Looking for things to do in Ottawa this weekend? The city has a little bit of everything: festive vibes at the St Patrick’s Day Parade, hands-on inspiration at Seedy Saturday, local finds at 613 Flea, and high-energy action at Ottawa 67’s hockey games. Check out this post and share it with your friends.
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15 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend
1. St Patrick’s Day Parade
Come celebrate community, culture, and the joy of St. Patrick’s Day in the heart of Canada’s capital. This parade is back after some years of cancellations. It will go from the Supreme Court of Canada along Wellington St and Sussex Drive, and will end at the Byward Market. FREE.
When: Saturday March 7, 12pm-1:30pm
Where: Supreme Court of Canada, 301 Wellington St.
Details: https://www.
2. Seedy Saturday
A yearly seed sale with a focus on heritage, open-pollinated seed from local growers. You’ll find local seed vendors, sustainable businesses related to food and gardening, a seed swap table (free, while supplies last), workshops by experienced gardeners, information booths, and local artisans. FREE admission and parking.
When: Saturday March 7, 10am-3pm
Where: Emmanuel United Church, 691 Smyth Road
Details: https://justfood.ca/
3. Holi Celebration
The Gujarati Cultural Association of Ottawa (GCA) invites you to the Holi Celebration 2026, a joyful day filled with colors, laughter, and community spirit! Bring your family and friends to celebrate the festival of colors together. There will be snacks, beverages, and music. Tickets: $5, $10. Children under 5 free.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Where: Walter Baker Park, Kanata
Details: gcaottawa.ca
4. Byward Beerfest 2026
Come to Lowertown Brewery in the heart of the ByWard Market for a weekend of craft beer, delicious food, and live entertainment! Each ticket includes four 5oz samples from the rotating taps. Sample local craft beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, and pair them with food available on-site. Live music both nights with Kibble performing Friday and Whiskey River and Fever taking the stage Saturday. 19+ event. Tickets: $12.99.
When: March 6-7, doors at 6:30pm.
Where: Lowertown Brewery, 73 York Street, Ottawa.
5. 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 March 7, 10am-4pm.
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.
6. 67’s Games
Catch the Ottawa 67’s in action for two home games at TD Place this weekend! Tickets start at $25.
When: Saturday March 7 at 3pm vs Brampton Steelheads.
Sunday March 8 at 3pm vs Peterborough Petes.
Where: TD Place, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
7. Femme Fest
Femme Fest brings together local artisans, entrepreneurs, and changemakers committed to advancing gender equality and supporting women-led initiatives. Shop unique products from women-led businesses, take part in workshops and talks, enjoy live music and performances, and let the kids join in on family-friendly activities and crafts. Entry by donation to the Sexual Assault Support Centre.
When: March 7-8, from 11am to 5pm.
Where: Next Door Ottawa, 955A Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.
8. SHIFT Film Festival 2026
Experience bold, independent cinema centering queer, BIPOC, and feminist voices at SHIFT Film Festival. Featuring powerful short films, filmmaker Q&As, artist spotlights, and community conversations, SHIFT creates space for stories that challenge, celebrate, and shift perspectives. Join us for a weekend of radical imagination, connection, and transformative storytelling.
When: March 7-8
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.
Details: IG @labiacinematica
9. Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show
Enjoy a show devoted exclusively to the world of cycling and cycling tourism! Discover the latest trends, new gear, and cycling destinations to explore on two wheels. Tickets start at $11 for general admission (18+), with discounted pricing for seniors, students, and teens. Children 14 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult.
When: March 6-8. Fri 12pm to 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 5pm.
Where: Palais des Congrès de Gatineau, 50 Boulevard Maisonneuve, Gatineau.
10. Art Lending of Ottawa Art Show
Browse and rent or buy original local artwork in a relaxed, gallery-style setting. A great weekend stop for discovering Ottawa talent. FREE.
