The magic of May

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"

 - Robin Williams

…and your Lagois team has some nifty ideas for a celebrating it, with tulips, theatre, plants, books and spring bargains. Here they are:

The Tulip Festival, Ottawa

May 8-18 2026

The Canadian Tulip Festival, celebrating the historic royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War and the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II, boasts the Capital's most dazzling display of tulips with more than 250,000 tulips.

Where to see them:

Commissioners Park, corner of Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Drive, has the largest concentration of tulips.

Along the Rideau Canal

This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site connects two great places to see the tulips: Commissioners Park and downtown Ottawa.

Downtown Ottawa

On foot: Walk and explore all the wonderful tulip beds throughout downtown. Major’s Hill Park, at the corner of Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue, is one of the best sites. Look for planters along Confederation Blvd and the displays at the National War Memorial, across from the National Arts Centre at Wellington and Elgin Streets.

By bus: You can take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for more than 15 locations, including the tulip areas.

Downtown Gatineau

There are tulips near the Alexandra Bridge, Jacques-Cartier Park and the Canadian Museum of History, within walking distance from Major’s Hill Park.

More information, here.

Friends of the Farm Plant Sale

Parking lot beside K.W. Neatby Building at 960 Carling & Maple Drive (look for the signs)

May 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE 

Many of the region’s top specialty growers and nursery vendors assembled in one location. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton will be on hand with free advice.

More information here.

Literary Feast

May 6, 6- 9 pm

Horticulture Building at Lansdowne, 1525 Princess Patricia Way 

$75

A unique cultural and culinary gathering that blends food, wine, and literature. Throughout the evening, featured authors will share insights into their creative process, culinary inspirations, and personal stories in an intimate setting designed to engage book lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Several cookbooks will be featured and for sale.

More information here.

The Birds and the Bees

Ottawa Little Theatre

400 King Edward Ave.

May 6 – 23 

Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 pm

Matinee: Sundays at 2:30 pm

Beekeeper Gail’s husband ran off with the neighbour’s wife 20 years earlier, and now her turkey-farming daughter Sarah has left her husband and moved back home. 

More information here.

Great Glebe Garage Sale

May 23

8 am - 2 pm

The Glebe transforms into a bustling hub of treasure hunters, and bargain seekers. 

More information here.