Here’s the lineup of events and things to do in Ottawa this weekend! From markets and show-expos to movies, hockey games, and more, there’s something for everyone! Check out the post and pick your favourite!
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11 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Moroccan Festival of Ottawa
Enjoy a vibrant Moroccan market, shopping expo, delicious food, children’s workshops, and storytelling—all free to attend (Saturday). On Sunday, experience a music show with the Star of Chaabi ‘’Bouchaib’’ and the Master of Gnawa Maalam Rachid Salamate. Tickets: $20, $35. When: Saturday Apr 12, 12pm; Sunday Apr 13, 7:30pm. Where: University of Ottawa – University Center, 85 University Private, Ottawa. Details: On Facebook.
2. Latin American Film Festival
Enjoy three weeks of acclaimed Latin American films from 15 countries. All films will be screened with English subtitles. This weekend: La herencia de Flora (Peru), Dedicada a mi ex (Ecuador), Martin y Margot (Guatemala), Las Pupusas (El Salvador), Utopia Tropical (Brazil). FREE. Book your free tickets in Eventbrite. When: Apr 4-26. Where: University of Saint Paul, 223 Main St. Details: https://ustpaul.ca/en/event/28th-edition-of-the-latin-american-film-festival/
3. Ottawa Record Fair
Join music enthusiasts at Ottawa Record Fair V for a day of crate-digging and rare vinyl finds. Tickets from $5. When: Saturday Apr 12, 11am. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
Details: On Facebook.
4. Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show
Explore docks, builders, eco-friendly solutions, decor, arts, crafts, and more. Tickets from $6. When: Apr 11-13. Fri 12pm; Sat-Sun, 10am. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
5. Travel and Vacation Show
Explore over 190 exhibits featuring international and Canadian travel destinations, tours, and cruises. Ticket $10; Seniors 60+ free (Saturday). When: Apr 12-13, 10am. Where: Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://www.travelandvacationshow.ca/
6. Workshop Legendary Trunk Sale
Discover Canadian-made fashion at 30-70% off during this exclusive four-day sale. FREE. When: Apr 10-13. Thu-Fri 10am; Sat-Sun, 11am. Where: Next Door Market & Event Space, 955A Gladstone Ave, Ottawa
Details: On Instagram.
7. Ottawa Rock & Gem Show
Explore crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, beads, and unique home décor items. Tickets from $3. When: Apr 10-13, 10am-8pm. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa. Details: https://cangems.ca/ottawagemshow.html
8. Carp Farmers Easter Market
Join the Carp Farmers’ Market for the exciting Easter Market! With more than 45 local vendors, live music, a fun kids’ colouring contest, and a food drive, there’s something for everyone. Free Admission. When: Saturday, April 19 from 8am to 2pm. Where: Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd, Carp.
9. Senators vs Montreal Canadiens
Witness hockey history as the Montreal Canadiens battle the Ottawa Senators in an electrifying showdown – every shift, every hit, every goal matters in this rivalry renewed! Tickets are $179. When: Friday, April 11 at 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
10. Senators vs Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers and Senators clash in an unmissable showdown, where every moment is packed with high-speed action, fierce rivalries, and intensity that keeps fans on the edge of their seats! Tickets are $40. When: Sunday, April 13 at 1pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
11. Ottawa Black Bears vs Las Vegas Desert Dogs
End the lacrosse season with an epic Black Bears fan appreciation night, roaring cheers, electric energy, and unforgettable moments await! Tickets are $34. When: Saturday, April 12 at 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
12. Global Holistic Wealth Day
Unlock holistic wealth with Keisha Blair, Jessica Moorehouse, and top experts for inspiration, networking, and transformative growth in finance, wellness, and beyond! Tickets are $49.26. Where: Wednesday, April 9 from 3pm to 6pm. Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa.
13. Reebok Warehouse Sale
14. Ottawa Beatlemania
Experience the magic of The Beatles through all eras of their legendary career, from the
early Ed Sullivan days to the iconic Let it Be era. Ticket price $49. When: April 11 at 8pm. Where: Meridian Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
Saturday
15. Fitpalooza
Fuel your fitness passion at ACTIVATE FitPalooza! A day of workouts, wellness boosts, recovery treats, and unstoppable community energy for every level. Tickets are $49. When: Saturday, April 12 from 8:30am to 1pm. Where: Collège La Cité, 801 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa.
16. Raffi
A renowned singer known by his first name alone, Raffi was a pioneer in quality recordings
for children on his independent label Troubadour. For millions of fans, Raffi’s music was
the soundtrack of their childhoods, and they took his signature song Baby Beluga to heart. Ticket price: $41-$120. When: April 12-13 at 2pm. Where: Southam Hall, 1 Elgin Street.
17. Ukrainian Easter Market
The Ukranian Women’s Association Ottawa Branch annual Easter Market Homemade Ukranian food to go and Ukranian Easter Eggs. FREE admission.When: April 12 from 10am–2pm. Where: Ukranian Banquet & Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue.
Sunday
18. Music for a Sunday Afternoon
Featuring the NAC Orchestra’s wind players. Sink into some seriously relaxing weekend
vibes as you experience intimate performances from some of your favorite NACO
musicians. Ticket price: $45. When: April 13 at 3pm. Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St.
More recurring events in Ottawa
19. Outaouais Film Festival
Experience nine days of global and Quebec cinema at the Festival du film de l’Outaouais. Enjoy screenings of dramas, animations, and documentaries, along with industry workshops and gala events. Reservations required. When: Thursday, Apr 3–Friday, Apr 11. Where: Various locations, Gatineau (Cinéma 9, UQO, Canadian Museum of History, Papineauville)
20. 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
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.