Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this April 2026. Click on the event title for more information.
Easter at the Bunker | April 4
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum | 3929 Carp Road
Spring has sprung at the Diefenbunker Museum, and it’s time for some springtime family fun underground!
Visitors are invited to explore the four-storey Cold War bunker while searching for signs of spring. The scavenger hunt includes camouflaged Easter eggs and flowers and guests can decorate a butterfly or an egg at the craft station. Small treats can be found along the way as well.
Ottawa Comic Arts Festival | April 4
Glebe Community Centre | 175 Third Ave
The Ottawa Comic Arts Festival brings together comic artists, illustrators, and readers to celebrate the art of visual storytelling. Visitors can discover local creators, explore artist exhibits, attend panel discussions, and take part in workshops focused on comic creation and illustration. The festival highlights Ottawa’s vibrant comics community and the creativity behind graphic narratives.
Hop Into Spring | April 4
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road
Hop Into Spring is a family-friendly celebration welcoming the arrival of the season at a historic heritage village. Visitors can explore interactive activities, meet animals, enjoy themed games, and take part in a seasonal scavenger hunt while discovering how communities traditionally marked the transition from winter to spring. The event offers playful learning and outdoor exploration for families with young children.
Easter Egg Hunt at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm | April 4
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm | 2452 Yorks Corners Road | Edwards
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for both kids and kids at heart! Help the Easter Bunny find all of the lost Easter eggs. Once you have returned the eggs to the Bunnies they will reward you for your help!
Easter at the Estate | April 4 – 5
Billings Estate National Historic Site | 2100 Cabot Street
Celebrate spring at Easter at the Estate with hands-on family activities. Create an Easter craft, test your skills in an egg and spoon race, get creative with a planting activity, and meet adorable animal friends from the Zoo Crew. Best suited for kids aged 3 to 8, with fun for the whole family.
Ontario Maple Weekend | April 4 – 5
Various locations
Enjoy pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, sugar-making demonstrations, taffy on snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more throughout the province of Ontario.
Anime Ottawa | April 3 – 5
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Get ready to celebrate all things anime! Anime Ottawa brings fans together for epic cosplay, artist showcases, gaming, and more. Meet creators, explore the Exhibition Hall, and dive into the best of anime and pop culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, this is the place to be!
Easter at The Log Farm | April 3 – 6
The Log Farm | 670 Cedarview Road
Celebrate Easter with fun activities around the farm. Admission includes an Easter egg hunt in the forest and a scenic wagon ride. Enjoy a visit with the farm animals, including bunnies, and explore the kids’ play areas. Don’t miss this festive weekend filled with springtime fun for the whole family.
Easter Egg Hunt at Valleyview Little Animal Farm | April 3 – 6
Valleyview Little Animal Farm | 4750 Fallowfield Road
Partake in this annual Easter Egg Hunt while enjoy the company of a wide variety of animals and birds up close, such as alpacas to zebus, goats to geese.
Easter at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | April 3 – 6
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | 901 Prince of Wales Drive
Visit the All About Eggs room to admire beautifully decorated eggs, and let kids of all ages create a springtime craft to take home. Families can also take a break and enjoy a movie together.
Goo Goo Dolls – Canada Spring 2026 | April 6
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Attend Goo Goo Dolls live in concert and experience the songs that have defined generations. From the iconic “Iris” to a catalogue of chart-topping hits, this is a powerful night of anthems, emotion, and sing-along moments.
United Promotions Presents: Live Championship Boxing | April 11
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | 4837 Albion Road
United Championship Boxing presents an evening of professional boxing at Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa. The event features a lineup of professional fighters including established contenders and emerging talent. Audiences can experience the excitement of live boxing in an energetic arena setting as athletes compete across multiple bouts.
Ottawa Record Fair | April 11
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Join music enthusiasts at Ottawa Record Fair for a day of crate-digging and rare vinyl finds. Early bird access begins at 10 a.m., giving collectors the first chance to explore an extensive selection of records. General admission doors open at 11 a.m.
Workshop’s Legendary Trunk Sale | April 9 – 12
Next Door Market and Event Space | 955a Gladstone Avenue
This is your chance to buy made-in-Canada fashion at amazing prices. Save 30-70% off gorgeous clothing from previous seasons, all made by independent Canadian designers.
Travel and Vacation Show | April 11 – 12
Rogers Centre Ottawa | 55 Colonel By Drive
Learn all about exciting vacation destinations.
