The best St. Patrick’s Day parties and events happening in Toronto
Looking to celebrate the luck o’ the Irish this weekend? Toronto has tons of St. Patrick’s Day activities and events to keep you seeing green all weekend long. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Celtic culture by checking out some traditional music, want to spend some family time outdoors or you’re just looking to sip green beer with friends, the city has the perfect event for you.
Best Damn Stand-Up Comedy Show: St. Patrick’s Day Edition
March 15 | SoCap Comedy
Comedy Nuggets is hosting a comedy night to remember on St. Patrick’s Day! Hosted by Funny is Funny’s Jeff O’Brien and featuring headliners Chad Noonan from Danforth Comedy Festival, Amy Bugg from the Oddblock Comedy Festival and Luke Lynndale from Hollywood Improv as well as Madison Cassaday from Absolute Comedy, spend your St. Paddy’s Day celebrating Toronto’s top comics!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16
The famous St. Paddy’s Day parade begins at noon at the corner of St. George and Bloor and will last an hour and a half at any given point along the route, finishing at Yonge-Dundas Square. Recognized as the largest Irish-themed event held in Toronto, it will make for a fun-filled affordable family day — get ready for bagpipes, funky floats and plenty of excitement!
After Werk St. Paddy’s Haaay LGBTQ+ Dance Party
March 15 | Rivoli Toronto
Want to be doubly surrounded by your community this weekend? Head over to Rivoli for After Werk’s LGBTQ+ St. Paddy’s Day dance party! DJ Ames will be bringing the music all night and you can expect house music, pop music and plenty of queer artists!
St. Patrick’s Day Toronto Club Crawl
March 15 | First stop at Isabelle’s, 548 King St. W.
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration, and so it’s no surprise that a club crawl pops up every year to take you on a drinking tour around Toronto’s most popular clubs! The club crawl this year will be across King Street and the clubs are all located close to each other, including a strong start at Isabelle’s, then Deer Lady, Mister Wolf and Future. Prepare to drink, drink and be merry!
Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Game Night
March 17 | FreePlay Toronto
For the Torontonians who are less about drinking and more about fun, Toronto Event Hub is hosting a social mixer with a St. Paddy’s Day twist. Start the night with CrowdParty trivia and group icebreakers, then enjoy some free time to play arcade games or open mingling! The cost of the ticket covers unlimited free play all night, and you can stay after 10 p.m. to party at the venue — just remember to wear green!
Canada’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party
If you’re a one and done kind of partier, there’s one place in particular that will be calling your name. Canada’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party, Guinness SPD at Rebel, is happening all day on Saturday and includes a Lucky Charms bar, free pancake breakfast, fiddlers and Irish dancers and multiple outdoor patios.
Annual Toronto Irish Film Festival
March 28-30 | TIFF Bell Lightbox
Keep the St. Paddy’s Day festivities going long after March 17 with the Toronto Irish Film Festival! Celebrate the very best of Irish cinema with the festival that promotes the work of of Irish filmmakers to the Greater Toronto Irish community and the Toronto film festival public.
TIRFF is back with its annual festival with 9 films at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. The festival opens on March 28 with comedic drama Fidel Ghorm directed by Anne McCabe.
Rooftop St. Paddy and Après-Ski Party
March 16 | Hemingway’s Restaurant
Combine the excitement of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations with the fun outfits of après-ski parties at Hemingway’s rooftop St. Patrick’s Day event! Spend the afternoon drinking green beer, taking ski shots and rocking out to live acoustic music by Chris Scian on the rooftop patio — don’t forget to dress the part!
Billy Joel just cancelled his Toronto show scheduled for this weekend
Music Icon Billy Joel has cancelled his Rogers Centre concert scheduled for March 16.
In a statement on social media, Joel said the Toronto show and others had to be cancelled over a medical condition.
“Billy Joel’s upcoming concert dates will be rescheduled due to a medical condition. The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors. Joel is expected to make a full recovery. The tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025,” read the post.
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding,” Joel added.
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From deals to local ingredients: 5 Toronto restaurants take a stand on U.S. tariffs
As tariffs continue to make their mark on the restaurant industry, Toronto eateries are stepping up in creative ways to support local and stick it to the U.S. From budget-friendly dining deals to full-on ingredient overhauls, these spots are proving that taking a stand can be tasty.
