by Alex Kinsella | March 2023
Irish eyes aren’t the only thing smiling in March across Waterloo Region. Whether you’re coming for a day, a weekend, or a whole week (March Break is coming up!), there’s something for everyone to explore and experience. From the Celtic rhythms of the Irish Real Life Festival to the sweet aroma of pancakes and fresh syrup at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, March is the perfect time to visit Waterloo Region.
Theatre in Downtown Kitchener | March 1–11
Green Light Arts Theatre presents Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers And Little Brothers. The play is a co-production from Tarragon Theatre and Black Theatre Workshop and tells the story of Slimm, a seventeen-year-old Black boy in a hoodie who suddenly finds himself in the first moments of his afterlife. He calls out for God. God does not respond. What happens next is a sacred journey through the unknown as Slimm grapples with the truth of his life and the death he didn’t choose.
QUOTE: “Utterly gripping, and rendered with great tenderness and bravery.” — S. Bear Bergman, Mooney on Theatre
Downtown Kitchener Live | March 2, 9, 16, & 23
Plan your next date night in Downtown Kitchener with live music, great food, and a great stay. This month, you can catch free shows from Jully Black, Alysha Brilla, JustIdeas & Friends, and Connor Gaines & Aysanabbe.
Insider tip: If you’re coming from out of town, book a night at The Walper Hotel. The hotel’s boutique Lokal Lounge is re-opening on March 6. For dinner, check out some of the suggestions from our resident culinary expert, Andrew Coppolino.
Cambridge Wedding Week | March 6–12
Whether there’s a ring on it or not, there’s never a wrong time to start thinking about your dream wedding—and Cambridge Wedding Week is the perfect time to explore venues, caterers, and more in our beautiful city. The weeklong event showcases extraordinary wedding services in the historic downtown core of Galt. Each day offers a curated experience, including a floral symposium and a bachelor/bachelorette idea event filled with delicious food, signature cocktails, entertainment, and music.
An evening of illusions with Nicholas Wallace | March 10
Award-winning illusionist Nick Wallace brings his unique combination of magic and storytelling to the Registry Theatre in downtown Kitchener. Enjoy an evening as he guides you through the murky waters of truth and fiction. Insider tip: match the evening of mystery with a stop at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade. They’ve got some classic games to challenge even the most avid gamers.
The Irish Real Life Festival | March 11–18
St. Patrick’s Day is more than green beer and shamrocks. Experience the best Irish culture and craic at the Irish Real Life Festival. The week-long event includes film screenings, music, dance, theatre, and more.
St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway | March 11–19
The St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway in St. Jacobs is one of North America’s largest model railroads —and they’re celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2023. The volunteer-led club is open every day during March Break for you and your conductors-in-training to explore and enjoy. Insider tip: make your visit to the St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway a day trip to St. Jacobs. Order a pizza-to-go from Those Pizza Guys Wood-Fired Pizza and bring your slices to Block Three Brewing and enjoy one of their unique craft beers (and root beer for the kids)!
Kitchener I ❤️ Beer & Taco Festival | March 11
If Taco Tuesday isn’t enough for you, check out the Kitchener I ❤️ Beer & Taco Festival at Bingemans on March 11. The event features tacos, empañadas, and more from over 20 vendors and craft beer from over 25 breweries. There are two sessions available—but get your tickets quickly! Insider tip: Waterloo Region has many excellent Mexican and Latin America eateries. If you’re coming to town, check out Latina America Latina Grocery and Eatery, Mi Tienda Latina, Uno Marketplace, and Milagrosa.
Dinosaur Walk-Thru and Drive-Thru | March 11–April 2
The Jurassic era returns to Waterloo Region at Bingemans with the Dinosaur Walk-Thru and Drive-Thru. There are two ways for your family to see the dinos up close—you can book tickets to walk through the park or “play it safe” and drive-thru the park. Either way, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with life-size dinosaurs.
Elmira Sugar Bush Tours | March 11, 16, 18, & 25
There’s maple syrup, and then there’s Waterloo maple syrup. Bring your family and experience the difference with an authentic Elmira Sugar Bush Tour. The tour starts at the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market, where you’ll learn about our Mennonite community before heading out into the sugar bush. Your guides for the tour are the farmers—Dale and Lucille Martin and their family—who will show you how and where the fresh maple syrup gets boiled and packed. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family.
KW Titans vs. London Lightning | March 12
Professional basketball is back in Waterloo Region as the 2023 National Basketball League of Canada season begins. Catch the action live on Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m. as the Titans welcome the London Lightning to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
Kitchener Rangers’ St. Patrick’s Day Game | March 17
Wear your favourite green outfit to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium as the Kitchener Rangers take on the Saginaw Spirit on St. Patrick’s Day. The Rangers will have special St. Patrick’s Day events and in-game activities for the whole family.
Paddling Film Festival | March 23
The sights and sounds of spring in March have got us thinking about our favourite local water activities—canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Waterloo Region has some of the best waterways to explore, from Canoeing on the Grand River to paddleboarding at the Shade’s Mills Conservation Area in Cambridge.
While it may be too early to hit the waters, you can get inspired at the Paddling Film Festival World Tour at the Princess Cinema in Uptown Waterloo. Local filmmaker Thomas Ostapchuk’s “The Grand” will be screened at the festival, and Ostapchuk will be on hand for an interactive Q&A.
Picklefest | March 23
While finding yourself in a pickle is usually bad, finding yourself at Picklefest means being surrounded by pickle-inspired dishes from Waterloo Region restaurants and cool-as-a-cucumber brews from local craft breweries. Picklefest happens at THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener on Friday, March 24.
An Evening With Bill Nye The Science Guy | March 27
Separate science fact from fiction with the always entertaining Bill Nye as he brings his good-natured Renaissance man’s infectious blend of humor, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges and possible catastrophes through science to Centre in the Square.
The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival | April 1
This one’s in April—but we didn’t want you to miss out on the sweet fun of the 59th annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. It’s an entire day of fun, food, and friends. Explore Elmira’s shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and grab some of their expertly crafted pancakes to go with fresh Elmira maple syrup!
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Alex Kinsella is a freelance writer and marketer based in Waterloo Region. He’s the guy behind TL;WR – Waterloo Region’s weekly events newsletter. He’s worked with some of Canada’s most well-known tech companies in roles including customer success, development, product management, PR, social media and marketing.
Alex has contributed to publications including BetaKit, Grand Magazine, Community Edition and more. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.