily for free outdoor screenings in Commissioners Park
• Pilates in Petals
• The Flower Fun Run on Sunday
• The Tulip Legacy Walking Tour ($20 per person)
• The Big Bug Boardwalk
• The Dutch Pavilion featuring music, games and cultural experiences from the Netherlands
• The Tulip Market
• The Play Zone for all ages

Checkout the tulips

• 6 locations to view the tulips in Ottawa-Gatineau in May

The tulips are in bloom across Ottawa. Here are several locations to checkout the tulips:

• Commissioners Park: The NCC says Commissioners Park is “a showstopper”, with over 100 varieties of tulips in 30 tulip beds.
• The Rideau Canal: Stroll, run or cycle along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and see the tulips.
• Downtown Ottawa: The tulips are in bloom at Major’s Hill Park, along Confederation Boulevard and at the National War Memorial.
• Downtown Gatineau: Tulips are on display near the Alexandra Bridge, in Jacques-Cartier Park and at the Canadian Museum of History.

NCC bike days

It’s the opening weekend for the National Capital Commission’s weekend bikedays.

The NCC will close the parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use.

Here is a look at what’s open for cyclists, runners, walkers and other active use:

• Kichi Zībī Mīkan (Vimy Place to Carling Avenue): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
• Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Queens Elizabeth Driveway (Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Atletico Ottawa

Atletico Ottawa hosts Valour FC Saturday afternoon at TD Place.

It’s the Generation Next Game, featuring the next generation of soccer talent.

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

Ottawa Children’s Festival

The 40th edition of the Ottawa Children’s Festival continues all weekend at Lansdowne Park.

The festival is a “dynamic, family-friendly space bursting with energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments,” according to organizers.

The shows include Arborialis, BullyBully, Polar Bear and Penguin, Where the Wild Things Are, and A Show with Strings.

There will also be shows at the Arts Court on Daily Avenue.

For tickets and information, visit https://ottawachildrensfestival.ca/.

Next Chapter Expo

Stanley’s Farm is hosting the “Next Chapter Expo” this weekend.

“This is an expo designed specifically for adults who are ready to embrace the next phase of their journey,” Stanley’s Farm says on its website.

The expo includes lifestyle upgrades to financial advice.

For tickets, visit https://www.nextchapterexpo.com/.

National Arts Centre

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

• Friday-Saturday: NAC Dance presents Alice
• Friday-Saturday: Empowering Women in the Music Industry
• Saturday: The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan

Shenkman Arts Centre

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

• Saturday: Fetch Local Market
• Saturday: Heritage In Motion: The Soul of Armenian Dance

Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe

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

• Friday: Fleetwood Mac mania
• Sunday: Pointe of Grace Recital

Lansdowne Farmers Market

The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday.

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

613flea

The Mother’s Day edition of 613flea is Saturday at Lansdowne.

Check out 150 vendors at the ever-changing marketplace that features eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing and more.

The 613flea runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carp Farmers Market

Saturday is the opening day of the Carp Farmers Market.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This weekend, there will be a special bracelet making workshop for kids in celebration of mom.

Metcalfe Farmers Market

The Metcalfe Farmers Market kicks off a new season this weekend.

The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds.

Ottawa Flower Market

The Ottawa Flower Market is Saturday at the Parkdale Market.

Checkout the beautiful floral displays, featuring the best local farms have to offer and pick out locally grown seasonal blooms.

Kanata United Church Book Fair

The Kanata United Church hosts its 33rd annual Book Fair Friday and Saturday.

Nearly 30,000 books in good condition will be available, with prices ranging from $1 to $5.

Admission is free.

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

• Saturday: Dreamer at the Kingston Grand Theatre
• Sunday: Fantastic Beasts at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Brockville Multicultural Festival

The 39th annual Brockville Multicultural Community Festival runs Friday and Saturday.

Enjoy a variety of foods, entertainment, crafts, dance and performances at the Memorial Centre.

Burn

It’s the final weekend to see Burn at the Seaway Valley Theatre.

“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 the Cornwall Tourism website.