42 fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend | March 27-29

Looking for things to do this weekend in Ottawa? You’re in the right place. There will be a variety of events for all tastes, from the Vanier Sugar Festival to the iconic Nature Nocturne, hockey games, expos, and much more! Check out this post and share it!

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

1.Vanier Sugar Festival

Enjoy a multitude of activities at the only urban sugar shack in the country! Free musical performances by local artists, lumberjack skills competitions, a collective art project, exhibitors (sled dogs and Mādahòkì Farm’s Ojibwe Spirit Horses), bouncy castles, and a tasty sugar shack meal, and taffy lane, for purchase. FREE entry.
When: March 27-28, 9:30am-3:30pm.
Where: Parc Richelieu, 300 Av. des Peres Blancs, Vanier
Details: https://museoparc.ca/programmation/festival-des-sucres/

2. Nature Nocturne

This iconic thematic event at the Canadian Museum of Nature is back for “House of the Dino”. Enjoy three dance floors, an open bar, performances, and multiple activities while roaming around the galleries. 19+ event. Tickets: $39 plus tax
When: Friday, March 27, 8pm-12am
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St.

3. Ottawa 67`s Playoffs

Cheer on Ottawa`s junior hockey team when they face Kingston Frontenacs in the first and second game of the playoffs. Tickets start at $25.
When: Friday, March 27 at 7pm, and Sunday, March 29 at 3pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.

4. The Great Egg Race

Enjoy a day of family fun. Design an egg car, build it, and compete in The Great Egg Race. All materials are provided. Free activities are open to all, including watching the egg races and cheering on the participants, glitter tattoos, a craft space, a play zone, and an egg hunt.
Register now to design and race your own egg racer: https://bit.ly/4aLSrGG
When: Saturday, March 28, 9am-4pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Details: On Facebook

5. Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Sens Army, it’s time to come cheer on the Sens as they try to ice the Penguins of Pittsburgh. Plus it’s Ignite the Red night, so the Sens will be wearing their Red Third Jerseys, and you’ll be treated to plenty of city-themed entertainment and fun. Tickets from $56.
When: Thursday, March 26, at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Kanata

6. Ottawa Wedding Show

Here comes the bride, so here comes the show to match. For every question or missing element to your big day, the Ottawa Wedding Show has answers and dozens of vendors ready to turn stress into special. From florals to fashion, from photos to food, it’s all here. Tickets $20
When: March 28–29, 11am–4pm
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Details: https://ottawaweddingshow.com/

7. Ottawa Black Bears vs Georgia Swarm

Answer the call of the wild as the Ottawa Black Bears look to swat the Swarm from Georgia in lacrosse action. Get ready to celebrate Super Heroes night as the Bears will be donning their special Deadpool style jerseys. Bears Fans Unite! Tickets from $38.
When: Saturday, March 28, at 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Kanata

8. VerseFest

Explore the beauty and pain that is poetry at the 15th annual VERSefest. This International Festival brings together the best in English and French poetry in all traditions, styles and forms. With many readings, shows, and workshops, you will leave inspired to create your own. Tickets from $15.
When: Tuesday, March 24–30, various times.
Where: Various locations
Details: https://www.verseottawa.ca/versefest

9. Geeked Out: Ottawa’s Toy and Collectible Sale

Come get your Geek on as the Ottawa Toy and Collectible returns to the capital. From comics to collectibles, toys to trading cards, there are over 200 tables of pure geekdom for both the serious collector and the casual fan. Gather and celebrate your fandom. Tickets $5.
When: Saturday, March 28-29, 10am–4pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1700 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://www.geekedoutevents.ca/

10. 2026 U20 Broomball Nationals

The best young broomball players in the country descend on Ottawa, as they battle at the 2026 U20 Broomball Nationals at the Carleton Ice-House. Three days of Broomball action, climaxing in the finals on Saturday. Broomball fans, this is not to be missed. Tickets from $10.
When: March 25–28, various times
Where: Carleton University Ice House, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://u20nationals.ca/

11. Shinrin-Yoku: Guided Nature Walk

Explore mindful forest bathing, guided meditation, and stress relief in peaceful natural surroundings. Tickets from $35
When: Saturday, March 28 (French), Sunday, March 29 (English) – 1pm-3:30pm
Where: Gatineau Park, 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea/Wakefield, Québec
Details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/shinrin-yoku-guided-nature-walk

12. Footloose: The Musical

Don’t miss energetic dance numbers, live music, and a vibrant 80s story on stage. Tickets from $37
When: March 26-29, Thu-Fri-Sat 6:30pm; Sat–Sun 1pm.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa.

13. BSA Annual Fashion Show

Discover bold student designs, cultural expression, and creative runway performances in annual showcase. Tickets from $6,66
When: Friday, March 27, 6pm
Where: Teraanga Commons, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
Details: On Eventbrite

14. Easter Egg Hunt at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm

Enjoy Easter egg hunt, tractor rides, maple treats, and fun kids activities all day. Tickets from $18,35
When: March 28-29, 10:30am
Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 Yorks Corners Rd, Edwards
Details: https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/easter-egg-hunt

More things to to in Ottawa this weekend

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

15. Rose

A vibrant Indigenous musical follows three intertwined stories shaped by loss, identity, and resilience on a Northern reserve. Blending Tomson Highway’s sharp wit with heartfelt songs, it captures a community fighting to protect what matters most. Tickets: from $31.
When: Wednesday, March 25, 7:30pm; Thursday, March 26, 7:30pm; Friday, March 27, 7:30pm; Saturday, March 28, 2pm; Tuesday, March 31, 7:30pm.
Where: Babs Asper Theatre, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

16. 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.

