If you’re looking for things to do in Ottawa this weekend, be sure to check out our list of the best weekend activities! Whether you’re looking for something fun and active, or want to relax and take in the cityscape, there are plenty of exciting things to do on weekends in Ottawa.
From festivals and special events to tours and outdoor adventures, from hiking trails and bike paths to museums and historic landmarks, there is something for everyone who wants to explore Ontario’s capital city! Whether you’re a tourist or a resident of the city, we guarantee that you’ll find something worth doing. Start planning your perfect Ottawa weekend today!
I. Family Events & Activities
900 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON
Multiple dates
From Ottawa’s premier entertainment company, Escape Manor Junior offers fun and immersive escape games for a younger audience. Kids and their families will be working together to escape the room by looking for clues, solving puzzles, and figuring out the codes.
1595 Merivale Road, #6 Ottawa (Merivale), Ontario K2G 3J4
Multiple dates
Color Me Mine is the leader in the contemporary ceramics industry. Each location is an upscale art-as-entertainment studio offering unfinished ceramics and other craft media. Customers enter a relaxing environment, choose one of 400 unfinished pieces, and spend an hour or two painting it to express their own vision. Ceramic pieces are left to be glazed and fired, then picked up later.
2615 Lancaster Rd., Unit 29, Ottawa, ON
Multiple dates
Our leagues are the perfect excuse to get together with friends, make some new ones, and trash talk each other a little bit while competing. With coaches available to give you tips, we have a league that’s perfect for every experience level.
Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario
December 1, 2022 − March 31, 2023 (Weather permitting)
Enjoy free ice skating on a refrigerated ice surface 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.
30 Rosemount Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2C 2B5, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 9:00 am – 11:00 am EST (Multiple dates)
Join Kimberly, Early Childhood Development Worker, for a free French playgroup for parents and caregivers of children 0-6 years of age. Children will learn French through songs and stories.
Parent Resource Centre Saturday Morning Playgroups
Parent Preschool Resource Centre, 300 Goulburn Pvt, Ottawa, ON K1N 1C9
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm EST (Multiple dates)
Saturday Morning Playgroup. Registration will be avaliable for 12 families per session. 1 ticket per family.
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 O’Toole Road, Ottawa, Ontario
March 5 − April 10, 2023
Enjoy farm and sugarbush activities as well as outdoor fun and a farm store.
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards, Ontario
March 4 − April 16, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Bring your snowshoes or go for a cross-country ski, board a sleigh or wagon ride, watch how maple syrup is made in the Heritage Sugarshack, visit the barn, enjoy maple taffy on the snow, and more.
Agriculture Building
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Baby Mama Hustle, is a unique space for Parents + Tots to shop & enjoy local small businesses & most importantly connect with other mompreneurs.
Social Rollerskating: Ottawa Quad Session
Norm Fenn Gym – Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa,ON K1S 5B6
Fri, March 25 2023, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm EDT
Ottawa Quad Sessions are all about fun on eight wheels. Any style, all levels, no instruction, lots of watch-and-learn. We quad to tunes.
Nowrouz, Spring Equinox, with SICAO
Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2K2, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
Come have a great time at the SICAO Persian new year festival, Nowruz! Wouldn’t it be fun to celebrate Spring in Persian style! We have Persian preformances and activities for kids and teenagers!
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, 1365 Richmond Road #2, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
An in-person interactive & play based approach to exploring and learning early math skills. Games and stories about patterning, sorting and shapes will all be included in the Friday afternoon fun!
II. Live Music & Concerts
54 York Street, Ottawa, ON
Every Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm
Visit the restaurant and enjoy live music by Edra Silva.
Rare Americans – Vip Meet & Greet Upgrade
Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:00 pm
Their songs, paired with narrative-driven animated videos have garnered the band their first top 100 Billboard album, over 250M streams and 1M social media followers.
Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm (doors 7:00 pm)
Pop/rock
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M6
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:30 pm (doors 8:00 pm)
Villages − pop, Okies − indie rock
Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:00 pm
Reuben and the Dark is the enrapturing alt folk-rock outfit led by singer-songwriter Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with soaring instrumentals.
Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:30 pm
Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Simon Daniel interweaves elements of pop, electro, alternative and rock music to back his transcendent voice that carries the sound of a timeless urban Acadia.
Rossy Pavilion, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am
Join Arts Alive, the National Arts Centre of Canada’s learning and engagement team, and the Canadian Network for Arts and Learning for a morning of networking and discussion on the most pressing issues facing arts learning in Canada today.
fanclubwallet, Neurotypes, emmersonHALL
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M6
Sun, March 26 2023, 8:30 pm (doors 8:00 pm)
Fanclubwallet − indie pop, Neurotypes − dance/electronic, EmmersonHALL − indie rock.
Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Sun, March 26 2023, 8:30 pm (doors 8:00 pm)
Sunset Rubdown − indie rock, Nicholas Merz − singer-songwriter
The Great Canadian Trivia Night
Danbys Roadhouse, 6127 Perth Street, Ottawa, ON K0A 2Z0, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Sled on over to Danbys Roadhouse in Richmond to flex your Canuck knowledge on topics including Canadian history, geography, and pop culture. You’ll have double-double the fun while you listen to live music featuring classic Canadian hits and indulge in both savory and sweet Canadian cuisine.
Intimate House Show – Paul Weber
214 Dagmar Ave (Vanier), Ottawa, ON K1L 5S9, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Shake off the damp and cold with a blast of hot music with an intimate Nick@Tina house show featuring Paul Weber – a true Ottawa treasure.
uOttawa Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale
Huguette Labelle Hall, Tabaret 550 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
March 24-25, 2023
The uOttawa Opera Ensemble presents A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale, an operatic performance full of frenzy and charm. The music and genius of both Purcell and Britten combine to reveal and capture the magic of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
60s Scoop Celebration Feast and Social with Twin Flames
Novotel Ottawa 33 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
The Sixites Scoop Network welcomes 60’s Scoop surivvors and their families to join us for a feast buffet and evening of spoken word and live music with Zoey Roy and Twin Flames.
Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:00 pm
These three major performers have infused Quebec musical life with their talent and extremely successful repertoire marked by their authenticity and originality.
Ashes to Rubies presents Recovery Mic Night: Music & Stories of Hope
Carlington Booch Brewery & Tasting Room, 81 Auriga Drive #Unit 4, Ottawa, ON K2E 7Y5, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
All-ages community event. Live original music by local artists. Courageous overcomers sharing story. Bringing darkness into Light.
Mexican Primavera with the International Mariachi Aztlan
Queen St. Fare, 170 Queen Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Viva Mexico! As part of its European tour, the International Mariachi Aztlan is set to put on a unique show with the best of its repertory in an atmosphere full of joy and entertainment led by these incredible musicians!
Red Bird, 1165 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X4, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:00 pm EDT
A gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Joe McLeod brings his stories to life in vivid detail everything from love and loss to the natural beauty of his native Canada. Emma Lamontagne − Kingston, Ontario-born singer-guitarist and producer.
RiverOak Ice Skating Trail, 2900 York’s Corners Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 2P0
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Nathan Bishop MacDonald is an award-winning performer, singer-songwriter, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist who has delighted audiences across Canada and beyond both as a solo performer and as the front man for bands such as Celtae, Finlaggan, and MacDonald & Delaney.
Red Bird, 1165 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X4, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 7:00 pm − Sun, April 2 2023, 10:00 pm EDT
JUNO Nominees Rum Ragged make their way to Red Bird for an evening of Newfoundland Folk. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition.
Music at Tabaret: Timothy Chooi & David Jalbert
Huguette Labelle Hall (Tabaret), 550 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Violinist Timothy Chooi performs Beach, Debussy and Grieg with David Jalbert, who also plays Kelly-Marie Murphy’s Smoke Darkened Sky.
Finely Tuned Elephant – Live at The Art House Cafe
Art House, 555 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K1, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm EDT
An evening with jazz fusion trio Finely Tuned Elephant – fresh coffee, homemade meals, and an unforgettable musical experience.
