Our Top Picks for What to See & Do
Spring is full of promise in South Eastern Ontario. The sap starts flowing, light abounds and mermaids mix with museums to make unforgettable experiences that welcome the warmth and rejuvenate the soul. Read on for 14 events that will make your March soar in South Eastern Ontario!
When: Various Dates
World’s first vegan winery. Need we say more? Whether in-house tastings are your thing, or wine by the glass or even munchies, simple pick up or a bottle shop consultation, Karlo Estates does it all with grace and great wine! Look here for fun events all spring from bubble brunches to karaoke to life drawing sessions to trivia and even weekly dinner jams.
When: Every Saturday & Sunday in March
Maple enthusiasts get the calendar out: it’s PEC Maple Madness month! PEC Maple Madness celebrates the best of County life in early spring: visit and learn about a sugarbush, snowshoe through a winery, pet alpacas and celebrate all things maple. Taking place every Saturday and Sunday in March, Maple Madness also sees businesses highlighting maple syrup in a drink, menu item or another creative way. Don’t forget to grab some maple goodies for the ride home!
When: March 11th – 12th
The Winegrowers of Prince Edward County are showcasing winter in wine country! Happening March 11 and 12, 2023, the inaugural Elevage Festival sees visitors sample local wine and cider while touring through seven winery venues, sampling wine and cider from 22 producers. The tours come complete with culinary cues from local chefs paying homage to the County’s heritage of using preservation and fermentation.
When: March 25th – 26th
It’s the sweetest weekend of the year! From March 25 to 26, half a dozen sugarbushes in Prince Edward County will celebrate the first crop of the season. Find out which sugarhouses are open and running and indulge in all things maple in the County!
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When: March 11th – 19th
Enter a magical world at the Aquatarium and marvel at live mermaids! Watch your little one’s eyes light up witnessing swim shows in the aquarium pools, then meet the mermaids, play some mermaid games and more. Heads up: The Holiday Inn Express and Suites is offering 10% off all stays for those attending the Mermaid Experience! Be sure to book tickets.
View more events from Brockville
When: Various Dates
Delve into the stories of Lennox & Addington and unravel interactive history at your fingertips. Share stories, browse exhibits and marvel at the extensive heritage on display at the Museum of Lennox & Addington, providing both regional and national context. A new exhibit, Letters Home, dives into an extensive series of letters as part of the Tamworth Red Cross collection written by soldiers from the village of Tamworth who were serving overseas during the Second World War. The letters share local soldiers’ lives in real time during the chaos of serving in the war. Another new exhibit is Refuge Canada, which brings to light the challenges faced by people who came to Canada as refugees. The travelling exhibition created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, draws on oral histories, archival images, artifacts and interactives to engage museum-goers and share the stories of refugees.
View more events from Lennox & Addington
When: March 4 & 5 March 11 to 19 March 25 & 26
Wagon rides, maple activities, strolling through the sugar bush and stopping by the Sugar Shack for fresh pancakes with warm maple syrup. Could March get any better?! Maple Madness at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is marking 40 years this season and they’re ready to sweeten up your spring. Taking place all weekends in March, as well as during March Break, Maple Madness has become a tradition for many families during sap season. Please note that online registration is required.
When: All Month
Mouth-watering menus + local chefs + special events = a premier prix fixe culinary experience! Couple that with stellar stay packages and Kingstonlicious will warm your heart and delight your palate.
Four mouth-watering events are ushering in spring in the city with the delectable Kingstonlicious. Events kick off on March 4 with a unique multicultural brunch: dim sum platter followed by a Trinidadian breakfast plate at Northside Espresso + Kitchen. Note: This is now sold out.
Next up is the Call to Action 83: What Does Reconciliation Taste Like? This celebration is all about exploration, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous chefs and beverage aficionados for a day of education, respect, collaboration and connection. It’s taking place at the Juniper Café (Tett Centre) and Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on March 18th with culinary and artistic activations from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Then on March 21st, get excited for an evening highlighting hand-crafted pasta, during a Michelin star-studded pasta soiree at The Everly, with guest sommeliers from Toronto’s Grape Witches. Note: This is now sold out.