Patois
Starting March 11, chef Craig Wong and Patois are firing back at tariffs with “Shebang for Your Buck,” a no-frills dining deal that’s here to help you eat well without breaking the bank. Every Tuesday to Thursday, the restaurant will serve up limited-edition trays featuring off-menu Canadian dishes for just $25. The menu switches it up often, so expect something fresh and fun each time. Plus, Patois is doubling down on local support by giving small Canadian businesses a platform at JunePlum, with pop-ups that showcase the best of Toronto’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Il Fornello
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Il Fornello Danforth is serving up some savings with a 25 per cent discount on dine-in food bills, Mondays through Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m., running through April. And to keep the good vibes rolling, the restaurant’s offering Canadian-inspired cocktails for just $10. Plus, if you’re not feeling the dine-in vibe, they’re giving 15 per cent off pick-up orders through Ambassador.
FK
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FK restaurant on St. Clair Avenue West is putting its money where its mouth is by pulling all American wines from its award-winning list. In response to the U.S. tariffs, the husband-and-wife duo behind the 14-year-old restaurant are doubling down on Canadian wines. The decision isn’t without a financial hit — those 400 bottles of American vino aren’t cheap to let go. But as they put it on Instagram, “Sometimes taking a stand means sacrifice. We’re doing what we can to show we don’t support. It’s a price we’re willing to pay.”
Grams Pizza
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In the face of rising tariffs, Gram’s Pizza, in the Junction Triangle near Dupont and Dundas, is making a stand with local ingredients only. The pizzeria swapped out American flour, pepperoni and pop for Canadian-made alternatives — because nothing says “supporting local” like ditching U.S. products. “It’s all Ontario ingredients,” they proudly proclaim, with just a few exceptions like olive oil, garlic, and oregano. And while the transition is a work in progress, customers are applauding the move. As one Instagram user put it: “You should rename the ‘Hot Hawaiian’ to ‘Hot South Pacific.’” A little local love goes a long way.
Demetres
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Until March 31, Demetres is fighting back against tariffs with a sweet deal: 25 per cent off their Canadian-made Tiramisu. Just say “Tariffmisu” when you order and get a taste of their homemade dessert, made right in their Woodbridge bakery.
Dear Sangita: My cheating ex can’t resist showing up at my job
Sangita Patel is Streets of Toronto’s advice columnist and was previously an entertainment reporter with ET Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
Dear Sangita: I was in a four-year relationship, and my partner cheated on me. I’ve been trying to move on and get over it. But now for the past month, he’s been coming in every single week to my place of work (I’m the manager at a restaurant) — with the person who he cheated on me with. It’s getting under my skin and makes work so unpleasant. What should I do? — Cursed by the cheater
Dear Cursed: This is a bizarre and awful scenario. If he cheated on you, you would think he would be embarrassed and wouldn’t want to be around you at all, let alone coming to your place of work. I assume that he knows your schedule, which means he’s deliberately coming in when you’re working — he’s trying to get under your skin.
He’s either so much of an a**hole that he’s actually going out of his way to taunt you at your place of work and potentially try to make you jealous with this new girlfriend, or there’s some unfinished business and he feels like he needs to see you or talk to you for some reason.
Either way, you have a few options: one is to suck it up and just go to work and deal with it, or you could find a way to communicate with him and ask him to stop. If someone did that to me and walked into the restaurant I worked in, I wouldn’t serve them. I’d get someone else to serve them. I wouldn’t want to give the power to him, and I would find ways of not being around him if he’s not someone who will listen to reason. You could change your shifts at work, or your last option is to find a new job entirely. It’s not fair that someone who has already done something so awful to you would have such an impact on your work life too, but you ultimately need to look after yourself and do what will bring you peace.
Dear Sangita: My mom is 85 and she still lives in the house we were born in. I really think it’s time she moved. There are a lot of stairs, and I’m worried for her safety. But I can’t convince her to move into a place that’s easier for her because this is our childhood home, and she’s very emotionally attached to it. I’ve done whatever I can to keep her as safe as possible, but I think now it’s time to move her out. What should I do? — Aging pains
Dear Aging pains: I recently had to get my parents to move out because my dad was not doing well, and there were stairs in the house. We moved them out and they live in a condo now. I learned from that experience that you have to be sensitive to what they’re feeling. Rather than telling your mom what to do, which is something a lot of adults are guilty of, you need to put the power in her hands. Ask her if she really feels like she’s safe there.
