If you’re wondering what to do this weekend? Look no further. Here is a list of fun 14 things to do in Ottawa, from hockey games, to markets, free screenings, expos, and more! Have a look at the post and share it with your friends. Don’t miss the fun again!
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14 events you won’t want to miss this weekend in Ottawa
1.Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
The Battle of Ontario is back, and it’s always personal. Get ready for a fiery game: zero room for mistakes! Tickets starting at $103.40
When: Wednesday, April 15, 7:30pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive.
2. Ottawa Charge vs New York Sirens
Cheer on Ottawa’s women’s hockey team this weekend. Ottawa Charge doesn’t have “easy games” left. Every matchup is a must-perform situation, especially against direct rivals like New York Sirens. Tickets from $36.50
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 2pm
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
3. Originals Spring Craft Sale
Come shop at Ottawa’s one-of-a-kind handmade marketplace, showcasing the work of more than 150 artists from across Canada. Tickets: $10, $8, $5 (on Thursday after 5pm). Parking $10/day. Uplands Line 4 Station is now open! Take the O-Train directly to the EY Centre.
When: Apr 16–19. Thu–Fri 10am–9pm; Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 10am–5pm.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive.
Details: https://
4. 613 Flea
Over 150 vendors showcasing jewelry, art and crafts, clothing, woodworking, sweet treats, and much more. The market has everything from A to Z! Dogs on a leash are welcome. FREE.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 10am–4pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa
Details: https://www.613flea.
5. Ottawa Parent and Child Expo
Enjoy a family fun day with play, learning, and interactive fun zones, 75 local parenting and family exhibitors, bounce slide, meet and greets with the Keepers Animal Rescue Centre, Zuma from PAW Patrol, princesses and superheroes, and more. Tickets: $14.26. Family tickets available.
When: Apr 18–19, 9am–4pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, entrance 4, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
Details: On Eventbrite
6. National Canadian Film Day
Mirror Mountain Film Festival is proud to present the Ottawa theatrical premiere of Haitian Canadian director Miryam Charles’ debut feature film Cette maison as part of National Canadian Film Day. FREE admission. Donations welcome. Audience Q&A with the director.
When: April 15, 7pm
Where: Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne, 325 Marché Way.
7. Canadian Improv Games
The top five high school teams from across the country take the stage at the National Arts Centre for a night of unscripted performance, from drama to comedy, all created from audience suggestions. General admission to the finals is $25, teachers and educators $20, and students $15.
When: Semi finals Wednesday, Apr 15 to Friday, Apr 17. Finals Saturday, Apr 18 at 7:30pm.
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive (semi-finals) and National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street (finals)
Get 20% off tickets here: https://arts.nac-cna.ca/en/promo/CIGOTT20
8. 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
9. 2026 Y Embassy Chef Showcase
Experience global flavours at Ottawa’s culinary event. Chefs from 19 embassies share authentic dishes in friendly competition and cultural celebration. Tickets are $125 and include unlimited food and beverages. Proceeds support YMCA community programs.
When: April 15, 6–9pm
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa
Details: ymcaottawa.ca/embassy
10. Ottawa Rock N Gem Show
Enjoy four days of discovery at the Ottawa Rock N Gem Show. Explore crystals, fossils, gemstones, and handcrafted jewelry. Admission is $3 per person or $7 for a family. Children 5 and under are free.
When: Apr 16–19. Thu–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 10am–5pm
Where: EY Centre – Hall 1, 4899 Uplands Drive
11. Bytown Antique and Vintage Show
Enjoy a treasure hunt at the Bytown Antique and Vintage Show, celebrating its golden anniversary. Browse antiques, collectibles, nostalgia, vintage finds, art, and jewelry. Admission is $5. Free parking.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 9am–3pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
12. FitPalooza
Group fitness workouts, strength workshops, yoga, keynote presentation, marketplace expo, mini massages, body composition assessment, and more. Tickets are $127.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 8:30am–5:30pm
Where: Collège La Cité, 801 promenade du Parc, Ottawa
13. Ottawa Doll Show and Sale
Discover dolls, teddy bears, and miniatures, new and vintage, including Barbie, American Girl, Maplelea, Monster High, and antiques. Admission is a $5 donation supporting Youville Centre. Children 12 and under are free.
