May 21-27 (Ottawa)

Hey Ottawa👋 It's been a stunning, summer-teaser of a week. You'll start to see events really pick up in the coming weeks as we head into festival season.

In past summers, I've had loose plans and taken more of a wing-it approach — and then suddenly blinked and it was August. Also, as much as I want to let go of routine, I'm finding the kids still need some sense of structure in the summer months. So this year, I'm being a little more intentional about planning, while staying flexible for all the unplanned fun that always sneaks in.

I'm almost finished a day-trip guide that I've been using as a roadmap for our summer. I'll be sharing it here soon.

Have a lovely week! 🧡

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What Ottawa is Talking About

Doors Open Ottawa — June 6 & 7 Doors Open Ottawa is back for 2026 with 89 sites and counting — unlock exclusive access to some of Ottawa's most fascinating spaces on June 6 & 7, 10 AM–4 PM. Start planning your route now!

Bookmobile at Overbrook Community Centre The Ottawa Public Library Bookmobile stops at Overbrook Community Centre every Thursday from 2:00–3:00 PM. A great way to discover new books right in the neighbourhood!

Discover Your Ward by Bike — Friday, June 5 (Limited Spots!) Environcentre is hosting a free guided bike ride around College Ward as part of Let's Bike Month — starting at Centrepointe Library, 10 AM–12 PM. Bring your own bike and helmet. Spots are very limited — register now!

Doors Open Ottawa: Diefenbunker Museum — Registration Opens May 22 Registration opens Friday, May 22 at 9:00 AM for free Highlights Tours at the Diefenbunker on June 6 — Canada's most significant Cold War artifact, 75 feet underground. Tours cover the Blast Tunnel, War Cabinet Room, and Prime Minister's Suite. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance — spots will go fast!

What to Do

Thursday, May 21 · ⛅ 15°C

🎵 Jukebox Lunch Concert: Rory Taillon | FREE | All ages | 12:10 PM | National Arts Centre, Downtown Ottawa

🌾 Orléans Farmers' Market | FREE | All ages | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1675 10th Line Rd, Orléans

🎟️ Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Running & Fitness Expo | FREE | All ages | 4:00–9:00 PM | Carleton University Fieldhouse, Downtown Ottawa

💃 Dance at Zibi – Bollywood with ArohaFest | FREE | All ages | 7:00–8:00 PM | Head Street Square, 310 Miwate Private, Zibi

🌿 Storytelling in Nature with Pierre Blin | FREE (donations welcome) | All ages | 7:00–8:30 PM | 2391 Pepin Court, East Ottawa

🎨 Free Thursday Night — National Gallery of Canada | FREE | All ages | 5:00–8:00 PM | National Gallery of Canada, Downtown Ottawa

🏛️ Free Thursday Night — Canadian Museum of History | FREE | All ages | 5:00–7:00 PM | Canadian Museum of History, Downtown Ottawa

⚔️ Free Thursday Night — Canadian War Museum | FREE | All ages | 5:00–7:00 PM | Canadian War Museum, Downtown Ottawa

🦕 Free Thursday Night — Canadian Museum of Nature | FREE | All ages | 5:00–7:00 PM | Canadian Museum of Nature, Downtown Ottawa

Friday, May 22 · ⛅ 19°C

🎟️ Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Running & Fitness Expo | FREE | All ages | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | Carleton University Fieldhouse, Downtown Ottawa

🛍️ Hintonburg Night Market | FREE | All ages | 4:00–9:00 PM | 1088 Somerset St W, Hintonburg

Saturday, May 23 · ☀️ 22°C

🎟️ Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Running & Fitness Expo | FREE | All ages | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM | Carleton University Fieldhouse, Downtown Ottawa

🌷 Franktown Lilac Festival | FREE | All ages | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Centennial Hall, Franktown, Rural Ottawa

🍖 Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine | FREE | All ages | 11:00 AM–9:00 PM | Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan St, Barrhaven

🚗 Monster Spectacular | $ | All ages | 2:00 PM | Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata

🎸 Geek Hoard Haul | FREE | All ages | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sensplex Kanata, 1565 Maple Grove Rd, Kanata

🚴 Overbrook CC Bike Day | FREE | All ages | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill St, East Ottawa

🌸 Orleans Blooms / Orléans Fleurit | FREE | All ages | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 1234 Prestone Dr, Orléans

🌾 Westboro Farmers' Market | FREE | All ages | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Byron Linear Park, 579 Byron Ave, Westboro

🚗 Kids Car Seat Clinic | FREE | All ages | Surgenor Barrhaven, 3788 Prince of Wales Dr, Nepean

🎭 Once Upon a Time | $25/child | Ages 3–10 | Tumblers, 330 Vantage Dr, Orléans

Sunday, May 24 · ⛅ 14°C

🌾 Lansdowne Farmers' Market | FREE | All ages | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Aberdeen Square, 1000 Exhibition Way, The Glebe

🕺 Capital Sessions with DJ John Arano and Tangent | FREE | All ages | 1:30–3:30 PM | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Downtown Ottawa

🧸 Geek Hoard Haul | FREE | All ages | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sensplex Kanata, 1565 Maple Grove Rd, Kanata

Monday, May 25

🏰 Once Upon a Time | $25/child | Ages 3–10 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Tumblers, 330 Vantage Dr, Orléans

Thanks for reading! See you back here, next week!