She’ll probably say yes at first, but go over all those scenarios, such as: “Is it hard for you to go up the stairs?” My parents eventually realized they couldn’t manage it.
Of course this will be difficult for your mother. This is the next chapter of her life and probably her last chapter. So take the journey with her: visit places with her, go through old keepsakes with her. You might be feeling rushed to do this now, out of fear and worry for your mom, but I would come at this situation from a place of empathy for how difficult this process will be for her.
Have a question about love, relationships or life for Sangita? Send it to [email protected] or submit it here.
More from Sangita:
Dear Sangita: I snooped through my partner’s phone and I found something concerning. The question is: Do I go back into his phone to see if he’s still talking to people? Or do I admit to my boyfriend that I snooped and ask him straight out if he’s still using it?
Dear Sangita: I’m engaged to a married man. He was supposed to have mailed in the paperwork before he proposed to me, but I found out after that some documents were missing when he did. Was I wrong for calling off the wedding?
Dear Sangita: My New Year’s resolution is to break up with my awful boyfriend and start dating his best friend! His best friend is just a much better fit for me. Neither of us have acted on it, but I want to. How do I do this without breaking up their friendship?
It’s going up to 21 degrees in this Ontario city, here are 10 reasons to road trip
Temperatures will soar up to 21 °C in Windsor, ON, this week — the hottest in the province! The city is just under a 4-hour drive from Toronto (or a 1-hour flight via Porter Airlines), and is filled with tons of fun activities and historic sites — making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, travelling solo, or seeking a romantic retreat — here are some of the most popular things to do in Windsor as the weather warms up.
Windsor Riverfront Trail
Celebrate the warm weather with a scenic walk or bike ride along the Detroit River, extending from Ambassador Park to Centennial Park into Dieppe Gardens! The trail is just under 6 miles, so will take a little over 1.5 hours to trek by foot. You’ll pass by a series of sculptures, memorials, and gardens along the path and have amazing views of the Detroit skyline!
Windsor Sculpture Park
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Head to the shores of the Detroit River between the Ambassador Bridge and Festival Plaza, and stroll through this stunning outdoor gallery, known as the “museum without walls”. Admire more than 31 contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists, like Jack Byng’s five-foot granite plinth “A Butterfly’s Wings” and Edwina Sandys’ “Eve’s Apple”, modelled after the biblical story.
Adventure Bay Family Water Park
Grab the entire family and head to one of the best water parks in the province, filled with over 35,000 square feet of water adventures. Both kids and adults will love the park’s five giant waterslides, the body boarding surf experience, kiddie bungee swings, air-powered cannons that shoot foam balls, and more! Tickets: $27/person or $17/person between starlight hours from 3 – 6 pm. 401 Pitt St W.
Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market
Discover farm fresh fruits, vegetables, produce and artisan food products from the best Windsor has to offer. The market also has a Kids Corner, art exhibits, crafts vendors, community booths, entertainment, food demos, and more, making it the perfect family-friendly environment! Runs every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm, from March 29 to Oct 25! Pelissier St. & Maiden Ln W.
Edde’s Graffiti Alley
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Fans of Graffiti Alley in Toronto will love Edde’s Graffiti Alley, which borders the farmers’ market and boasts vibrant street art from both local and international artists! 500 Wyandotte Street W.
Willistead Manor
This 36-room mansion sits within a 15-acre park — and is ready for exploring. The manor, built in 1906, was briefly the home of Edward Chandler Walker and his wife, Mary. Today, it’s considered a cultural gem and used for everything from weddings to special events. Open Tues to Sat, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 1899 Niagara St.
Burger Battles and Food Passports
Windsor is known for its delicious comfort foods, particularly its mouth-watering burgers. The 3rd Annual Burger Battle takes place until March 27. Just buy a ‘passport’ book and you’ll receive coupons to all 11 participating restaurants, a BOGO free burger-and-fries meal, and entry into a draw for one of 11 $25 gift certificates to participating restaurants! Participants can also vote for their fav burger joint (results will be announced in mid-April). If anything, it’ll make for a great date night on your getaway as you and your partner track down the best burgers in the city!