When: Saturday, March 7, 10am-4pm
Where: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Rd, Ottawa
11. Eid Expo
Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at this vibrant expo featuring modest fashion, handmade goods, desserts, gifts, and family-friendly fun all in a festive atmosphere. FREE.
When: Saturday, March 7, 11am-7pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
12. Journey: Final Frontier Tour
Catch legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Journey on their farewell tour, one last time live in Ottawa! Expect an epic night of classic hits spanning their entire career, from “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Faithfully” to “Separate Ways” and “Open Arms,” and much more. Tickets start at $126.80.
When: Saturday, March 7 at 7:30pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.
13. Live – Like a Rollin’ Thunder Tour
Rock out with the iconic band Live as they bring their tour to Ottawa for the first time in over 20 years! Joined by Canadian rockers Big Wreck and special guests Econoline Crush, this concert will feature powerful live performances of classic rock hits. It’s part of a cross-country Canadian tour celebrating the band’s music and legacy. Tickets start at $46.
When: Friday, March 6, 7pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa, ON.
14. War On The Catwalk
Get ready for a live drag performance with queens from the hit shows RuPaul’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race. Hosted by Alyssa Edwards with performances by fan favourite drag artists, this high-energy stage show mixes fabulous costumes, music, and charisma for an unforgettable night. All ages are welcome. Tickets start at $66.
When: Saturday, March 7, 8pm.
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON.
15. Jesus Christ Superstar
See the thrilling rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar live on stage, presented by Orpheus Musical Theatre. This classic rock opera tells the story of the final days of Jesus through powerful songs and emotional storytelling, all without spoken dialogue. Tickets: $37 to $59.
When: March 6-15
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe – Mainstage, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, ON.
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
16. The murder of Roger Ackroyd
Roger Ackroyd goes from prime suspect to victim when murder disrupts a cozy English village, and soon the enigmatic new neighbour Hercule Poirot is pulled from retirement to untangle the web of suspects. Admission: $32.
When: Wednesday, Feb 25-March 14 at 7:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa.
17. Snow Ball: A cool winter’s eve
Guests will enjoy all-inclusive premium cocktails, decadent chef stations, and captivating entertainment, including DJs, live music, auctions, beauty bars, and surprise experiences. Admission: $268.
When: Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm.
Where: 50 Sussex, 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa.
18. Best Damn Stand-Up Comedy Show in Ottawa
If you’re searching for live comedy in Ottawa or a guaranteed great night out, this fast-paced showcase delivers wall-to-wall punchlines, big energy, and a stacked lineup of Canada’s best comedians. Enjoy live stand-up comedy in an intimate room with an electric crowd. 19+ event. Food and beverages available for purchase (including alcohol). Smoke-free venue. Tickets: $20 plus tax. Show and dining: $54 plus tax.
When: Thursday March 5, 8pm-9:30pm
Where: Yuk Yuk’s, 1394 Richmond Road, Ottawa.
Details and tickets: https://www.comedynuggets.com/
19. Angela Hewitt: Mozart Odyssey
Enjoy an extraordinary evening with Ottawa’s beloved piano superstar Angela Hewitt as she continues her ambitious Mozart Odyssey project — performing Mozart’s complete piano concertos with leading orchestras around the world. Tonight’s programme features Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18, alongside Bach’s Partita No. 5 in G Major and Thuille’s Sextet for Piano and Winds, performed with the Chamberfest Festival Orchestra. Tickets start at $55.
When: Friday, March 6 at 7pm.
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa.
20. Heated Spring Break: Dance Party
Get ready to dance at this high-energy club night celebrating Heated Rivalry fan culture, queer community vibes, and pop music in a fun and inclusive space. The party features upbeat music and themed visuals inspired by the series. A welcoming space designed for a night of music and connection. Tickets at $23.
When: Friday, March 6, 10pm.
Where: Berlin Nightclub, 56 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON.