17. The Watsons

A clever, self-aware comedy picks up where Jane Austen left off, dropping her unfinished characters into a world where they must navigate love, status, and their own uncertain futures without an author to guide them. Tickets: $30. When: March 25-29. Wed-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm.
Where: Ron Maslin Playhouse, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Ottawa

18. & Juliet

Broadway’s most fun hit musical, & Juliet, flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love, on her own terms. Admission: $170+.
When: March 25-29 at 7:30pm.
Where: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

19. Visages

A kaleidoscopic theatre work unravels identity through a series of surreal, interwoven stories where a Putin lookalike questions his own reflection, an actress chases fading beauty, and strangers begin to see something unsettling in each other’s faces. Tickets: from $39.
When: Thursday, March 26, 8pm; Friday, March 27, 8pm; Saturday, March 28, 4pm.
Where: AZRIELI STUDIO, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.

20. Liver Canada Comedy Night

Enjoy a fun night of stand-up comedy while supporting a great cause at this fundraiser for Liver Canada. The event showcases comedian Patrick Haye for an evening full of laughs, with all proceeds helping raise awareness and support for liver health. It’s a great way to have a good time and give back at the same time. $25 Plus Taxes. When: March 26-27, 8:30pm and 9pm. Where: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, 1394 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON.

21. Strip Cheese IV: The Meltdown

Celebrate bold burlesque, live music, theatrical storytelling, and diverse queer performance in vibrant showcase. Tickets from $17
When: Thursday, March 26, 9pm
Where: The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street, Ottawa

22. Bol, brown boy, bol

Experience powerful storytelling, live theatre, and South Asian perspectives in thought-provoking performance. Tickets from $20. When: March 26-27, 7pm. Where: Meridian Theatres @Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.

23. Candlelights Concerts. Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ottawa. Admission: $42-89.
When: Friday, March 27 and 28 at 9pm. Where: First Baptist Church Ottawa, 140 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa.

24. Ukranian Pysanka Bingo

A fun-filled evening – Ukrainian dinner, bingo prizes featuring Ukrainian Easter eggs, raffle, & cash bar! Admission: $33.28.
When: Friday, March 27 from 6-10pm.
Where: Ukrainian Banquet and Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue, Ottawa.

25. Walk like a man

Walk Like a Man is the ultimate celebration of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, recreating the iconic powerful falsetto with perfection. This show has amazed audiences across the globe from Cardiff to Columbia, from London to Lithuania, with their incredible vocals, slick moves, infectious charm and timeless hits.
Admission: $69.
When: March 27-28 at 7pm.
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans.

26. Down East Kitchen Party

Fiddle tunes and East Coast favourites set the tone for a lively night of singalongs, step dancing, and easygoing camaraderie that feels straight out of a Maritime kitchen. FREE. When: Friday, March 27, 5pm–11pm. Where: Orleans Legion (Lower Floor), 800 Taylor Creek Drive, Ottawa

Join Remix Wrestling at Broadhead Brewery for a unique experience that can only be described as a cross between a concert and a house party!  Enjoy Canada’s best craft beer while laughing, cheering, booing, and partying. Tickets: General Admission $30 + taxes and fees. When: Saturday Mar 28, 6:30pm-10pm. Where: Broadhead Brewing Company, 1680 Vimont Court, Orleans. Details: https://rxwlastresort.eventbrite.ca/?aff=onb

30. 24-Hour Puzzle Social Fundraiser

Join Ottawa Puzzles! as they participate in the Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Association (CJPA)’s inaugural 24hr Puzzle Wave. Come have a great time completing puzzles ranging from 99 to 3000 pieces while raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). There will be virtual check-ins with puzzlers across the country and prize giveaways throughout the event. All ages are welcome: FREE for under 18s (with paying adult), $20 per adult for up to 4 hours, $30 per adult for over 4 hours
When: Saturday, March 28 at 11am to Sunday, March 29 at 11am.
Where: Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill by IHG (402 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5A7)
Details: On Eventbrite and Facebook.

31. CKCU’s Got Talent

A feel-good community showcase spotlights local talent, from live music to spoken word and everything in between, all in support of CKCU’s grassroots radio spirit. Expect a relaxed, cheer-them-on atmosphere where discovery and creativity take centre stage. Tickets: Pay What You Can.
When: Sunday, March 29, 2pm.
Where: Robo Lounge, 275 Carling Avenue, Ottawa

32. Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

Bursting with charm, music, and imagination, A Day at the Farm is an original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to fifteen, and a delight for the young at heart! Admission: $75.
When: Sunday, March 29 at 3:30pm. Where: Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa.

33. North Gower Spring Market

Shake off the snow, get ready for warmer weather and check out fabulous local artisans, crafters, bakers, and food producers at our Spring Market. You’ll find garden decor, yummy baked goods, honey, maple syrup, preserves, jewellery, natural soaps, sweets, handmade crafts, and more!
Indoors. Lots of free parking. Fully accessible.
When: Sunday, March 29 from 9am to 1pm
Where: Alfred Taylor Rec Centre
2300 Community Way, North Gower
Details: @ngfarmersmarket

More recurring events in Ottawa

34. Riveroak’s Sugar Bush Season

Explore the sugarbush at your leisure and learn all about making maple syrup. See it all from start to finish… Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, tour the farm on a 1955 military truck, enjoy a bonfire, and let the kids ocuppy themselves in the Kidz Zone. Admission: $7 per person (including tax). Kids 5 and under free.
When: Saturdays and Sundays starting March 15 to April 12. 9am-3pm.
Where: 2900 York’s Corners Road, Ottawa.