Then head over to Tecumseh in the Windsor metropolitan area. Download the ‘Tecumseh Tastes Passport’— from now until April 30th, spend $25 or more at a participating restaurant (take-out or dine-in) and mark the restaurant you dined at on your passport — just make sure to keep your receipt! Visit at least one or two restaurants per grouping (like Asian food, Italian, casual dining, etc.) and submit your passport before the end of the promotion. A draw will take place once the promotion ends, with the winners rewarded anywhere between $100 and $500 Tecumseh Dollars (giving you another reason to visit the Windsor area).
Ojibway Nature Centre
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Nature lovers can explore this pristine natural reserve and enjoy a perfect escape from the city! The park is open from dawn to dusk and is filled with walking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs — it has over 4,000 different species. Displays are open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5 pm. Bonus: There is no charge for admission! 2450 McDougall St.
Caesars Windsor
There are tons of cute inns, hotels, and Airbnbs to stay at during your Windsor getaway, but Caesars also offers the best casino games, fine dining and live shows! This spring, look out for legendary acts like Smokey Robinson (March 27), Jay Leno (May 1), and ZZ Top with the Wallflowers (June 18) 377 Riverside Dr E.
Biblioasis Bookshop
This indie bookstore is nestled in Windsor’s historic Walkerville District and boasts new and used book inventories, including current bestsellers, classics, cute children’s books, and works by local authors. The store also regularly hosts midnight book release parties like the upcoming party for Suzanne Collins’ hotly anticipated Sunrise on the Reaping Hunger Games book.
The 10 best maple syrup festivals in Ontario for a super sweet day trip
Known to Canadians as liquid gold, maple syrup (or maple sugar) is a cultural treasure with a rich Indigenous history dating back thousands of years before being adopted by early settlers. Harvested in early spring around the time of the sugar maple moon, this sweet delicacy isn’t just a breakfast staple —it’s part of Canada’s identity. Enjoying locally-made maple syrup is one of the easiest, and most delicious, ways to buy Canadian.
If you’re interested in exploring maple sugaring season firsthand, hope to learn more about this amber delicacy, or want a unique experience, here are a few places to help you get started. From Muskoka to Niagara, Halton and beyond, March is prime time to head to the sugar bush. While you’re at it, try exploring the many delightful nearby towns – it makes for a great day or weekend trip.
Maple Town at Mountsberg
Select dates from March 1-April 6
From sap collection to transformation into the sugary liquid Canadians hold dear, you’ll love learning about sugar maples with a Conservation Halton guide. After, sample fresh syrup on a hot stack of pancakes accompanied by a warm drink. For further exploration, head to nearby Rattlesnake Point — recently named one of the most photogenic natural spots in the world — for inspiring nature trails through 800-year-old cedar forests and scenic lookout points.
Elliot Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience
Select dates from Feb. 15-April 6
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and sample award-winning maple syrup. Hike (or toboggan) the farm’s sugarbush trail, taste sap from the tree and head to the sugar shack to watch the pros at work before exploring the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario. Afterward, stop by Orangeville for dining, local shopping and charming historic strolls.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
April 5
Join a 60-year town tradition and celebrate the sweetest time of year — maple syrup season. Enjoy wagon rides, syrup tasting, family activities and a pancake-flipping contest. For a unique experience, visit Elmira via the Waterloo Central Railway, a heritage train journey and book sugar bush hikes at nearby farms. For further exploration, visit neighbouring St. Jacobs and meander Canada’s largest farmers market.
Sweet Water at Crawford Lake
Select dates from March 1-April 6
Learn about Indigenous sugar water traditions, sample maple and birch sap on an expert-guided excursion, and explore a 15th-century Longhouse village for a fascinating peek into the past. After, cozy up by the fire and sample maple taffy. To enjoy more of the beautiful outdoors, try cross-country skiing.
Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival
Select dates from March 8-April 19
Dig into a scrumptious breakfast of farm-fresh sausages and pancakes made from a secret family recipe — all with a good serving of maple syrup. Take a guided hike through the sugar bush, learn about tree-tapping, and visit the sugar shack for maple syrup-making insights. And, if you can’t get enough of maple season, visit nearby Sunderland between April 5-6 for the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival.
Brooks Farms Maplefest
Select dates from March 12-April 11
Take an educational sugar bush tour and discover the science behind creating maple syrup. Set the kids free in the Barnyard Playland and delight in a wagon ride through the farm. Taste artisanal maple syrup, roast marshmallows by the fire and tuck into a stack of flapjacks.
Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce’s Mill
Select dates from March 8-April 6
Take an enchanting horse-drawn wagon ride, experience demonstrations on Indigenous and early settler maple syrup production methods, and enjoy scenic winter hiking trails. Shop fantastic maple-infused gifts, and enjoy a filling pancake breakfast. For an additional cost, trek among the treetops or explore Uplå, a massive suspended net adventure park.
PEC March Maple Madness
Select dates from March 1-30
Explore multiple family-owned sugar bush trails, snowshoe through vineyards and sugar maple woods, and try your luck at maple syrup-related trivia. Buy delectable baked goods and small-batch maple syrup, and have a boozy break at several local wineries, breweries and cider houses. While you’re at it, stay the weekend in one of Prince Edward County’s lovely B&Bs, enjoy superb local dining experiences, or book a guided maple tour day trip.
Muskoka Maple Trail and Maple Festival
Select dates from March 7-April 26
Enjoy Muskoka’s finest epicurean and experiential activities on the Maple Trail and discover why Canadians covet this sticky treat. Dine on maple-infused dishes, explore sugar bushes by wagon ride, and uncover the rich history of this early spring tradition. On April 26, celebrate the season with treats, entertainment and revelry in welcoming Muskoka style.
White Meadows Farms Sugar Bush Trek
Select dates from March 1-April 13
Discover four generations of maple syrup-crafting tradition at White Meadows Farm. Take an expert-guided tour through the sugar bush and learn the fascinating legacy behind this time-honoured Canadian delicacy. Get hands-on and tap a tree or create your own maple taffy in the snow. And don’t forget to stop by the sugar shack to see where the magic happens. While here, why not make a weekend of it and head to Niagara-on-the-Lake or the Falls?
The 10 best concerts in Toronto this month
There are some incredible concerts on tap for Toronto this month, and there is something for everyone from Suzanne Vega’s poetic hits to NOBRO’s punk rock energy, and Billy Joel’s timeless classics. Whether it’s a quirky Martian-themed celebration or a legendary concert experience, March promises some seriously unforgettable shows. Here’s our top 10.
Suzanne Vega, March 11 and 12
Suzanne Vega, best known for her iconic hit “Luka,” is celebrated for her poetic songwriting. In her “Old Songs, New Songs and Other Songs” concert at Lula Lounge, she will be joined by longtime guitarist Gerry Leonard for a career-spanning performance, featuring timeless classics like “Tom’s Diner” and “Luka,” as well as newer material.
NOBRO, March 14
NOBRO, known for their high-energy punk rock sound, will take the stage at Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern on March 14, with support from Klokwise and Feura This local band never disappoints making this, potentially, the best show this month.
Billy Joel, March 15
Billy Joel, the Piano Man, will take the stage at Rogers Centre on March 15 as part of his ongoing tour. The concert will showcase his greatest hits, celebrating his legacy as one of music’s most iconic artists.
Martian Awareness Ball, March 17
The 47th Annual Martian Awareness Ball will be held at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on March 17. This quirky event, hosted by Mary Margaret and Marcus O’Hara, promises an unforgettable night of fun, music, and Martian-themed performances. With acts like Rusty McCarthy & Band, Russ Boswell, and Great Bob Scott, the event invites revellers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a twist.
Mumford & Sons, March 23
Mumford & Sons will perform at Massey Hall as part of their Tour Before The Tour in support of their new album Rushmere, set to release on March 28. The Toronto show is one of four North American stops on the tour.
The Magnetic Fields, March 26 and 27
The Magnetic Fields will perform at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre as part of their 69 Love Songs 25th Anniversary Tour. The band is performing all 69 songs over the two nights of this show, and tickets for both nights are available as a two-day pass or individual nights.