21. uOttawa Opera Ensemble – RAVEL
This special opera performance from the University of Ottawa School of Music showcases works by Maurice Ravel. Featuring talented singers, the uOttawa Orchestra, the Calixa-Lavallée Choir, and the Ottawa Children’s Choir, it presents a magical musical experience for all ages. Language: English and French. Adults: $27.86; Senior (65+)/Student: $12.
When: Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 7:30pm and 2:30pm.
Where: Huguette-Labelle Hall, Tabaret Building, University of Ottawa, 550 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, ON.
22. Exuberance
Acclaimed Canadian-Romanian conductor Andrei Feher leads Thirteen Strings in its spring concert “Exuberance”. Joining them is acclaimed Innu soprano Elisabeth St-Gelais. Repertoire includes Mendelssohn, Anna Clyne, Florence Price, and Benjamin Britten. Tickets $10 – $50.
When: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:30pm
Where: Allsaints Event Space, 330 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa
Saturday
23. Mammoth
Wolfgang Van Halen brings his solo rock project Mammoth to Ottawa with arena-level energy, big hooks, and powerhouse vocals. Expect a tight, high-impact live show from one of modern rock’s standout names. Tickets from $42.
When: Saturday, March 7, 7pm
Where: Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino
Sunday
24. Rise Against
Get ready for a high-energy night of punk rock anthems and crowd-shaking sound. Rise Against hits the stage with powerful vocals and explosive live energy you’ll feel from the first chord. Tickets from $100.
When: Sunday, March 8, 6:30pm
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
25. Songs of the Spirit
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon of live choir music with the Canadian Centennial Choir. This concert features a mix of peaceful, powerful, and uplifting songs from different time periods. Adult: $30; Senior (65+)/Student: $25.
When: Sunday, March 8, 3pm.
Where: St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church, 2345 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON.
26. Celebrate International Women’s Day at Library and Archives Canada
Grab your friends and join us at Library and Archives Canada (LAC) for International Women’s Day! We’re hosting a lineup of special activities at the Preservation Centre in Gatineau—take part in a behind-the-scenes tour, attend a book club discussion, or join a zine-making workshop.
Free admission. Registration required for tours; all other activities are drop-in.
When: Sunday, March 8, from 2pm to 8pm
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 625 du Carrefour Boulevard, Gatineau, Quebec.
Next week
27. Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens
Catch the Sens in action next week when they battle the Montreal Canadiens and feel the energy live at the rink; fast breaks, big hits, and that electric game-night atmosphere you just can’t stream at home. Tickets from $145.
When: Wednesday, March 11, 7:30pm.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
28. Vanier Sugar Festival
Celebrate maple season the sweet way: think fresh maple taffy on snow, live music, local treats, and classic sugar shack vibes right in the city. Enjoy the 19th edition of Soup Splash. Kick off the evening with tasty bites from the cabin’s chef, sip on maple beer from Orléans Brewing Co, and meet the city’s top restaurateurs while sampling the best soups in town. Vote for your Audience Favorite, enter prize draws from our tourism partners, and end the night with a sweet maple treat! Tickets: $60
When: Monday March 9, 5:30pm
Where: Vanier Museopark, 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave
More recurring events in Ottawa
29. Rink of Dreams
The most popular outdoor refrigerated rink in Ottawa opens for the season! Skate rentals and sharpening are available on site. Also a changing room and a BeaverTail kiosk. FREE. When: Open every day from 7am to 11pm. Where: City Hall, 110 Laurier St W.
30. Rideau Hall Skating Rink
Glide on the historic Rideau Hall skating rink and enjoy its cozy and beautiful Winter Pavilion. FREE. When: November 23 until March 29 (weather depending), Mon-Fri 5pm-8:30pm. Sat-Sun 1pm-8:30pm. Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive.
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 by reserving online. When: Dec 6, 2024-March 30, 2026. Where: Canadian Museum of Nature. Details: nature.ca