Well, it has only been one week since the Spring Ice Storm of 2023, but we are already catching up to our seasonal expected temperatures, and getting ready to spot the first blooms of the year. The wildly warm days we’ve been having can also only mean one thing—patio season! Get yourselves outside this weekend, soaking up some sunshine and culture around our fine city.
The very cool and connected music-loving folx at Apt613 are back to creating a monthly breakdown of live music, so you can find all the best gigs for April listed here!
All Weekend
Curated by Olivia C. Davies, Matriarchs Uprising is a unique festival of exchange and sharing through dance and performances, workshops and conversation. The festival at the NAC creates a platform for Indigenous women who are nurturing the art of contemporary Indigenous dance and storytelling, while holding space for past, present and future. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday catch a different performance in the three-event series.
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The Great Canadian Theatre Company has opened their newest show for spring this week, The First Stone. Described as an”epic-yet-intimate examination of violence and forgiveness” by award winner Donna-Michelle St Bernard, the piece explores stories of war and family in an unnamed international village modelled on similar places in Uganda. The show opens Thursday night, with a reduced-capacity show on Friday, two shows on Saturday and the popular Pay-What-You-Decide showing on Sunday afternoon. There are still tickets available for all shows online.
Hit up the Signatures Originals Spring Craft Sale at the EY Centre throughout the weekend for cool original gifts for the spring and summer. Maybe start thinking ahead to wedding season? Mothers’ Day? 613Day? Tickets are available online from $4–8, with half-price admission in the evening on Thursday and Friday. Check out Apt613’s recommendations here.
Ottawa Little Theatre’s latest production is running all weekend, including a matinée on Sunday. Halfway There by Norm Foster is a feel-good theatre experience about the power of true friendship, filled with Maritime wit and wisdom! Tickets are available online at $30 for adults. Shows begin at 7:30pm.
Renowned local artist Julie Baribeau is holding a benefit art show for the Ottawa Food Bank at Enriched Bread Artists Studios this weekend on the second floor. Check it out Friday from 7–9pm and Saturday from 1–5pm.
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I cannot believe that I’m telling you this, but there are still tickets available for this weekend’s performances of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert. The NAC Orchestra will be playing the score and taking you on a journey through space and time Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. I’m shocked that the 613 Potterheads haven’t sold this event out, so get on it right away!
Thursday
The Ottawa Art Gallery is celebrating its Spring Exhibitions with an opening night party Thursday. The building-wide event starts at 6:45pm with performances in the Alma Duncan salon and then speeches and a reception. Check out each of the spring shows currently running at the OAG, for free, as always!
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For an all-around cultural evening, check out Tara MacLean’s Songs & Stories event at the NAC Fourth Stage on Thursday, April 13. She just released Sparrow, the accompanying album to her bestselling debut memoir, Song of the Sparrow, after 25 years in the Canadian music industry. Tickets are $15 for the event.
Friday
The Ottawa 67s blasted their way through the first round of the OHL playoffs, and have advanced to the second round, hosting the Peterborough Petes this weekend at TD Place Friday at 7pm on Friday and a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets are definitely going to sell out, so get yours right now!
For a more more chill evening, you can find High Waters at Irene’s Pub playing Radiohead hits and some original songs. The show starts at 9pm and you can get your $20 tickets online beforehand.
Queering613 is holding their Spring Fling Queers and Beers evening at the Lowertown Brewery beginning at 6pm. This inclusive event encourages craft beer lovers to explore the craft brew scene in Ottawa and create a safer space for queer and trans pub lovers! Tickets are available online for $6. Important to note: Lowertown has a fantastic patio!
Saturday
Atlético Ottawa kicks off their season this Saturday, April 15, when they take on HFX Wanderers at TD Place at 1pm. Tickets for Saturday’s match are pay-what-you-can, with proceeds supporting CHEO and Lily Millett. Check out Apt613’s take on the upcoming season, and everything you need to know about the team to be prepared here.
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613flea returns to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on Saturday from 10am-4pm. We are told that some vendors will be bringing fanciful fragments of history with them, so keep your eyes peeled for the best in vintage and retro finds!
Show tune lovers have to make their way to Meridien Theatres @ Centrepointe Saturday evening for “‘Til I Hear You Sing!” The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The new revue promises to include his biggest hits and the deep cuts that hardcore fans will be hoping to hear. Tickets are still available starting at $55.
Would you rather just chill and have some easy laughs? The Hintonburg Public House is holding karaoke once a month, so you can check it out this Saturday starting at 9pm.
Sunday
The NAC Orchestra continues to bring diverse content to us, including this Sunday’s Music for a Sunday Afternoon. Featuring string musicians from the NAC Orchestra, this afternoon of chamber music will end the week on the perfect positive note. Tickets are $29, but this event does have the $15 Under 30 and All My Relations ticket options as well.
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