Top things to do in Ottawa this April 2026
10 Minute Read
Summary
- April in Ottawa features dozens of events spanning concerts, festivals, theatre, and sports.
- Highlights include John Mulaney, Goo Goo Dolls, Senators games, and multiple Easter markets throughout April.
- Family-friendly maple season, craft sales, anime conventions, and travel shows run citywide in April.
As the days get longer, the city fills with fun things to do in Ottawa on weekends and weekdays alike. From maple season to stand-up comedy, and from Easter egg hunts to outdoor markets, Ottawa is blooming with arts, culture, sports, shopping and live music.
Looking for the best ways to spend your April days? Here are the top things to do in the National Capital Region this month.
The Watsons
Where: Kanata Theatre, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Ottawa, ON
When: Until April 4, 2026
What happens to a Jane Austen heroine whose ending was left unwritten? This metatheatrical adaptation of Austen’s unfinished work questions: What is the author's role? And what happens when her characters rebel? A philosophical comedy wrapped up in a Regency romance, this play will make you laugh, swoon and think.
Stanley's Sugarbush
Where: 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Until April 12, 2026
When maple season rolls around, Stanley’s Sugarbush is the place to be. Families can learn about the maple syrup process at the heritage sugar shack, take a relaxing tractor ride through the forest and step into the museum to explore artifacts from the farm. You can even head to the Pancake House for a pay-by-weight breakfast.
Fulton’s Sugar Bush
Where: 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham, ON
When: Until April 19, 2026
Fulton’s Sugar Bush may be open year-round, but maple season is the time to go. With six generations of expert maple heritage, Fulton’s has perfected the art of the sugar bush. Visitors can sample the different grades of maple syrup, hitch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe on the trails and unwind by the campfire for a day of delectable fun.
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDU5BWPP6aU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Where: The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 1, 2026
With razor-sharp wit and signature style, Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney brings his Mister Whatever headline tour to Lansdowne. With a tightly woven narrative of jokes and stories, Mulaney keeps the punches rolling, allowing you to watch one of the greats at work.
Anime Ottawa
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 3 to 5, 2026
Calling all anime and manga lovers! Immerse yourself in three days packed with cosplay, panel discussions, shopping, games, and special guests at Anime Ottawa. With workshops covering everything from creating your own costume to drawing manga, a cosplay masquerade, live KPop performances and panels from your favourite voice actors, this promises to be a weekend for all fans.
Easter Egg Hunt at Valleyview Little Animal Farm
Where: Valleyview Little Animal Farm, 4750 Fallowfield Rd., Nepean, ON
When: April 3 to 6, 2026
Hop over to Valleyview Little Animal Farm for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will enter a pastel paradise as they race to collect colourful eggs around the farm, meeting barnyard animals along the way. Families will enjoy a day out in the spring sunshine, with activities such as the Valleyview Express train, play structures, and interactive agricultural activities across the grounds.
Metcalfe Easter Farmers Market
Where: Metcalfe Arena, 2785 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe, ON
When: April 4, 2026
Spring has sprung in Metcalfe, and with it comes farm-fresh goods for sale. Fill your basket with goodies like fresh food, baked treats, handmade crafts and products by local artisans. With over 60 vendors to explore, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Ottawa Comic Arts Festival
Where: 175 Third Ave. Ottawa, ON
When: April 4, 2026
Check out the inaugural edition of the Ottawa Comic Arts Festival, a one-day-only event that brings together fresh voices and talented creatives in the world of visual arts. Browse the comics and zines, chat with their makers and celebrate the power of storytellers on April 4.
Easter Market at Carp Farmers’ Market
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
When: April 4, 2026
Join over 60 local producers at this sneak preview event before the Carp Market season starts. Kids can enjoy activities like a colouring contest, and the whole family can jam out to live music by Zachary Martin. Wander through the Agricultural Hall, Rotunda and outdoor booths for a spring market that will stock your pantry full of seasonal goods.
Dirty Dancing in Concert
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4, 2026
Some dances last forever, but you have one night only to see this generation-defining movie in concert. You'll have the time of your life as you watch the film on the big screen as a live band plays all the hits, syncing with the iconic story unfolding before you. The night’s finale is an encore sing-along, where you can dance to all your favourite songs.
Easter at the Estate
Where: Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4 and 5, 2026
This program is specifically geared toward young families, featuring outdoor games, crafts, and hands-on activities inspired by seasonal celebrations and traditions. The event features special guests, The Zoo Crew, who are bringing their animal friends to meet you. Stations are located both indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather!
Goo Goo Dolls
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 6, 2026
The quiet long-term success of the Goo Goo Dolls was recently punctuated by the TikTok superfame of their hit “Iris,” and now you can see their catalogue live in concert. Formed in 1986, they’ve been contributing staples to the American songbook for decades. New and old fans alike will be singing along at this concert on Ottawa’s biggest stage.
Ottawa Senators
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 7, 2026
The Sens are ready to rumble at six home games in April. Don your jersey and hit the stands to cheer for your favourite players as they battle teams like the Florida Panthers on April 9 and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 15.
