1. Celebrate the arts and culture of Japan with Nature Nocturne

Experience cutting-edge animation from the Tokyo School of Animation, snap a photo of yourself with one of the costumed characters roaming through the building, try your hand at Ikebana flower arranging and enjoy sushi and tea in the Zen Lounge. Should be quite a night! March 28.

http://www.nature.ca/en/plan-your-visit/nature-nocturne

2. Celebrate #momentofdarkness and Turn Off Your Lights!

On March 29 turn out your lights between 8:30-9:30 pm for  Earth Hour and take a “moment of darkness” as a symbolic statement on the need to take action on climate change.

http://momentofdarkness.ca/en/

3. Attend The Great Gatsby Gala

This event will benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation. The evening will feature Italian cuisine, flapper dancers and a seven piece soul band. It will be a spectacular evening of glamour that will let you experience the “roaring 20’s” and one of Jay Gatsby’s extravagant parties! March 29.

http://thegreatgatsbygala.wix.com/gatsbygala2014

4. Attend the Ottawa Wine & Food Festival – Spring Edition

At the first spring edition of the festival, check out Ottawa’s fabulous food trucks, celebrate the return of warm weather and the BBQ, sample some of the best beers from our local microbrewery community and of course, taste some fabulous wines. At EY Centre on March 29.

http://www.ottawawineandfoodshow.com/

5. Enjoy an evening of Stargazing at the Science and Technology Museum

What better time to gaze at the night skies than when the lights go out! Stargazers of all ages enjoy an evening of astronomy at the Museum’s Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory. Weather permitting, visitors can look through the historic 15-inch telescope at the stars, the planets, and the Moon. March 29.

http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/whatson/index.cfm

6.  See “Piano Men” at the Casino du Lac-Leamy

This show will take you on a musical journey through the universe of show business’ greatest piano composers including Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Little Richard, Fats Domino and Burt Bacharach. It is a tribute and musical extravaganza in celebration of the world’s greatest pianists-singers in history, whose impressive talent was well known and loved around the globe. March 28 and 29.

http://www.casinosduquebec.com/lacleamy/en/shows-events/piano-men-event-postponed

7. Attend the National Women’s Show

It’s the ultimate girls’ day out! Shop ‘til you drop at over 250 exhibits and find everything from food and wine sampling, fashion shows, celebrity guests, free makeovers, health, wellness & beauty secrets, cooking demos, home renovation advice and travel ideas! March 29 and 30.

http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/ottawa/index.html

8. Take your toddler to Toddler Mornings at the Ottawa Art Gallery

Free drop-in tours for parents or caregivers with their babies or toddlers. Adults can look at and discuss art with gallery staff while little ones make art inspired by the exhibitions. Strollers are always welcome in the galleries. April 2.

http://www.ottawaartgallery.ca/content/toddler-mornings-oag

9. Go to Richelieu Park for MapleSugarfest

A wonderful event for the whole family! Maple sugar themed events – many of which are free – are held daily. Various musicians, performances for children, farm animals, Strong Men demonstrations, a sugar shack brunch and much more, all in the heart of the city. March 31 to April 6.

http://www.museoparc.ca/sugar-shack/sugar-festival/

10. Pick up a cupcake (or dozen) from The Flour Shoppe

Fun or formal, sweet or spicy, cupcakes from The Flour Shoppe are baked fresh daily and are always available in your favourite combination. With a daily menu of rotating flavours and a selection of seasonal features, cupcakes are the SWEETEST way to celebrate any day and every day! 617 Bank Street.

http://www.theflourshoppe.ca/pages/about-us

If you have other suggestions for fun things to do in Ottawa this week, post them in the comments below. See you around town Ottawa!

Images courtesy of John Kasawa and marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. See Sean Cullen Live and LAUGH!

He is a multi-talented performer who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, CBS’s The Late Late Show and was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. If you need to be cheered up, this is the show for you! March 22, 2014.

http://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/cm1.cfm?fid=53&lang=1&html=special_events.html

2. Check out the Ottawa Tibet Film Festival

This second edition of the film festival is a unique opportunity for anyone to experience and learn more about the people, culture and land of Tibet through a series of feature-length movies, documentaries and short films. Held at the St. Paul University Amphitheatre on March 21 and 22, 2014.

http://ottawatibetfilmfestival.com/

3. Go see the Ikebana Exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature

The ancient art of Japanese floral design comes alive in this annual display of 50 unique and beautiful arrangements. Organized by the Ottawa chapter of Ikebana International, this exhibition is now in its 30th year at the Canadian Museum of Nature. March 20 – 23, 2014.

http://www.nature.ca/en/plan-your-visit/what-see-do/whats/ikebana

4. Attend the Ottawa Home & Garden Show

Mark your calendar for Ottawa’s largest home and garden show!  You’ll get to see the very best products, services and experts in their field. Shop, save and discover what’s new all under one roof ! At the EY Centre. March 20 – 23, 2014.

