by Alex Kinsella | March 2025
March is bringing a mix of culture, creativity, and St. Patrick’s Day spirit to Waterloo Region! Celebrate International Women’s Day with the return of Femme Folks Fest, explore home and garden inspiration at the KW Home Show, and hop aboard for scenic train rides with a festive Irish twist. The Irish Real Life Festival marks its 10th year with a lineup of music, dance, and storytelling, while local stages come alive with theatre, concerts, and comedy. Whether you’re embracing spring’s arrival or toasting Irish heritage, there’s plenty to enjoy in Waterloo Region this March!
Read on for our list of things to do in Waterloo Region in March!
KW Symphony presents FIRE | March 1
Warm up on a cold night with an exciting concert from the KW Symphony at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kitchener. Conductor Andrei Feher returns to the KW Symphony with a program of Haydn, De Falla, and Mendelssohn, along with a new work from renowned cellist and composer Cris Derksen.
Pro tip: St. Matthews is right down the street from two of Downtown Kitchener’s best-kept secrets—La Lola Tapas Bar and Casa Toro 88 (both at (26 Benton St.).
2025 Skate Canada Cup | March 1 and 2
The 2025 Skate Canada Cup continues in March at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre. On March 1 and 2, catch the incredible talent of skaters from across the nation in singles, pairs, and ice dancing as they vie for top honours and the chance to represent Canada on the international stage.
Elmira Sugar Bush Tours | March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Hop aboard for a sweet springtime adventure with Elmira Wagon Tours’ Sugar Bush Tour. Departing from the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market, these guided tours will introduce you to Norman and Bernadine Horst, whose family has been farming for generations. Learn about their unique maple syrup-making process and browse their farm store for fresh syrup, homemade preserves, farm-fresh apples, and more. Tours run every Saturday in March at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
DTK Travellers Tour | March 2 and 9
The Downtown Kitchener BIA invites you to explore the aromas, flavours, and music of the cultures that call Kitchener home with the DTK Travellers Tour series. Hosted at the Kitchener Public Library’s central branch, the afternoon event includes samples from DTK businesses, live performances, dancing, and more. On March 2, explore our African and Caribbean connections and on March 9, experience Latin-American fusion without having to pack your bags.
KW Titans Basketball | March 2, 12, 16, 22, 27, and 29
Your KW Titans have six home games left leading into the Basketball Superleague post-season. You catch the action at the Aud as they welcome the Windsor Express, Sudbury Five, Jamestown Jackals, Newfoundland Rouges, and London Lightning,
Cambridge Wedding Week | March 3–9
Celebrate love and wedding planning at the 3rd annual Cambridge Wedding Week in the heart of Downtown Cambridge. This week-long event showcases the city’s exceptional wedding services and venues, offering curated experiences for couples and the community. The events include Love on Tap at Farm League Brewing on March 6, featuring queer and queer-allied wedding businesses. On March 9, experience The Wedding Party, the grand finale celebration at Tapestry Hall, featuring a pop-up wedding ceremony and silent auction supporting the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation.
OFSAA Wrestling Championships 2025 | March 4 and 5
The best high school wrestlers in Ontario are coming to Kitchener for the OFSAA Wrestling Championships 2025 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Come out and cheer on these student-athletes as they compete for glory on the mat!
Femme Folks Fest 2025 | March 8–16
The 6th annual Femme Folks Fest brings nine days of performances, presentations, and events to Waterloo Region, with its festival home at The Studio Theatre at Centre in the Square. Featuring original works by nationally recognized and local artists, the festival includes both free and ticketed events celebrating women-identified, presenting, and non-binary artists.
Exhibitions on Indigenous Histories & Resilience | All March
The City of Waterloo Museum is honoured to present two powerful exhibitions in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation: Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost and Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop. Running through June 2025, these exhibits explore the devastating impacts of Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop while highlighting Indigenous resilience and the path toward Reconciliation.
Kitchener Rangers Hockey | March 7, 9, 14, 18, and 21
Kick off a month of Kitchener Rangers hockey with the International Women’s Day Game on March 7. Throughout the game, the Rangers will share stories of the importance of women in sports to give young players an opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals. This exclusive experience aims to inspire and empower young girls in the community while fostering a love for the game.
2025 Kitchener I Heart Beer & Taco Festival | March 7–8
The 8th edition of the Kitchener I❤︎BEER & Taco Festival, presented by Cowbell Brewing Co., is back for another round of craft brews, tasty tacos, and good vibes. Enjoy a selection of beer, cider, and spirits while sampling delicious tacos from top Ontario vendors. The festival also features 90s and 2000s-themed music, retro video games, and fun activities like ping pong. Whether you’re here for the flavours or the nostalgia, it’s a can’t-miss event.