Bedouin Soundclash, March 29
Join local legends Bedouin Soundclash on March 29 at the Opera House to celebrate 20 years of Sounding A Mosaic. This special performance will highlight the band’s evolution, mixing reggae, rock, and ska in a delightful mash-up.
Flipturn and Arcy Drive, March 29
Danforth Music Hall plays host to two fantastic new(ish) indie rock bands. Headliners Flipturn have two albums to their credit, including the just-out Burnout Days. While supporting act Arcy Drive have also been getting plenty of attention recently thanks, in part, to the incredibly catch song “Louie” making the social media rounds. Great show.
Kylie Minogue, March 29
Aussie icon Kylie Minogue’s Tension Tour hits Scotiabank Arena on March 29, bringing her iconic hits to town. Joined by special guest Romy, the night promises an electrifying performance and a lot of dancing.
FKA Twigs, March 30 and 31
Avant garde British artist FKA twigs will bring her EUSEXUA tour to History on March 30 and 31. The performances will showcase the electrifying artist’s new material from her highly anticipated album EUSEXUA.
Meet the Seinfeld-inspired laundromat turned restaurant Toronto’s talking about
With its forest green and white-striped awning and red neon sign ablaze, it’s hard to miss Bonito’s, the new kid on the Ossington strip, which shares a space with Bar Bowie.
What used to be a neighbourhood laundromat now “has a bit of a ‘Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment’ vibe,” says Adrian Montes de Oca, co-founder, Bonito’s. Inside, there’s wood panelling on the walls reminiscent of the late 60s and 70s. Sports memorabilia covers the walls and plates are served up atop pumpkin orange and pea-green table tops.“It’s the kind of place you can pop in and out of without ever needing an invitation. No reservations (although we recommend one), no formalities, just a relaxed, come-as-you-are spot,” Montes de Oca says.
The menu loosely takes inspiration from diner and sports bar classics — “emphasis on ‘loosely,’” Montes de Oca says. It incorporates flavours and spices from Korean and Latin American cuisine — think hamachi ceviche, crispy plantain chips, refreshing pomelo salad, stuffed chicken wings and crispy yucca fries.
“Ultimately, it’s a space for Mikey Kim to do what he does best,” he says, noting that the kitchen is led by head chef Ronan Shaftoe under the direction of chef/co-owner, Kim. “As for must-try dishes, you’ll discover something new that you didn’t know you’d love—we’ll just let the food speak for itself.”
The cocktail program is run by Alex Creglia. “Simply put: we try to make “simple fun cocktails” look effortless, the truth is, there’s some real work behind the scenes,” Montes de Oca says. “Taking the complicated route to do something simple gets you surprising results.”
As for the wine list? It’s not endless, but it’s quality over quantity, Montes de Oca says. “Only the all-stars made the cut.” Bonitos serves classic beers, like Modelo, Guinness and a house lager, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal brews.
“In the long run, the goal is for Bonito’s to become a true pillar in the neighbourhood, a space that grows alongside its surroundings and patrons, evolving into a place that feels like it’s always been there,” Montes de Oca says.
Bonito’s is located at 180 Ossington Ave. and is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The 10 best things to do this week in Toronto
Winter is here and the city is alive and well with plenty of arts, shopping, food and more to enjoy! From St. Patrick’s Day festivities to Toronto’s comicon, here are 10 things to do in Toronto this week.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.
Enjoy the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The city comes alive with green as Toronto celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade on Sunday. The parade kicks off at noon on the corner of St. George and Bloor Street West. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the largest Irish-themed events in Toronto. Politician Caroline Mulroney is set to be honoured as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade.
Get an inside scoop on classic song American Pie
Don McLean’s “American Pie” has cemented itself as a classic in the music world — but did you know it has plenty of historical references hidden throughout it? Written to commemorate the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, go behind the scenes of the song with Inside American Pie, a show featuring an iconic setlist and remarkable stories.
See How to Train Your Dragon in concert
Celebrate March Break with an animated favourite — in concert! How to Train Your Dragon will be playing in HD on the big screen on Friday and Saturday as the TO Live Orchestra performs the score, making for an immersive and exciting experience.
