We’ve made ourselves comfortable with winter and we can almost taste Spring! …or is that Maple Syrup? There’s International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and March Break. If you’re feeling the urge to get out and explore the city, here are just a few exciting and inspiring happenings this March in Toronto!
Arts Scene:
Swan Lake with the National Ballet of Canada: Four Seasons of Performing Arts. March 8 to 22
This cherished classic returns to the stage this March. Known for its stunning choreography, dramatic storyline and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, Swan Lake has us swooning. Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain will bring the love story to the forefront in the staging as told through her unique experience of the work. Worth noting: Principal Dancer Heather Ogden will perform in Swan Lake for the final time on March 15 at 2:00 pm/March 18, 21 at 7:30 pm. But don’t worry she’s not retiring from the stage and will remain a Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.
The storyline: One night in a faraway kingdom, Odette joins her friends by the lake, unaware she has entered the lair of an evil predator, Rothbart. Part man and part bird, Rothbart casts a spell enslaving Odette to live by day as a swan. Only a pledge of true love and fidelity will set her free. When the kingdom’s eligible royal, Siegfried, falls in love with Odette, Rothbart conjures a trick to keep them apart – Odile, a ravishing imitation of Odette.
Trident Moon: Crow’s Theatre (341 Carlaw Avenue), March 4 to 30
Written by Anusree Roy and directed by Nina Lee Aquino with a sweeping ensemble that includes Sahiba Arora, Afroza Banu, Sehar Bhojani, Michelle Mohamed, Muhaddisah, Imali Perera, Zorana Sadiq, Mirza Sahran, Prerna Nehta, and Roy herself, TRIDENT MOON is set during the Partition of India in 1947 – one of the largest migrations in human history. Unfolding over a single night as three Muslim women have been abducted by three Hindu women, all trapped inside a transport truck as it speeds through a newly divided country, the lines between victim and perpetrator blur as the play exposes the harrowing realities of Partition. Exploring themes of identity, survival, and the enduring bonds of humanity,
TRIDENT MOON spotlights the ingenuity and bravery of women caught in a crisis that threatens their bodies, faith, and dignity. Roy’s writing balances visceral emotion and delicate intimacy, creating a narrative that is both specific to its historical context and universal in its exploration of trauma, hope, and connection.
Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre through to March 15
Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’. Whether you saw it live, watched it from home or weren’t even born yet, you won’t want to miss this! The musical includes hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more from the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia. 10% of the sale of all tickets will be donated directly to The Band-Aid Charitable Trust.
Who The Hell is Regina Jones?: Hot Docs Cinema, March 5
The extraordinary life of Regina Jones is one not only shaped by history but also one that made history. Pregnant and married at 15, she went straight through the middle of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, eventually emerging as the groundbreaking publisher of Soul newspaper, Jones is a testament to the American experience. This documentary is directed by Billy Miossi, and Soraya Sélène.
Julie Kim – Doing Too Much Tour: The Royal Theatre, March 8
Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians. Julie recently toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). She was a gala performer at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and headlined four sold-out solo shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals including Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Julie has also been regularly featured on CBC’s The Debaters.
Iliza Shlesinger: The Get Ready Tour: Massey Hall, March 14
Iliza is one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, with a fan base who show their loyalty by creating their own Iliza-inspired swag to wear to her shows.
The comedian has released six Netflix specials to date including her most recent 2022’s Hot Forever. Her other Netflix specials include Unveiled, War Paint, Freezing Hot, Confirmed Kills, and Elder Millennial. In 2019, Shlesinger released Iliza Shlesinger: Over & Over, her “fan-u-mentary,” which gave fans an inside look into what goes into the making of one of her specials. This fall Iliza taped her upcoming stand-up special for Amazon Prime at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, which will be released in early 2025.
Winter Stations: Woodbine Beach until March 30
Winter Stations is a single-stage international design competition held annually in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants are tasked with designing temporary winter art installations which incorporate existing lifeguard towers spaced strategically across the city’s Kew and Woodbine beaches. The structures (not in use in the wintertime) are considered visual anchor points for the installations.
This year’s theme Dawn marks the beginning of a new era for Winter Stations as it steps into its 11th year, symbolizing a fresh chapter in its creative journey. Just as the first light of morning breaks through the darkness, the exhibition will explore the moments of profound change that redefine and shape our existence, highlighting the delicate process of shedding old layers to emerge as something new. Dawn embraces the evolving self and the endless possibilities of change and transition, whether it be personal, natural, or spiritual, capturing the raw beauty of growth and renewal.
Poems in Passage: TTC
Returning to the TTC this season with 17 new poems from established and emerging voices including works from globally renowned writers including Margaret Atwood, Rupi Kaur, and Mustafa.
Poems in Passage launched in early 2024 as a revitalization of a universally loved public art initiative, “Poetry on the Way”, which was mysteriously suspended in 2012 after 14 years on the TTC. After wondering what happened to the program they loved so much growing up in Scarborough, childhood best friends Latif Murji (a practising physician and health equity advocate) and Addesse Haile (a consultant) decided to try and bring it back.
This second iteration is a testament to the program’s impactful inaugural season, and continued growth into a movement that aims to uplift Canadian voices and inspire connection and reflection by sharing diverse perspectives and stories, one commute at a time. Find them on various TTC vehicles including subway cars.