Quartet for Garlic, Cello, Mouth & Telephone | March 8
An interdisciplinary performance by cellist Miriam Stewart-Kroeker and comic performer Ben Gorodetsky, this production explores memory, family, and the senses. The premiere at The Studio Theatre includes a themed tasting by Chef Julie Hall, inspired by traditional meals.
Irish Real Life Festival | March 8–17
Celebrate a decade of Irish culture, music, and community at the 10th annual Irish Real Life Festival! The festivities kick off on March 8 with a lively opening ceremony, bringing together traditional music, dance, and a warm Irish welcome. One of this year’s must-see events is The Bookends at The Registry Theatre on March 15, where the acclaimed Celtic group will bring their signature blend of classic and contemporary Irish music to the stage. With events spanning music, dance, storytelling, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sláinte to 10 years—don’t miss the celebration!
Ariel Posen Live | March 14
Get ready for an unforgettable night of soulful blues and masterful guitar as Ariel Posen takes the stage at The Boathouse. Known for his rich, emotive songwriting and jaw-dropping slide guitar skills, Posen blends rock, roots, and Americana into a sound that’s all his own. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, this intimate show is a must-see for lovers of raw, heartfelt performances.
Femme and Friends Drag Show | March 15
Get ready for an electrifying night of glamour, charisma, and high-energy performances at Femme and Friends Drag Show! Hosted by the fabulous Sasha Tease, this dazzling showcase at The Studio Theatre brings together some of the region’s most talented drag artists, including Ciggy Stardust, Peach Blossom, Elixxirr, Dr. Dirty Digoonious, and Charlize Angel. From stunning lip-syncs to jaw-dropping choreography, this event celebrates the art of drag in all its forms.
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Pub Crawl | March 15
Mark your calendars and get ready for green beer, themed specials and Irish fare along the green river in Cambridge’s Hespeler Village. Lucas Stagg will also be performing his ‘All-Celtic’ sets at The Aging Oak. Follow along as details unfold on the event page.
The Shamrock Express | March 15
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a family-friendly train ride through picturesque Woolwich County on the Shamrock Express. Your little leprechauns will get a special St. Patrick’s Day gift to commemorate the journey. The round-trip departs from either Waterloo Northfield Station or Farmers Market Station, heading to Elmira and back.
The Luck of the Rails Dinner Journey | March 15
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day aboard a heritage train journey with a delicious Irish-inspired dinner. The menu features a Leprechaun mimosa, Irish soda bread, and main course options of roast chicken stuffed with Dubliner’s cheese or Guinness-braised local short ribs Reservations must be made by March 12, 2025. Don’t miss this unique dining adventure!
UpStart 25 – One Act Play Festival | March 19–22
Experience the next generation of theatre at UpStart 25—One Act Play Festival, where University of Waterloo students take the stage as writers, directors, and performers. This juried festival features three original productions: Utopia, The Waiting Room, and Hell Weeks. Catch these captivating performances, which showcase bold storytelling and fresh perspectives, from March 19 to 22 at the Theatre of the Arts on the UW campus.
U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship | March 20–23
Canada’s best university women’s hockey teams will take the ice at the Woolwich Memorial Arena for the 2025 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship. Come out and cheer on your favourite teams as they compete for the U Sports championship
Kitchener-Waterloo Home & Garden Show | March 28–30
Spring is in the air at the Kitchener-Waterloo Home & Garden Show! Whether you’re planning a major renovation or looking for fresh inspiration, this three-day event at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex has everything you need. From stunning garden displays to innovative home solutions, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.
Pauly Shore: Stick with the Dancing – Funny Stories from My Childhood | March 28
Get ready for a night of comedy and nostalgia as Pauly Shore takes the stage at Centre In The Square for Stick with the Dancing – Funny Stories from My Childhood. Best known for his iconic roles in 90s classics like Encino Man and Son-in-Law, Shore delivers a one-man show packed with hilarious and heartfelt stories about growing up at The Comedy Store, his MTV days, opening for Sam Kinison, and wild encounters at the Playboy Mansion.
Sip & Stretch: Come Get Uncorked | March 28
Treat yourself to an evening of relaxation, laughter, and delicious flavours at Puddicombe House. Begin with a one-hour gentle yoga session led by local instructor Carrie Bergen-Geisel, designed to melt away stress and help you unwind. Then, indulge in a 45-minute guided wine tasting led by Puddicombe’s wine expert. The tasting features a curated selection of fine wines paired with delectable bites. Whether you’re here for the stretch, the sips, or both, it’s the perfect way to recharge with friends in a beautiful setting.