• By: OLM Staff

Things to do in Ottawa This Weekend — May 26-28, 2023

Ottawa REDBLACKS

When: Friday, May 26, 2023
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street
What time: 7:30 pm
Admission: From $21 • Click here to purchase tickets

Two weeks after the kick-off of training camp, the REDBLACKS take to the field against the Montreal Alouettes. Jeremiah Masoli is back but fans have to wait until the regular season begins to see the star quarterback. There are big hopes for the team that finished last in the league in 2022.

Photo: Courtesy Ottawa REDBLACKS


Barrow Gang Buskers

When: Friday, May 26, 2023
Where: Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street
What time: 7 pm
Admission: Free

Don’t miss a fun night of live music as OLM’s favourite rockabilly band, the Barrow Gang, take to the stage at the Atomic Rooster on Friday night!

Photo: Courtesy Barrow Gang Buskers


Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Health and Fitness Expo

When: Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: Race Start lines are located in front of Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Fitness Expo will be at the Aberdeen Pavillion, Lansdowne
What time: Fitness Expo • Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday 8 am to 6 pm
Admission: Race registration is closed, but cheer on the runners!

Canada's largest racing festival, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, is back in the capital for two days of all things running, including the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, the Ottawa half marathon, Ottawa 10k, 5k, the kids marathon, the incredible 59.2 km Challenge, and the Health and Fitness Expo that features numerous retailers. All races start in front of Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and all races (except the Ottawa Kid’s Marathon) finish on Queen Elizabeth Driveway north of Somerset Street West.

Photo: Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend


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


Awaken

When: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave
What time: 5 pm
Admission: From $22.62 • Click here to purchase tickets

KCC's Korean dance instructor, Yeonji Hong, is premiering her work AWAKEN, which incorporates the sights, movements, vibrations, and sounds of Korean dance and music to reawaken the depths of our souls after winter hibernation. 

Photo: Korean Cultural Centre


Great Glebe Garage Sale & Sidewalk Sale

When: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: The Glebe (south of the Queensway, east of Bronson, and west and north of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway)
What time: 8 am – 2 pm
Admission: Free

The beloved Great Glebe Garage & Sidewalk Sale, a community tradition since 1986, is one of North America’s largest garage sales. Glebe residents & Bank Street businesses come together to offer fantastic deals in the neighbourhood.  The Glebe Community Association and the Glebe BIA ask participants to donate to the Ottawa Food Bank as the community’s need is higher than ever.

Photo: Great Glebe Garage Sale


Atlético Ottawa 

When: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street
What time: 2 pm
Admission: From $38 • Click here to purchase tickets

Saturday’s Atletico game is a "rematch" of the CPL final against Forge FC with the added excitement of the second annual Wiener Dogs race at half-time! You'll want to take advantage of your ticket's free OC Transpo ride to avoid traffic problems created by Tamarack Race Weekend and the Glebe Garage Sale.

Photo: Courtesy Atletico Ottawa


44th Traditional Pow Wow

When: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28, 2023
Where: Canadian Police College campus, 1 Sandridge Road
What time: Saturday 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: Free • Click here for the full schedule

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre (ONFC) will be kicking-off Pow Wow season with the 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow. This year’s event will bring together dancers, drummers, singers, traditional food, craft vendors, and entertainment. Participants, guests, and spectators can witness and participate in the true meaning of Indigenous culture during this two-day event. 

Photo: Odawa Native Friendship Centre


European Union Short Film Festival

When: Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon, 2 Daly Ave
What time: Friday 7 pm, Saturday 4 pm & 7 pm
Admission: Free • Click for more information

Join the 22 member states of the EU and the Canadian Film Institute to celebrate short film production in the European Union and the tenth anniversary of the festival! Three separate programs will be presented, including short dramas, documentaries, animation, and experimental films. Half an hour before each screening, enjoy European food and drinks provided by the EU embassies at the Tastes of Europe Reception. 

Photo: EUSFF


Kanata Ribfest + Poutine

When: Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: Community Hub, 400 March Road
What time: Friday 1:30 am-  9 pm, Saturday 11 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Admission: Free 

If you loved Ribfest + Poutine in Barrhaven last weekend, head to Kanata for a weekend full of ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, the best in classic, gourmet, extreme poutine, and entertainment, including The Big Sticky Stage.

Photo: Kanata Ribfest


Harley Giveaway Promotion

When: May 26 & 27, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock – 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester, ON K1X 1A3
What time: Open 24/7
Admission: N/A

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

Explore the open road and seek thrilling adventures this summer with our Harley-Davidson promotion! One Harley-Davidson motorcycle remains to be won, with the grand prize draw set for this Saturday at 9 pm.

It’s your final chance to earn entry ballots for every $20 wagered.

  • 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 the Rock Star Rewards Desk for details.

Plus, select tickets are still available for purchase to see Canadian Hard Rockers, Helix, perform live in The Joint on Saturday, May 26th. Tickets are still available for purchase HERE.

  • Free Parking
  • Must be 19+

To view the entire entertainment lineup, visit https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/events.htm


Live Harness Racing & Dining Special

When: Sunday, May 28, 2023
Where: Rideau Carleton Raceway – 4837 Albion Rd S
What time: 6:30 pm post time
Admission/Cost: N/A

Join us for Sunday Funday Live Racing & Dining Specials!

Experience exhilarating live standardbred harness racing in Ottawa! Join us this coming Sunday for an evening at the track while indulging in our limited-time offer Snow Crab Dinner Special for $39.95, available Friday to Sunday from 5:00-10:00 PM in Mr. Lucky’s Restaurant.

Enjoy one-of-a-kind harness racing events that you can't find anywhere else in the city. Rideau Carleton Raceway also offers off-track wagering and simulcast racing from Canada and across the world. After the race, the fun continues in the casino with gaming, live entertainment, and exceptional dining, all under one roof. See you at the track!

  • Free Parking
  • Must be 19+