http://www.ottawahomeshow.com/OHGS/EventsHome.aspx

5. This is your last chance! See “Two Views” Exhibition at Canadian War Museum

Two Views showcases evocative images illustrating the experiences of Japanese Americans and Japanese Canadians, as captured by celebrated American photographer Ansel Adams and Canadian photographer Leonard Frank. On display until March 23, 2014.

http://www.warmuseum.ca/event/two-views-photographs-by-ansel-adams-and-leonard-frank/

6.  See “Piano Men” at the Casino du Lac-Leamy

This show will take you on a musical journey through the universe of show business’ greatest piano composers including Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Little Richard, Fats Domino and Burt Bacharach. It is a tribute and musical extravaganza in celebration of the world’s greatest pianists-singers in history, whose impressive talent was well known and loved around the globe. March 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2014.

http://www.casinosduquebec.com/lacleamy/en/shows-events/piano-men-event-postponed

7. Take a Cheesy FUN-damentals “class”

This “class” is every cheese lover’s dream! Cheese Sommelier Vanessa Simmons will introduce you to cheeses from around the world, share stories about cheesemakers & show you the ‘whey’ as you learn cheese-y lingo, how artisan cheese is made, tips on buying cheese. . . and loads more! A gourmet lunch will also be served – yummm! March 22, 2014.

https://savvycompany.ca/savvy-events/#.Uyr5ba1dWGk

8. Endulge at the Poutine Festival

The University of Ottawa is hosting its first ever Poutine Festival as part of a celebration of the Mois de la francophonie. During this festival, you will have an opportunity to taste some of the best poutines in Ottawa. Vote for your three favourites and you will have the chance of winning a $250 gift card for the Rideau Centre. March 24 – 28, 2014.

https://uocal.uottawa.ca/en/node/7702

9. Support the arts and attend the NAC Orchestra Bursary Benefit Concert

Spend a delightful afternoon listening to chamber music performed by members of the NAC Orchestra with guest Kerson Leong, winner of the 2013 NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition. March 23, 2014.

http://nac-cna.ca/en/orchestra/event/8956

10. Grab breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake Shack

Come to the Glebe and get some hot, fluffy pancakes, made with your choice of ingredients. Now that spring is here (sort of), you can enjoy them outside, in a courtyard with wood chips on the ground and rough-hewed log furniture. Great outing for the whole family! Located at 809 Bank St. (in the courtyard behind Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s).

http://flapjacks.ca/

If you have other suggestions for fun things to do in Ottawa this week, post them in the comments below. See you around town Ottawa!

Images courtesy of Master isolated images and zole4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Attend the Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show

Outdoor & Adventure Travel is exploding in popularity. If you are looking to be inspired to take your outdoor experiences to new heights, this show will do just that. Check out new and exciting gear, interesting travel destinations, and memorable show attractions. At the EY Centre on March 15 and 16, 2014.

http://www.adventureottawa.com/

2.  Check out the Outaouais Film Festival

For eight consecutive days, this festival will offer more than a hundred feature-length, short fiction and animation films and documentaries from twenty countries around the world. Come discover the new faces of filmmaking with family and friends. March 14 to 21, 2014.

http://www.offestival.com/texte.php?id=22&lang=en

3. Go see the Ikebana Exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature

The ancient art of Japanese floral design comes alive in this annual display of 50 unique and beautiful arrangements. Organized by the Ottawa chapter of Ikebana International, this exhibition is now in its 30th year at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Begins on March 20, 2014.

http://www.nature.ca/en/plan-your-visit/what-see-do/whats/ikebana

4. Attend the Ottawa Home & Garden Show

Mark your calendar for Ottawa’s largest home and garden show!  You’ll get to see the very best products, services and experts in their field. Shop, save and discover what’s new all under one roof ! At the EY Centre. Begins on March 20, 2014.

http://www.ottawahomeshow.com/OHGS/EventsHome.aspx

5. Head to Stella Luna for Gelato and Jazz

The Ottawa Folklore Centre Jazz Band will showcase three bands and also feature students from the Ottawa Folklore Centre School Of Music. Come and enjoy the best gelato in the city while listening to this free concert. March 16, 2014 from 6pm to 10pm.

http://ottawajazzscene.ca/upcoming-shows/9181-ottawa-folklore-centre-jazz-band-showcase-with-the-impressions-jazz-group-at-stella-luna

6.  See Sneezy Waters and His Very Fine Band

Sneezy Waters is a legend. He has been playing professionally for 50 years and has amassed a huge collection of songs which he interprets with passion and sensitivity.  His tunes are drawn from Folk, Swing, Blues, Country and Reggae and Rock. At the NAC on March 14 and 15, 2014.

