With several large tech gatherings to end the month of April and with many tourism-related events on the menu for May, it promises to be a busy end to the spring season in Ottawa, with more great festivals and conferences on tap for summer and into the fall.
May
Canadian Tulip Festival
What: The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the symbol of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands after the Second World War. It remains one of Ottawa’s best attended festivals during the month of May.
When: May 9 to May 19
Where: Commissioners Park, Ottawa
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37th Annual Gold Plate Dinner
What: Join the Hellenic Community of Ottawa for a fundraising dinner, supporting its cultural and language programs as well as The University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
When: May 13, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
Find out more: https://goldplatedinner.com/
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ExecHealth brings Canada’s leading advanced longevity program to National Capital Region
Ottawa’s ExecHealth was one of the first private clinics in Canada to provide personalized, ongoing primary care, having opened its doors 20 years ago this year. Now the pioneering local
Glenview Homes Unveils Union West: A New Chapter in Stittsville Living
Union West, Glenview Homes’ highly anticipated new community in the heart of Stittsville is welcoming buyers at its brand-new Sales Centre and model home, The Reveli, located at 6147 Fernbank
On Our Terms: Canada’s Path to AI Sovereignty
What: Join the Canadian Club of Ottawa for a panel discussion on how Canada can shape the future of AI on its own terms.
When: May 14, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Chateau Laurier – Adam Room, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala
What: A fundraising event to support the health and cleanliness of the Ottawa River with networking opportunities, musical performances, fine cuisine and an auction.
When: May 21, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jacques Cartier Park, Laurier Street, Gatineau
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Canada After Dark: A Nightlife Forum
What: As part of Capital Music Week, this two-day event brings together nightlife industry leaders from across Canada and the world to discuss best practices and the future of nighttime economies.
When: May 21-22
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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City Nation Place Americas 2025
What: A two-day event to hear from tourism leaders across the continent on how they ensure economic growth and a sustainable tourism economy for their cities.
When: May 21-22
Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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GOHBA Spring Networking Breakfast
What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association for a networking event and hear from guest speakers Andrew Reeves, principal partner at Linebox Studios, and Melissa Reeves, COO at Linebox Studios.
When: May 22, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St., Ottawa
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Capital Music Awards
What: The sixth annual Capital Music Awards will highlight those who have made a mark on the city’s music industry, presented by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition.
When: May 22
Where: National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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BYA Kick-Off: Finalist Reveal & Revel
What: An event to kick off the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards and share the 15 award finalists.
When: May 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Lago Bar & Grill, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa
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Welch Business Growth Survey: 2025 Report Launch
What: Join the Ottawa Business Journal, the Ottawa Board of Trade and David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, as they unveil the results of a definitive survey of local business leaders.
When: May 29, from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Where: Canadian War Museum; 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa
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Paint the Town Pink
What: This fundraising event supports the arts industry of Ottawa-Gatineau while offering live music, great food and a chance to connect with other Ottawa professionals.
When: May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alma Duncan Salon, Ottawa Art Gallery; 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
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Evening in the Maritimes
What: Enjoy an evening of fine dining, entertainment and silent and live auctions in support of Able2 and people with disabilities in Ottawa.
When: May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Westin Hotel; 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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June
Taste for Hope
What: A culinary event to raise awareness for homelessness in the city and raise funds for the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.
When: June 3, time TBD
Where: Brookstreet Hotel; 525 Legget Dr., Ottawa
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Ottawa Innovation Week
What: A week of events bringing together the city’s brightest minds to showcase the burgeoning talent Ottawa has to offer.
When: June 9-13
Where: TBD
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AccelerateOTT 2025
What: As part of Ottawa Innovation Week, this event brings together founders and funders for a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities and the Startup World Cup, where local startups will make their pitch for a chance to win up to $50,000 in grant prizes.
When: June 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park
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Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards
What: Spend the evening celebrating Canadian talent in the performing arts with music, performances and a red carpet.
When: June 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall; 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Ottawa Jazz Festival
What: Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Ottawa’s jazz festival showcases the best of jazz with acts such as Samara Joy, Gary Clark Jr., Mavis Staples and Allison Russell.
When: June 20-29
Where: Multiple locations around downtown Ottawa
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Gourmet on the Gridiron
What: Join the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) on the Redblacks home field as they raise funds for the OSEG Foundation, helping children and youth access to development through sports.
When: June 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
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Forty Under 40 Gala
What: Organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade in partnership with the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management Executive MBA program, this annual gala celebrates the city’s young entrepreneurs for their accomplishments in business.
When: June 27, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy; 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
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July
The Chef’s Table
What: A three-weekend experience, this “farm to table feast” will showcase regional musical acts while guests try menus curated by chef Kenton Leier of the NAC as well as some of Canada’s finest chefs.
When: July 3-5, July 10-12 and Sept. 4-6
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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VegOttawa Fest 2025
What: In its first iteration since 2019, this event will showcase the best of plant-based food and sustainability in the city. Attendees will experience cooking demonstrations, guest speakers and sample vegan-friendly products.
When: July 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre; 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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Ottawa Bluesfest
What:Ottawa’s most popular music festival is back for its 30th edition and welcomes large acts such as Shania Twain, Hozier, Lainey Wilson, Def Leppard and Green day, to name a few.
When: July 10-20
Where: LeBreton Flats
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August
Spurs & Sparkles 2025
What: In support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, this event brings together business and community leaders for a night of food, drinks and equestrian entertainment.
When: Aug. 13, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa
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Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament
What: A full day of networking while enjoying the outdoors and a few rounds of golf!
When: Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: GreyHawk Golf Club; 4999 Boundary Rd., Navan
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: An annual festival showcasing Canadian talent from musical artists to hot air balloon shows.
When: Aug. 27-31
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Saint-Louis St., Gatineau
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September
OEMC 2025
What: The Ontario East Municipal Conference invites business and community leaders to network and participate in sessions on economic development, municipal and community development and workforce development.
When: Sept. 17-19
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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October
The VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala
What: This event highlights the achievements of the city’s volunteers and non-profits.
When: Oct. 23, time TBD
Where: Preston Event Centre; 523 Saint Anthony St., Ottawa
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SocialHRCamp Ottawa: Think Like An Owner
What: An educational event for HR and recruitment professionals with breakout sessions, expert panel discussions and networking opportunities.
When: October TBD (Date changed from April 30)
Where: Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa
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The Women’s Summit
What: Hear from some of Canada’s remarkable female leaders in a day of networking opportunities and panel discussions.
When: Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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November
42nd Annual Housing Design Awards Gala
What: Join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association as it highlights the achievements of the city’s architects, designers, renovators and builders.
When: Nov. 1, from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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eSAX Entrepreneur Networking
What: In their first in-person event in five years, the Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience (eSAX) invites entrepreneurs to get together and network during this tradeshow. The event will also be raising funds for sick and marginalized youth through the CHEO Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.
When: Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park; 1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa
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Aurora Ball: Celebrating Milestones
What: A night of dancing, dining and drinks featuring a performance by a surprise musical guest. Join The Ottawa Cancer Foundation in celebrating its 30th anniversary.
When: Nov. 22, time TBD
Where: TBD
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Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs)
What: The annual award ceremony and gala that celebrates Ottawa’s business leaders.
When: Nov. 28, time TBD
Where: The Westin Ottawa; 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
Find out more: TBD
