Soak in the changing seasons in Ottawa as the snow starts to melt and the days get longer. March means maple season, Easter-themed activities, and St. Patrick’s Day, so there is lots to celebrate. Pop by seasonal markets, get your fortune told at a psychic fair, hit up a comedy show, decorate sugar cookies, belt out at a shanty singalong and more in Ottawa.
Here are fun things to do around Ottawa this March 2024.
Sugarbush At The Log Farm
Where: 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates starting March 2, 2024
Celebrate maple season as winter slowly turns into spring. Enjoy a wagon ride to the sugar bush to learn how maple syrup is made and walk through the trees, helping gather sap if you want (and the weather allows). Taste some sweet taffy on the snow. You can also visit the farm animals, admire the pioneer farmhouse and watch the kids play on a hay structure.
Stanley's Sugarbush
Where: 2452 York’s Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Select dates March 2 to April 14, 2024
Enjoy all sweet things during maple season with farm fun activities and a pancake house brunch. Sugarbush season means maple taffy on snow, tractor rides around the farm, a cabin sugar shack where you can learn about making syrup, a farm museum, a barn full of animals and a lot of treats to enjoy.
Ottawa Farmers' Market
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
When: March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2024
Browse over 75 local vendors, from fresh produce and artisan baked goods to meats, cheeses, and crafts. The Lansdowne Market occurs every Sunday throughout the year, compared to the other Ottawa Markets that start each May. Each week, there is different programming, including the Winter Warrior contest.
Cake Decoration Workshop
Where: Luxe Blooms Flower Cafe, 254 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 3, 2024
Spend the afternoon decorating a heart-shaped cake, which you’ll take home with you, as you sip a tasty mocktail surrounded by pink blooms. The cake, decorating supplies, photos, a surprise gift and fun, feminine vibes are included.
Just For Laughs – Seth Myers
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 8, 2024
Award-winning writer, performer and late-night host Seth Myers is performing a stand-up comedy event at the NAC. Be entertained with an evening of laughs.
Pajama Dance Party
Where: 56 Byward Market Sq., Ottawa, ON
When: March 8, 2024
Head to Berlin if you’re 19 or older for a night of dancing to DJ beats in your pyjamas. The last event had over 200 guests, so prepare for a night of celebrating and making new friends. There is a cash coat check so that you can bundle up over your nightgown or onesie.
613 Flea
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 9 and 23, 2024
This giant marketplace is always open on Saturdays and is always free to attend. Browse over 150 rotating vendors to shop for vintage clothing, antiques, handmade goods, food items and gifts.
Maple Season At Fulton's
Where: 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham, ON
When: Until April 14, 2024
Experience maple season at an expansive 400-acre sugar bush with a large maple farm store. Nature trails are open daily for a stroll and sleigh rides if the weather permits, maple taffy and hot food to eat and areas for the kids to play. Cozy by a campfire on select weekends.
Ottawa Senators game
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: March 1, 12, 17, 21, 24, and 18, 2024
Get ready to scream, “Go Sens Go!” as you wear your favourite Ottawa Senastors swag. If you have a CAA Membership, you’ll save big on home game tickets and a 10% discount on merchandise.
Bert Kreischer – Tops Off World Tour
Where: The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 9, 2024
If you’re a fan of Bert Kreischer’s comedy and looking for a night of laughs, head to TD Place to catch his Tops Off World Tour performance. Enjoy his theatrical shirtless antics and a night out on the town.
International Film Festival Of Ottawa
Where: Multiple venues in downtown Ottawa
When: March 13 – 24, 2024
Watch some of the best movies at the global film festival. You’ll have access to an eclectic mix of award-winning films, both international and from Canada. This cultural event also has a summit with a panel, workshops, and the movies you can discover.
Ottawa East Psychic And Crystal Fair
Where: Holiday Inn, 1199 Joseph Cyr St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 1 – 3, 2024
Meet a group of professional psychics, readers, and healers who travel across Ontario. Chat about astrology, have your palm read, get a tarot card reading, browse for crystals and more.
Hop into Easter – Cookie Decorating Class
Where: Brown Bag Coffee Roasters, 595 Rue de Vernon #7, Gatineau, QC
When: March 14, 2024
Uncover the basics of decorating sugar cookies, from piping practice to concepts around the dough. This beginner-friendly class has an Easter theme, so you can decorate egg-looking cookies as you learn new techniques. Each ticket includes a set of six cookies, decorating supplies like sprinkles, a box to take home and a cup of coffee.
St. Patrick's Day Sea Shanty Singalong
Where: Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, 250 City Centre Ave. Bay 106, Ottawa, ON
When: March 17, 2024
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a sea shanty singalong. Lean into the merriment and join the chorus. You can message the brewery if you’d like to lead a shanty. Relax with your friends, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the songs if you don’t want to sing. There is no cover fee, so just show up and enjoy.
Sìgwan Spring Festival
Where: Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 W. Hunt Club Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: March 18 and 19, 2024
Kick off the season of sunshine and flowers with a free, family-friendly festival. Walk along the Legacy Trail to learn about animals in the area and Algonquin Seven Grandfathers Teachings. Meet some rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses at the farm, shop a market full of Indigenous goods, take a horse-drawn wagon through the property and appreciate live cultural performances of storytelling and dancing. Indulge in spring flavours like maple taffy on snow, fried bannock or homemade waffles.
You can also visit the farm for March Break workshops from March 15 to 17.
Vanier Sugar Festival
Where: Vanier Museopark, 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave., Vanier, ON
When: March 18 – 24, 2024
Satisfy your sweet tooth this maple season at an urban sugar shack. You can visit the sugar shack and enjoy food from local producers. It’s closed during the Sugar Festival, when you can reconnect with the artisanal way of making maple syrup and participate in special events like traditional dances and live performances.
Blind Tapas Tasting
Where: The Soca Kitchen, 224 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Sundays and Mondays in March 2024
Take yourself on a culinary adventure on a Sunday or Monday at Soca Kitchen for a tapas blind-tasting experience. Starting at 5 p.m., you’ll sit for a pre-planned meal of the chef’s choice, served to you without you knowing what dish is coming. Have fun testing your tastebuds and experiencing new flavours.
Ottawa 67s game
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: March 3, 8, 10, 12 and 24, 2024
Grab your favourite jersey and warm layers for a hockey night at Lansdowne. Cheer on Ottawa’s OHL team and enjoy a sports night out. CAA Members get a 10% discount on season game tickets bought online and merchandise.
Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: March 19, 2024
Feel the excitement as you watch the famous Harlem Globetrotters take the court and show off their skills. The basketball stars will dribble and dunk past their rivals, the Washington Generals, with trick shots and expert handling.
Easter Farmers Market
Where: Metcalfe Farmers’ Market, Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr., Greely, ON
When: March 30, 2024
Before the regular market season kicks off again in May, browse local vendors for produce, baking, preserves, coffee, meats, clothing, spirits, wooden crafts and more at the Easter Market.
Hang onto your CAA Membership throughout the month
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from dining out and filling up on fuel to savings on your car and travel insurance, as well as other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.