Check out this list of events and activities taking place in and around Ottawa this March 2026. Click on the event title for more information.
Megadeth | March 1
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Get ready to thrash, Ottawa. Three pillars of thrash metal. One stage. This is not nostalgia, it is velocity. Expect a setlist stacked with classics, technical precision, and the kind of volume that reminds you why this genre still commands arenas decades later.
SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve | March 4
50 Sussex Drive
Guests will enjoy all-inclusive premium cocktails, decadent chef stations, and captivating entertainment, including DJs, live music, auctions, beauty bars, and surprise experiences.
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season in style and start the year with purpose.
Dominique Fils-Aimé | March 4
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Rising star in vocal jazz and double JUNO Award winner, Dominique Fils-Aimé is a Montreal singer-songwriter who puts the history of African-American musical culture into the heart of her work. She will perform a show that invites the audience to delve into the roots of her soul with a strong desire to connect with one’s higher self. Whether in Canada (in a double bill with Allison Russell at Toronto’s Koerner Hall), in Europe (opening for Melody Gardot, Diana Krall, and Ibrahim Maalouf), or in the United States (with acclaimed performances in New York and Los Angeles), Dominique Fils-Aimé captivates her spectators and leads them on a transcendent journey.
Heated Spring Break: Dance Party | March 6
56 Byward Market Square
Glimmering Dolls presents a Heated Rivalry themed dance party celebrating queer culture, pop music, and fan driven nightlife experiences. Hosted at Berlin Nightclub, the event features a high energy mix of club tracks, queer anthems, and curated visuals inspired by the series, creating an immersive atmosphere for fans and the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo | March 6 – 7
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
The show will feature local golf courses, golf destinations, live auctions, two large retailers, the Canadian Performance Fitting Centre Demo Range featuring all the latest equipment, a $10,000 utting contest and much more!
Byward Beerfest | March 6 – 7
Lowertown Brewery | 73 York Street
Byward Beerfest at Lowertown Brewery, in the heart of the Byward Market. Get ready to indulge in a variety of craft beers, delicious food, and live entertainment!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 7
Supreme Court of Canada, travels along Wellington Street, turns up Sussex Drive, and wraps up in the lively ByWard Market
Celebrate Irish pride in Ottawa with the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, transforming downtown into a vibrant sea of shamrocks, music, and community spirit. Families, performers, and local groups come together for an unforgettable afternoon of pageantry, marching from the Supreme Court of Canada along Wellington Street, up Sussex Drive, and concluding in the lively ByWard Market. In the weeks prior, enjoy Irish Breakfast gatherings at the Heart & Crown in Barrhaven, bringing friends and supporters of Irish heritage together in the lead-up to the parade.
A Street Photography Series | March 7
National Gallery of Canada | 380 Sussex Drive
Explore the art of street photography in a dynamic three-part series inspired by the exhibition Camera and the City. Presented with the SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre, the series offers a tour of the exhibition, a ByWard Market photo walk, and a photo critique session. Attend one, two, or all three events to engage creatively with the urban landscape. A unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts of all levels.
Seedy Saturday Ottawa | March 7
Emmanuel United Church | 691 Smyth Road
Swap seeds, shop local vendors, and get expert gardening tips. Enjoy talks on water management, bird-friendly yards, and more. Meet fellow green thumbs, support local artisans, and savour local bites. Free admission and parking.
Holi Celebration at Walter Baker Park | March 7
Walter Baker Park | 100 Charlie Rogers Place
Get ready to experience the joy of this traditional Indian festival filled with music, dancing and of course, lots of colours.
Whether you’re a Holi enthusiast or just curious to learn more, this event is perfect for everyone. Bring your friends and family for a day of fun and laughter.
Femme Fest | March 7 – 8
Next Door Ottawa | 955A Gladstone Avenue
Join Femme Fest — a vibrant celebration of empowerment, creativity, and community in honour of International Women’s Day. This one-of-a-kind event brings together local artisans, entrepreneurs and changemakers committed to advancing gender equality and supporting women-led initiatives.
Family-friendly activities and crafts will also be available, creating a welcoming space for all to celebrate. Come together to honour, empower, and inspire this International Women’s Day.
