Bad news guys, the weekend is cancelled. APRIL FOOLS! Here’s what’s happening around the city during the first weekend of April:
Maple Weekend
The first weekend of April “Maple Weekend” in Ontario. Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, sugar bushes across the province will be hosting many special events. All your favourites – pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, taffy on snow, sugar making, and much more – all in one place. Participating sugar bushes in the Ottawa area include Proulx Farms in Orleans, Fairbairn Maple and Fortune Farms in Almonte, Coutts Country Flavours in Perth, Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush in Packenham, and Temple’s Sugarbush in Lanark.
Garth Brooks World Tour
Legendary country singer Garth Brooks – the highest selling male solo artist of ALL TIME – is gracing Ottawa with a 3-day, 4-concert experience. This is Garth Brooks’ first appearance in our fair city in almost 20 years, back when the Canadian Tire Centre was still the Corel Centre. Joined by his wife Trisha Yearwood, a country icon in her own right, this series of shows promises to be something special for diehard Garth fans and casual country listeners alike. Hear all your favourites like “Friends in Low Places,” “The Fever,” and “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).” Limited tickets are still available, so don’t miss what may be your last ever chance to see Garth Brooks live.
twenty one pilots
For the younger crowd, rap-pop duo twenty one pilots perform at TD Place on Friday night, 8 pm. Their hit single “Stressed Out” is tearing up the charts, and they are currently touring in support of their latest album Blurryface. As described on the event page, “As you listen to Blurryface, as the songs shift between genres and stylistic aesthetics, it is twenty one pilots as a unit that connects the experience. Blurryface is a journey that, in the end, takes you somewhere you couldn’t have imagined initially.” Tickets are still available via Capital Tickets.
Originals – The Spring Craft Sale
Ottawa is renowned for craft sales, and the Original sales are the best and biggest in the city. The Originals Spring Craft Sale runs from Thursday to Sunday at the EY Centre. Local artisans and craft makers gather to offer Canadian handmade goods include jewellery, fashion pieces, home decor items, fine art, natural body & skin care products, gourmet treats, and so much more. In celebration of the 30th edition of the Originals Craft Sale, there will be many special discounts and opportunities. For example, $30 gift certificates will be drawn every 30 minutes, all 30-year olds (born in 1986) will receive free admission, and the first 30 visitors daily receive a free reusable shopping bag. That’s just the start! General admission is $7 (cash only or buy online), while kids 17 and under are free. Senior admission is free from 11 am-5 pm on Thursday and Friday.
Kidsfest
Ottawa’s “Biggest and Best” Kids Show/Expo runs at the EY Centre on April 2 and 3. This is a great event for the whole family! With special guests including legendary children’s entertainer Fred Penner, Francophone TV sensation Mini TFO, eccentric Adam and his Dino Project, plus interactive exhibits from Ottawa’s own Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Meet Star Wars characters, learn karate techniques, try hands-on demonstrations of new toys, and get out of the house! Admission is $14 for adults, and $8 for children 4 years and older. A family pass (2 adults, 2 children) is available for $38.
