The last weekend of April is packed with fun events and things to do in Ottawa! Don’t believe me? Check out this post and see for yourself! And don’t forget to share it with your friends so they don’t miss out!
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Contents
14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Ottawa Grassroots Festival
Come together to celebrate music and community at this vibrant annual festival of concerts and participatory workshops. Three nights of ticketed concerts and two full days of free-to-attend events. Tickets from $29. Kids 15 and under are admitted free to evening concerts if they are accompanied by a ticket holding adult. When: Apr 24-27, 6:30pm. Where: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa Details: https://ottawagrassrootsfestival.com/
2. Orleans PoutineFest
Get your curd on and join us for an amazing weekend to celebrate “Made In Canada” World of Poutine. FREE
When: Apr 25-27, 11am. Where: 255 Centrum Blvd, Orleans. Details: https://www.facebook.com/orleanspoutinefest
3. Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Feel the adrenaline and cheer on the Ottawa Senators in the first two home games for Round 1 of the Playoffs. Tickets from $408 (tax incl). When: Thursday Apr 24 at 7pm, and Saturday Apr 26 at 7pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
4. Ottawa Charge vs. Montreal Victoire
Don’t miss this thrilling PWHL rivalry as Ottawa Charge faces Montreal Victoire at TD. Tickets from $34
When: Saturday Apr 26, 12pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa. Details: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/ottawa-charge/tickets
5. Irish Film Festival Ottawa
Celebrate 10 years of Irish cinema with award-winning films, guest Q&As, and cultural flair. Tickets from $15
When: Apr 25-27, 7pm. Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa. Details: https://www.irishfilmfestivalottawa.ca
6. Ottawa Rapid FC vs. AFC Toronto
Cheer on Ottawa Rapid FC in an action-packed showdown against rivals AFC Toronto. Tickets from $24. When: Sunday Apr 27, 1pm. Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa. Details: https://www.rapidfc.ca/games/ottawa-toronto-2025-04-27
7. 613 Flea
Shop a wide range of locally made goods from 150 local vendors including handcrafted items, art, jewelry, baked goods, and great food, plus awesome antique and vintage finds. FREE. When: Saturday Apr 26, 10am-4pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
8. Latin American Film Festival
Enjoy acclaimed Latin American films from 15 countries. All films will be screened with English subtitles. Friday: “Una noche con los Rolling Stones / A night with the Rolling Stones” (Cuba). Saturday: “Violeta al Fin / Violeta at Last” (Costa Rica) and “La Bahía de Mi Vida/The Bay of My Life (Mexico). FREE. Book your free tickets in Eventbrite. When: Apr 25-26. Where: University of Saint Paul, 223 Main St. Details: https://ustpaul.ca/en/event/28th-edition-of-the-latin-american-film-festival/
9. Orchidophilia 2025
Explore vibrant orchid displays, Ikebana art, and hands-on care workshops at this floral showcase. Tickets from $10. When: Apr 26-27; Sat 5pm, Sun 9am. Where: Algonquin College, Building D, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. Details: https://ottawaorchidsociety.com/orchidophilia/visit/
10. Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show
Get up for adventure and explore the newest outdoor equipment, dream trips, and expert tips. Prepare your next great escape! Free Admission. When: Saturday, Apr 26 and Sunday, Apr 27 from 10am to 5pm. Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa.
11. Ottawa Black Business Expo
Power up at the 4th annual expo! Explore inspiring panels and live demos, and celebrate Black innovation and entrepreneurship. Tickets are $20. When: Sunday, Apr 27 from 10am to 6pm. Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa.
12. Ontario Volleyball Association’s Ontario Championships
The province’s premier youth volleyball tournament comes to Ottawa this April! Don’t miss this sports event and catch elite matches. Free Admission. When: Apr 24-26 and Apr 27-29. Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa, and the University of Ottawa, Montpetit Hall.
13. Stars on Ice
Witness Elvis Stojko and skating’s brightest stars unleash electrifying performances set to rock’s greatest hits. Figure skating like you’ve never seen before! Tickets are $44.70. When: Sunday, Apr 27 at 4pm. Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa.
14. Capital Sessions
Come participate in a series of community house dance workshops that are beginner and family friendly! Admission: FREE. When: Sunday, Apr 27, 1:30-3:30pm. Where: the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Thursday and Friday
15. Concert Primavera
Experience an engaging performance of the repertoire while travelling to Japan, while supporting young musicians from Ontario in their international journey. Tickets are $32.46. When: Thursday Apr 24, from 7pm to 9pm. Where: 330 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa.