Indulge your inner fan at Toronto Comicon
Toronto Comicon is the ultimate celebration of sci-Fi, horror, anime and gaming at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over three action-packed days, from Friday to Sunday, fans can meet celebrities, attend panels, watch Sketch Duels and shop for unique gifts. This year, celebrity guests include The Boys stars Karl Urban and Colby Minifie, The Good Place‘s Manny Jacinto and more. It’s the perfect place to indulge your pop culture passions!
Learn more about Joni Mitchell through a musical performance
Joni Mitchell fans may know that, though she spent many years in Toronto, she also moved to Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills during her career. Ladies of the Canyon: Joni and the California Scene explores the cultural hotbed that brought together Joni Mitchell, Steven Stills, Jackson Browne and Mamma Cass Elliot.
Race your way through St. Patrick’s Day
Get in on the fun at the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Race! It’s been a beloved tradition since 2000 and kicks off the running season in style. Everyone’s invited to join in the excitement at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works venue on Sunday. Don’t miss the lively after-party with Irish music and refreshments! Participants will receive a technical running shirt, a unique finisher medal and the option to enjoy a pint of beer and a meal.
Dance on at an anime rave
Prepare for the ultimate anime party at the fifth #WeTouchGrass: Toronto Anime Rave on Friday at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, featuring electrifying performances and exciting surprises for attendees aged 19 and over. Experience unlimited photobooth pictures, temporary tattoos and a glam station with a makeup artist on-site. Plus, showcase your cosplay skills on the Cosplay Catwalk.
See your favourite artist in concert
There are plenty of amazing concerts to enjoy this week — starting with K.Flay at The Danforth Music Hall on Monday! On Tuesday, Jessica Baio takes over The Axis Club and Jack Kays performs at The Opera House, while Dream Theater takes the stage at Coca Cola Coliseum for their 30th anniversary tour. On Thursday, the amazing Boyz II Men returns to the city at The Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto. On Friday, The Red Clay Strays perform at history. And of course, on Saturday, get ready to see Billy Joel take over at the Rogers Centre!
Defy gravity at a Broadway rave
Keep the Wicked love going with a Broadway Rave on Saturday in Toronto, a musical theatre dance party! Prepare to sing and dance all night long to your favourite show tunes, including, of course, all the top Wicked hits.
Have a laugh with your favourite comedian
Get some much needed laughs this week with a comedian of your choosing: Sam Morril, a rising standup comedian from New York City, is bringing The Errors Tour to Toronto on Tuesday. If observational blue-collar humour is more your style, catch Dusty Slay’s The Night Shift Tour on Saturday.
Everything we know about the new St. Lawrence Market North building opening soon
Torontonians who are fans of the Saturday Farmers’ Market at St. Lawrence Market are in for a treat — beginning Sat. April 5, the farmers’ market can be accessed from the new St. Lawrence Market North building at 92 Front St.
Yay, ! The new St. Lawrence Market north market opens April 5
byu/mdk1234567 intoronto
Farmers have been bringing their seasonal produce to the St. Lawrence Market complex — which includes St. Lawrence Hall and the North and South Market buildings — since 1803, making the market a culinary hotspot filled with everything from local produce to specialty food vendors! Construction of the new market officially began in July 2019 under a contract with The Buttcon Limited/The Atlas Corporation Joint Venture — this after the city stated that the North Market was being underutilized.
“The redevelopment of the North Market building will improve the utility of the St. Lawrence Market Complex for vendors, visitors and shoppers, while contributing to the economic development of the area,” the City stated on its site.
The total project cost was initially expected to be just over $91 million, although the project was marked with delays and ended up costing about $128 million.
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For the past few years, the farmers market has been operating out of a temporary market structure at 125 The Esplanade, just south of the South Market — a one-storey, prefabricated building with no traditional foundation.
The new five-storey, 228,000 sq. ft. multi-use market will open directly across from the South building and feature much more than a market. Expect court rooms and administrative spaces on the upper floors (City staff have been transitioning to the new North Market building since December), a vegetated green roof, a ground floor Market Hall (patrons can access the historic antique and farmers market from the main floor), as well as four levels of below grade parking for 250 cars.
According to the design architects, the five-storey atrium will also connect the North and South Markets, as well as the Market Hall. The existing St. Lawrence Hall will be connected to the new North Building.
