10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend: March 11-13, 2022

Licorice Pizza

When: March 4-7, 2022
Where: Mayfair Theatre 1074 Bank Street, Ottawa
What time: March 11, 9 pm •  March 12, 6 pm •  March 13, 8:30 pm
Admission: $12.50 for non-members, $8 for members Click here for tickets

Academy Awards nominee for Best Picture, Directing, and Original Screenplay, Licorice Pizza is the story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around, and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973. The film was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Ottawa Senators take on the Chicago Blackhawks

When: March 12, 2022
Where: Canadian Tire Centre
What time: 7 pm
Admission: Click here for tickets

The Sens will be on a high after their Tuesday night 4-1 victory in St. Louis; head to the Canadian Tire Centre to catch all the action. The team will be playing the Ukrainian national anthem before the puck drops as part of an effort to support the Ukrainian people and will use the 50/50 draw to donate to organizations providing humanitarian and medical assistance to Ukraine. 

ByWard Market horse-drawn wagon tours

When: Until March 20, 2022
Where: Pick up and drop off at the corner of York Street and William Street (look for the red tent)
What time: Click here to reserve a spot or first-come, first-served basis every hour on the half-hour
Admission: Free  

The ByWard Market Business Improvement Area is partnering with Cundell Stables to offer free horse-drawn wagon rides through the ByWard Market neighbourhood. Booked seats are offered every hour on the hour, and walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis every hour on the half-hour.

Jeff McEnery with MC Tommy Marshall

When: March 10-12, 2044
Where: Yuk Yuks, 100 Kent Street
What time: 8 pm 
Admission: $15-$20 Click here for tickets

Award-winning comedian Jeff McEnery is a headliner for Yuk Yuk’s and has made multiple appearances at every major Canadian comedy festival, including the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival. As an actor, Jeff had a lead role in the critically acclaimed drama Dog Pound. He was also a cast member on the Comedy Network’s sketch series Hotbox and has made guest appearances on Letterkenny, Covert Affairs, The Jon Dore Television Show, and Naturally Sadie. Jeff's short film Behind the Funny has aired nationally on The Comedy Network, and he is currently a writer for the CBC's hit show Still Standing.

Free parking downtown at city-owned lots

When: Until March 31, 2022
Where: see below
What time: N/A
Admission: N/A

While not an event in itself, the City of Ottawa is offering free parking so residents can drive downtown and get reacquainted with the city's core. Instead of spending money on parking, head out for lunch and give your waiter/waitress a nice tip. Not hungry, then do some shopping, take in a museum, or go for a stroll.

Participating lots include 210 Gloucester Street, 234-250 Slater Street, 422 Slater Street, 70 Clarence Street, 142 Clarence Street, and 110 Laurier Avenue West.

The Harlem Globetrotters

When: Sunday, March 13, 2022
Where: Canadian Tire Centre
What time: 2 pm
Admission: Click here for tickets

There are still some tickets left for The Harlem Globetrotter's #SpreadGame! Tour. The basketball dynamos are back in town, showing their world-renowned skills while honouring the late and great Curly Neal. 

Mod Nite: 1960s Rock & Soul Party

When: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Where: Club SAW, 67 Nicholas Street
What time: 10 pm
Admission: 19+ event  •  $5-$15 Click here for tickets

Pull out your bell-bottoms and mini skirts and head to Club SAW. Dance to the music of DJ Emmett + guests spinning vinyl classics by Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Frankie Valli and The 4 Seasons, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Wilson Pickett, The Kinks, and many many more!!!

Ottawa 67s vs. Peterborough Petes

When: Friday, March 11, 2022
Where: TD Place Arena
What time: 7 pm
Admission: $20 Click here for tickets

Grab your crew and hit the arena for Friday Night Live! End your week with some 67’s hockey for just $20 a ticket!

Jason  Blanchard with MC Ben Walker

When: March 9-13, 2022
Where: Absolute Comedy, 416 Preston Street, Ottawa
What time: 8 pm or 10:30 pm
Admission: $20 + processing fee Click here for tickets

Jason Blanchard is an ex-soldier, ex-husband, and ex-tremely funny. After growing up in a typical small town, this friendly and energetic comedian has matured into a versatile headlining comedic entertainer who has toured worldwide. Jason can be corporate clean or cunningly crude, adapting to any venue.

A huge light exhibit hits downtown Bank

What: Fire & Ice Winter Exhibit
When: March 11 – 13
Where: Bank Street (Between Cooper and Slater)
Price: Free

Throw on your warmest coat and grab your phones and cameras, Downtown Bank’s beloved Fire & Ice Winter Exhibit is back this year! Hosted in collaboration with EXAR Studios, this year’s event is a grand scale exhibition featuring immersive light and sound installations lining Bank Street between Cooper and Slater that are sure to light up Ottawa.