There are lots of family-friendly activities to do at this year's Canadian Tulip Festival. The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II—the only royal personage ever born in Canada. Learn More
Here are some of the highlights!
Byward Market Blooms
From May 10 – May 20, 2024, the ByWard Market will BLOOM with an urban tulip experience, both day and night.
For 11 days our NEW 8-Foot-Tall Blooms, Giant Bees and Butterflies will be all over the ByWard Market Plaza, and in our York St. Tulip Plaza, and every planter in the Market will be full of tulip booms!
For 11 nights, feel what it’s like to be a Bee or Butterfly in the ByWard Market seeing Tulips and “Pollen” in the UV Spectrum. This funky pollinator’s paradise offers a unique experience for guests in the ByWard Market.
Operation Manna Sound & Light Story
Step into the story at our Movie Screen!
Sound & Light Show on Dow’s Lake Blacklight Boardwalk, FREE from 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm, nightly. Step into the stories of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pilots and air crews that fought bravely during the Second World War.
These stories are told with more than just words. Be immersed in these tales of remembrance through the dramatic use of live action characters, lighting, sound, fog, and aerial effects.
* Please note this show contains flashing lights, sudden noises. Viewer discretion is advised.
Blacklight Boardwalk
Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, see the world through the ultraviolet spectrum. The Blacklight on the Boardwalk display will give guests a fun, educational experience of seeing the tulips just as a pollinator would!
See the tulips in a whole new light! Enjoy the FREE Dow’s Lake Blacklight Boardwalk Experience, from 8:00pm – 10:00 pm nightly.
Pollinators are crucially important to the health of our environment. This display will not only be eye-catching, but also draw attention to a class of creature that greatly needs our attention and care.
Don’t miss the Sound and Light Show each evening at 9:00pm.
Tulips at Night
- 8pm – 10:00pm daily. Stroll the lit garden beds at night and see tulips in a different light.
Movies in the Park
- Matinees start at 2pm and evening movies start at 7pm daily. End times will vary based on the selections for the evening.
- Free movies will be available to view daily at Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake.
- Audience members are encouraged to bring your own food and blanket, or purchase a Tulip Festival blanket and food from vendors on site. Picnic table will be available.
- We hope you will enjoy our movie & tulips lineup and join us daily in Commissioners Park at Dow’s lake with viewings from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
- See the movie lineup here.
Drone Show
Join us for a historic event as we celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100-year centennial with our first-ever Drone Show on Sunday, May 19th, at 9:30 pm!
Be amazed as 200 drones light up the sky over Dow’s Lake, creating a mesmerizing display of lights and shapes. This unique show promises to be a highlight of the RCAF centennial celebrations, showcasing the latest in drone technology and innovation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history! Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of aerial entertainment.
Tulip Town Kid Zone
Tulip Town North
May 10 through May 20 10am – 8pm
Giant Games / 360 Photo Op from NEO Financial
May 11 & 12, May 18, 19 10am – 6pm
Fantasy Face Painting is BACK!
May 11 & 12 10am – 6pm
Ontario Tennis Association Smash Cage
May 18 & 19 10am – 6pm
Oh Canada Eh will be onsite – with classic Canadian characters, and some fun and prizes with their Plinko Board!
Tulip Town South
May 10 through May 20, 10am – 6pm
Canadian Geographic Presents:
A Trip Across Canada
May 11 & 12, 11 am – 6pm
The Edenvale Museum will have 8 Mini-RCAF planes WITH a runway on Queen Elizabeth Driveway for kids!
May 18 & 19 10am – 6pm
Fly with the RCAF! Cockpits and Simulators will be available for kids of all ages!
