The city keeps getting greener, and the weather will be heating up again this weekend, in time for some of our favourite spring activities. Whether it’s shopping, catching some live music or sports or just trying something new, get out there and enjoy the city!
Ottawa Race Weekend takes over the city this weekend, so if you are planning to be out and about, check for relevant road closures just to be prepared. Good luck to everyone taking part!
All Weekend
The inaugural Capital Music Week (CxMW) launched this week, and it promises to be a major celebration not only of Ottawa’s music scene, but its entire nightlife. Headline performers include Elijah Woods and Skydiggers. The whole week is organized by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). Other initiatives include Sound x Summit, a full day of panels, workshops, and a market for music professionals on Saturday; the Ontario Music City Showcase, a free lunch-hour concert on Thursday; and the 6th annual Capital Music Awards Thursday evening.
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The Ottawa Titans are continuing their home stand through the weekend, with a final game against the New Jersey Jackals on Thursday, and our first series of the year against the New York Boulders Friday — Sunday. Bring your dog on Saturday for Bark in the Park, or the kids on Sunday for bouncy castles and running the bases after the game. Read our latest preview of the team here.
The two part dramatic performance Mahabharata at the NAC closes this weekend, and this colourful, exciting retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic is definitely a crowd pleaser. Read our full review here.
It’s Ribfest Season, and this weekend it’s Kanata’s turn! Check out Kanata Ribfest Friday, Saturday or Sunday at Community Hub on March Road.
This is the final weekend to see Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None at Ottawa Little Theatre. The classic closed room murder mystery has played to rave reviews, including our own.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Odawa Pow Wow at the Odawa Friendship Centre on St Laurent. Saturday and Sunday are both full days of drumming, dancing, singing, food and cultural sharing. The event is free to attend for everyone, but donations to the Centre are welcome.
Thursday
Capital Music Week is still going strong, and there are still tickets available for the Capital Music Awards being held at the NAC. See live performances by Cody Coyote, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, Tech Twelve and more. And of course, see your favourite musicians take home some hardware!
There is serious playoff hockey in Ottawa this spring, and the Ottawa Charge are taking on the Minnesota Frost in Game 2 of the PWHL Finals. After taking Game 1 in overtime on Tuesday, the Charge are poised to do it all over again at TD Place Thursday. There are some resale tickets still available, or watch the game live at your favourite local pub.
The Hintonburg Night Market is back on Thursday nights at Urban Art Collective on Somerset from 4pm-9pm. Check out local artists and vendors both inside the collective, and outside.
Are you an artist? Do you need help figuring out how to budget? The Multicultural Artists’ Coalition is offering a free budget workshop for artists at Arts Court on Thursday evening.
Friday
The Skydiggers will be celebrating their newest album, Dreams & Second Chances with an upcoming tour, which includes a stop in Ottawa (as part of Capital Music Week) on May 23rd at Bronson Centre. Get your tickets in advance.
Ottawa’s best dance party is back for Capital Music Week, so get ready to TIMEKODE until dawn. From 10pm-4am at City at Night boogie down with DJs Memetic, Trevor Walker and more!
Saturday
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This Saturday marks the official opening of the Centrepointe Disc Golf Course. Whether you’ve just discovered disc or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, swing by the West end of Centrepointe Park from 11am-2pm to celebrate the sport — and this great new course. For those who are new to the game, or wishing to improve their skills, the Ottawa Disc Golf Club will be on site offering free lessons.
Ottawa Polish Fest is taking over the Byward Market on Saturday with live music and dancing, vendors and more.
If you’re a photographer, (or an aspiring one) check out the SPAO Garage Sale on Saturday and Sunday this weekend for used camera gear, equipment, photobooks and more.
For all of the comic book nerds out there, the Capital Comic Book Convention is happening on Saturday at the RA Centre on Riverside Drive from 11am-4pm. Tickets are available online for $9.
If you’re interested in a bit of a road trip, you can’t go wrong with the Franktown Lilac Festival happening in the Lilac Capital of Canada – Franktown. While you can stroll the lilacs any day of the week, the community hosts a day full of music, food, horse drawn carriages and activities on Saturday from 8am-4pm.
The All Things Bookish Market is happening Saturday at the Parkdale Market from 11am-5pm. Expect local authors, unique book-themed vendors, cozy atmospheres, and the perfect space to discover your next great read!
Sunday
Sunday afternoons at Red Bird you can relax and take it down a notch at the Acoustic Coffee House, or get up on stage for your own open mic moment. From 1pm-4pm take in the acoustic sounds with some drinks and snacks.
Ottawa’s newest pro sports team, the Rapid FC are taking on the first place Montreal Roses on Sunday at 2pm. The ladies have been doing well so far, with 2 wins and 1 loss, and some explosive soccer. Tickets are available online, but there is a good chance the game will sell out, so get them now! Read about the new team in our preview here.
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