When: Sunday, Apr 19, 10am–3pm
Where: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road
14. Record Store Day 2026
Celebrate independent record stores with exclusive limited edition vinyl releases available for one day only. Canadian ambassadors are Honeymoon Suite. Free to attend.
When: Saturday, Apr 19
Where: Participating Ottawa stores including The Odds and Sods Shoppe (1400 Clyde Ave), Legend Records (1292 Wellington St W), Compact Music (785 Bank St)
More things to do in Ottawa this weekend
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
15. Camions (fantômes de la liberté)
Immersive headphone experience following a remote controlled truck guided by a child, blending storytelling and theatre. Tickets $15.
When: April 15–19, multiple times
Where: Canal Foyer, National Arts Centre
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. Rob Anderson: Are You Afraid of the 90s?
A nostalgic comedy show with music and sharp takes on 90s pop culture. Tickets from $55.11.
When: Thursday, Apr 16, doors 7pm, show 8pm
Where: Bronson Music Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
18. Nate Bargatze Big Dumb Eyes Tour
Comedy show with clean, relatable humour about everyday life. Tickets from $68.40.
When: Friday, Apr 17, 7pm
Where: Canadian Tire Centre
19. Art from the Archives workshop at Library and Archives Canada
Spring themed drawing workshop inspired by archival works. Free, registration required.
When: April 16 in French, April 17 in English, 7–9pm
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 625 du Carrefour Boulevard
20. 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: IG @alsoottawa
21. 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.
Saturday
22. Astronomy in Action Planetarium Tour
Step inside a 360 degree dome and travel through space with immersive visuals. Sold out.
When: Saturday, Apr 18
Where: Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar St
23. HYL Song Rapper
Live performance blending rap, pop, and electro sounds. Tickets $25.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 8pm
Where: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre
24. Les souliers d’Angelie
Dance show for families exploring a magical world of shoes and imagination. Tickets $20.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 6:30pm
Where: Richcraft Theatre, Shenkman Arts Centre
25. The Elvis Concert starring Pete Paquette
Enjoy a high-energy tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, performed
by Canada’s own Pete Paquette. This live concert brings Elvis’s biggest hits to life, from the 1950s classics to the famous 1968 comeback and Las Vegas shows, backed by a full band and singers. Tickets $65.
When: Saturday, Apr 18, 7pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall
26. Arteast Ottawa Fine Art Show
First fine art show east of Bank Street featuring local artists. Free admission and parking.
When: April 18–19, 10am–4pm
Where: Pine View Golf Club, 1471 Blair Road
Sunday
27. Celtic Woman
Experience a night of Irish music blending traditional melodies with modern sounds, powerful vocals, live instruments, and stage production. Tickets from $83.25.
When: Sunday, Apr 19, doors open 7pm
Where: Hard Rock Live, 4837 Albion Rd, Ottawa
28. Two Asian One Mic Standup Comedy Tour
Two rising Asian Canadian comedians bring fresh perspectives and storytelling. Tickets from $30.
When: Sunday, Apr 19, 7pm
Where: Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa West, 1394 Richmond Rd
29. Just For Laughs Road Show
Top comedians from the Just For Laughs festival bring a night of stand up. Tickets from $46.75.
When: Sunday, Apr 19, 8pm
Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr
30. Build to Lead
Community event featuring speakers sharing stories about leadership and success. Speakers include accomplished women from sports, media, and public service who share their experiences to motivate and empower the next generation. Tickets $10.
When: Sunday, Apr 19, 1pm
Where: Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa.
More recurring events
31. 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
32. 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.
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