10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend: March 18-20, 2022

From comedy shows to horse-drawn wagon tours of the ByWard Market, check out our weekly roundup of things to do in Ottawa this weekend. We have a mix of fun activities, including a free options, all are guaranteed to help you get out and enjoy the weekend.

International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO)

When: March 9-20, 2022
Where: OAG, Bytown Cinema, Mayfair Theatre
What time: various times
Admission: $20 – $62 Click here for the schedule and for tickets 

After a cancelled festival in 2020 and the inaugural online in 2021, the International Film Festival of Ottawa is excited to bring audiences in-person cinema screenings and talks in downtown Ottawa. Catch one of 13 films that are screening around town before the festival wraps up this weekend.

IMAGE: IFFO.ca 

Celtic Tenors

When: March 18, 2022
Where: Shenkman Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans
What time: 8 pm
Admission: $20 – $62 Click here for tickets 

The most successful crossover act to emerge from Ireland, this trio sing the songs they love. It’s all about the music, the harmonies and fun, and this is what you feel at one of their shows.

The Celtic Tenors perform favourites such as Danny Boy, You Raise Me Up and Nessum Doruma, making everyone in the audience feel lifted! Their international presence and truly unique sound has led them to sell over a million albums worldwide. The skill, range and ability of these world class tenors, combined with the personality and fun of genuine performers will have any audience smiling. Expect three unique solo voices, but one tenor sound!

Photo: Shenkman Centre

Alliance Francaise Pub Night

When: March 18, 2022
Where: The Gilmour, 313 Bank Street
What time: 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission: Free (suggested donation $5)

Join Alliance Francaise for an opportunity to practice French while making new friends. The event is open to French speakers of all levels. Please note that participants are responsible for their own food and drinks.

Photo: Alliance Francaise

Moscow Tea Room: Love and Peace Fundraiser for Ukraine

When: March 19, 2022
Where: 527 Sussex Street, Ottawa
What time: 6 pm – 2 am
Admission: No cover charge

Head to the Moscow Tea Room on Friday night. The proprietor of this classy Sussex street lounge has a history of supporting humanitarian causes and this weekend they are hosting a fundraiser for Ukraine. 100% of the sales from the night will be donated to help Ukrainians. In addition, there will be a collection box for cash donations.

If you cannot get there in person, you can use this link to donate: Love and Peace; Fundraiser for Ukraine. Every $3 donated will provide a meal to a Ukrainian family.

Photo: Moscow Tearoom

Pique Spring

When: Saturday, March 19, 2022
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue
Admission: Pay-What-You Can via Eventbrite

For the second year in a row, Ottawa-based art and multimedia organization Debaser is excited to kick off another season of Pique! The seasonal music and arts fest showcases local and national musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists, filmmakers and more with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity.

The spring 2022 edition of Pique will be a mix of live performances, screenings and more and is on this Saturday, March 19th at Arts Court. The festival features talents such as Ottawa drag queen, and contestant on the last season of OutTV’s reality competition show “Call Me Mother,” Kiki Coe and Vancouver actress Sook-Yin Lee, known for her controversial and critically-acclaimed role in the 2006 film Shortbus.

Twin Flames Live at The Gladstone

When: March 19, 2022
Where: 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
What time: 8 pm
Admission: $35 Click here for tickets

Multi-award winning, chart-topping Indigenous contemporary folk artists Twin Flames combines the talents of husband and wife duo, Chelsey June, metis (Algonquin Cree) from Ottawa, and Jaaji, Inuk and Mohawk from Nunavik. Twin Flames are celebrated for creating sonic landscapes so illustrative of their home country of Canada and especially the Arctic, and for honouring their ancestors through song in English, Inuktitut and French.

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.

JINKX Sings Everything 14+

When: March 18, 2044
Where: Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
What time: 8pm – 10 pm (Doors open at 7:30)
Admission: $35.79 – CA$97.79 https://www.clubcoutureevents.com/jinkx-sings-everything

Mama Couture is back after a long nap and we are ready to whip everyone back into shape! ClubCouture is thrilled to bring an entirely unique and unpredictable cabaret comedy show . . . JINKX SINGS EVERYTHING! Head to the Algonquin Commons Theatre for a joyous, campy night of music, comedy and masterful storytelling from this celebrated icon. The set list for the night is completely spontaneous and created by you! Jinkx and her accompanist, Joshua Stephen Kartas, take requests from the audience for on-the-spot, unforgettable performances.

This show is rated 14+ for suggestive language and all-around fabulousness.

Photo: Eventbrite

Canada and Impressionism: New Horizons 

When: until July 3, 2022
Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive
What time: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults $20 Children under 11 years $free National Gallery of Canada:: Ticket Selection

Not all impressionists were French! Head to the National Gallery to see more than 100 works by 36 Canadian artists in the new show, Canada and Impressionism: New Horizons. You are sure to see a new perspective on the influence of impressionism in Canadian art.

Photo: Sunny September by Helen McNicoll

Kyle Hickie

When: March 17-19, 2022
Where: Yuk Yuks Ottawa, 100 Kent Street – Lower Level of Marriott Hotel
What time: 8 pm
Admissioin: $20 Click here for tickets

Head to Yuk Yuks to catch headliner Kyle Hickie. After starting in stand-up comedy over a decade ago at an open-mic night in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Hickey has blossomed into a talented writer, actor and comedian, making appearances at the Boston Comedy Festival, CBC's Ha!ifax Comedy Festival and JFL42 in Toronto, as well as acting roles on both YTV and MTV.