145 Main Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C1, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Music, comedy, poetry or a little dance- come express yourself at Happy Goat’s Open Mic!
Unwanted Noise, CIDB, The Dreaded Rebels, Dead Dreamboat, Speedbump Sally!
Dominion Tavern, 33 York Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:00 pm EDT
Pandamonium proudly presents Unwanted Noise (Canadian Street Punk) on tour with C.I.D.B (Punk, Montreal) Alongside Ottawa local punk bands!
Young String Performers in Concert
First Unitarian Church of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 3Z9, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
Young String Performers’ Foundation (YSPF) presents promising talented string musicians 18 years and under in concert.
Resist & Bite Feat. Tesla’s Tommy Skeoch
Brass Monkey, 250 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 8X4, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm – 1:00 am EDT
Resist And Bite − melodic hard rock with Tommy Skeoch, Nathan Utz, Steve Stokes, and Brian Powell. Featuring Tesla’s Tommy Skeoch and Nathan Utz from Lynch Mob w/ special guests.
Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm (doors 7:00 pm)
Be the rose among thorns and rock out with the all-female Guns N’ Roses tribute band, Garden of Roses! From “Paradise City” to “November Rain,” and everything in between, these ladies deliver a killer performance that will have audiences exploding with enthusiasm.
III. Theater & Performing Arts
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show – Evening
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, 330 Kent St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2A6, Canada
March 24-25 2023, dinner 6:15 pm, show start 7:00 pm
Canada’s longest running dinner musical is proud to call Ottawa its new home! This two-hour musical comedy features over 70 Canadian songs; from maritime folk songs to modern classics.
Ottawa: Fall On Your Knees – Part One
Babs Asper theatre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:00 pm
Based on the iconic novel by the award-winning Ann-Marie MacDonald, Fall On Your Knees is a sweeping, multigenerational saga set in atmospheric Cape Breton, during a time of roiling change in the heady early years of the twentieth century.
Ottawa: Fall On Your Knees – Part Two
Babs Asper theatre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Based on Ann-Marie MacDonald’s best-selling debut novel, our closing installment of Fall On Your Knees takes us to Harlem and the early jazz scene. Love blossoms, seemingly a world away from the constraints of family and social convention.
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Canada
March 21-26, 2023
From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Laugh Lounge, 61 York Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C7, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Ottawa’s favourite Comedy Club in the heart of ByWard Market! A ” Must Try Experience in Ottawa!” Featuring North America’s best talent!
Laugh Lounge, 61 York Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C7, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
A weekly mix of working comics and aspiring newbies gracing the stage for the first time! Pros with new material and Joe’s sink or swim!
Algonquin Commons Theatre, Nepean, ON
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:00 pm
Join Canadian cultural icon, comedian, and social activist, Mary Walsh as she performs some of her best comedic bits and most popular characters from Dancing With Rage, CODCO and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, along with up-to-the-minute local political satire.
Crackup Comedy Festival: The Candy Awards
Algonquin Commons Theatre, Nepean, ON
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm
Come join us for a special evening at The Candy Awards! Special Guests include Jen and Chris Candy. Event MC will be David Brennan. Performances by Big Daddy Tazz, Kyle Browrigg, Lisa Baker, Derek Seguin, and Fiona O’Brien.
Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1
Sun, March 26 2023, 3:00 pm
This event celebrates the colors of life through a feast of diverse Indian music, dance, and vibrant culture. Maha Vasantotsav ushers in spring with its vibrant spirit and melody that coincides with the Holi festival.
Laugh Lounge Presents Pints N Punchlines – Featuring Our Nations Best Comics
Broadhead Brewing Company, 1680 Vimont Court #Unit 106, Ottawa, ON K4A 3M3, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Laugh Lounge Comedy Club & Pints N Punchlines partnered together, to bring our nations best comedians to Broadhead Brewery in Orleans.
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 290 Lisgar St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0E2, Canada
March 24-25 2023, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Carleton Musical Theatre Society proudly presents Into The Woods! A full musical production of the classic whimsical comedy adventure.
