The second weekend of April is coming, and the warmer weather is almost there! Looking for fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend? From a Scottish celebration to a country music festival, women’s hockey, expos, and markets, there is something for everyone!
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15 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1. National Tartan Day
Scottish pride is on full display as the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band celebrates the 18th annual National Tartan Day. Come to the hills of Parliament for songs, plenty of pipes and fiddles, and of course Highland dancers. Even non-Scots can come enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland. FREE
When: Sunday Apr 12, 11:30am-1:30pm
Where: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.sospb.
2. Maple and Moonshine Country Music Festival
No one does country like Canadian country, and the Maple and Moonshine Festival is bringing it to you. Spread out among the pubs in the Byward Market, you’ll find artists like Dawson Gray, Riley Taylor, the Haylofters, and many more. Bring your boots down and shine. Tickets FREE – $20
When: Apr 10-12. Fri 6pm–1am, Sat-Sun 1pm–1am.
Where: Byward Market, various stages
Details: https://www.
3. Ottawa Charge vs Seattle Torrent
For the hockey fans, come see the Ottawa Charge as they look to dam up the Torrent of Seattle. Plus, it’s Barbie Night at the Charge game, with the first 6000 fans receiving a Barbie Belt Bag. Come cheer on the Charge, it’s what you were made for. Tickets from $31
When: Wednesday Apr 8, at 7pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
4. Crescendo Concert Series
For a taste of the classical, the Crescendo Concert Series at Rideau Hall has got you covered. Set in the Ballroom, enjoy four pieces performed by members of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Lovely place, lovely music, lovely time. FREE (but registration is required).
When: Saturday Apr 11, 2pm–3pm.
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.gg.ca/en/
5. Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show
Every great vacation begins with an idea, and there are plenty of great ones at the Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show. With over 190 vendors and exhibits covering both domestic and international travel, you’ll arrive with questions and leave with answers and a plan. The world is waiting for you. Tickets from $10.
When: Apr 11-12, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Where: Rogers Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
6. Workshop Legendary Trunk Sale
The spring fashion event not to be missed, as the Workshop Legendary Trunk Sale returns. Canadian designers have scoured their studios and lockers to bring you the hidden gems that deserve a second look. Take a look and make your spring look sparkle. FREE.
When: April 9–12, Thu-Fri 10am–7pm, Sat-Sun 11am–5pm.
Where: Next Door Market, 955A Gladstone Ave, Ottawa
Details: https://
7. Ottawa Cottage Life and Backyard Show
Explore cottage living inspiration with 150+ exhibitors, DIY ideas, and family-friendly activities. Tickets from $6
When: Apr 10-12. Fri 12pm-9pm. Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://shows.
8. Ottawa Record Fair
Discover rare vinyl treasures and early bird crate-digging at 10am for collectors. Tickets from $5. When: Saturday Apr 11, 10am Where: 355 Cooper St, Ottawa, Ottawa.
9. Swiftly Planned: The Heated Market Edition
Shop a pop culture market featuring fandom vendors, handmade goods, themed collectibles, and celebrating all things Swiftie. FREE When: Saturday Apr 11, 10am-2pm Where: Orchard View Wedding & Event Centre, 6346 Deermeadow Dr. Details: On Eventbrite
10. Outaouais Film Festival
Don’t miss international cinema screenings with award-winning films and filmmaker discussions across venues. Tickets from $16 When: Apr 9-19. Where: Various locations, Gatineau, Québec Details: offestival.com
11. Ottawa Blackbears vs Toronto Rock
Cheer high-energy lacrosse clash featuring intense rivalry action and live arena entertainment. Tickets from $38
When: Friday Apr 10, 7:30pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa
Details: https://www.
