32 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | March 20-22

What do you feel like doing on the first weekend of spring in Ottawa? If you’re short on ideas, look no further! Your weekend guide is here! Check out this post and share it with your friends. Do you know of any other events not listed here? Let us know in the comments!

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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa

1. Ottawa Black Film Festival – 6th Edition

Showcasing unique voices in cinema and offering fresh perspectives on the world through the lens of Black storytelling. The festival features film screenings, industry panels, and the Black Market (Free), with both in-person and online programming available. Highlights include the Opening Night red carpet and screening, and the Being Black in Canada mentorship program. Tickets: $12, $59
When: March 20-24
Where: La Nouvelle Scène, 333 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa

2. Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Catch the Battle of Ontario live as the Ottawa Senators take on their biggest rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, for an exciting home game at Canadian Tire Centre! Tickets start at $136.25.
When: Saturday, March 21 at 7pm Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.

3. International Film Festival of Ottawa

Travel the world and experience culture through the silver screen with the help of the International Film Festival of Ottawa. With 22 films from Canada and around the world, there’s a film for everyone to
enjoy in this line-up. Tickets $15.
When: March 11-22; various times
Where: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Details: https://www.iffo.ca/

4. Ottawa Senators vs. New York Islanders

Catch the Ottawa Senators take on the New York Islanders for a home game at Canadian Tire Centre! Tickets start at $54.90.
When: Thursday, March 19 at 7pm Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa

5. Youth Infringement Festival

It’s the best in theatre from up-and-coming playwrights at the Youth Infringement Festival. Over two weeks, the festival is presenting 6 different plays ranging from comedy to drama to thought-provoking. Support the stars of tomorrow. Tickets from $10 (PWYC).
When: March 11–22; various times
Where: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://youthinfringement.ca/festival-2026/

6. 613 Flea

Over 150 vendors showcasing jewelry, art and crafts, clothing, woodworking, sweet treats, and much more! Dogs on a leash are welcome. FREE
When: Saturday Feb 28, 10am-3pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.613flea.ca/

7. 67’s Games

Catch the Ottawa 67’s in action for two home games at TD Place this week! Gates open at 2pm for both games. Tickets start at $25.
When: Wednesday, March 18 at 3pm vs Oshawa Generals.
Saturday, March 21, at 3pm vs Kingston Frontenacs.
Where: The Arena at TD Place, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa

8. Ottawa Home & Garden Show – 45th Edition

Enjoy Ottawa’s biggest home and garden show, featuring over 325 exhibitors covering everything from kitchens and bathrooms to landscaping, pools, and outdoor living. Meet trusted experts face-to-face, catch talks and demonstrations on the Garden Stage, and relax in the Perth Brewery Beer Garden with food and live music. Children 12 and under are FREE. Adult tickets start at $12 online in advance.
When: March 19-22. Thu-Fri 12pm-9pm. Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.

9. Ottawa Storytellers – Grimm: Dark Paths and Wild Wonder

Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of live storytelling as Ottawa StoryTellers presents their annual long show, celebrating the enduring power of the Brothers Grimm folktales. A carefully chosen selection of these timeless tales — first collected from farmers, midwives, and everyday storytellers across Europe — will be brought to life by four accomplished storytellers, with live harp accompaniment. Also available on demand the following day for one week. Student tickets are $20, general admission is $33.
When: Sunday, March 22 at 2pm Where: Arts Court Studio, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa

10. March Break Character Meet-Ups at Tanger Outlets

A fun stop for families during March Break where kids can meet popular characters, take photos, and enjoy a playful atmosphere while exploring the outlet village. Expect appearances inspired by favourites like PAW Patrol and Gabby’s Dollhouse. FREE.
When: March 20-21. Fri 11:30am-3:30pm; Sat 11am-3pm.
Where: Tanger Outlets Ottawa, 8555 Campeau Drive, Ottawa

11. CU_lture Open Houses

Step into a beautiful heritage space for an evening of art, architecture, and live performances. Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow art lovers, and discover emerging local talent in a relaxed, creative setting. FREE.
When: Thursday, March 19, 5-7pm
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street, Ottawa

12. Capital Sessions

Feel the rhythm and join the crowd for this lively outdoor house-dance session with DJs and local dancers bringing the energy to the NAC plaza. Whether you jump in or just enjoy the vibe, it’s a fun way to move and connect. FREE.
When: Sunday, March 22, 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Peter A. Herrndorf Plaza, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

13. March Break at the Bank of Canada Museum

Turn curiosity into fun with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and family challenges that explore money, trade, and Canada’s economy in playful ways. A great stop for kids during March Break. FREE.
When: March 16–20, 10am-5pm
Where: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa

14. March Break Public Skating

Skate where the pros play and experience NHL-level ice at the Canadian Tire Centre. A fun and memorable way to stay active during March Break, perfect for all ages. FREE.
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and Friday, March 20, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa.

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

15. BL_NK

This unique theatre show by Nassim Soleimanpour is different every night. A new performer goes on stage without seeing the script before, and together with the audience, they create a one-of-a-kind story live. It’s fun, surprising, and never the same twice. Tickets start at $42.
When: March 17–29, 2pm and 7:30pm
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St W, Ottawa.

16. March Break at the Diefenbunker

Go underground for a fun and educational March Break! Explore a real four-storey bunker, learn about Canada’s history, and enjoy hands-on activities like solving codes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and even an escape room challenge. It’s a great experience for kids and families. Adults: $21, Youth: $14.50, Young Children: FREE; Family rates available.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, March 18-22, 10am-3pm.
Where: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa.

Saturday

17. Broadhead: Last Resort

18. SOS: The ABBA Experience

Get ready to sing along to ABBA’s biggest hits in this high-energy tribute show packed with iconic songs, dazzling costumes, and feel-good nostalgia. It’s a lively night of pop classics that will have the whole crowd dancing. Tickets from $49.50.
When: Saturday, March 21, 7:30pm
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa

Sunday

21. Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party Tour

Get ready to laugh out loud with comedian Bert Kreischer, known for his wild stories and high-energy stand-up. As part of his tour, he brings a fun and unfiltered comedy show that mixes real-life stories, humor, and crowd interaction, perfect for a fun night out. Tickets start at $58.
When: Sunday, March 22, 7pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa.

22. Paint Your Own Chocolate Bunny

Have fun painting your own chocolate Benny Bunny. These Benny Bunnies are made using Multi-International Award Winning, locally made, 60% Milk Chocolate or 70% Dark Chocolate, and will be available for choosing. 70% dark chocolate is Vegan, Peanut Free, Gluten Free. All ages welcome. Spaces will be sold in 45-minute time slots. Tickets: $13.56. Details on Eventbrite.
When: Sunday March 22, 11am-4pm.
Where: Hummingbird Chocolate Factory, Store & Café, 476 Ottawa Street, Unit 2, Almonte.