Looking for ideas for the weekend? Here’s your weekly lineup of events and things to do in Ottawa! From a Sugar Shack festival and a Black film festival to a hockey game, a warehouse sale, and an Eid celebration, there’s something for everyone!
And if you haven’t subscribed to the free newsletter yet, sign up now to get all this information delivered straight to your inbox! Elevate Your Weekends
Contents
9 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Vanier Sugar Festival
Celebrate 40 years of sweet traditions with maple treats, music, and family fun. Live music performances by local artists, mini petting farm and pony rides, inflatables and indoor activities for kids, axe throwing competition and much more! FREE. When: Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30, 9:30am-3:30pm. Where: Richelieu Park & Vanier Sugar Shack, 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue, Ottawa. Details: IG @museoparc
2. Ottawa Black Film Festival
Celebrate Black stories and voices through bold, inspiring films, panels, and workshops. Tickets from $12. When: March 28-29, 6pm. Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa. Details: ottawablackfilm .com
3. Youth Infringement Festival
Discover original theatre by Ottawa’s talented youth, featuring plays, workshops, and performances. Tickets from $5. When: March 27-29, 7pm/ Where: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa. Details: https://www.youthinfringement.ca/festival-2025
4. Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Cheer as the Ottawa Senators face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in an electrifying NHL matchup. Tickets from $49. When: Saturday, March 29, 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
5. Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale
Explore premium beauty products at up to 50% off from Estée Lauder’s renowned brands. FREE. When: March 27-30, 9am–7:30pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa.
6. Ottawa Wedding Show
Explore top wedding vendors, gain inspiration, and plan your dream celebration effortlessly. Tickets from $17. When: March 29-30, 11am–4pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa.
7. Vanier 5K Charity Run
Lace up your sneakers and join Ward 12 Councillor Stephanie Plante for a maple-infused morning of fitness and fun at the Charity Run! Dash through Vanier’s charming streets, including a picturesque stretch through historic Beechwood Cemetery. Tickets are $25. Sunday, March 30 at 9:30am. At Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 Pères-Blancs Avenue, Ottawa.
8. Maha Vasantotsav
Embrace the joyous awakening of spring at Maha Vasantotsav, where the air thrums with the heartbeat of India’s rich artistic heritage. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience filled with music and dance. Tickets are $20. Sunday, March 30 at 2pm. At St. Paul Auditorium, 2675 Draper Avenue, Ottawa.
9. Mosaic Eid Festival
Get ready for the most spectacular Eid festival! Building on last year’s unforgettable celebration, this year they are enhancing every moment with family festivities and culinary experiences. Tickets are $35. Sunday, Mar 30 and Monday, March 31, at 7am,10:30am and 6pm. At 2465 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Tuesday to Thursday
10. VERSeFest
This year’s festival will feature a wide range of award-winning performers in English and French with a mix of readings and performances that will allow participants and poets to gather under the roofs of some iconic Ottawa establishments. Admission: $75 (festival performance pass). Tuesday, March 25-29 at various times. At various locations across Ottawa.
11. ET The Extraterrestrial Movie in Concert
Enjoy this classic movie with live music with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in sync with the film projected on a huge HD screen! Ticket price starting at $31. $15 ticket available for under 30 audience members. When: March 27–29 at 8pm. Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St.
12. Lenten Meditations: Bach & Buxtehude
The ensemble L’Harmonie des saisons presents a program of German Baroque music for Lent. Ticket price: $20-$75. When: Thursday March 27 at 7:30 pm. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar St.
13. Communities for Everyone: When driving is not an option
Step into a transformative conversation about the future of movement with Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving Is Not an Option. This discussion will challenge conventional perspectives as Anna shares powerful insights about transportation through the lens of non-drivers. Tickets are $15. When: Thursday, March 27 at 7pm. Where: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Avenue, Ottawa.
Friday
14. SOS: The Abba Experience
Delighting audiences everywhere, SOS – The ABBA Experience recreates The music of ABBA almost note for note from the original albums with no backing tracks. This sensational 10 – piece band delivers an ABBA experience like no other! Ticket price: $45 General Public and $35 Algonquin College Students. When: Friday March 28 at 7:30 pm. Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave.
15. Snowed in Comedy Tour
A Canadian success story with four international comedians coming together to create one amazing show with each bringing a unique and hilarious take, providing something for everyone. Admission: $41 to $63.50. Friday, March 28 at 7:30pm. At Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean.
16. Brent Butt
A comedy show with Brent Butt. Admission: $40-75. When: Friday, March 28 at 6:30pm. Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa.
17. A Mid-Semester Fever Dream
Original musical in support of the youth services bureau. Follow two university students, Luke and Juliet, who study themselves into a stupor and wake up in another world of magic, royalty, and flowers. They quickly become embroiled in a plot to find the last flower in a forest that has the ability to grant anyone their greatest wish – but are plagued with the question: Who gets to make the wish? General Admission: $20. When: March 28–30 at 7 pm. Where: uOttawa UCU Auditorium – 85 University Private.
