Weekend Events & Festivals in Ottawa
A weekly digest of what’s on this weekend in Ottawa, including free fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions. – April 19 to 21, 2024.
Before You Travel:
- Weather:
- Ottawa Road Conditions/Traffic/Road Closures: Details
Submit the event online (free) to add to the Ottawa Events Calendar.
- Spring/April:
I. Family & Kids Activities
Family Sunset Painting Class
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Art Haven Kanata, 124-150 Katimavik Rd., Ottawa
$40
Amazing Planet Earth
From the bottom of the ocean to the top of the highest mountain, from the tiniest insect to the mightiest elephant, from the deepest tree root to the farthest reaches of outer space—our world is full of spine-tingling wonders and incredible secrets. Join the NAC Orchestra and its special guests for a musical exploration of Amazing Planet Earth and the universe beyond! Details
Sunday April 21, 2024 | 3:30 PM
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$15.00
At the library
Ottawa Public Library offers plenty of free activities for all ages, including toddler storytimes. Plan to attend some of the free activities during weekends:
Details and link for registration.
By City of Ottawa Recreation – Programs
At the library
II. Live Music
EDM/Concerts Tours
- Mimi O’Bonsawin on Thursday April 18 | 8:00 PM @ National Arts Centre
- Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show on April 19 & 20 | 7:30 PM @ LIVE! on Elgin, Ottawa
- Chris Cresswell, Northcote, Chuck Coles on Friday, April 19 | 8:30 PM @ Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
- Queen Flash: Queen Tribute Show on Saturday, April 20 | 8 PM @ Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
- Sourpussy, Castle Black, & Saturn Sunrise on Sunday, April 21 | 7 PM @ LIVE! on Elgin, Ottawa
The Elvis Concert featuring Pete Paquette
Don’t miss Canada’s one and only Pete Paquette as he delivers an unforgettable live concert experience showcasing Elvis Presley’s music: the 1950s, the 1968 Comeback Special in Leather, and the explosive Vegas years. A performance for all ages, this authentic and high-energy show will be backed by Pete’s own band The Rockin’ Royals and The Tonettes. Details
April 19 & 20, 2024
Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau
$60+fees
Tom Thomson’s Wake – An Original Folk Musical
Two years after renowned painter Tom Thomson’s mysterious death, his friend, his mentor, and his lover gather to share memories of Canada’s most famous artist. But did any of them really know the man? Through their diverging songs and stories, a new portrait of an iconic Canadian emerges. Featuring spectacular high-definition imagery of Tom Thomson and Group of 7 artworks from the Art Gallery of Ontario, unforgettable characters and a rousing folk music score by the Shipyard Kitchen Party band, this original Canadian musical will inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. Details
Friday, April 19, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$50.00 – $59.00
Carn Davidson 9
CD9 is a nine-piece chord-less ensemble that utilizes its seven horns as melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices, anchored by bass and drums. This co-led ensemble is an opportunity for both artists to craft their compositions for this chamber jazz instrumentation. Details
Friday April 19, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$38.00
Concert Overflow
Gospel Concert with various Artists coming from different cities with only one desire, to see their cup overflow with the Presence of God. Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 5:00 PM
Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean
$50 – $65+fees
A Tribute to Baligh Hamdi
Music Without Borders cordially invites you to ‘A Tribute to Baligh Hamdi”, a musical concert dedicated to honoring the timeless musical contributions of the iconic Egyptian composer, Baligh Hamdi. His music has left an indelible mark on the world of Egyptian and Arabic music. The concert will feature Baligh Hamdi’s compositions for renowned artists such as Oum Kolthoum, Abdelhalim Hafez, Wadih Al Safi, Sabah, Mayada El Hennawi, and others. Details
Saturday April 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$44.25 – $56.25
Ottawa Jazz Orchestra
The Ottawa Jazz Orchestra, led by bassist Adrian Cho, brings back the big band with two sets of swinging songs that will have you smiling and tapping your toes all evening. The first set will recall the sounds of the Cotton Club and Harlem speakeasies featuring music by Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and more. Savour this rarely performed music that will truly transport you back to the golden age of jazz. Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Fourth Stage, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$42.00
III. Live Theatre
Matt Mathews: When That Thang Get Ta Thang’n
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean
$49.50 – $69.50+fees
Presenting X: PushPULL Dance Ottawa
