Best Things To Do in Ottawa This April 2026

April in Ottawa is that in-between season where patios start calling, markets come back to life, and the event calendar fills up fast. From Easter weekend crowds to low-key weeknight hangouts, there’s a mix of energy depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Here are the best events, festivals, activities, and experiences happening across the city throughout April.

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out our full guide to things to do in Ottawa this month.

Top picks this month

• Easter Weekend at Saunders Farm (April 3-5)
  One of the biggest seasonal events of the month, Saunders Farm goes all out for Easter with egg hunts, outdoor activities, and plenty of space for families to spend a full day. It’s busy for a reason and easily one of the most complete spring outings you can plan.
  
• Ottawa Farmers’ Market – Lansdowne Opening Day (April 4)
  Opening day always feels like a shift into spring. Expect fresh produce, baked goods, prepared food, and live music, plus a strong crowd that turns it into more of a social outing than just a market run. Free
  
• Free museum day at the National Gallery (April 4)
  Free evening admission makes this one of the easiest cultural plans of the month. It’s usually busy, but that adds to the atmosphere, and it’s a great excuse to spend time exploring exhibits you might otherwise skip. Free
  
• Ottawa Easter Market Weekend (April 3-5)
  A laid-back seasonal market filled with local vendors, crafts, and Easter-themed goods. It’s easy to pair with a Lansdowne visit and works well as a casual daytime stop. Free
  
• R&B Therapy Session Ottawa (April 3)
  One of the stronger nightlife events this month, with DJs focused on R&B and hip-hop and a crowd that actually shows up to dance. Expect a packed room and consistent energy all night.

More things to do this April

1. Trivia night at Clocktower Brew Pub (April 1)

A midweek staple that keeps things casual and social, this trivia night is all about teams, friendly competition, and a steady flow of drinks. It’s the kind of event where you don’t need to take things too seriously, but you’ll still find groups that come prepared to win. A solid way to break up the week without committing to a full night out.

Details:

• Date: April 1
• Location: ByWard Market
• Source: Facebook Events
• Price: Free

2. Ottawa networking night – entrepreneurs and creators (April 2)

An evening event built for people working in startups, creative industries, or independent projects. The atmosphere leans relaxed rather than overly formal, with drinks and conversation making it easy to connect without pressure. Ideal if you’re looking to meet like-minded people or expand your network in a natural way.

Details:

• Date: April 2
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$15

3. Live DJ night at City at Night (April 3)

A reliable go-to for a classic Ottawa club experience. Expect DJs, a packed dance floor, and a crowd that’s there to stay out late. The energy builds quickly and stays high, making it a strong choice if you’re planning a full Friday night out.

Details:

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

4. Good Friday adult Easter egg hunt (April 3)

A creative spin on a holiday classic, this adults-only event mixes interactive games, social energy, and themed prizes. It lands somewhere between a party and a group activity, making it a fun option if you want something a little different from the usual nightlife lineup.

Details:

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

5. Spring concert series: local artists night (April 3)

This event leans into Ottawa’s local music scene, offering a more intimate setting with live performances from local artists. It’s relaxed, easy to settle into, and a great way to discover new talent without the noise and intensity of a club.

Details:

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

6. April Showers Bring May Flowers tour – Ottawa stop (April 3–5)

A touring showcase featuring Canadian indie and alternative artists, this multi-day event offers a chance to catch a range of performances in one place. The vibe is more music-focused and less chaotic than typical nightlife, attracting a crowd that’s there to listen and discover.

Details:

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

7. Ottawa craft and vendor spring market (April 4)

An indoor market featuring local artisans, handmade goods, and small businesses. It’s easy to browse, with a steady flow of visitors and a wide mix of items that feel more personal than big retail. A good option if you want a slower-paced Saturday plan.

Details:

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

8. Family Easter celebration and egg hunt (April 4)

A simple, family-friendly event with egg hunts, games, and activities designed for younger kids. It’s approachable and easy to fit into your day, making it a reliable option for families looking for something festive without a big commitment.

Details:

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

9. Ottawa networking mixer (young professionals) (April 4)

A more social take on networking, this event blends casual conversation with light professional connections. Expect a relaxed crowd, drinks, and an environment that makes it easy to meet new people without it feeling forced.

Details:

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

10. Antidote 2.0 party night (April 4)

A high-energy party night focused on DJs and dancing, with a crowd that’s ready to stay out late. This is a full nightlife experience with loud music, strong turnout, and a packed floor from start to finish.

Details:

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

11. Ottawa spring pop-up market (April 4–5)

A Westboro pop-up that combines food vendors, vintage items, and local crafts into a busy but relaxed daytime event. It leans slightly trendier and is perfect for a casual wander with snacks along the way.

Details:

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

12. Sunday family fun day – Canadian Museum of Nature (April 5)

A hands-on museum experience designed for kids, with interactive exhibits and programming that keeps things engaging. It’s a great indoor option that balances education and fun without feeling too structured.

Details:

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

13. Ottawa vintage pop-up market (April 5)

A curated market focused on vintage clothing and collectibles, drawing a crowd that enjoys browsing for unique pieces. It’s less about quick shopping and more about taking your time and seeing what you find.

Details:

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

14. Sunday family fun day (Easter edition) (April 5)

A relaxed community event with Easter-themed activities, games, and entertainment. It’s flexible, easygoing, and works well for families who want something simple to wrap up the weekend.

Details:

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

15. Ottawa brunch and social meetup (April 5)

A casual brunch gathering focused on meeting new people in a low-pressure setting. The atmosphere is welcoming and conversational, making it easy to join solo or with a friend.

Details:

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

16. Ottawa business networking social (April 6)

A more structured networking event aimed at professionals and entrepreneurs. Expect a mix of formal introductions and casual mingling, making it useful for building connections while still keeping things approachable.

Details:

• Date: April 6
• Location: Downtown Ottawa
• Source: Eventbrite
• Price: CA$20

17. Open mic night at Irene’s Pub (April 7)

A laid-back evening of live performances ranging from music to comedy in an intimate venue. It has a strong community feel, with a mix of regulars and newcomers taking the stage. Great if you want something relaxed and local.

Details:

• Date: April 7
• Location: The Glebe
• Source: Facebook Events
• Price: Free

Plan your time in Ottawa