Saturday
18. Fetch Local Markets
Shop over 30 vendors showcasing handmade, unique and delicious finds. Free entry and parking. Dogs are not allowed this time. Stay tuned for the next dog-friendly market on April 6. When: Saturday March 29, 10am-3pm. Where: Tony Graham Complex (formerly Kanata Recreation Complex), 100 Charlie Rogers Pl. Details: IG @fetchlocalmarkets
19. Ukrainian Pysanka Workshops
Discover the timeless art of Ukrainian Pysanka, a cherished tradition of intricate egg decorating. These hands-on workshops teach the ancient wax-resist technique and explore the symbolic meaning behind the designs and vibrant colors of these unique Easter eggs. Tickets: $40+tax. When: Saturday, March 29, 9:30am-12:30pm (Intermediate level), 1:30pm-4:30pm (Beginner level). Where: Ukrainian Banquet & Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue
20. Candlelight: Queen vs Abba
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before with the music of Queen vs. ABBA under the gentle glow of candlelight. Admission: $44-79.50 (depending on zone). Saturday, March 29 at 7pm. At First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa.
Sunday
21. Candlelight: A tribute to Adele
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before so come and discover the music of Adele under the gentle glow of candlelight. Admission: $33-67 (depending on zone). Sunday, March 30 at 9pm. At Knox Church, 120 Lisgar St, Ottawa.
Next week
22. Secrets of the Enchanted Garden
Seven visionary students from Algonquin College’s BHTM program invite you on a whimsical adventure that promises to delight your senses while uplifting Indigenous youth across Northern Canada. Tickets are $85. When: Wednesday, Apr 2 at 5pm. Where: Restaurant International, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa.
23. Meute
Meute is an eleven-piece self-described techno marching band from Germany. 19+ ID required. Ticket price: $67-$81. When: April 6 at 7pm. Where: Bronson Centre Theatre, Ottawa, 211 Bronson Ave.
24. Ontario Maple Weekend
During Maple Weekend the maple syrup producers show you how it’s made. Many producers offer free samples of fresh maple syrup and confections. Enjoy pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, sugar making demonstrations, taffy on snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more. Experience the traditional maple sugaring craft and taste why pure Ontario maple syrup is a favourite springtime treat. When: April 5 & 6. Here is the link for the different locations: https://ontariomaple.com/maple-weekend/
More recurring events in Ottawa
25. Vierge
Sixteen-year-old Divine’s closest confidant is Jesus. But when her family joins a new church, she begins to see the world and herself through a different lens. With humour and honesty, this powerful play explores the intersection of Christianity, virginity, and self-discovery. Tickets start at $41. When: from March 18 to 30 at 2pm and 8pm. Where: 1233 Wellington Street West, ON K1Y 0G7.
26. Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Sugar Shack
Stanley Sugarbush has been the home to family friendly fun for over 30 years. Whether you´re looking for a sweet treat or you´re looking for a sweet treat or you´re hoping to meet some new animal friends, Stanley’s is the place to be. General Admission $8.85. When: Saturdays and Sundays from March 1 to April 20. Pancake House 9am–2pm. Sugarbush and Farm 10am–3pm. Where: 2452 York’s Corners Rd.
27. Sugar Bush at the Log Farm
Come out to the farm to experience sugarbush 2025. This once a year, Canadian tradition doesn´t last long as winter gently eases into spring. Take a wagon ride out to the sugarbush to see how maple syrup is made. Then take a walk through the trails of the sugar maples and taste some sweet taffy on the snow. Ticket price General Admission: $11.50. When: Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Where: 670 Cedarview Road, Nepean.
28. Maple Fest
Short and sweet, sugar bush season is our favourite time of the year. Ticket price General Admission: $8.75. When: March 1 to April 21, 9am–5pm. Where: Ferme Proulx et Érablière, 1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland.
29. Vanier Sugar Shack
Get your maple fix at North America’s only urban sugar shack, located less than 5 km from downtown Ottawa. The Vanier Sugar Shack offers a unique experience, blending traditional maple syrup production with modern offerings. Enjoy local food in a charming 17.5-acre sugar bush setting, where history and nature come together. FREE. When: Starting Saturday, Feb 16 to Monday, Apr 21, 9am-2pm. Where: Vanier Museopark, 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave, Vanier.
30. Butterflies in Flight
Back by popular demand! Enjoy a delightful exhibition of live tropical butterflies including the impressive large blue morpho. Tickets: $6 in addition to the cost of general museum admission. Until Dec 16, get a 10% discount reserving online. When; Dec 6, 2024-Jan 6, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca