Sights & Sounds

What would you do for love, fame, and wine?

After their historic 50th anniversary season, the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) is back for their 2025-26 season, and they’re not slowing down.

On April 25-27, 2025, I took in Ottawa’s first ever Aerial Circus Festival at the LabO Theatre located on the ground floor of the Ottawa Art Gallery (10 Daly Ave.). You had me at Aerial Circus. What a spring treat!

“May the fourth be with you!” Yup, it’s May 4—Star Wars Day. And the ByTowne has a pretty sweet deal for all of you Star Wars fans: see the first three Star Wars films, back to back, for the price of ONE regular ticket. There are also plenty of other films to enjoy our wonderful independent cinemas this month!

JazzWorks, a feisty local arts education organization, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this spring with a concert series and a Great Big Jam Session from May 2 to May 4.

Two reporters dress up as clergymen to infiltrate the convent of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing since, rumour has it, some of the best wine around is produced. Lies, deceit, alcohol, and a whole lot of shenanigans ensue in The Lakeside Players production of Drinking Habits from May 1-4.

An all-local opera company will be performing an rare German opera, Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber, on April 27. Propelled by a love triangle and an archery competition, it’s a piece you’ll want to listen to.

The Irish Film Festival of Ottawa is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a three-day extravaganza of music, film, dance, and more. Running from April 25-27 at the Ottawa Art Gallery, promises to be a celebration of Irish culture for Ottawa’s Irish diaspora and beyond. Apt613 chatted with Patrick Murray, festival co-founder, about the festival and what audiences can expect this year.

By Emma Peterson In a small, lemon-hued house barely big enough for a bed, Karen Hines feels more and more trapped as she weaves the audience through a horror story of bad investments, a devilishly handsome, but deceptive real estate agent, maggots, property laws and – worse than anything – an impossible-to-reach crawl space that […]

A new season of Nature Nocturne is here! Join the Canadian Museum of Nature for a night of partying and fun in any of the following themed events, starting May 30.

Last night was electric as Gowan brought his 40 Years of Strange Animal Tour to the Bronson Centre Music Theatre. Gowan’s second sold-out show at the Bronson Centre is tonight, Monday, April 21st.

A successful livestream requires a dedicated team. Chris Lascelle takes us behind the scenes of Kilam’s livestream at Pique to learn how to navigate a complex broadcast with few technical difficulties.

The Canadian Tire Centre turned into the club on Monday night as Nelly, Ja Rule, and Chingy brought their “Where the Party At” tour to Ottawa. The capital was the second stop on the nationwide tour so far, which has been a high-energy celebration of Nelly’s 25-year career, with many special guests and moments.

In the second half of April, my recommendations for films at the ByTowne and the Mayfair skew to films from the vault, including an Easter weekend treat for kids. I also recommend three recently released films, including my favourite of 2024.

I was reluctant. I’m not gonna lie. Romantic Comedy is not my jam. But Now and Then, directed by Brian Cano, made my heart grow three sizes in two hours.