Things To Do In Ottawa This Weekend: April 3-5, 2026

Easter weekend in Ottawa is packed with markets, live music, and family-friendly events that actually feel like spring has arrived. Whether you’re planning a night out or looking for something low-key with the kids, there’s plenty happening across the city. If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out our full events calendar for what’s coming up next.

Here are the best events, festivals, activities, and experiences happening across the city Friday-Sunday.

Want to see even more ideas? Check out our full guide to things to do in Ottawa this weekend.

Top picks this weekend

• Easter Weekend at Saunders Farm (Friday–Sunday)
  This is one of the biggest Easter events around, and it delivers every year. Expect egg hunts, outdoor games, food vendors, and plenty of space for kids to run wild. It’s a full afternoon kind of outing and easily one of the most popular family plans of the weekend.

• Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne Opening Day (Saturday)
  The return of the Lansdowne market is basically Ottawa’s unofficial start of spring. Fresh produce, baked goods, local vendors, and live music make this a great Saturday morning stop. Go early if you want first pick and smaller crowds. Free

• Free museum day at the National Gallery (Saturday evening)
  Free evening admission makes this the perfect excuse to wander through one of Ottawa’s best cultural spaces. It tends to get busy, but the atmosphere is lively and worth it. Free

• Ottawa Easter Market Weekend (Friday–Sunday)
  A relaxed, browse-at-your-own-pace market filled with seasonal treats, handmade goods, and local vendors. It’s an easy add-on to a Lansdowne visit and has a casual, family-friendly vibe. Free

• R&B Therapy Session Ottawa (Friday)
  If you’re heading out Friday night, this is one of the stronger picks. Expect a packed dance floor, solid DJ sets, and a crowd that’s there to actually move. Great energy and a reliable nightlife option.

More things to do in Ottawa this weekend

1. Live DJ night at City at Night (Friday)

A classic ByWard Market club night that leans fully into a high-energy, late-night atmosphere. DJs keep the tempo up all night with electronic and club tracks, and the dance floor tends to fill early and stay packed. This is the kind of place where you come to dance, not just stand around, and it reliably draws a younger, party-focused crowd looking to kick off the weekend properly.
Details:

• Date: April 3
• Location: ByWard Market
• Source: Facebook Events
• Price: CA$15

2. Good Friday adult Easter egg hunt (Friday)

A playful, slightly chaotic take on Easter designed entirely for adults. Instead of a quiet egg hunt, expect interactive challenges, themed prizes, and a social environment where the goal is just as much about mingling as it is about finding eggs. It has a light party feel without being a full club night, making it a good middle ground for groups looking for something different.
Details:

• Date: April 3
• Location: Ottawa
• Source: Facebook / event listings
• Price: CA$20–40

3. R&B Therapy Session Ottawa (Friday)

One of the more reliable Friday night parties in the city, this event centres around R&B and hip-hop with DJs who keep the energy consistent from start to finish. The crowd is there to dance, the vibe is social and upbeat, and it tends to draw a strong turnout, so expect a full room and a lively atmosphere throughout the night.
Details:

• Date: April 3
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$20–35

4. Spring concert series: local artists night (Friday)

A more relaxed alternative to the typical nightlife lineup, this event focuses on local performers in an intimate venue setting. It’s less about big production and more about atmosphere and discovery, giving you the chance to experience Ottawa’s music scene up close. Expect a mix of styles and a crowd that’s there to listen as much as socialize.
Details:

• Date: April 3
• Location: ByWard Market
• Source: Eventbrite / venue sites
• Price: CA$15–30

5. April Showers Bring May Flowers tour – Ottawa stop (Friday-Sunday)

This touring showcase brings a rotating lineup of Canadian indie and alternative artists to Ottawa for a multi-day run. It’s ideal if you enjoy discovering new music, as the lineup typically spans different sounds and styles. The atmosphere is more focused and music-driven than a typical night out, with a crowd that’s there for the performances.
Details:

• Dates: April 3–5
• Location: Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$20–30

6. Ottawa craft and vendor spring market (Saturday)

An indoor market that highlights local artisans, makers, and small businesses. You’ll find a mix of handmade goods, crafts, and unique items that lean more personal than mass-produced. It’s an easygoing space to browse at your own pace and a solid option if you want to support local while staying indoors.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: Nepean
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: Free

7. Family Easter celebration and egg hunt (Saturday)

A straightforward, kid-friendly Easter event with egg hunts, games, and activity stations designed to keep younger children engaged. The structure is simple and accessible, making it an easy choice for families who want something festive without a big time commitment.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: Ottawa
• Source: Ottawa Tourism / community listings
• Price: Free

8. Ottawa networking mixer (young professionals) (Saturday)

A casual networking event that removes a lot of the stiffness typically associated with professional meetups. Expect a social atmosphere with drinks, conversation, and a mix of attendees looking to connect both professionally and socially. It’s especially appealing for those new to the city or looking to expand their circle.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$15–25

9. Antidote 2.0 party night (Saturday)

A high-energy Saturday night event built around DJs and a packed dance floor. This one leans into a louder, more intense party atmosphere, with a crowd that’s ready to stay out late. If you’re looking for a full nightlife experience rather than something low-key, this fits the bill.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$25–40

10. Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne opening day (Saturday)

Opening day always brings a strong turnout, with vendors showcasing fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods alongside live music. It’s as much a social outing as it is a shopping trip, and a great way to ease into the weekend with a coffee and a slow walk through the stalls.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: The Glebe
• Source: Ottawa Farmers’ Market
• Price: Free

11. Free museum day at the National Gallery (Saturday evening)

Free evening admission draws a steady crowd, creating a lively but still relaxed atmosphere inside one of Ottawa’s most well-known cultural spaces. It’s a great opportunity to explore exhibitions without the usual cost, whether you stay for a quick visit or take your time moving through the galleries.
Details:

• Date: April 4
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Official website
• Price: Free

12. Ottawa spring pop-up market (Saturday-Sunday)

A Westboro pop-up that blends food vendors, vintage items, and local crafts into a busy but relaxed daytime experience. It has a slightly trendier feel than larger markets, with people browsing, snacking, and taking their time.
Details:

• Dates: April 4–5
• Location: Westboro
• Source: Eventbrite / local listings
• Price: Free

13. Sunday family fun day – Canadian Museum of Nature (Sunday)

An interactive museum day with programming designed specifically for kids, combining hands-on activities with educational exhibits. It’s a strong indoor option that keeps children engaged while still being enjoyable for adults.
Details:

• Date: April 5
• Location: Centretown
• Source: Museum website
• Price: CA$17

14. Ottawa vintage pop-up market (Sunday)

A curated vintage market featuring clothing, accessories, and collectibles. It attracts a style-conscious crowd and offers a more curated experience than larger markets, with plenty of unique pieces if you’re willing to browse.
Details:

• Date: April 5
• Location: Hintonburg
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: Free

15. Sunday family fun day (Easter edition) (Sunday)

A relaxed, community-style event with Easter-themed activities, games, and entertainment. It’s less structured than larger events, making it a good option for families who want something flexible and easygoing.
Details:

• Date: April 5
• Location: Orleans
• Source: Community / tourism listings
• Price: Free

16. Ottawa brunch and social meetup (Sunday)

A low-pressure social gathering built around brunch and conversation. The atmosphere is welcoming and casual, making it easy to attend solo and still feel comfortable. It’s a nice, slower-paced way to wrap up the weekend.
Details:

• Date: April 5
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$10–20

Plan your time in Ottawa