Meow That’s Funny! – Comedy Night
Meow! That’s Hot., 519 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z5, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm EDT
Meow That’s Funny inaugural monthly comedy show! Five hilarious, local comedians in Ottawa’s only hot sauce / live entertainment venue!
Pieces of Us – Creative Experience
LIVE! on Elgin, 220 Elgin Street #2, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
A night filled with performances by local artists including poets, singers and musicians.
Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2, Canada
March 24-25 2023, 19:30 – 00:00
Brother of Cerberus. Slayed by Heracles. Twin Headed Hound of Hell. From the producers of The Eruption and The Comeback comes… Orthus
Cinemas
Various locations
March 24 – 26, 2023
Dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world, OBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the globe.
325 Rideau St. Ottawa K1N 5Y4
multiple dates
IV. Sports & Related Events
Ottawa 67s vs. Peterborough Petes
TD Place Arena, Ottawa, ON
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:00 pm
TD Place Arena, Ottawa, ON
Sat, March 25 2023, 2:00 pm
C*4 Wrestling presents “Extreme Prejudice”
Preston Event Centre, 523 Saint Anthony Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 6Z9, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm EDT
Our next mega event! Featuring the Canadian debut of the “Bounty Hunter” Bryan Keith, and much more!
Beaver Boxing Club, 145 Spruce Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P1, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
The evening will showcase up-and-coming and top amateur boxers from Ontario and Quebec in 10 bouts in various weight categories for both male and female boxers.
Minto Sports Complex Fitness Centre, 801 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm EDT
Welcome to the first annual Telfer VS Sprott Hockey game! Come encourage your fellow Telfies and enjoy a competitive game
V. Art Masterclases and Workshops
Upscale Culinary Tour de France- Cooking Class by Cozymeal™
Location provided after booking, Ottawa, ON
March 25-26 2023, 6:00 pm (multiple dates)
Chef Sheryl guides you through the streets of Paris in this interactive cooking class, teaching you how to make an impressive French meal along the way.
An Authentic Mediterranean Feast − Cooking Class by Cozymeal™
Location provided after booking, Ottawa, ON
March 25-26 2023, 6:00 pm (multiple dates)
In this interactive cooking class, Chef Sheryl will teach you the secrets behind cooking delicious Mediterranean foods, while using traditional ingredients such as fresh citrus, Greek yogurt and crisp vegetables. This class centers on balancing fantastic flavors and finding exciting contrasts in each dish.
Simply Elegant Spanish Fare − Cooking Class by Cozymeal™
Location provided after booking, Ottawa, ON
March 25-26 2023, 6:00 pm (multiple dates)
In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Sheryl shows you how to prepare an authentic, yet simple Spanish menu featuring traditional ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes, saffron and chorizo.
Turkish Mosaic Art D.I.Y. Workshop
Mosaic Art Studio Ottawa, 115 Bank Street, Suite 23, Ottawa ON K1P 5N5
March 24-26, 2023 (multiple dates)
Come and Enjoy making a traditional Turkish mosaic lamp that lighten your room with your family, couples or friends at the workshops that taught by real Turkish and local artisans.
Recoil Performance Group. Workshop for Children / Atelier pour enfants
SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This workshop, conceived especially for children aged 8 to 10 years-old, will introduce participants to the lifecycle of the mealworm. Participants will also build homes for the mealworms with Styrofoam salvaged from waste facilities.
Heartwood House, 400 McArthur Avenue, K1K 1G8 Ottawa, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Join us in the fun-filled session on releasing your creativity.
Ukrainian Pysanka Workshops are Back!
Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 0J3, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Discover the traditional Ukrainian art of painting Pysanky, learn techniques of decorating Easter eggs at workshops with our local artisans.
Masterclass – Chris Sandvoss, alto / viola
Salle Freiman Hall, Pavillon Pérez Building, 610 Cumberland, Ottawa, ON K1N
Sat, March 25 2023, 5:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 1:30 pm EDT
Christopher Sandvoss is an internationally recognized violin maker, musician, and pedagogue. He has been a full time violin maker for the past 20 years. Prior to this, Mr. Sandvoss had a career playing and teaching the viola at The University of Calgary.