The space includes energy efficient strategies — expect chilled beams, floor heating, and under-floor air distribution.
The fully digital lighting scheme will complement the open steel structure with the atrium above the market level and include dimming and occupancy sensors for a cool aesthetic. LEDs will illuminate the facility (including the parking garage levels) and provide ambient lighting to the market’s open ceiling area, with ambient lighting for the vendor booths.
The Farmers Market at the new North Building will be open on Saturdays from 5 a.m to 3 pm at 92 Front St. The original and iconic south market building continues to operate as usual.
North America’s only company making English-style planters is right here in the GTA
When it comes to making your home beautiful, there’s so much to think about: interior design, the architectural layout of your spaces, backyard landscaping. But what about what’s at your front door? In North America, many homes lack the kinds of traditional garden ornaments that transform the front of your home into an artistic wonder. That’s because it’s difficult to find high-quality planters in retail shops that match the grandeur of the rest of your property. But now, Toronto homeowners are in luck — Bromsgrove Garden Ornaments, the only company in North America creating traditional English-style lead garden ornaments, is for the first time offering their products directly to homeowners. Located right in the GTA, it will be even easier for Torontonians to get their hands on these one-of-a-kind planters.
A history of Bromsgrove
For nearly a quarter century, Bromsgrove has supplied customers with the finest products exclusively through a network of landscape architects and landscape designers for the grounds and gardens of many of the finest homes and commercial spaces across North America.
In the heart of Manhattan, on what is known as Billionaires’ Row, sits 220 Central Park South — a 70-floor luxury residential building that is one of the most expensive in the United States. Part of the building’s charm and grandeur lies in its planters — custom-made, hand-crafted, these lead planters can be found on the terraces and window sills and at the stately entrance of the building. They have that in common with another jaw-dropping building in the U.S., the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills — the planters flanking the front entrance are equally stunning, and for good reason. They both tapped Bromsgrove Garden Ornaments for the job.
The importance of lead planters
The Bromsgrove foundry is based out of the city of Hamilton. Known as the “Steel City,” it’s a fitting location for one of the remaining companies left in North America that makes these English-style planters, urns and garden ornaments using traditional materials and methods of production.
This includes lead, an ideal material for outdoor landscape features. Used historically for the highest-end garden products, such ornaments made from lead centuries ago are among the earliest ever made and are still surviving. Modern garden ornaments made of other materials will always eventually succumb to weather — wood will rot, iron will rust, concrete will crack. But lead will last forever; just look at the cisterns that are several centuries old and continue to hold water perfectly today!
Exclusive product offerings for GTA homeowners
For many years, landscape architects and designers have reached out directly to Bromsgrove to provide these products to some of the most affluent families and neighbourhoods in Toronto. Now, Bromsgrove will be making a limited selection of products available for purchase directly from their foundry.
If you’re a homeowner designing your own landscape or someone working with a local contractor to spruce up your front porch, you can browse Bromsgrove’s premium products and purchase directly.
Bromsgrove also offers door-to-driveway (or job site) delivery for customers in the GTA. They also provide support to contractors and installation crews to ensure that the project is executed in a timely manner and to the highest standards.
How to pick the right planter
If you’re accustomed to low-grade, mass-produced garden ornaments, there are some key points to keep in mind when placing a high-quality, English-style planter in front of your home.
These planters should cover the three S’s: scale, size and style.
Is the planter of a scale that is compatible with the rest of your home, such as the steps, the walkway, the door and the veranda?
Is the size large enough to accommodate the plants you have in mind for your front lawn?
Does the style of the planter match the overall style of your home and contribute to the street appeal of your property?
With these questions in mind to guide you, you can find the most fitting planters to complete your home.
How to bring a taste of luxury into your own home
From Billionaires’ Row to top designer shops, Bromsgrove custom planters are found in some pretty elite spaces — and now they can be a part of your home, too. You don’t need to be a billionaire to craft your own custom order from this local company. Visit their website or Instagram account and get inspired by perusing the gallery of garden installations. The full product gallery, along with ordering instructions and frequently asked questions are all available at bromsgrovegarden.com. You can also give them a call at (905) 312-9830.