16. Ottawa Aerial Circus Festival
Watch breathtaking performances, cheer on thrilling competitions, and take part in exciting workshops as you soar into the world of aerial and circus arts. Admission: $22-32. When: Friday, Apr 25-27 at various times. Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa.
17. Festival Transistor
Transistor Festival (presented by Amazon Music) is a festival to celebrate podcasts and sound creation. Admission: various prices depending on the specific event. When: April 24-26 at various times. Where: Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, 120 Principale Street, Gatineau.
18. Spring Show & Sale
Arts visuels de Gatineau invites you to its Spring Show & Sale of works by thirty-seven of its visual artists, featuring paintings, watercolours, drawings, mixed media, jewellery, stained glass and textiles. FREE. When: Apr 25-27. Friday 7pm-9pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 9am-2pm. Where: Community Centre Tétreau, 361 boulevard de Lucerne, Gatineau.
19. Ottawa Indie bookstore Crawl 2025
Celebrate Ottawa’s indie bookstores, meet new people, discover some great new reads, and maybe even stop for a little treat to support some small, local businesses. Here’s how to participate: Pick up your passport at a participating store starting April 25 and visit 7 out of 8 participating bookstores. Submit your completed passport for your chance to win: $200 to spend at Ottawa indie bookstores, OR one of eight secondary prizes of $25 to spend at an indie. No purchase necessary! Organized by The Spaniel’s Tale Bookstore, Octopus Books and others. Each store will also have their own in-store activities and giveaways to celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. When: Apr 25-27, 10am-5pm.
Saturday
20. Make a Scene – Aylmer Spring Market
Stop by Make a Scene: Spring Market for a vibrant day of local art, live music, tattoos, piercings, handmade goods, and family-friendly fun. Artists and vendors coming together to celebrate creativity and community. FREE. When: Saturday Apr 26, 11am-6pm. Where: The Space to Rise (inside the British Hotel), 71 rue Principale, Aylmer (Gatineau).
21. Global Bollywood at Shenkman Arts Centre
Bageshree Vaze’s Global Bollywood is a tribute to the rich musical landscape of Indian film music and the composers who defined what is now celebrated as Bollywood music. Presented by Upasana the Spirit of Dance and Shenkman Arts Centre. Tickets available online starting at $20. When: Saturday, April 26 at 7pm. Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans.
22. The Elvis Concert starring Pete Paquette
Don’t miss Canada’s one and only Pete Paquette as he delivers an unforgettable live concert experience showcasing Elvis Presley’s music: the 1950s, the 1968 Comeback Special in Leather, and the explosive Vegas years. Tickets: $65. When: Saturday Apr 26 at 7pm. Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.
23. The Great Ottawa Markets Collective Craft Overstock & Food Market
Artisans and crafters will be decluttering their creative spaces, offering a wide array of surplus crafting materials, tools and supplies. Discover a diverse selection of items for sale, including fabric, crafting tools, display materials and more, all at budget-friendly prices! FREE. When: Saturday Apr 26, 11am-4pm. Where: Bell Sensplex Kanata, 1565 Maple Grove Rd.
Sunday
24. Junkyard Symphony: Circo-Eco
Junkyard Symphony is an eco-entertainment company (eco standing for ecological and economical), that reuses junk to service all kinds of events for all ages. What do they do with all this junk? They do many things with junk but are best known for their amazing junk/percussion/comedy/circus shows and workshops. Tickets: $15. When: Sunday Apr 27. Performances in English 11am and 1:30pm. Performance in French: 3pm. Where: National Arts Centre, Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa.
Next week
25. Salsa Dancing to the Rhythm
An unforgettable evening featuring salsa lessons, DJ sets, and dance performances—all supporting OrKidstra! Admission: FREE (donations appreciated). When: Wednesday, Apr 30 from 7pm onwards. Where: Nostaligica Cafe, 601 Cumberland, Ottawa.
26. Viva Mexico
An unforgettable night of movement, colour, and culture with dances and live performances. Admission: $20-30. When: Wednesday, Apr 30 from 7pm onwards. Where: Harold Shenkman Hall (Shenkman Arts Centre), 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans.
More recurring events in Ottawa
27. 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
Enjoy!