Classic Turkish Cuisine – Cooking Class by Cozymeal™
Location provided after booking, Ottawa, ON K2T 0A7, Canada
March 24-26 2023, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm EDT
Phenomenal food and incredible company await you at the chef’s table! Join Cozymeal’s upcoming cooking class Join “Classic Turkish Cuisine” with Chef Burcu for an intimate 2.5-hour culinary experience and 4-course meal.
Traditional Pasta-Making Methods – Cooking Class by Cozymeal™
Location provided after booking, Ottawa, ON K2T 0A7, Canada
March 24-26 2023, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm EDT
Phenomenal food and incredible company await you at the chef’s table! Join Cozymeal’s upcoming cooking class Join “Traditional Pasta-Making Methods” with Chef Burcu for an intimate 2.5-hour culinary experience and 4-course meal.
Stand-Up Comedy Workshops with Studio 2Be: Emceeing!
Absolute Comedy, 412 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M9, Canada
Sun, Mar 26 2023, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Comedians! Level up your stand-up sets with Studio 2Be’s Stand-up Comedy Workshops. Learn to be a killer MC!
Nepean, Ottawa
Sat, March 25 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Spend an afternoon with Laura from Fine Lines Landscape and Designs. Leave confident to care for your own fruit trees, after discussing topics including safety, tools, terms, techniques and difference in species.
Full Bulería Weekend in Ottawa
15 Lebreton St N, Ottawa, ON K1R 7H1, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 12:00 pm
The artists Rosanne Dion and Fernando Gallego offer you a flamenco weekend to discover and deepen your knowledge of bulería through dancing and singing.
Ottawa Pottery Workshop – one time ceramics introduction class
Square Lemon Artistic Association, 2350 Stevenage Drive #Unit #14, Ottawa, ON K1G 3W3, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
Immerse yourself in the world of pottery where you will be introduced to a variety of techniques to create ceramic pieces, hand building a form, and decorating a clay surface.
Watercolour Workshop – Whimsical Whale
Wallack’s Art Supplies & Framing, 231 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1W9
Sun, March 26 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Come explore your creative side and be guided step-by-step through a beautiful watercolour painting.
VI. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa ON K1N 7B9, Canada
March 25, 2023 − April 15, 2023
The exhibition Human / Nature navigates the confluence of art, science, technology and the natural world. Bringing together research-based practices that transform our understanding of the visible and invisible worlds around us, the exhibition features innovative experiments between humans and living organisms.
Photo Exhibition: De Natura Libris
Ottawa Public Library Alta Vista, 2516 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa
March 20, 2023 − May 26, 2023
The Embassy of Mexico invites you to visit a photo exhibition by Mexican photographer Álvaro Alejandro López.
Art + galerie, Ottawa, Canada
March 8-26, 2023
This exhibition presents mainly women who, by their attitude, lead us to their inner world: fulfilled, casual, assumed, amused, proud… Each, in her own way, fully occupies this minimally furnished space.
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1
July 28, 2021 − April 3, 2024
In this outdoor exhibition, created in partnership with Little Ray’s Nature Centres, see owls (and an eagle!) in their specially-designed habitat enclosures.
50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 0C5, Canada
January 14, 2023 − April 16, 2023
Interconnected is a group exhibition that features artwork that explores the relationships between depth, form, and colour by pairing and layering compositional elements.
50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 0C5, Canada
March 4, 2023 − June 11, 2023
Le rendu features the work of five University of Ottawa Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduates who expanded their practice over the two years of their program and ultimately flourished.
Nichola Feldman-Kiss | After Africa
50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 0C5, Canada
March 4, 2023 − June 11, 2023
After Africa is a seminal work in the practice of artist nichola feldman-kiss. The three-channel audio/video installation brings together key symbols drawn from the artist’s autobiography.
Uramado AR, the Awakening of the Tanukis
Alliance Française Ottawa, 352 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, Ontario
November 1, 2022 − April 30, 2023
Which Tanuki are you? An augmented reality exhibition awaits you! Inspired by Japanese folklore, Uramado unveils the story of the Tanukis, nature spirits who live hidden among us and can transform into anything they wish. Each participant is invited to seek them out and awaken them to discover their message.