http://nac-cna.ca/en/community/event/7696

7. Get into the Irish spirit at the Grand Parade Party

Fun for the whole family! See Irish dancers, singers, storytellers, all while enjoying food and green beverages. Noon to 4pm on March 15, 2014 at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts.

http://saintbrigidscentre.com/Events.htm

8. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon with MC Carol Anne Meehan

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with CTV’s Carol Anne Meehan at the Home of the National Irish Canadian Cultural Centre. Enjoy cocktails, lunch, live music and dance. Advance tickets only. Noon to 3pm on March 17, 2014 at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts.

http://saintbrigidscentre.com/Events.htm

9. Enjoy the springs at Spa Nordik

It’s only 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa but the Nordik Spa-Nature will make you feel like you are worlds away. Unwind, reenergize and take advantage of 7 outdoor baths, 7 saunas, an infinity pool, restaurant and lounge. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment or float in the salt-water pool.

http://www.lenordik.com/en/welcome/

10. BYOB to Burnt Butter 

This vibrant Hintonburg restaurant now offers BYOB with a $12 corkage fee on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Bring in your favourite bottle of wine to compliment the delicious food inspired by the flavours and traditions of Italy.

http://www.burntbutter.ca/

If you have other suggestions for fun things to do in Ottawa this week, post them in the comments below. See you around town Ottawa!

Images courtesy of digitalart and gubgib / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Celebrate Irish Culture at the Ottawa Irish Festival

The festival begins on March 7th at 11 am at Ottawa City Hall with the proclamation of Ottawa Irish Festival Days. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be various other events throughout the week. Check out the website link below for further details.

http://www.irishsocietyncr.com/eventsIrishFestival.html

2. The Barnyard Break Continues at the Canadian Agriculture & Food Museum

The annual Fascinating Barnyard March Break Foodology continues until March 16th. Visitors will be able to take in a wide variety of demonstrations from bread chemistry, to “Eggsperiments” to “Taffy-ology”: the science of maple taffy making. Children can get creative and keep themselves busy with a maple-themed craft.

http://cafmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/whats-on/event-march-break.php

3. Go see Monty Python’s SPAMALOT

SPAMALOT has won three Tony Awards including Best Musical. A parody of the trials of King Arthur and his servant/horse, Patsy, as they wander the countryside in search of candidates to join the Knights of the Round Table. A fantastic musical theatre parody with plenty of opportunity for audiences to laugh.

http://www.orpheus-theatre.ca/english/the-shows/showpages/spamalot.html

4. Take your little hockey fans to the Sens Skills Competition

Sens Skills Competition is a fun-filled, family-oriented, charitable event that features the Senators competing against each other in six skills events including the Hardest Shot and Fastest Skater competitions.

http://www.capitaltickets.ca/events/detail/sens-skills-presented-by-sport-chek

5. Visit the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf EXPO

It’s hard to imagine with all this snow and cold weather, that spring really IS around the corner! Go visit the Golf Expo to get ready for when the snow melts! There are many activities for the whole family including putting contests, closest to the pin competition, silent auction and a Kids’ Zone among others.

http://ottawa.golfexpos.ca/

6. Take a Brew Donkey Gatineau Beer Tour

Visit the Gainsbourg Brasserie, Brasseurs du Temps brewpub and the Bières du Monde craft beer store and learn about craft beer on a bus “beer education” session. Tour includes bus transportation and light snacks along the way.

http://www.brewdonkey.ca/collections/ottawa-brewery-tour/products/gatineau-beer-tour-mar-8-2014-10-30-5pm

7.  Attend the 10th Annual Carefor Chocolate Competition

Twelve restaurants, bakeries and caterers will compete in this competition that benefits Carefor Health & Community Services. Eat chocolate guilt-free because you are doing it for charity!

http://www.carefor.ca/2014-chocolate/

8. Take the kids to “Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show” at the NAC

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and other favourite Disney friends on a talent search across Canada. Your family will enjoy the fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists and turns where audiences join in!

http://nac-cna.ca/en/variety/event/6997

9. Come to “Doors Open for Music” Hispalis – A Mediterranean Flamenco Jazz Fusion

A musical fusion of Mediterranean flamenco and modern jazz.  The show will include time tested standards and popular songs, tunes from ancient Greece, and original compositions. This event is free and takes place at the Southminster United Church in Old Ottawa South.

http://www.southminsterunitedchurch.com/#!wednesday-noon-concerts/c1it7

10. Have dinner at Fraser Cafe.

Treat yourself – or someone special – to dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Ottawa. You will not be disappointed…unless you show up without reservations and the place is full!

http://frasercafe.ca/

If you have other suggestions for fun things to do in Ottawa this week, post them in the comments below. See you around town Ottawa!

Images courtesy of lamnee and Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net