March 2026 in Downtown
19 events in Downtown during March 2026. Festivals, concerts, and community events.
Butterflies in Flight
Over 100 live butterflies from 20+ species flutter in the museum solarium. New pupae arrive weekly from Costa Rica and Philippines. Included with museum admission.
Free Thursday Nights at National Gallery
Free Thursday evening admission with seasonal refreshments, live music, and art-making activities. Presented by BMO at the Scotiabank Great Hall.
Toddler Tuesdays at National Arts Centre
Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creative play with instructor Jesse Kahat.
Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Free public skating at Rideau Hall's refrigerated historic rink, established 1872. Restored heritage Winter Pavilion. Weather dependent, open through March 29.
613 Flea Market at Aberdeen Pavilion
Ottawa's largest indoor vintage and artisan market featuring 150 vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Art n Tell – Monthly Artist Showcase
Monthly open mic for visual and performing artists of all disciplines and skill levels to showcase their work in a supportive community setting.
Bank of Canada Museum - March Break Activities
Free family activities and crafts about counterfeiting and bank note design during both Quebec and Ontario March Breaks. Interactive exhibits about money and economy.
Canadian War Museum - Free Thursday Evenings
Free museum admission every Thursday evening with special exhibitions on Canadian military history. Reservations required.
Faith Fyles: In Full Bloom
Faith Fyles’s pioneering career as both a botanist and artist is brought into conversation with contemporary women artists, revealing how her legacy continues through themes of land, labour, and care for the natural world.
Ottawa St. Patrick's Day Parade
Ottawa's St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to celebrate the Bicentennial of Bytown with a new route that frames the city's skyline.
The Beauty in Breaking: Love Is Never Wasted
A multidisciplinary art exhibition exploring heartbreak and grief through paintings, dance, music, poetry, and interactive elements featuring 10+ local Ottawa artists.
Alan Doyle with The East Pointers
Newfoundland folk-rock legend Alan Doyle, former frontman of Great Big Sea, performs with JUNO Award-winning special guests The East Pointers.
Nate Haller – Country Rising National Tour
Nate Haller brings his first headlining Country Rising National Tour to Ottawa, featuring Mac Rumbolt as opening act.
William Prince – Further From the Country Tour
Two-time JUNO Award-winning Indigenous singer-songwriter William Prince performs with special guest Boy Golden on his Further From the Country Tour.
Taste of Little Italy Ottawa 2026
Third annual tasting event featuring 15 Little Italy restaurants and cafes offering unlimited sample bites, plus DJ entertainment and cash bar.
& Juliet - Broadway Musical
Hit Broadway musical reimagining Juliet's story with iconic pop hits from Max Martin. Created by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt's Creek. Ages 8+.
Rose - World Premiere Musical
NAC Indigenous Theatre presents the world premiere of Tomson Highway's deeply moving and fiercely funny musical about three Roses on a fictional reserve. Ages 16+.
Ottawa Black Film Festival 2026
6th edition showcasing unique voices in cinema and amplifying Black stories. Features online and in-theater screenings at Library and Archives Canada.
A Day at the Farm
An original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to fifteen, featuring the orchestra with a special spotlight on the percussion section and vivid farmyard narration.