Beautiful and Useful: The Douglas Schoenherr donation of books published by Kelmscott Press
National Gallery of Canada, Special Exhibitions Galleries, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
Thu, June 23, 2022 — Sun, June 18, 2023
The newest NGC Library and Archives exhibition features books and related ephemera published by Kelmscott Press, established in Hammersmith, London, in 1891 by William Morris.
National Gallery of Canada, Special Exhibitions Galleries, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
Until July, 2023
Composed of excerpts from films and television programs drawn primarily from the archives of the BBC natural history unit, along with staged footage shot by Akomfrah, it weaves together multiple narratives that portray the ocean as a site of terror and of beauty.
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario
December 2, 2022 − October 14, 2024
Come see Nunavik in all its beauty through the eyes of Indigenous artists.
Eugène-Racette Art Gallery, MIFO, 6600 Carrière street, Ottawa, Ontario
March 8 − April 2, 2023
A solo exhibition of fine art created by Chantal Dupuis, who chooses to paint wildlife on a large scale. This medium (oils) allows her to seek richness in terms of colours to shape her hyper-realistic style. She mainly focuses on the facial expressions, emotions, and movement of each animal.
Great Bowls of Fire 2023 – A Fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank
Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2K2, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Some of Ottawa’s best potters have teamed up with some of Ottawa’s favourite restaurants and bakeries to bring you “Great Bowls of Fire 2023” − a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank.
VII. Parties and events in clubs
Friday Night Karaoke @ Orleans Bowling Centre!
Orleans Bowling Centre, 885 Taylor Creek Drive, Ottawa, ON K4A 0Z9, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 9:30 pm – Sat, March 25 2023, 1:30 am EST
Over 80,000 Songs To Choose From & Amazing Sound!
Shutdown Friday Nuvo Ottawa’s biggest night-out party & top djs!
Nuvo Lounge 295, 295 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E5, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 10:00 pm − Sat, March 25 2023, 2:30 am EST
DJ Kendee – MC OLA TJ. Hip Hop, AfroBeats, Dancehall, Rap, RnB, Best Club.
Sin City Saturday Nuvo Ottawa’s Biggest Night-out Party & Top DJs!
Nuvo Lounge 295, 295 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E5, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:30 am EST
DJ Kendee – MC OLA TJ. Hip Hop, AfroBeats, Dancehall, Rap, RnB, Best Club.
Labyrinthe: John 00 Fleming at City At Night
City At Night, 222 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H8, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 10:00 pm EDT
Labyrinthe is a multi-platform showcase of forward thinking artists and cutting-edge electronic music.
White Rabbit: Jerome Robins, Ryan Dunlop, Queen Aga
City At Night, 222 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H8, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:00 pm EDT
Jerome Robins is an electronic music producer and DJ hailing from Toronto, Canada. Local support from long-time Ottawa favourites Ryan Dunlop, Queen Aga!
The Palace Nightclub, 400 Dalhousie St Ottawa, ON K1N 9J9, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 11:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 am EDT
Spinning the best of afro-beats, dancehall, soca, reggae, and much more all night!
JOE + SEB presents Saturdays at Berlin
56 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 am EDT
Step through the doors of the legendary 56 ByWard building and take your pick between the Underground, Krusch and Berlin! Three spaces with something for everyone working in concert to bring you an experience no other building offers in Ottawa!
Hyde & Seek, 130 George Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5W4, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 10:30 pm − Sat, March 25 2023, 2:30 am EDT
Blending various sounds ranging from Amapiano, afrobeats, Baile Funk, Hip Hop and many more all night!
Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON K1X 1A3, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 7:00 pm EDT
The playoff push is on! Join Sens alumni Chris Neil and experience the super-charged intensity of Senators hockey in The Joint.
158 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J9, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 am EDT
We will have the best djs from Ottawa and Montreal in one place who are to give you the best night out with Afro music from all over Africa.