National Tartan Day | April 12
Parliament Hill | 111 Wellington Street
Celebrate National Tartan Day on Parliament Hill with lively music and dance! Enjoy a free noon-hour show featuring the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, talented dancers, and special guests. Don your tartan and join the fun at this vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage!
Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show | April 10 – 12
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Meet exhibitors showing docks, builders, contractors, innovative building products, green solutions, decor and style, arts and crafts, food and entertaining, water toys, and more.
Jazz Night Out | April 14
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre | 355 Cooper Street
Jazz Night Out is an evening of live music supporting Ottawa’s vibrant jazz community. The event features a concert performance by the legendary gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder and his iconic album Songs in the Key of Life. Presented at Carleton Dominion‑Chalmers Centre, the evening combines powerful music with support for local arts programming.
Powwow Life-Drawing | April 14
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Come join the NAC for this two-hour life-drawing session where you can capture the dynamic beauty of powwow dances and their regalia on your own paper. Participants will bring their own material and work with art facilitators to create drawings that capture both the movement of the dancers and their regalia. Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists. Bring your favourite materials along to participate. Some supplies will be offered to those that do not have any on hand.
Y Embassy Chef Showcase | April 15
Horticulture Building | Lansdowne Park | 1525 Princess Patricia Way
The Y Embassy Chef Showcase brings together chefs representing international embassies in Canada’s capital for a unique culinary experience. Guests can explore a variety of global dishes and beverages while celebrating cultural diversity and culinary creativity. Proceeds from the event support community programs in the National Capital Region.
Canada Film Day Screening | April 15
The Hintonburg Public House | 1020 Wellington Street West
In celebration of Canada Film Day, this screening features BlackBerry, a film that explores the rise of one of Canada’s most influential tech companies. The story offers a compelling look at innovation, ambition and the impact of a homegrown success on the global stage.
Hidden Goa: Where India & Portugal Converge | April 17
Ek Bar Ottawa | 225 Preston Street
This one-night culinary experience showcases the work of Chef Hemant Bhagwani, featuring a curated menu that highlights his distinctive approach to modern cuisine. Hosted at one of Ottawa’s newest dining destinations, the event offers an intimate opportunity to explore bold flavours and refined techniques in a thoughtfully designed setting.
Outaouais Film Festival | April 9 – 17
Various locations | Gatineau
Experience the Outaouais Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of national and international auteur cinema! Enjoy 100+ screenings of feature films, shorts, animations, and documentaries from around the world.
Astronomy in Action Planetarium Tour | April 18
Knox Presbyterian Church | 120 Lisgar street
This immersive planetarium experience transforms a dome into a 360-degree journey through the universe. Visitors can explore celestial destinations such as the Moon, the rings of Saturn and distant galaxies through a series of engaging presentations. Designed for a range of audiences, the experience combines education and visual storytelling in an interactive environment.
Bytown Antique & Vintage Show | April 18
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
Explore antiques, collectibles, nostalgia, vintage finds, art, jewelry & more. Don’t miss this golden anniversary of amazing discoveries!
FitPalooza | April 18
Collège La Cité | 801 Aviation Parkway
Get ready to sweat, smile, and move at FitPalooza—the high-energy fitness party at Collège La Cité! Join top trainers for energizing workouts, dance fitness, yoga, mini massages, wellness tips, and more. All fitness levels welcome! Stay inspired, stay active, and have a blast!
Two Asian One Mic Standup Comedy Tour | April 19
Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa West | 1394 Richmond Road
Two acclaimed Asian Canadian comedians take the stage for an evening of stand-up comedy. The touring show highlights diverse comedic perspectives and storytelling, offering audiences sharp humour and insightful observations drawn from everyday life. The performance celebrates the voices of rising talent in Canada’s comedy scene.
Ottawa Doll Show and Sale | April 19
Jim Durrell Recreation Center | 1265 Walkley Road
Discover a treasure trove of dolls, teddy bears, and miniatures—new and vintage finds for both kids and collectors. Find Barbie, American Girl, Maplelea, Monster High, as well as antique and international dolls. Proceeds from the door will go to Ottawa Youville. A fun event for all ages!
Ottawa Parent and Child Expo | April 18 – 19
Nepean Sportsplex 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
Join over 5,000 Ottawa parents and families to play, learn and explore! There will be 100 leading local parenting exhibitors, covering toddlers to the teenage years!
The Price is Right Live | April 21 – 22
Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino | 4837 Albion Road
Inspired by the legendary television game show The Price Is Right, The Price Is Right Live™ brings the excitement of the classic format to the stage. Audience members may have the opportunity to participate in interactive games and challenges for prizes during this lively entertainment experience.
