Your Ottawa Weekend Starts Now
Ottawa is welcoming the first weekend of spring with a full slate of events, activities, and experiences across the city, so there's no excuse to stay cooped up indoors. March 20–22 brings the vernal equinox and, with any luck, a little more sunshine to go with it.
Whether you're looking to explore the arts scene, catch some live music, enjoy the outdoors as the season turns, or simply find a new favourite spot in the city, this weekend has you covered.
Get Outside and Embrace the Season
With the official start of spring landing on March 20, this is the perfect weekend to dust off your jacket and head out. The Rideau Canal pathways, Major's Hill Park, and the Gatineau Hills are all worth a visit as the landscape begins to shift. The days are getting longer, and Ottawa's outdoor spaces are starting to come alive again after a long winter.
Arts, Culture, and Live Events
Ottawa's arts and culture scene never really slows down, but spring tends to bring a fresh wave of programming. Local theatres, galleries, and music venues typically ramp up their offerings this time of year, making it a great weekend to check out what's on at NAC, Arts Court, or one of the many independent venues dotted across neighbourhoods like Centretown, Hintonburg, and Westboro.
Keep an eye on local listings for pop-up markets, community events, and neighbourhood happenings. Ottawa's community groups are often at their most active as the weather turns.
Family-Friendly Options
If you've got kids in tow, Ottawa's museums and family attractions are always a solid bet. The Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canadian Children's Museum offer engaging programming year-round, and many run special weekend events tied to the season.
Indoor play spaces, skating rinks winding down their winter runs, and community recreation centres also offer plenty of ways to keep younger Ottawans entertained.
Eat, Drink, and Explore
Spring is also a great excuse to explore Ottawa's thriving food and drink scene. Patios aren't quite open yet, fingers crossed for warmer days ahead, but plenty of cozy restaurants, cafés, and breweries across the city are worth visiting. Check out spots in the Glebe, Little Italy, or along Elgin Street for a taste of what Ottawa's culinary community has to offer.
Plan Ahead
For specific showtimes, tickets, and event details, check local listings through Ottawa Tourism, the City of Ottawa's events calendar, and CTV Ottawa's weekend guide. Some events sell out quickly, especially as spring fever sets in and Ottawans are eager to get out of the house.
However you spend your March 20–22 weekend, Ottawa has plenty to offer as we officially wave goodbye to winter.
Source: CTV News Ottawa. Original article published March 2026.
