Only time will tell if, after coming in like a lion last weekend, March will go out like a lamb, but this coming weekend looks like the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy either outdoor activities or indoor events. March Break is kicking off for many in the region, so plan accordingly!
All Weekend
The 25th Annual Youth Infringement Festival takes place until March 17 at Arts Court. There are six shows presented by youths ages 16 to 25 who have developed and produced original works.
The Remic Rapids Park Bistro is open for the winter on weekends with soups, chilis, sandwiches, desserts, hot drinks, beer and wine.
The Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show takes place all weekend at the Palais de Congrès de Gatineau. With exhibitors on topics from bike tourism and travel to clothes and accessories, there’s a bit of everything for every level and style of cyclist!
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Head out snowshoeing with a nature interpreter in Gatineau Park to learn about animal tracks—the last weekend for it!—in English and French.
There’s plenty of great cinema to catch at both of Ottawa’s independent theatres, including Oscar-nominated films ahead of Sunday’s ceremony.
For more cinema, be sure to check out the International Film Festival of Ottawa taking place until March 19.
Explore the secret language of queer art in the National Gallery’s Amor et Mors exhibit—check out Apt613’s preview.
In its final weekend at the GCTC, The Unplugging tells the story of a post-apocalyptic future where two women must rely on their Indigenous knowledge and traditions to survive.
Until March 18 you can catch Phantom Crew at The Gladstone. It’s an evening of haunting stories and songs from the Maritimes with a bit of comedy mixed in. Read our preview here.
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The National Arts Centre hosts the stage adaptation of Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald’s well-loved 1996 novel, Fall On Your Knees, in two parts, until the end of the month. Between Saturday’s performances, there is also an in-person discussion with the author and one of the co-creators.
Orpheus Musical Theatre kicks off its much-anticipated run of Memphis—which won four Tony Awards on Broadway—this weekend. Orpheus’ productions are always high-calibre and the music in this show is great.
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Friday
Join Bassem Elghawaby and friends to celebrate the launch of his powerful poetic memoir, Solemn Stream—a Poetic Journey through Faith and Bipolar, and engage in a community dialogue.
Adult rollerskate party with a space theme? Yes, please! Join the Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club for Space Cadets 2023, a great night with fun lights and music to set the roller scene.
Saturday
Spring into Vintage at the Westboro Legion brings together many local vendors offering everything from vintage clothing to home decor, jewelry, and more. They’ll also be collecting donations for Cornerstone Housing for Women.
Try your hand at an Indigenous cooking class and learn how to make bison chili and bannock bread with Mādahòkì Farm and Inuk chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe.
Pan American Speak Dating: Special Francophonie from 4 pm to 5:30pm online as part of Francophonie Month. It’s a friendly encounter in French with Francophones and Francophiles of all levels inspired by the concept of speed dating, in partnership with the Alliance Française of Canada.
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Rainbow Bistro presents Chick Rock Fest 2023 with three of Ottawa’s finest female-fronted bands.
Kicking off a year-long celebration of Debaser’s 10-year anniversary, Pique‘s spring edition brings together forward-thinking artists working in performance, digital, and literary art. The 2023 season premiere of Pique brings audio-visual performances, media art installations, live collaborations, and DJ sets by forward-thinking, visionary artists from Algonquin territory and across Turtle Island. Produced by Debaser, the city’s leading independent and underground presenter, Pique is a festival for forward-thinking, artist-driven music and art presentation, produced four times per year at the Arts Court building in downtown Ottawa.
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Sunday
Free-Play Sunday: After Dark takes place at House of Targ. A chance for adults to get in on some unlimited arcade action with great DJs and delicious pierogies.
Leading Ladies Canada presents its International Women’s Day 2023: Embrace Equity – Black Women in Leadership event at City Hall. It features art, a fashion show, performances by Indashyikirwa Rwanda dance group and Remesha Drums Burundese group, and more.
A Company of Fools’ famous fundraiser is back. The sing-a-long Mamma Mia movie at the Mayfair is such a blast, a fundraiser for a great cause, and even has prizes. Every summer, the Fools produce a Shakespeare-in-the-park tour that brings a professional production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest hits to 40 different parks across Ottawa. All of their performances are by donation and no tickets are required.
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