CAA Members save up to 26 per cent on select regular season home games and $13 on parking in Lot 4.
Cicadas
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 7 to 18, 2026
Deep in Trinity Bellwoods, secrets lurk in a mysterious house where strange things seep up through the floorboards. An eco-thriller and a gripping tale of our connection to nature, this world premiere is fully scored by the NAC Orchestra.
Ottawa Charge Home Games
Where: The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 8, 18 and 25, 2026
Experience high-voltage hockey at TD Place as the Ottawa Charge clash with the Seattle Torrent, the New York Sirens and the Toronto Sceptres. Join in with the PWHL’s best fans in the stands and get a glimpse of Charge traditions like the iconic kazoos and the Thunder Clap at home game wins.
CAA Members save up to 25 per cent on select Ottawa Charge home games.
Diana Krall
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 10 to 11, 2026
Grammy and Juno award-winner Diana Krall returns to Ottawa to tour her album, Autumn in New York, her final collaboration with longtime producer Tommy LiPuma. Krall’s unique sound is a cinematic blend of jazz styles that complements her lush vocals.
Travel and Vacation Show
Where: Rogers Centre, Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 11 to 12, 2026
Dreaming of a getaway? The Travel and Vacation Show brings together travel agents from across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec to share information about exclusive cruises, tours, and packages. Globetrotters and first-time travellers alike will learn something new from 200 exhibitors from around the world.
Have questions about your next trip? Say hi to the CAA Travel Consultants who will be in attendance.
Ottawa Rock N' Gem Show
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 16 to 19, 2026
Experience the brilliance of shimmering gemstones, glittering minerals and ancient fossils at this four-day-long exhibition. Uncut natural masterpieces and artisan-made jewelry alike will be displayed throughout the hall, putting our planet’s splendour at the forefront. Collectors and families alike will enjoy exploring these unique wonders.
Originals Spring Craft Sale
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 16 to 19, 2026
It's spring, which means it’s time to refresh your home, wardrobe or routine at the Originals Craft Sale. From handbags to pottery to gourmet preserves, vendors offer ethical, handmade products that are 100 per cent Canadian, with over 150 artists selling their wares under one roof.
The Price is Right Live
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Rd. S., Ottawa, ON
When: April 21 and 22, 2026
“Come on Down” to Hard Rock Live as television’s longest-running game show stops in Ottawa. This interactive stage show gives eligible individuals the opportunity to win prizes ranging from appliances to vacations to a brand-new car. Don't miss your chance to win!
Ottawa Grassroots Festival
Where: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 23 to 25, 2026
This volunteer-run, community-focused music festival features vibrant performances and free daytime programming for all ages. Headlining this year’s festival are the Bilingualish Boys, Alysha Brilla, and Meredith Moon, for three welcoming nights of diverse creativity celebrating art and togetherness.
The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan Tour
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 24, 2026
Laugh for a great cause as this benefit gala brings Canadian comic talent to the NAC. Supporting the Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, your favourite funny people are performing in this star-studded affair. The lineup includes Rick Currie (The Rick Mercer Report), Todd Reid (Just For Laughs) and Don Kelly (The Debaters).
Orléans Poutinefest & Street Food Frenzy
Where: 255 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON
When: April 24 to 26, 2026
Celebrate spring in Orleans with the first major food festival of 2026. Outdoor food trucks and a bustling community atmosphere will fill Centrum Plaza, where you can sample everything from the classic curds and gravy to specialty poutines topped with barbecue or pickles.
Spring Fling in Manotick
Where: Manotick Village, Main St., Manotick, ON
When: April 25, 2026
As the weather warms, Manotick springs to life with activities celebrating local businesses and makers across the village. Outdoor activities, special discounts, tasty treats, crafts, workshops, and family fun will fill the streets to a soundtrack of live music from community artists.
Learn more
Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 25 to 26, 2026
The outdoors are calling—your next adventure awaits. From local vendors to international tour groups, this travel show wants to get you out into the world. From camping to paddling to hiking, you can browse gear, learn about the world’s most exciting places and explore how to get there by talking to the industry’s foremost experts.
Learn more
Atlético Ottawa vs. Vancouver FC
Where: TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON
When: April 26, 2026
The Canadian Premier League returns as Atlético Ottawa’s home opener against Vancouver FC kicks off a season of electric energy at TD Place. Score big on an afternoon of fun and experience the thrill of being in the stands with other fans to cheer for your hometown team. CAA Members can cheer on Atlético Ottawa and save on home game tickets.
Learn more
Stars on Ice
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 26, 2026
Canada’s top figure skaters are bringing their dazzling artistry and stunning tricks to Ottawa this April. Fresh from Milano Cortina after winning their Olympic bronze medal, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier join the tour, skating alongside other Canadian ice dance greats like Elvis Stojko and Kaetlyn Osmond.
Learn more
Save this spring with CAA
This April, make sure to bring your CAA Membership with you to save on sporting tickets, entertainment, shopping, dining and more. Visit CAA Rewards to learn more about how you can save with your Membership, starting at just $30 a year.