Join us as we celebrate a decade of performance and artistry! PushPULL Dance Ottawa is proud to mark its 10th anniversary, a milestone that embodies a journey of passion, dedication, and creativity. For the past ten years, we have delighted audiences with captivating performances, pushing the boundaries of dance and storytelling. As we commemorate this special occasion, we invite you to join us for a series of performances that showcase the best of our repertoire, highlighting the evolution of our company and the incredible talents of our dancers. Details
April 19 & 20, 2024
Les Lye Studio Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa
$22.63 – $27.96
Treasure Island
From the classic by Robert Louis Stevenson, Ottawa School of Theatre brings you the story that defined the myth of pirates. Join us on the open seas in a search for buried treasure in a tale of mutiny and adventure! Details
April 18 to 21, 2024
Shenkman Arts Centre
245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
$10 to $50
Just For Laughs Road Show
Just For Laughs is taking the show on the road and bringing its funniest alum to Ottawa. Don’t miss some of the best acts from the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy festival as the road show rolls into Meridian Theatres. Details
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa
$46.75
Shorthanded: A Ladies Game
Eight women battle the other team (and each other), after finding themselves short-handed for their championship game. Throw in some mid-life problems, friendships, some teasing, some tenderness, chocolate, beer, and hockey. presented by Phoenix Players By Michael Grant Directed by Rachel Worton Details
April 19-27, 2024
The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue
$24-$27
The Retro Reveal
Come join us in celebrating the decades through burlesque and drag! Our cast will take you from the 1940s to the 2020s showcasing some of your favourite hits of the decades. Headliner:Celesta O’Lee (Montreal, QC) Special Guests: Chrissy Bunz (Whitney Point, NY) Ghula Mortisse (Whitney Point, NY). Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
$38.61
Margie Gillis Dance Foundation
Under the artistic direction of choreographer Margie Gillis, the dancers come together to present Literature of the Body, a powerful, poetic and somatic project. Through these two ensemble works, the audience witnesses the intimate and mysterious workings of the soul’s inner journey and the poetry that lies at the heart of the art of dance. Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$31.00 – $89.00
Grand Horizons
Fifty years into their marriage, Bill and Nancy want a divorce. While they appear unfazed, their two adult sons are thrown into a frenzy, forced to re-examine everything they thought they knew about their parents’ outwardly happy lives. Details
April 3 to 20, 2024
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
$14 to $30
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
This two-hour show features all-Canadian music: from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Come meet our singing Mountie, Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and more. This high-energy production features over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists including music from Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Bare Naked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many, MANY more. Details
Various Dates
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, 330 Kent Street, Ottawa
$20 to $94.95
IV. Sports/Outdoor Activities
PWHL Ottawa
Professional Women’s Hockey League. vs. PWHL Minnesota Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 7:00 PM
The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
$10 – $58.96+fees
Atlético Ottawa
Canadian Premier League. vs. Cavalry FC Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 2:00 PM
The Stadium at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
$10 & up+fees
General Activities
- Scenic Lookouts: 15 Scenic Lookouts In and Around Ottawa
- Waterfalls: 15+ Waterfalls to Visit in and Around Ottawa
- Hikes: 25 of the Best Hikes in and Around Ottawa
- Family Hikes: 20 Family Hikes and Walks in and Around Ottawa
- Nature Areas: 25 Must-Visit Nature Attractions and Nature Hotspots in and Around Ottawa
V. Festivals & Other Events
Pysanka Bingo & Varenyky Dinner
Friday, April 19 | 6 PM to 10 PM
Ukrainian Banquet and Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
$ 25 per person
Beaded Earring Workshop
Come join Stephanie Peltier of Deliaestelle Designs for this beaded earring workshop! You will receive a kit that has everything to make a pair of beautiful beaded earrings, with a surprise bead colour inside! Included are instructions, beads, gems, threads, stud backings and much more! In this 3-hour workshop you will bead along with Stephanie to make your earrings from start to finish and have the ability to share your progress and ask questions. Details
Friday April 19, 2024 | 11:30 AM
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
$50.00
“Inspirations” Art Show &Sale
This Fine Art show is independently juried and offers a selection of high-quality artwork from forty local artists, who will be displaying works in watercolour, oil and acrylic, as well as photography, sculpture and woodturning. There will be live music to entertain our guests Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Ottawa Mission. Details