Lastly, on March 26th, dig in and delight in a Montreal-style brunch with Whiskey & Rosé, Hey Darlin’ Diner and Rosewood Winery. This brunch will feature classics like Provisions’ popular house-made brisket, a breakfast version of croque-monsieur, and of course Montreal bagels – with a few other surprises.
Be sure to book tickets ahead for all events and keep an eye out for the new March menus! Pro tip: Get $100 when you book a Kingstonlicious stay package!
When: March 2nd – 5th
Did you know that the Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the largest festival in the world dedicated exclusively to Canadian film? It’s set to impress again this year from March 2 to 5 as it transforms traditional and new venues in Kingston’s downtown into a refreshing experience of Canadian film. Look for screenings, events and activities that spark curiosity and ignite discussion. Get a front-row seat to filmmakers, producers, cast, crew, and more as they take part in post-show Q&As, chats, networking events, and other festival programming. This year, beloved Canadian comedian Kevin McDonald is coming to The Broom Factory, too! Explore the full lineup and grab your popcorn.
When: March 10th – 31st
Interactive lights, sounds and stories combine in Confederation Park from March 10 to 31! The Northern Lights are brought to life along with one-of-a-kind art installations created by Indigenous artists and storytellers. Original art and audio tell Indigenous-inspired stories in this immersive experience that features the diverse population of Indigenous nations within the Kingston Indigenous community. Discover five art pieces placed throughout the park in Downtown Kingston.
When: March 13th – 17th
If fun discovery is on your agenda over the March Break, look no further. March of the Museums is a free, family-friendly, week-long festival of museums! Play, create and explore more than 15 museums in Kingston and surrounding areas – with added performances to bring even more excitement. Look at the long list of museums that are open with special events from March 13 to 17 and map out your route to an awesome March Break!
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When: All Month
Join in for a special month of arts and culture in March – watch the entire hotel open as a gallery during the day and transform to host concerts, films, talks and great food at night! March of the Arts is ready to inspire at Hotel Wolfe Island, the island’s historic landmark hotel and waterfront converting to a new community hub for live music, arts, sustainable fare and events.
When: Opening March
The newest exhibit here will make a splash! Diving Deep: A Tale of Whales Through Time is opening in March and showcases the evolutionary journey of whales, with life-sized whale skeletons, and much more. Set your course to wonder and awe about the world around you this spring and visit the Quinte Museum of Natural History – stay tuned for more exciting details about the new exhibit opening this month!
When: March 3rd – 12th
This international documentary festival is taking over screens in Belleville from March 3 through 12! The 12th annual festival includes more than 50 documentary films, as well as the annual gala film and concert at the Empire Theatre in Downtown Belleville. Be moved and inspired at DocFest! Plan ahead and look at the 2023 lineup here.
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Upcoming Events
When: April 1st – 2nd
This is a province-wide event showcasing how Ontario Maple Syrup is made, but in SDG Counties there are producers who take Maple Weekend to the next level! The public is invited to tour sugar operations, taste the real syrup, walk sugarbush trails, enjoy pancake brekkies, and learn about all things maple. See which producers in SDG Counties are hosting events. Experience the traditional maple sugaring craft and taste why pure Ontario maple syrup is a favourite springtime treat!
When: Upcoming April 1st – 2nd
Get your maple on April 1 and 2 during Maple Weekend! This province-wide weekend is dedicated to nature’s gold – maple syrup. Check out the events happening at The Kemptville Campus – Agroforestry Centre, an 18-acre operating sugarbush. On the Bend Sugar Shack is partnering with the centre and the Peter Wensink Maple Forest to offer tours, pancakes, live music and taffy pulls! Be sure to bring home some on site maple products. Springtime just got sweeter!
