The Big Top Returns to Ottawa This Spring
Event Highlights
- 17 performances from May 28 to June 7, 2026 with flexible scheduling options
- Intimate big top tent setup at Tanger Outlets Ottawa with close-up views of performers
- Free parking and easy highway access just 25 minutes west of downtown Ottawa
- Family-friendly entertainment suitable for all ages with intermission break
- Convenient Kanata location near shopping, dining, and Ottawa River parks
There’s something unmistakably thrilling about a live circus performance under canvas, and this May, Ottawa welcomes back the tradition with 17 shows at Tanger Outlets Ottawa. From acrobats defying gravity to performers who’ve spent years perfecting their craft, this is entertainment that pulls you away from screens and into the moment.
Located at 8555 Campeau Dr in Kanata, the big top tent rises near one of Ottawa’s busiest shopping destinations, making it easy to combine an afternoon of retail therapy with an evening of live spectacle. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night with a difference, or just looking for something memorable to do this spring, the circus delivers an experience that works for all ages.
Show Dates & Tickets
May 2026
June 2026
Wednesday, June 3rd
Wed
3
Ottawa, ON 7:00 pm
Under the Big Top! Tanger Outlets Ottawa
Friday, June 5th
Fri
5
Ottawa, ON 4:30 pm
Under the Big Top! Tanger Outlets Ottawa
Fri
5
Ottawa, ON 7:30 pm
Under the Big Top! Tanger Outlets Ottawa
What Makes a Big Top Show Different
Forget stadium seating and jumbotrons — circus under canvas puts you close to the action. The tent creates an intimate atmosphere where you can see the concentration on performers’ faces, hear the rustle of costumes, and feel the collective gasp when an aerialist completes a difficult sequence. It’s live entertainment in its purest form, without barriers between audience and artist.
Expect a rotating lineup of acts that might include aerial silks, juggling, balancing acts, clowning, and acrobatics. Each performance runs approximately two hours with an intermission, giving younger audience members a chance to stretch their legs and grab refreshments. The show is designed to keep energy high while remaining accessible to children and adults alike.
Getting to Tanger Outlets Ottawa
The venue sits just off Highway 417 in Kanata, roughly 25 minutes west of downtown Ottawa. If you’re driving, take the Campeau Drive exit and follow signs for Tanger Outlets — the big top tent will be visible from the parking area. Ample free parking is available, and the location is straightforward to reach from Barrhaven, Stittsville, or Orleans.
For those using public transit, OC Transpo Route 61 serves the Kanata area with connections to the Transitway. Check current schedules before your show, as evening service may be limited. Rideshare dropoff works well here, with designated zones near the main entrance.
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime. This gives you time to park, pick up tickets at will call if needed, grab snacks, and find your seats without rushing. The pre-show atmosphere is part of the fun — kids can take in the tent setup, and you’ll avoid the stress of last-minute seating.
What to Bring and Expect
Seating is typically general admission or assigned by section, depending on ticket type. Bring a light jacket or sweater — while the tent provides shelter, temperatures inside can vary, especially during cooler May evenings. Comfortable clothing is recommended, as you’ll be sitting for about two hours with one intermission.
Food and beverages are usually available for purchase inside the tent, including popcorn, candy, and drinks. Some shows allow outside snacks for young children, but check specific policies when you arrive. Strollers can typically be parked near the entrance, and accessible seating is available for guests who need it.
Make It an Ottawa Day Out
Tanger Outlets offers more than 80 brand-name stores, making it easy to turn your circus visit into a full afternoon. Grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants along Campeau Drive — options range from casual chains to local favourites. If you’re coming from downtown, consider stopping at Andrew Haydon Park along the Ottawa River for a pre-show picnic or walk along the waterfront trails.
For families staying overnight, several hotels cluster around the Kanata area, and you’re only a short drive from attractions like the Canadian Museum of History or Parliament Hill. The circus makes a perfect anchor for a weekend that mixes entertainment, shopping, and exploring the nation’s capital.
Why May and June Are Ideal
Late spring in Ottawa means longer daylight hours, warming temperatures, and the city shaking off winter. Evening shows let you enjoy the performance as the sun sets, and the weather is generally cooperative for outdoor tent events. With 17 performances scheduled between May 28 and June 7, you have plenty of flexibility to choose a date that works for your schedule — weeknight shows, weekend matinees, and evening performances all available.
Tickets for big top circus events tend to sell well as show dates approach, especially for weekend performances. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred date and seating section, and often comes with better pricing than day-of-show purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ottawa, ON
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Shows run approximately two hours including one intermission. The intermission typically lasts 15-20 minutes, giving families time to use restrooms, purchase refreshments, and let kids move around before the second half begins.
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Yes, parking is free at Tanger Outlets Ottawa. The big top tent is set up in a designated area with clear signage from the main parking lot. Arrive 30-45 minutes early to allow time for parking and seating, especially for weekend shows.
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The circus is designed for all ages, though children under 2 typically attend for free if sitting on a parent's lap. Kids ages 3 and up generally enjoy the full experience. The show includes visual spectacle, music, and variety acts that keep younger attention spans engaged.
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Yes, concessions are available inside the tent, offering popcorn, candy, soft drinks, and other snacks. You can also eat at nearby restaurants along Campeau Drive before the show. Some performances allow small outside snacks for young children — check when you arrive.
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Dress comfortably and bring a light jacket or sweater. While the tent provides shelter, temperatures inside can fluctuate, especially during cooler spring evenings. Wear comfortable shoes, as you may walk across the parking area from your vehicle to the tent entrance.