Vanier Sugar Festival | March 9 / 28 – 29
Vanier Museopark | 300 Pères Blancs Avenue
Come get your maple fix at the Sugar Festival! Flagship event of the Museopark’s public programming, the Vanier Sugar Festival celebrates the sugaring-off season, while giving you a chance to renew with the traditions of artisanal maple syrup production.
This gourmet and cultural event bring together friends and family to enjoy a wide range of activities: sugar shack meals and maple taffy, several musical performances, a mini-farm, an amateur lumberjack skills competition, inflatable games, a space dedicated to the First Nations and more.
High Valley – Paradise & Hurricanes Tour | March 10
Algonquin Commons Theatre | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Multi-platinum country group High Valley brings its signature blend of contemporary country and traditional bluegrass to the stage, captivating audiences with upbeat messages and anthemic melodies. Led by founder and 7-time SOCAN Country Music Award winner Brad Rempel, the band has earned multiple CCMA Awards, JUNO nominations, and half a billion global streams, with hits including Make You Mine, She’s With Me, and Grew Up On That. Experience the energy, musicianship, and chart-topping sound that have made High Valley the top-selling Canadian country band in history.
Yoga Under the Stars | March 11
Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory | 2710 March Road
Unwind at Yoga Under the Stars at the Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory. Enjoy a 60-minute yoga session led by Navjit Kaur in a tranquil tropical water garden oasis. Relax, restore, and revitalize in a glass-enclosed retreat featuring cascading waterfalls.
Savour a light vegan snack, expertly crafted by the executive chef.
Ottawa Valley Farm Show | March 10 – 12
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Ontario’s longest running agricultural trade show.
Great Bowls of Fire | March 14
Glebe Community Centre | 175 Third Avenue
Select a beautiful hand-crafted pottery bowl, then choose your favourite soup and breads from some of Ottawa’s best restaurants and bakeries for a delicious take-home meal.
Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin with the NAC Orchestra | March 12 – 14
National Arts Centre | 1 Elgin Street
Featuring Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits from her megawatt, 60-year career—including “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”—the NAC Orchestra honours the Queen of Soul. Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy-nominated singer Ryan Shaw takes to the stage to celebrate one of the brightest icons in American music and the artists who inspired her.
Ottawa Nostalgia & Collectible Show | March 15
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
More than 50 top dealers exhibit on over 100 tables packed with interesting, hard to find memorabilia. Dealers include Ed Locke, former appraiser from the Antique Roadshow, Ken Aubrey filmed with his store on Canadian Pickers, and Doug Stroud filmed on Pawnathon Canada.
March Break Public Skating at Canadian Tire Centre | March 17 – 20
Canadian Tire Centre | 1000 Palladium Drive
Lace up your skates for a public skating experience at the iconic Canadian Tire Centre. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy time on NHL-calibre ice in a welcoming and well-managed environment. Advance booking is required, and participants must reserve a time slot prior to arrival. This event offers a memorable way to stay active and experience one of Ottawa’s premier sports venues.
SOS: The ABBA Experience March 2026 | March 21
Algonquin Commons Theatre | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
SOS: The ABBA Experience celebrates the music and legacy of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. Featuring vibrant costumes, dynamic choreography, and faithful renditions of beloved hits, this tribute performance captures the spirit and sound that defined a generation.
Designed as an interactive concert-style event, audiences are encouraged to sing along and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of timeless pop anthems. The production delivers an energetic evening of music, connection, and celebration.
Youth Infringement Festival | March 11 – 21
Arts Court Theatre | 2 Daly Avenue
A free open access performing arts festival for Ottawa youth ages 16 to 25 to develop and produce original work.
March Break Character Meet-ups at Tanger Ottawa | March 20 – 21
Tanger Outlets Ottawa | 8555 Campeau Drive
Families are invited to meet beloved children’s characters during this special interactive event. Guests can step into the world of PAW Patrol and encounter heroic pups Marshall and Skye, or explore the colourful setting inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Attendance is free, with limited capacity per session. On-site registration is required, and entry is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a designated time slot.
March Break at the Bank of Canada Museum | March 16 – 22
Bank of Canada Museum | 30 Bank Street
Families are invited to explore hands-on crafts and interactive activities during March Break at the Bank of Canada Museum. Programming focuses on currency, counterfeiting, and how to spot the difference between real and fake banknotes.
All activities, along with general admission to the museum, are offered free of charge. This engaging experience blends creativity and learning in a family-friendly environment.