12. Maestro Competitive Improv Comedy
Laugh at a fast-paced improv showdown where audience votes decide winners in real time. Tickets from $10 When: Saturday Apr 11, 8:45pm Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa Details: waywardimprov.ca/maestro
13. New Orford String Quartet: Dedications
An evening of chamber music unfolds through works shaped by tribute and artistic lineage, as this acclaimed Canadian ensemble brings warmth and precision to a richly layered program. From Beethoven and Mendelssohn to Janáček’s Tolstoy-inspired “Kreutzer,” alongside a new piece by Cecilia Livingston written for the quartet, each selection reveals the story behind the music. Tickets: $40.
When: Saturday, Apr 11, 7pm.
Where: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa
14. Alone in the Dark
Lantern light flickers across quiet village streets as this guided nighttime investigation leads you through historic buildings and into Ottawa’s eerie past. With hands-on experiments and a small group setting, the experience builds a steady, immersive sense of suspense. Tickets: $64.99 + tax.
When: Saturday, Apr 11, 7:30pm. Where: Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa
15. Dino Light
A glow-in-the-dark journey follows a magically animated dinosaur as it wanders through a radiant world of illuminated creatures, brought to life with precise puppetry and choreography. Created by Lightwire Theater, the show pairs its visual spectacle with a hands-on preshow storytime and craft that adds to the family-friendly experience. Tickets: $25.25.
When: Saturday, Apr 11, 1:30pm & 4:30pm.
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
16. Cicadas
A gripping, immersive eco-thriller with live music, Cicadas explores climate change through a mysterious and unsettling story of a house with a mind of its own. Admission: $25–$60. When: Apr 7–18 at various times. Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
17. Radical Reuse
This exhibition explores how Ottawa’s design salvage can be restored and repurposed for the contemporary home. Presented by the emerging curators of Carleton University, whose mission is to promote sustainability and heritage preservation by challenging our culture of overconsumption. Entry is FREE.
When: Apr 7-May 3 (daily) Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm.
Where: Scrim’s Florist, 262 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Details: IG @therejoinery
18. Pride and Prejudice
Flying wigs, sharp wit, and a modern theatrical twist that turns familiar romance into something delightfully unpredictable. A playful, fast-paced reimagining of Austen’s classic leans into physical comedy and quick character changes, with a small ensemble conjuring the entire world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Tickets: from $42.
When: Apr 8-18. Tue-Sat 7:30pm; Sat-Sun 2:30pm. Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa.
19. In The Heights!
Come see this bustling and authentic Broadway musical, performed by the talented cast and crew from St. Patrick’s High School Drama Club. It brings to life the power of community, culture, and a good carnival! In Washington Heights, a close-knit Latino community moves through daily life, balancing work, dreams, and expectations. Usnavi runs his bodega while dreaming of returning to the Dominican Republic, and Nina comes home struggling to meet her parents’ hopes while staying true to herself. Around them, neighbors from all walks of life face challenges that test their resilience, patience, and faith as they pursue their dreams. Tickets: $20 (Adult, online or at the door); Children (12 & under) – $20 online OR $15 at the door. When: Apr 8-11, at 7pm. Where: St Patrick’s High School, 2525 Altavista Drive. Details: https://www.sphdramaclub.ca/
20. Kimberly Akimbo
A darkly funny, offbeat coming-of-age story follows a teenager navigating family chaos, first love, and a rare condition that makes her age far too quickly. Blending sharp humour with surprising tenderness, this intimate production finds warmth in life’s most complicated moments. Tickets: $32. When: Apr 8-12. Wed-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm.
Where: Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa.
21. Green Drinks
A monthly networking event for anyone environmentally-focused, from working professionals, to students, to long-term environmentalists, to the eco-curious. It features speakers, networking activities, and open socializing to facilitate connection, collaboration, and community, all in a relaxed social setting with snacks and refreshments. FREE pizza (vegetarian and vegan options) and snacks will be provided. Drinks available for purchase at the bar. FREE admission but registration is required. When: Thursday Apr 9, 5:30pm-7pm. Where: The Prescott, 379 Preston St. Details: https://cafesottawa.ca/green-drinks/
22. Manifesto
Explosive, rhythmic, and full of energy, Manifesto by the Stephanie Lake Company brings together nine dancers and nine drummers in a powerful celebration of movement and sound, blending contemporary dance with driving percussion. Admission: $31–$69. When: Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:30pm and Friday, Apr 10 at 7:30pm. Where: National Arts Centre, Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa.
Saturday
23. Ten Thousand Hours
A high-intensity acrobatic performance showcases eight performers pushing strength, balance, and trust to the edge through tightly choreographed feats where every lift, leap, and landing carries the weight of countless hours of practice. Tickets: $45–$55.
When: Saturday, Apr 11, 8pm.
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
24. 3rd Annual Spring Clothing Swap
It’s that time of year to clean out your closets. SWAP is gearing up for its 3rd annual clothing swap with Thrive Select Thrift Store. Bring up to 10 clothing items and have access to the entire store to shop/swap. (Some exclusions may apply). Tickets: $25 admission per person (kids are free, 14 and under), and we ask that you bring children’s clothes to participate. Proceeds go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa
When: Saturday Apr 11, 12-3pm
Where: Thrive Thrift Store, 1547 Merivale Rd.
25. Live Championship Boxing
Experience an action-packed night of professional boxing featuring a lineup of top fighters competing in high-energy bouts. Admission: $106+. When: Saturday, Apr 11 at 7pm. Where: Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa, Ottawa.
Sunday
26. A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy
Step into the beloved world of FINAL FANTASY with this intimate concert experience featuring stunning chamber arrangements of iconic music from the series, performed live by the FILMharmonique Orchestra under the direction of Eric Roth. Admission: $77+. When: Sunday, Apr 12 at 3pm. Where: Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau.
27. Ottawa Farmers Market Winter Market
Browse fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan goods from over 75 vendors at this popular indoor winter market, complete with food stalls and live entertainment. Admission: FREE. When: Sundays until Apr 26 from 10am to 3pm. Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa.
Next week
28. 2026 Y Embassy Chef Showcase
Experience global flavours at Ottawa’s one-of-a-kind culinary event. Talented chefs from 19 embassies will share authentic dishes in the spirit of friendly competition and cultural celebration. Tickets are $125 and include unlimited food and beverage. Proceeds support the YMCA’s local community programs.
When: April 15, 6-9pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, Ontario.
Details: ymcaottawa.ca/embassy
29. Unbound: A Celebration of Banned Books
An evening celebrating the freedom to read, featuring local authors reading from their favourite banned books and a live performance by Lady la Profeta. Enjoy finger foods by Chef Ric’s and drinks, a silent auction, and a book booth by Octopus Books. ASL interpretation will be provided. All proceeds support ALSO’s adult and family literacy programs in Ottawa.
When: Friday, Apr 17, 6pm-9pm
Where: UUFO Sanctuary, Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Ave, Ottawa, ON
Details: https://linktr.ee/
More recurring events in Ottawa
30. Faith Fyles: in Full Bloom
Explore the intersection of art and science in this exhibition celebrating pioneering Canadian botanist and artist Faith Fyles, featuring both historical and contemporary works. Admission: FREE. When: Friday, March 7–Sep 27 (between 10am–9pm, varies by day). Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa.
31. 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.
32. Maple Fest
Celebrate maple season with taffy on snow and live folk performances. Tickets from $17.24.
When: March 1-April 12. Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-5pm. The Pancake house is open until 3pm. Last seating: 2pm. March break: Wednesday to Friday, 9am-4pm.
Where: Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd, Ottawa
Details: https://proulxfarm.com/
Come and get your maple fix at the Sugar Shack during the 2026 maple season, from February 15 to April 19, 2026. Admission to the sugar shack is on a first come, first-served basis. Menu: $25 and $12 (kids)
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9am to 2pm
Where: Vanier Museoparc, 300 des Peres-Blancs Avenue