What to do in Ottawa this April 2024
7 Minute Read
As the days continue to get longer and warmer, the number of events and activities in Ottawa is starting to boom. April means you can look forward to the early signs of spring and evenings filled with live music, artistic showcases and food festivals.
Here are some of the best things to do in Ottawa this April 2024.
Chamberfest Concert Series
Where: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 2, 2024
Don't miss out on one of the last two shows in the 2023-2024 concert series showcasing acoustic performances by European chamber music stars and beloved Canadian artists. Mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska will delight you with a recital program with Charles Richard-Hamelin on the piano.
Stars On Ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3sqmgNpc3y/
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 28, 2024
Glide into the world of figure skating to admire the top-tier skaters at the 2024 Stars on Ice Tour. The world’s best competitors from Montreal’s recent World Figure Skating Championships will hit the ice, bringing creativity and energy to each performance. Canada’s own Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are two of the skaters you can look forward to watching.
Bingo Night
Where: Nan's Parlour, 73 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 2, 16 and 30, 2024
You can stop by Nan's Parlour every other Tuesday for some granny-chic vibes and bingo at 8 p.m. It's walk-in only, so arrive by 7:30 p.m. to secure a seat and prepare for the game. The bingo cards are $5 each, cash only.
Julie Kim at the Laugh Lounge
Where: Laugh Lounge, 61 York St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4, 2024
As one of Canada's top stand-up comedians, Julie Kim has performed at many significant comedy festivals around the country, including Laughs Festival in Montreal, Just for Laughs Vancouver, and headlining for Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Spend the night in fits of giggles and catch her performing in downtown Ottawa.
Art Battle Ottawa
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4, 2024
As one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians, Julie Kim has performed at many significant comedy festivals around the country, including Laughs Festival in Montreal, Just for Laughs Vancouver, and headlining for Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Spend the night in fits of giggles and catch her performing in downtown Ottawa.
Ottawa Senators game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4, 6, and 13, 2024
April marks the end of hockey season in Canada, so attend one last game until the fall. Wear your favourite local jersey covered in red, black and gold, and prepare your voice to scream, ‘Go Sens Go!” When you have a CAA Membership, you’ll save big on home game tickets and a 10% discount on merchandise.
Signatures Originals Craft Sale
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: April 4 – 7, 2024
Shop for Canadian handmade goods at a massive spring sale featuring over 130 unique artists, artisans, designers and makers. Discover gifts and a variety of treats as you chat with makers from across the country.
Nature Nocture
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 5, 2024
Explore the galleries after dark as the museum comes alive with music and themed decor. Dance until midnight as DJs spin and performers create magic throughout the multi-floor space. Celebrate the next solar eclipse with spring’s Solar theme.
Look forward to aerial acts, fire-breathing shows, a 360-degree photo booth and other sun-themed activities.
Bowling For Soup – Goes to Canada
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 7, 2024
If you know all the words to Stacy’s Mom and 1985, sing your heart out and relive your early 2000s glory at the Bowling for Soup tour. The Anti-Queens & Rival Town are the opening acts at this 19+ event.
Snow White - Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 11 – 13, 2024
Inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, immerse yourself in the gripping story of Snow White through dance. The modern take on this story is a visually stunning contemporary ballet featuring well-known characters with more of an edge.
Candlelight: A Tribute To Whitney Houston
Where: The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 12, 2024
In an intimate setting, experience a multi-sensory performance as you listen to a string quartet play popular songs, surrounded by the flicker of candlelight. These glittering concerts occur in multiple venues around Ottawa, highlighting different artists and themes. On April 12, enjoy the sound of Whitney Houston’s hits, including I Will Always Love You.
Irish Film Festival
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 12 – 14, 2024
Enjoy a night at the cinema, celebrating Ireland and watching Irish stories on screen. Some films you can look forward to at the 2024 festival are Joyride (a comedy), Ann (a historical drama) and Lie of the Land (a thriller), among others.
FMX World Tour
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 12, 2024
Pro freestyle motocross riders will compete in an extreme action sport competition, presenting death-defying stunts and jumps to impress judges and audiences. Best trick team competitions, head-to-head back flip rounds and other contests will happen at TD Place arena. Plus, FMX World Tour is home to one of only two female FMX riders in the world, which you can watch take centre stage.
613 Flea
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 13 and 27, 2024
Browse a massive, ever-changing marketplace as Ottawa’s 2024 market season continues. There will be over 150 hand-picked vendors to shop from, where you’ll discover vintage and antique pieces, handmade goods, sweet treats and more.
Ottawa StoryTellers' Signature Series
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 18, 2024
The final evening of stories performed this season is titled ‘Stories by Golden Age Crime Queen’ Margery Allingham. Sit back and listen to classic tales as they come alive with romance, intrigue, suspense and crime.
TSwift Dance Party
Where: Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: April 19, 2024
Are you ready for it? Prepare to be enchanted at this Taylor Swift Dance party to celebrate the release of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Sing and dance through the eras with your fellow Swifties. Costumes and signs are welcome at this 19+ event.
Pizza And Poetry
Where: Spark Beer, 702 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: April 23, 2024
Lean into your artistic side by participating in or watching an evening of poetry on the last Tuesday of each month. You can expect an open mic poetry session, live music interludes and creative prompts while you indulge in a cheesy slice of ‘za.
Red Bird's Celtic Celebration
Where: Red Bird Live, 1165 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 24, 2024
Spend an evening enjoying Celtic music in an intimate lounge-like music venue. Every seat inside Red Bird Live faces the stage for an ideal listening experience. The Celtic concert will take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by a jam session, so feel free to bring your instruments if you play any.
Ottawa PoutineFest and Mac My Cheese
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
When: April 26 – 28, 2024
You can eat your heart out at a poutine and mac n’ cheese festival in Ottawa’s downtown. Enjoy all things cheesy and spuddy as you vote for the best poutine and listen to some live music.
Back To Black: A Tribute To Amy Winehouse
Where: Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: April 26 and 27, 2024
Head to Irene’s Pub for an Amy Winehouse tribute event for two nights. Renée Landry & The Cool will perform the Back to Black album along with hits from other albums. The shows begin at 9 p.m.
The Perth Festival of the Maples
Where: Downtown Perth, ON
When: April 27, 2024
Visit the quaint town of Perth for the grand finale of maple season. Browse maple syrup vendors and artisan goods, eat taffy on snow, enjoy live music, and watch other events like the annual’ Sap Tapping’ and ‘Cross-Cut Saw’ competitions.
Bring your CAA Membership whenever you leave the house
CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from dining out and filling up on fuel to savings on car and travel insurance and other benefits, with Memberships starting at just $30 a year.