YKTV Adult/after Hrs social Lounge
2285 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1g4z7
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 5:00 am EDT
With a Pool table, Poker table, Arcade/Game Consoles, Good music, Shisha, adult games?
The Hudson, 158 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 11:00 pm
Club anthems, afrobeat, hip hop, kompa, dancehall. Professional photographer, videographer in attendance.
Minnie’s Monthly: A March Must See – Drag
The Newboro, 295 Richmond road, Ottawa, ON k1z6x4, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm EDT
Minnie is back hosting another Drag & Drink night at The Newboro with some special guests plus your chance to win $250 bottle of Champagne.
Friday Night Drag – Bae Root & Holli Cow
The Lookout Bar & Nightclub, 41 York St (2nd Floor), Ottawa, ON K1S7N5
Fri, March 24 2023, 11:30 pm − Sat, March 25 2023, 2:00 am EDT
Holli and Bae bring you amazing live drag performances in our upstairs main bar at 41 York St, second floor!
164 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 am EDT
Jose Palacios & Trevor Walker transcend you into Spring with a fresh portal to dance and feel alive.
Dance Mix ’99 Extendamix – 90’s Dance Party
House of TARG, 1077 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:00 pm − Sun, March 26 2023, 2:00 am EDT
This is an evening of dance/pop tunes inspired by the Muchmusic Dance Mix. Compilations of the 90’s with the occasional detours into 90’s Hip Hop & Eurodance. A Clubbers paradise!
VIII. Outdoor events
from Algonquin College Ottawa Campus to Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, QC
Sun, March 26 2023, 6:00 am – 6:30 pm
It’s time to hit the slopes again! Join us for some fresh air, sore legs and a great time at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort!
3123 Carp Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 5:00 pm EDT
Pondemonium 2023: Two Ottawa film titans take to the ice to battle for bragging rights and a tiny trophy.
Dominion Arboretum, Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 6:29 am – 7:00 am EST (Multiple dates)
AHC meets every Friday at 6:29 am at the Dominion Arboretum for a FREE 31 minute workout. We use the natural beauty of the Arbo and incorporate the hills, the trails, the trees, the rocks, and more into our fun, inclusive, supportive workout.
Ottawa 3Quest Challenge – Scavenger Hunt
Downtown 100 Elgin St Ottawa, ON V6Z 2H7
March 24-26 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST (Multiple dates)
3Quest Challenge is an interactive scavenger hunt that allows you to explore your city to complete 3 quests using the Scavenger Hunt App.
Zombie Apocalypse Ottawa – Scavenger Hunt Survival Game
Downtown, 100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2, Canada
March 24-26 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST (Multiple dates)
Can you survive the Zombie Apocalypse?
Ottawa Zombie Scavenger tests your ability to survive after a zombie apocalypse.
41 York Street, 4th Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5S7
Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, and is the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and professional services for residents and visitors.
Ottawa Organic Farmers’ Market
3191 Riverside Drive (Riverside United Church)
Every Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
This is the place to get your organic local food. Yes we are a small market, but our service is friendly and personnalized. Your dedicated farmers go out of their way to bring you the best ingredients for your kitchen!
Rideau Mural, Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON ON K1P, Canada
March 24-26 2023, 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm (Multiple dates)
We’ve organized a few thousand of these scavenger hunts for Easter and other holidays over the years. And now you’re invited!
Other Events
Lansdowne, Aberdeen Pavilion, Ottawa, Ontario
January 8 − April 30 2023, Sundays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
As the only year-round, producer-run farmers’ market in Ottawa, you’re invited to love local at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Lansdowne! Find seasonal produce, hand-made crafts, pantry staples, artisanal baked goods, hot meals and more inside the Aberdeen Pavilion every Sunday.
Aberdeen Pavilion
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Don’t miss the ever-changing marketplace that features eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great foods and one-of-a-kinds.
Ottawa: Half-Day Guided Craft Beer Tour by Bus
150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4, Canada
Multiple dates
Get on board for a guided tour of Ottawa’s exciting craft beer scene. Enjoy an informative tour at several boozy locations, with beer tasting and some snacks included.
Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour
At the Totem Pole outside the building (Ottawa School of Art)
Multiple dates
Explore Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market and its food scene. Savour the market’s fantastic blend of tastes, sounds, and culture on this 2.5-hour tour with an experienced guide.
Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J3, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST (Multiple dates)
You can expect an incredible evening of live spiritual music (kirtan), wisdom of the East and more.
SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa ON K1N 7B9, Canada
March 25 – 26, 2023
SCI_ART brings together artists, scientists and academics for a two-day program of panel discussions, artist talks, performances and book launches to present an array of diverse viewpoints and approaches to understanding artistic and scientific collaboration.
95 Clegg Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C5, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
An evening in which we honour the cultural heritage of the Ottawa-Gatineau community members of Afro-descent through performance, food, fashion and artwork as a means of acknowledging and appreciating the city’s vibrant diversity and abundant cultural legacy.
Knights of Columbus Italian Dinner for Youville Centre
Divine Infant Catholic Church, 6658 Bilberry Drive, Ottawa, ON K1C 2S9,Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Come and enjoy a great Italian-themed meal with friends and family at the Divine Infant Parish Hall on Bilberry Drive in Orleans. All proceeds will be used to support Youville Centre, an Ottawa charity that serves adolescent mothers and their children.
Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Relax, unwind, and celebrate you and Upstream Ottawa at this high-tea with live music!
Petit Bill’s Bistro Petit Bill’s Bistro, 1293 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B1
Sun, March 26 2023, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
Join us Sunday, March 26 for a very special afternoon of beer & cheese pairings.
Persis Grill, 2288 10th Line Road, Ottawa, ON K4A 0X4, Canada
Fri, March 24 2023, 6:30 – 9:30 pm EDT
Join us for Persian Food, Presentations & Dance Lesson @ Persis Grill
Delta House of Pancakes- Drive-thru and Diner edition
uOttawa- Cafe Alt, 90 unversity drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm EDT
Pancakes /Raffle Baskets with all profits going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sugar Bush party at Gaetan’s farm! Maple taffy, hotdogs, bonfire, dancing!
4766 Stonecrest Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 3M0, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm EDT
An elegant bush party for singles and friends! Maple taffy, dancing, hotdogs, snacks at a private farm.
Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroofe Ave., Nepean
March 25-26 2023, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Geeked Out is Ottawa’s Toy & Collectible Sale. 100 booths and the best selection of geek vendors in the Ottawa Valley. Toys, video games, comic books, trading cards, diecast, apparel, artisans and more! Check out our gaming zone with arcade machines, racing simulator, virtual reality and game tournaments!
Brave and Safe: Time for Courageous Conversations
Julian Of Norwich Anglican Church, 7 Rossland Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2G 2K2
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT
This is a multicultural community youth event that creates a brave, safe and inclusive space to discuss antiracism in our community.
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
March 23-26, 2023
One of the largest home shows in Ottawa, Ontario, this show features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, interior design companies, and more!
Spring Garden Event at Ottawa Farm Fresh
Ottawa Farm Fresh, 2811 Ramsayville Rd., Ottawa, ON, Canada
Sat, March 25 2023, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
We’ll have all that you need to get your garden going as soon as the season springs. Farmer Jo will also be around to answer all your seed starting and garden prep questions!
Head Office Ottawa, 430 Hazeldean Rd. Unit 6, Ottawa, Canada
Sun, March 26 2023, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
25 local vendors selling everything from artisan chocolates, essential oil candles to crochet coasters! This is an indoor market.
FAQs
Final Thoughts:
Ottawa is a great city to visit all year round, but the weekends are when it really comes alive. There are so many things to do in Ottawa on weekends that you’ll never be bored. From exploring the Byward Market and taking in the sights of Parliament Hill to enjoying some winter fun at one of the area’s many ski hills, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So whether you’re visiting with family or friends, be sure to check out some of these great activities.
If there are any special events taking place during your visit that we have not mentioned here, don’t hesitate to let us know and we will include them as soon as possible!