Ottawa Home and Garden Show | March 19 – 22
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
A vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.
International Film Festival of Ottawa | March 11 – 22
2 Daly Ave
This annual festival showcases the best of contemporary Canadian and international cinema from prestigious film festivals around the world. This event was founded by the Canadian Film Institute in response to the Ottawa’s growing production industry.
March Break at the Diefenbunker | March 14 – 22
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum | 3929 Carp Road
Go underground for an unforgettable March Break adventure. Explore Canada’s Cold War history in a four-storey bunker, take a guided tour, crack secret codes, create crafts and hunt for clues. Try to beat the escape room challenge. Fun for all ages — plus, free parking.
Ottawa Black Film Festival | March 20 – 24
Various locations | Ottawa
Experience powerful stories at the Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF)! Celebrating Black voices in cinema, OBFF showcases must-see films from around the world while sparking meaningful conversations. Discover, connect, and be inspired at this celebration of culture, creativity, and storytelling!
Taste of Little Italy Ottawa | March 24
Preston Event Centre | 523 St Anthony Street
Savour mouthwatering small plates from your favourite Little Italy restaurants, indulge in unlimited samples, and discover unique finds from local retailers. With your ticket purchase, you’ll gain access to a world of diverse and delicious flavours—all in one place.
Bol, brown boy, bol | March 26 – 27
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe | 101 Centrepointe Drive
Bol, Brown Boy, Bol is a cheeky and heartfelt solo performance exploring one artist’s journey to reclaim his voice and cultural inheritance through learning the tabla, a North Indian percussion instrument. Blending storytelling, rhythm, and personal reflection, the show navigates identity, family expectations, and the complexities of belonging. Audiences can expect an intimate theatrical experience rooted in music, humour, and cultural discovery.
Nature Nocturne | March 27
Canadian Museum of Nature | 240 McLeod Street
Dance until midnight while DJs fill the castle with awesome sound! Meet artists throughout the galleries. Discover four floors of world-class museum exhibitions. Thought-provoking, interactive, immersive, social—an exciting and different kind of museum experience!
Shinrin-Yoku: Guided Nature Walk | March 28 – 29
Gatineau Park | 33 Chemin Scott | Chelsea/Wakefield
Forest bathing is a Japanese practice focused on mindfulness and connection with nature. This activity offers an introduction to the practice through a gentle, guided walk in Gatineau Park.
Led by certified guides, participants take part in a slow, sensory experience designed to encourage relaxation, awareness of the surroundings, and a deeper connection to the natural environment.
Following the forest walk, participants gather to share tea and take time for quiet reflection or group discussion. The experience is designed to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Remix Wrestling Presents…Broadhead: Last Resort | March 28
Broadhead Brewing Company | 1680 Vimont Court | Orléans
Experience Ottawa’s rowdiest night out! Remix Wrestling returns to Broadhead Brewery for a high-energy showcase. Witness hard-hitting matches and big personalities in a unique “concert-meets-house-party” atmosphere. Grab a craft beer and join the standing-room party for the best in Canadian independent wrestling. Don’t miss it!
Footloose: The musical | March 26 – 29
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa | 4837 Albion Road
Greely Players present Footloose, the high-energy musical inspired by the iconic film, live at Hard Rock LIVE Ottawa. Featuring a talented local cast, dynamic choreography, and unforgettable songs, this production brings the spirit of the 1980s to the stage. Audiences can expect an entertaining evening celebrating music, dance, and youthful rebellion.
Geeked Out: Ottawa’s Toy and Collectible Sale | March 28 – 29
Nepean Sportsplex | 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
A two-day sale with 120 booths of toys, artisans, video games, trading cards, and entertainment. Check out the gaming zone with arcade machines, racing simulator, virtual reality, game tournaments, and more!
Easter Egg Hunt at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm | March 28 – 29
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 the lost Easter eggs. Once you have returned the eggs to the Bunnies they will reward you for your help!
Ottawa Wedding Show | March 28 – 29
EY Centre | 4899 Uplands Drive
Plan the wedding of your dreams with this event that allows you to connect with vendors, photographers, planners, and more! Gather new inspiration for your décor, hairstyle, or ideal wedding cake through samples and presentations. Come ready to learn, meet new friendly faces, and have a blast while you plan your perfect day!
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