Cultural Events in Downtown - May 2026
View on Map77 events in Downtown during May 2026. Find cultural happenings near you.
EEPMON
Come to the Jackson Café to discover two large murals, featuring the digital artwork of Eric Chan (aka eepmon)! In Futur…
Visions and Views
The Firestone Collection of Canadian Art is a significant art collection that spans the modern period and includes work…
Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave
In the digital realm, EEPMON merges code and creativity, crafting intricate compositions exploring the micro and macro.…
Digital Worlds: The Generative Art of EEPMON | EEPMON展：デジタルア…
EEPMON makes generative artworks—pieces produced through computer programs that introduce chance, iteration, and interac…
becoming|un|becoming: deepening relations
The artworks by Leah Decter, a white settler artist and scholar, offer an opportunity to reflect on repair and care of r…
The Creativity of Plants
The Forget For A Moment Foundation and the Ottawa Art Gallery are proud to present and invite you to visit The Creativit…
Intertwined
In a time marked by our increasingly complex relationship to the natural world, Intertwined brings together artists for…
Rideau Wednesday English Conversation Group
Do you already have some basic English language skills, and are you looking for a casual, friendly environment where you…
Frame of Mind: 10 Years of Creative Space
Celebrating its 10th year and 9th exhibition, Creative Space is an ongoing program and part of a well-established partne…
Morning Babytime
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver. 0-18 months.
Babytime / Bébés à la biblio
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver, followed by Stay and Play. 0-18 months. Contes, comptin…
Bilingual Family Storytime - Contes en famille bilingue
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Drop-in program.Contes, comptines et chan…
Metcalfe Book Club
Meet your neighbours and discuss great books in a relaxed atmosphere. All are welcome!Drop-in every last Thursday of the…
Groupe de conversation en français- Jeudi soir
Profitez de notre groupe de conversation afin d'améliorer vos habiletés en français l'oral. Join our free French Conve…
Rideau Friday English Conversation Group
Do you already have some basic English language skills, and are you looking for a casual, friendly environment where you…
Stay and Play/ Jouons à la biblio
Drop in for preschool fun! Play with puppets, crafts, building blocks, and more.Un programme portes ouvertes pour les en…
Satuday Family Storytime | Contes en famille le samedi
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Join us after the stories for a simple cr…
Go Workshop / Atelier de Go
The Ottawa Go Club (https://ottawagoclub.wixsite.com/ogcs) organizes a series of workshops for people who want to improv…
Stay ‘n’ Play | Jouons à la biblio
Join us in our children's area to play and chat! There will be self-directed activities and toys for parents/caregivers…
Capital Region Writers Group: Write-In
You’re invited to join the CRWG for a “Write-in”: dedicated work time where you can thrive in the camaraderie of working…
EXPERIMENTAL AMBIENT NIGHT with ARDEA and PARTYGIRL
Doors at 5:30PM, Show at 6PM Tickets: CAD $12 on Sairyo.
Monday Storytime and Stay and Play
Join us for a half hour of stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. After storytime…
Groupe de conversation en français | French conversation gro…
Rejoignez notre groupe de conversation pour pratiquer le français dans une atmosphère détendue.Join our French conversat…
Monday Evening Book Club
Share the pleasure of reading and discussing books ranging from the classics to the contemporary, but mostly fiction, in…
Bilingual Storytime / Heure du conte bilingue
It's our bilingual storytime!Stories, songs and games for children and their accompanying parent or guardian. Registrati…
Babytime | Bébés à la biblio
Stories, rhymes and songs for babies 0 -18 months and a parent or caregiver. Feel free to stay after the program to play…
Beaded Vamp and Moccasin Workshop: with Colleen Nolan
The Vamp and Moccasin Workshop with Colleen Nolan offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of crafti…
Wednesday Storytime
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. In English.Every Wednesday, 10:15am.Drop-i…
Groupe de conversation en français- Mercredi matin
Profitez de notre groupe de conversation afin d'améliorer vos habiletés en français l'oral. Join our free French Conve…
Knit & Knatter
Bring your knitting or crochet and meet fellow enthusiasts at the Sunnyside branch. Knitters of all abilities are welcom…
Chess Club
Join us for open games of chess. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, this is a relaxed environment where everyon…
Crafternoon / Brin d’brico
Come crafting at the library. We have all the supplies you need to satisfy your creativity!For children of all ages. Dro…
Teen Zine Workshop | Atelier de zines pour ados
A zine is a small, self-published booklet filled with whatever you want to share with the world.Learn to design, make, a…
Memory Café
An open house for persons with dementia, their care partners and families. Fun and stimulating mental activities are pla…
Main English Book Club
Join us at the Main Branch for a monthly book club session! Sessions take place mid-month at 6:30 p.m in room B125. Book…
Vernon Book Club
Everyone is welcome to join Vernon’s book club!Visit with your friends and neighbours to discuss great books.First Thurs…
French Conversation-Intermediate, Groupe de conversation- ni…
Améliorez votre français parlé et rencontrez des gens dans une ambiance décontractée et conviviale. Niveau intermédiaire…
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey invites audiences to rediscover the career of a pioneering Canadian artist, who…
The Sunnyside 2nd Friday Book Club
Meet new people and join in discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere every second Friday of t…
The Reverb Syndicate presents “Twenty Years of Tuesdays” 20t…
Presented by The Reverb Syndicate
Canada at War Against Japan, 1941–1945
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this exhibition explores different aspects of Canada’s…
Canada’s Unknown Soldier
Discover the history behind one of Canada’s most powerful symbols of remembrance. Marking 25 years since the repatriatio…
Portraits – Stories of Black Canadian Military Service
Recognizing a proud tradition through compelling accounts of service and sacrifice. Black Canadians have had an enduring…
Winners of the National Youth Remembrance Contests 2025
Each year, students across the country submit artwork, poetry, essays and videos to the National Youth Remembrance Conte…
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Fran Lebowitz comes to Southam Hall for an evening of sharp social commentary, humour, and conversation.
