The last weekend before spring! Although we’re not going to see flowers just yet in Ottawa, just the thought of spring makes the spirits rise! Doesn’t it? Check out this list of events and start making plans for the weekend!
1. Sigwan Spring Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring with authentic indigenous programming: snowshoeing on the Legacy Trail, shopping at the Indigenous Maker’s Market, workshops, performances, culinary experiences and more! FREE. Workshops are paid.
When: March 18-19
Where: Madahoki Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road
Nepean.
Details: madahoki.ca
2. Fire & Ice Winter Festival
Enjoy stunning installations all along 4 blocks of Bank St. There will be various performances all along the street, live DJs, an outdoor bar and a silent disco. FREE. But you need to buy tickets for the silent disco headphones.
When: March 17-19
Where: Bank St between Lisgar and Slater.
Details: bankstreet.ca
3. Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
The big classic in Ottawa! Cheer on the Senators in their battle against the Leafs!
When: March 18 at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive
4. International Film Festival of Ottawa
Over 250 films from international film festivals will be screened in the capital, showcasing the best of contemporary Canadian and international cinema (26 countries). Tickets: $15
When: March 8-19
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Bytown Cinema, and Mayfair Theatre.
Details: iffo.ca
5. Spring is coming Craft Market
Shop from over 40 local artists and makers. FREE admission and free workshop on site.
When: March 19 from 10am to 3pm
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave.
Details: @squarelemon_ottawa
6. 613 Flea
Marketplace with over 140 vendors featuring eclectic goods, handmade, antiques, vintage clothing, great food and one-of-a-kinds! FREE.
When: March 18 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne park
Details: 613flea.ca
7. Youth Infringement Festival
This is an open access performing arts festival for Ottawa youth ages 16 to 25, who produce original one-act plays 25 to 45 min long. In its 25th edition this festival will showcase six new plays created by local youths under 25. Tickets: $5, $50
When: March 8-17, 7pm
Where: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave.
Details: youthinfringement.ca
8. Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Exhibitors, local food, talks, seed auction. March 14-16 from 9am at EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Tickets: $12, $15. Free parking.
9. Senators vs Colorado Avalanche
March 16, 7pm. At Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
10. Vintage Vibe Swing Camp
Full day of classes and workshops followed by an evening dance to the Eyal Vilner Swing Band from NYC. March 18 at 10am. At Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St. Details on Facebook.
11. Elevate Aviation
The Elevate Aviation Cross Country Tour inspires people to consider a career in aviation. The primary target audience of the tour is young girls and women. The recommended ages are 11 and up. Guest speakers, presentations, lunch, and tours of the airport. FREE. March 17. Reserve your spot at eventbrite.
12. Ramadan Expo
Ramadan shopping market. Workshops for kids, gifts, shows and more. March 18 from 11am to 8pm. At 6600 Carriere St, Orleans. Details @ramadan2023expo on Instagram.
13. Rideau McDonalds Farewell March
In April, McDonalds on Rideau St is set to close its doors after 40 years of operations. Join this farewell march on Sunday March 19, at 12:30pm at Confederation Park. Bring non perishables, flowers and racoon plushies.
14. Wolves: Shapeshifters in a changing world
Learn about the evolution of these fascinating animals through videos, museum specimens, cultural stories, and vivid photographs by Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg, a recent recipient of the Order of Canada. Activities for kids. March 3 to March 2024. At the Canadian Museum of Nature.
15. Sugar Bush at the Log Farm
Take a wagon ride or take a stroll around the sugar bush and see how maple syrup is made. See and feed the animals around the farm. From March 4 to April 10. Tickets: $12.50 at Eventbrite.
16. Maple Fest
Enjoy the outdoors to do some snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just walking on 4 nature trails. Fire pits, play structures, wagon rides. Visit the sugar shack to learn how maple syrup is made. From Mar 5 to April 10. At Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 O`Toole Rd. Details: info@proulxfarm.com
17. Sugar Bush at Stanley`s Olde Maple Lane Farm
Enjoy Taffy on the snow, tractor-drawn rides, and a barn full of animals. See how maple syrup is made. Tickets: $10. From March 4 to April 16 from 10am to 3pm. At 2452 York`s Corners Rd, Edwards, ON.
18. Wheelers pancake house, sugar camps and museum
Enjoy a meal, tour the Maple Heritage Museum and Forest & Farm Museum, stroll around the sugar camp, do some hiking/snowshoeing/cross country skiing on the nature trails, and buy delicious organic maple syrup. Walk-in but registration is recommended.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm
Where: 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners (Lanark Highlands).
Details: wheelersmaple.com or @wheelersmaple
19. Musical Evenings at Casino Lac Leamy
Bar 7 at Casino Lac Leamy is launching its musical evenings with a multimedia screen, and live performances, from Thursdays to Saturdays. FREE.
When: Thursday March 16 (Latin Fiesta) at 8:30pm ‘Chico band’. Friday March 17 ‘ViBz’ at 10:30pm, and at 9:30pm on Saturday 18.
Where: 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3.
20. Arboretum Hill Club Snowshoeing Workout
Join the AHC for a snowshoeing workout at the Arboretum. All ages, all levels. Friday March 17 at 6:29 am. FREE. Dogs welcome. Lots of free parking. Meet them at Fletcher Wildlife Garden parking lot (entrance is 100m south of Prince of Wales roundabout). Details on Facebook.
21. Farmers’ Winter Market
The Farmers’ market is back for the winter season every Sunday until April 30. Fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, baked goods, spirits, crafts and more. FREE.
When: Sundays from 10am to 3pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. 1000 Exhibition Way.
22. Ice skating at the Rink of Dreams
Grab your skates and head to the most popular ice-skating rink in Ottawa for some winter fun! FREE. You can rent skates there!
When: Everyday from 9am to 11pm
Where: 110 Laurier Ave West.
23. Owl Rendez-Vous
Watch live owls in a special outdoor exhibition. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, from Dec 14 to April 3, 2024.
24. Exhibition: Uramado AR, the awakening of the Tanukis
Uramado is a treasure hunt route in augmented reality. It tells the story of Tanukis which are spirits of the forest from Japanese mythology. The participants are invited to download the free app Uramado AR, Tanukis awake ( on IOS and Android ) to start this treasure hunt. FREE.
When: Mon to Fri from 9am to 12pm; and 2pm-4pm until April 30.
Where: Alliance Française Ottawa, 352 MacLaren St.
Enjoy!!