50 things to do this weekend in Ottawa March 22 – 24

The first weekend of spring is coming, so obviously we had to have a winter comeback! Anyways, the weather will warm up gradually. The mere thought of that is so exciting! Here’s your weekly roundup of weekend events in Ottawa!

1. Vanier Sugar Festival

Enjoy family activities as you learn about the Canadian tradition of the sugar shack. There will be musical performances, traditional maple sugar meals, inflatable games, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, indoor activities for toddlers, axe throwing, a beer garden and much more! FREE.
When: March 23-24 from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
Where: Richelieu Park and Vanier Sugar Shack, 300 and 320 Des Pères-Blancs Ave.

2. Ottawa Black Film Festival

Featuring over 40 films from around the world that aim at amplifying black voices. There will be panel discussions, and short film screenings. In person and online. Single tickets: $12.
When: March 22-26
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St, Ottawa.

3. PWHL Ottawa vs Toronto

Cheer on Ottawa’s professional women hockey team against Toronto. Tickets from $57.
When: Saturday March 23 at 1pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

4. Great Bowls of Fire

This popular event is an annual fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank. Choose a beautiful hand-crafted pottery bowl, then select soup and bread from some of the region’s favourite restaurants and bakeries and take it all packaged up to enjoy at home. Tickets: $54.58.
When: Saturday March 23 from 4pm to 6pm.
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue
Details: At Eventbrite

5. International Film Festival

This event brings award-winning films of the global film festival circuit to Canada’s Capital. In its 4th edition it’s offering over 20 films from Canada and around the world. Tickets: $15.
When: March 13-24
Where: Various venues in the downtown core.

6. 613 Flea

Shop from over 150 vendors with a great variety of products like jewelry, woodwork, antiques, soap, candles, clothing, food, and much more. Well-socialized dogs are allowed. FREE.
When: Saturday March 23 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

7. Senators Games

VS St Louis Blues: Thursday March 21 at 7pm
VS Edmonton Oilers: Sunday March 24 at 6pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
Tickets: From $35.

8. 67’s vs Brantford Bulldogs

Cheer on Ottawa’s junior hockey team. Tickets from $24.
When: Sunday March 24 at 2pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

9. Ottawa Home and Garden Show

One of the largest home shows in Ottawa, Ontario, this show features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, interior design companies, and more! Find fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative products and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, decor and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof. PAID. March 21 – 24. EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.

10. Recorders on the Run – Kinderconcert Series

An exciting, athletic performance with Flûte Alors! These amazing musicians showcase an array of musical styles including baroque, contemporary, popular, and world music. Sunday, March 24. Performances in English at 11am and 1:30pm, performance in French at 3pm. Ages 3-8. Tickets: $15. Located at the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street Ottawa. (Azrieli Studio)

11. Geeked Out

A two-day sale with 120 booths of toys, artisans, video games, trading cards, and entertainment. Check out the gaming zone with arcade machines, racing simulators, virtual reality, game tournaments, and more. March 23-24 from 10am-4pm. $5 admission, kids 12 and under get in FREE. Located at the Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa.

12. Easter Market

Experience the joy of the season at the ‘Pawsitively Eggsciting Easter Market’. Door prizes and local vendors offering unique treasures. A delightful day out for the whole family, furry friends included! Sunday March 24 at 10am to 3pm. Admission is FREE. Located at R J Kennedy Arena, 1115 Chemin Dunning, Ottawa.

13. Easter Egg Hunt at Nepean

Have fun at our FREE family Easter Egg Hunt at Robertson House Retirement Community in
Nepean, ON, near Ottawa! FREE. March 24, 10am-12pm. 1 Mill Hill Road, Nepean.

14. Carnival for a Cause

Fun-filled carnival to support a great cause. Calling all Ottawa families. Spend a magical Sunday afternoon with music, beverages, snacks and diverse activities! Sunday March 24 from 11am to 2pm. Tickets from $6.66. Located at the Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Drive Ottawa.

15. Art in Bloom Craft Night

Come celebrate the dawning of spring and let your creativity blossom at Art in Bloom Craft
Night! Step into a world of pastels and palettes. With dynamic art instructors to guide you on a journey through spring, you will get to experience two creative workshops and leave with whimsical crafts. PAID. March 21, 6-9pm. Head Office Ottawa, 6-430 Hazeldean Road,
Kanata.

17. VerSEFest

VERSeFest, Ottawa’s International Poetry Festival, returns for a fourteenth glorious year of
events. This year’s festival, as part of an ongoing rebuilding year, will feature a wide range of award-winning performers in English and French. A mix of readings and performances will allow participants and poets to gather once more under the roofs of some iconic Ottawa establishments. FREE/PAID. March 21-24. Various locations.

18. Le Vice-Consul

A play adapted from Marguerite Duras’s novel. Set in India in the 1930s, it portrays a world of French diplomacy. The Vice-Consul, far from home and in the middle of widespread horror, commits an unspeakable act. In French with English subtitles. Tickets: 15$ / 10$ for members. Thursday March 21 at 7pm at Lycée Claudel, 1635 Lycée Place, Ottawa.

19. Viernes de película (Friday movie night)

Explore the exciting world of Hispano-American cinema on Fridays during March and April. Friday March 22 at 7pm: Magallanes (Peru). FREE. At Simard Hall, 60 University Private, room #125.

20. Pop-up Female Entrepreneur Market

Discover unique products and services crafted with passion and creativity by talented female entrepreneurs. Silent Auction, in support of the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. Admission is FREE! Saturday, March 23, 10am-4pm, at the Barrhaven United Church, 3013 Jockvale Rd.

21. BATL for Mental Health

Join an exhilarating tournament-style evening that combines axe throwing, philanthropy, connecting with your community, and of course, snacks and drinks. Awesome prizes lined up! You could win 2024 Bluesfest tickets, a suite at an Ottawa Titans game, a table at a Yuk Yuk’s comedy show, and more! Tickets $50. This event is 19+. Thursday March 21, 6pm-9pm at 2615 Lancaster Road, Ottawa.

22. Ottawa Storm Chasing Talk

Local storm chaser, Andrew Macklin, will give a talk on tornadoes and explain why Ottawa had tornadoes and such intense weather last season. Language: English. Age group: Adults and teens. FREE. Sunday March 24 at 1pm. At the Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St (Main auditorium).