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
In the Company of Writers
On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, this event provides an opportunity for local authors and others who enjo…
Collage Club
Come join us for a fun collage session! Explore your creative side and piece together something beautiful. Collages make…
Bilingual Family Storytime / Contes en famille bilingue
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Followed by 30 minutes of "stay and play"…
Teen Advisory Group - Sunnyside
Hey teens! Join us at Sunnyside branch for a fun way to earn volunteer hours! With our TAG, you can have your say about…
Youth Creative Writing Group
Come meet fellow writers and flex your creativity in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Monthly writing prompts will be…
Mysterious Book Society: A Middle Grade Book Club
Come share the enjoyment of reading books with other kids ages 9-12! Each meeting we will have a book battle to choose t…
Ariel Posen - The Bannatyne Tour
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Wild Colour
Through nearly 200 specimens, audio stories, and immersive colour zones, Wild Colour reveals how living things use colou…
The Sunnyside Mystery Book Club
Do you enjoy reading mysteries? Share the enjoyment of good mysteries in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for discussion us…
Saturday bilingual Family Storytime and Stay ‘n’ Play / He…
Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Followed by 30 minutes of "stay and play"…
Stories Start Here: a free workshop for Beginners
The Ottawa StoryTellers is hosting a free beginner workshop for anyone interested in exploring the art of storytelling.…
Royal Tusk
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Storytelling Open Mic
Storytelling Open Mic is a perfect place for newcomers to discover oral storytelling in a warm and supportive atmosphere…
Thursday Morning Book Club
Share the enjoyment of reading and discussing books in a relaxed atmosphere.September 18 - The Road by Cormac McCarthy.O…
Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Join us for a fun evening of crafting! We will be making pressed flower bookmarks with real dried flowers. Each piece wi…
Armchair travel: Newfoundland
Photos and narration from multiple car trips around this wonderful province. Sights from north, south, east and west coa…
Teen Book Club
Calling all bookworms! Come meet new friends and expand your literary horizons at the Sunnyside Teen Book Club. We meet…
Get The Shot
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Family Crafternoon
Join us for an afternoon of crafting fun! We will be making seasonally themed crafts. All materials will be provided.W…
Cat Clyde
Presented by spectrasonic with the support of Ontario Creates, SAW and Collective Arts
Les lundis des tout-petits: French story time with Luana
Join us on Mondays for story time with Luana. Delight in tales that will sweep you away on journeys through magical worl…
Powwow Workout with Amanda Fox
Amanda Fox leads a 45-minute powwow-inspired workout blending dance, music, movement, and cultural learning at the NAC.
Atelier Zine Workshop
Learn to design, make, and publish your own Zines! A Zine is a small, self-published booklet filled with whatever you w…
Creation Station | Station de création
Come craft and create at the library! A variety of craft supplies will be available and ideas will be provided, but feel…
Club de lecture francophone de la Centrale
Joignez-vous nous pour des discussions conviviales propos de livres en français.Présentez-vous au bureau de consultati…
Menstrual Health Day
Join us at the National Arts Centre to mark Menstrual Health Day, a global movement dedicated to breaking taboos, raisin…
Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War
Explore the ways that the American Civil War (1861-1865) shaped Canadian society, politics and military - and why its le…
The Sunnyside Adult Book Club
Join in stimulating discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere on the last Friday of the month.
Lego Party/Fête en blocs
Create and build with Lego®! Drop-in. For ages 6-12. Last Friday of every month. 3:30pm – 5pm. Architectes en herbe,…
Toddler Tuesdays at National Arts Centre
Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creat…
SoulRhythms
A bilingual Afro-Caribbean movement and dance class at the NAC led by Cultural Arts Studio facilitator Suzan Richards.