Ottawa Wine Auction | April 24
Fairmont Château Laurier | 1 Rideau Street
Whether you’re a connoisseur, collector, or a complete beginner, this evening is a unique opportunity to discover amazing vintages and immerse yourself in the realm of fine wines. It is an initiative of the Music and Beyond festival to support annual programming.
Old Dominion | April 24
Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino | 4837 Albion Road
Country music band Old Dominion performs live at Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa. Known for their chart-topping hits and distinctive songwriting, the band blends modern country sounds with pop influences. Fans can expect an energetic live performance featuring some of their most recognizable songs.
6ixsters Drag Extravaganza | April 25
The Bronson Music Theatre | 211 Bronson Ave
This drag showcase brings together performers from across Ottawa, Montréal and Toronto, including artists featured on Canada’s Drag Race. The event highlights a range of performance styles, celebrating creativity, self-expression and contemporary drag culture within a high-energy stage production.
Spring Fling in Manotick | April 25
Manotick
Feast your eyes on art, fill your ears with music and tempt your tastebuds with festive spring menu items at our various cafes and restaurants. Shop and enjoy in-store specials, sampling and giveaways!
Fibre Fling Art Show & Sale | April 24 – 25
Kitchissippi United Church | 630 Island Park Drive
Annual art show and sale by Out Of The Box Fibre Artists. Creative and innovative works in fibre and mixed-media.
European Union Short Film Festival | April 24 – 25
Arts Court Theatre | 2 Daly Avenue
The European Union Short Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of short films from filmmakers across the European Union. The program includes dramas, animation, and experimental works, highlighting emerging voices and creative storytelling in short-form cinema. Screenings celebrate the diversity of European filmmaking and culture.
Orléans PoutineFest | April 24 – 26
Centrum Plaza | 255 Centrum Boulevard
Welcome to the official kickoff to spring in Orléans! This is the Original Poutinefest, featuring over 75 kinds of poutine and curdaliousness.
The Ottawa Indie Bookstore Crawl | April 24 – 26
Various locations
As part of Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, Ottawa’s independent bookstores are joining forces for the annual indie bookstore crawl — a celebration of local literary culture and the vibrant energy that only a community of book lovers can bring.
Ottawa Guitar Show | April 26
Jim Durrell Recreation Centre | 1265 Walkley Road
Variety of musical gear from different exhibitors, selection of used, newer and vintage guitars, vintage and boutique amps, pedals, cases and guitar parts.
Irish Film Festival Ottawa | April 24 – 26
Arts Court | 2 Daly Ave
Irish Film Festival Ottawa is a non-profit organization that celebrates Irish culture, language, humour and history through the modern medium of film. Founded in March 2014, the annual film festival showcases recent films of all genres from Irish filmmakers in a three-day event that also incorporates Irish music, dance and other arts.
Outdoor and Adventure Travel Show | April 25 – 26
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
The Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show has something for everyone who loves being outdoors, from paddling and camping to adventure travel and family activities. Enjoy free admission and free parking, see the products, plan the trips and enjoy the presentations on the Adventure Stage throughout this weekend-long event at the Nepean Sportsplex.
Ottawa Grassroots Festival | April 23 – 26
First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa | 30 Cleary Avenue
The Ottawa Grassroots Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to cultivating community at the local level. Volunteers, sponsors, artists and festival patrons celebrate, share and learn together in a barrier-free environment at the organization’s annual music festival.
Capital Comic Book Convention | April 26
RA Centre | 2451 Riverside Drive
An event designed for both casual comic book fans and serious collectors. The show focuses solely on comic books and graphic novels. You’ll see comics from the Golden Age right up to present day. Vendors will be appearing from Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The best selection of comics at any convention in Ontario or Quebec.
Spring Craft Market – Mother’s Day edition | April 26
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Head to the NAC for another edition of the Spring Craft Market, a vibrant showcase of local creative culture. Shop from a curated selection of handmade goods, makers, producers and artists, all while supporting small businesses in our community. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy your Mother’s Day gifts!
Ottawa Regional Air Guitar Championships | April 30
House of Targ | 1077 Bank Street
This spirited competition showcases performers interpreting music through the art of air guitar. Participants are judged on creativity, stage presence and technical expression, with top competitors advancing to national and international stages. The event highlights performance as a form of entertainment and community engagement, rooted in a message of creativity and positivity.
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