April 19 to 21, 2024
Manotick Curling Centre, 5519 South River Road , Manotick
Free
Fifty-Five Plus Lifestyle Show
Come visit our wide range of hundreds of exhibitors with great information, resources, give aways and much more! Details
April 19 & 20, 2024
EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa
Free
Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show
Get ready for the Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show coming up this spring as we showcase the latest outdoor, travel, camping and sport exhibitors. Come see the products, plan the trips, purchase the gear and equipment, and ignite and nurture the passion of every type of outdoor enthusiasts. Details
April 20 & 21, 2024
Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
Free
Tartan Day Weekend
The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band welcome you to join them for 2 days of Tartan Day fun. First Tartan Day Expo on Saturday with vendors and exhibitors of all kinds, celtic and lovely. Join us on Parliament Hill for the 16th National Tartan Day Celebrations with music, song and dance on Sunday. All free, family friendly, and come along in your tartans! Details
Saturday, April 20 | 12 to 3 PM
Sunday, April 21 | 12 to 1:30 PM
Mosaic Convention Centre, 3750 N Bowesville Road, Ottawa
free
Eco Market
Explore the essence of sustainability at Re4m’s Eco market. Where handcrafted meets eco-friendly! Join us on Earth Day for this special event featuring local eco-vendors, makers and upcyclers. This year, we will be highlighting environmental initiatives and recycling initiatives. Expect unique items, delicious food, recycling efforts, games and educational activities at our family friendly event. A portion of the proceeds from the market will be donated to Nature Conservancy Canada. Details
Saturday, April 20 | 9am – 4pm
Re4m Design and Fabrication, 136 Billings Avenue, Ottawa
Free
Spring Clothing Swap
Bring up to 10 items of your gently used clothing items (women men & children) and swap them for up to10 other items. Its one for one value so depending on how many items you bring you can get in return. It’s a great way to refresh your wardrobe and give new life to your clothes for someone else. Details
Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thrive Select Thrift, 1547 Merivale Road #Unit 3, Ottawa
Donation
Watercolor Workshop: Mushrooms
Join us for a fun and creative watercolour workshop where you’ll learn to paint your own beautiful piece! No prior experience required, this workshop is perfect for adult learners at any skill-level. All materials are included! During the workshop, watercolour artist, Andrea Elena, will guide you step-by-step, and you will learn various techniques and tips to bring your painting to life on paper. Details
Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 12 PM – 3 PM
Art Haven Kanata, 124-150 Katimavik Rd., Ottawa
$65
April Exhibitions at Wall Space Gallery
Wall Space Gallery is proud to present “Sky Poetry” by Erica Hawkes and “New Works” by Nicole Allen. Details
April 13 to 27, 2024
Wall Space Gallery, 1090 Bank St., Ottawa
Free
Art Exhibition
Upcoming art exhibition Wildflowers Haikus, Kaleidoscope Sky Studio, Hintonburg. Paintings and poetry. Details
March 25 to May 12, 2024
Kaleidoscope Sky Studio, 1106 Somerset St W, Ottawa
Free
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there might be oversight errors/Events might be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.
To add events to this list – Submit Event.
me and my buddy are going next weekend. I cant wait for updated list. lots of fun items to do in Ottawa
Great resource. Thanks a lot!
Thank you
Hello
Does subscribe work?
tried twice, always an error (nothing in my inbox or spam)
thank you
Does subscribing still work? I have checked my spam folders and nothing.
Great site, I look at it almost every week to get ideas on what to do with the kids.
Just to note, there’s a fair with carnival rides this weekend (Aug. 20-22) at the Earl Armstrong Arena. You can see it from the costco parking lot.
Here’s the address for those interested:
Earl Armstrong Arena
2020 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 7N8
To allay any confusion–when you click on “details” under “Shakespeare in the Park–A Midsummer Night’s Dream” there is an error suggesting that the play is “Cymbeline.” That was last year’s Bear production! This year’s show is, indeed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Join us for one of our final three performances, Aug 2, 3, & 4!
Wow wish I had found this site much sooner. So many great events happening in Ottawa this weekend. Thanks for providing this list.
Thanks for the list!!! It really helps me plan my activities with my kids on the weekend.
Great listings! Thanks!
Thanks for including the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival http://ocanfilmfest.ca/ocanfilmfest2018
Useful. Thanks for sharing.
Why is it that the “Subscribe to our newsletter” – on the right hand side of this newsletter/webpage…
https://www.todocanada.ca/things-ottawa-weekend/
… does not include Ottawa in the “Select City News letter list”?
Boom