If you’re sticking around Ottawa this week for the long weekend ahead, here are some ideas if you’re looking for fun events to attend in the upcoming days.
The Canadian Tulip Festival is on for the third and final weekend so be sure to check out the flowers and activities if you haven’t already done so. You can get all the details on the festival’s official website here.
This Wednesday, May 16 as well as each Wednesday for the next little while, the Ottawa Jail Hostel will be hosting its weekly open mic for those with musical talent who wish to showcase their stuff or simply for those who want to encourage local artists, singer-songwriters and musicians while enjoying a few drinks. The open mic takes place inside Mugshots, the Ottawa Jail Hostel bar. For more info, check out the Facebook event here.
The following evening, Thursday, May 17, the Canadian Museum of Civilization invites the public to partake in the official opening of MAYA: Secrets of Their Ancient World, the newest special exhibition launched by the Museum for the summer season. This is sure to be an extremely interesting exhibition for those who have an interest in world civilizations and particularly in the Maya history and culture. The inauguration takes place at 6:00 pm after which guests will be invited to visit the exhibition should they wish to do so. Details are available in French and English on the below images.


Also this Thursday, May 17, Overkill Bar, in the basement of the Mercury Lounge, presents the weekly edition of Double Barrel, starting at 10pm. DJ Magnificent will be throwing an all-vinyl set and is looking forward to making you dance with another night of funk, soul and Motown hits that are sure to get you moving. You can grab more details on the Facebook event page here.
Another event happening this Thursday is the Collectif III vernissage taking place at Le Temporaire, an artistic production and exhibition space in Vieux-Hull, Gatineau, which encourages local artists to present their work in order to get noticed and promote their work on the Outaouais artistic scene. The exhibition launch starts at 5pm and all details can be found on the event’s Facebook page here.
If you’re into slam poetry, head out to Mercury Lounge this Saturday, May 19 for VERSEOttawa Women’s Slam. Last January, VERSEOttawa held the city’s first ever Women’s Slam Championship. It was the first and certainly not the last. Throughout the year, VERSeOttawa will be hosting a series of women’s slams that will culminate in the Women’s Slam Championship. You can find a breakdown of the event details here.
In Flux, a new concept night combining the best bands & DJs in the National Capital will debut at Babylon on Saturday, May 19 as of 10pm. For the first edition of In Flux, the people of Droppin Science, Bass Machines & Antique Skateshop present Jon Deck, Birthday Girls, and the Big Muffs. Tickets are $7 and more info is available on the poster below.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Ritual will host the Atherton Album Release Party starting at 9pm. The local hip-hop artist will deliver his third studio album and first solo project entitled “No Threat” alongside guests Homebased, Babble Goons, The Joynt and DJ So Nice. Atherton will also be releasing his video for album track “Lights Out” at the party. There’s more info if you click on the poster below.

To celebrate the long weekend, BYDEK, THEKNWLDG, Soundsation, and 1X1Love present Madeon at Mansion on Sunday, May 20. Hugo Leclercq, aka Madeon, is a self-proclaimed “electro-pop-house-whatever” producer from France. Recently back from a huge performance at Coachella, Madeon is set to perform live in Ottawa and if you love electronic dance music, don’t miss this as this kid is bound to blow-up big sooner than later. You can get more details on the Facebook event page by clicking on the below poster.

Also, don’t forget about Elage’s gig at the Petit Chicago and Rakim at Ritual: two worthwhile shows taking place this Thursday and Friday as mentioned in my last post! Enjoy the May long weekend and be sure to check out one of the many events taking place in the coming days in the National Capital Region!!