Illuminite: Light-Art Festival at Sankofa Square (Yonge & Dundas) until March 2 (4 pm to 11 pm nightly)
Discover captivating light installations that brighten Downtown Yonge, ILLUMINITE bridges the chill with warmth, creativity, and community spirit. This year’s theme, Making Connections, shines a spotlight on the bonds between people and the spaces we share, transforming the winter landscape into a vibrant, interactive experience.
Other Events this month:
The Soulful Divorcée Event: Toronto Event Centre. March 29
“Rebuild. Radiate. Redefine.” This exclusive event is designed for the modern, sophisticated woman stepping into her next chapter with confidence, elegance, and power. Created by Kathryne Mejias, founder of Born for More, this day is all about reinvention—inside and out. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau– a leading voice in self-discovery and empowerment, takes centre stage followed by an intimate book signing from her latest book, Closer Together, which explores emotional resilience, connection, and self-love. Eva Redpath will lead a high-energy session designed to help you set powerful intentions and elevate your mindset.
Also, expect elevated experiences from exclusive shopping to transformative conversations, immerse yourself in a world designed for reinvention. Meet 42+ women-owned vendors from personal styling, holistic beauty and wellness, financial guidance, Exclusive gift bags (only 100 available), and curated cocktails, all in a setting that inspires growth, style, and connection. And so much more! Tickets and details here: Born for More
International Women’s Day Events in Toronto:
ROM After Dark International Women’s Day (19+ event): Royal Ontario Museum, March 7
ROM After Dark (RAD) is the popular after-hours adult (19+) event series that features curated music, live performances, and distinctive food and drink.
Join us for a night-time celebration at RAD: International Women’s Day. The night will feature a ton of exciting live performances including multi-talented singer-songwriter Anna Sofia, DJ Cozmic Cat, Flamenco Dance with FabCollab, Solidaridad Tango, and DJ Sakiko Nagai. Also expect yummy eats, fun interactives like selfie stations, a slumber party room, and so much more. Plus, each visitor gets a free drink ticket* and access to Nature in Brilliant Colour and Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
International Women’s Day Yoga Fundraiser: 10XTO Toronto, March 9, 4pm to 6 pm
10XTO’s third annual International Women’s Day fundraiser invites everyone to flow for our sisters with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter. The event will start with a 45-minute Vinyasa class as we take over our world-class tennis courts, encased in glass. Participants will then be guided through a breathwork and singing bowl sound bath. Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of a singing bowl sound bath, paired with guided breathwork to calm the mind and restore balance. Let the resonant tones wash over you, releasing tension and inviting deep relaxation. BYOE – mat, water bottle and towel.
STC x Her Market: Scarborough Town Centre, March 7 to 9
This pop-up event showcases local women-owned businesses and their amazing products. Join us at the centre court of Scarborough Town Centre for a day filled with shopping, networking, and supporting women-owned businesses. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover unique items and connect with inspiring women.
Other Happenings:
Retro Arcade at Hotel X Toronto: Exhibition Grounds. Fridays and Saturdays until March 16
Perfect for families, couples, friends, and gaming enthusiasts, Retro Arcade features timeless 80s and 90s classics such as Pinball, Mario Kart, Time Crisis, Street Fighter, Galaga, Dance Dance Revolution, and more, all in a vibrant, retro-inspired setting. Retro Arcade will host Retro Replay on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m., where a DJ spinning live vinyl tracks sets a nostalgic atmosphere for gaming, snacking, and socializing.
Retro movies will also be playing in the Hotel X Toronto Screening Room starting at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday with any Retro Arcade ticket. New this year, a public multiplayer Mario Kart tournament will be held on Sunday, March 16, the last day of Retro Arcade, with the winner receiving a one-night complimentary stay at Hotel X Toronto. See Libby’s post here!
National Home Show: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. March 7 to 16
Over 500 home reno experts and vendors make this a one-stop destination for home improvement and design. Ranging from small-space living to aging at home as well as the latest products and services for energy efficiency. Expect many presentations, resources, DIY projects for in and outside the home and advice to inspire and to make your dream renos come to life.
The Main stage will feature some of Canada’s leading industry experts and familiar TV faces in home design, gardening, and renovations including Colin & Justin, Kortney Wilson and Kirsten Coutts (Home Network), Mike Holmes, Sherry Holmes and Kimberly Capone. BT’s Frankie Flowers will also be there as well as Lynda Reeves and Aly Velji. Check the full schedule on their site.
Minecraft Overworld immersive experience: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, March 8 to 16.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada has crafted a world-exclusive activation at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, celebrating the upcoming theatrical release of A MINECRAFT MOVIE (set to release on March 28 in theatres). Running from March 8 to 16, this immersive experience will offer fans of all ages a chance to step into the pixelated paradise of the Minecraft Overworld, completely free of charge. Here’s what to expect:
Immersive Minecraft landscape with pixel-perfect cherry blossom trees.
Lifelike Creeper, Bee, and Pink Sheep characters from the film.
Lifelike Creeper, Bee, and Pink Sheep characters from the film.
The latest LEGO Minecraft sets and other take-home souvenirs.
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