I don't mean to make a big deal out of these events, but.

TL;WR for March 21 through March 27 2023

Mar 20, 2023

Pancit bihon from Rosel's - Authentic Filipino Food in Waterloo

What to do.

Tuesday, March 21

Words Worth Books x Waterloo Public Library present A Discussion with Mariam Pirbhai. Pirbhai is a fiction writer and academic and she’ll be discussing her new novel, Isolated Incident, recently featured on the front page of the Waterloo Region’s The Record, for its ground-breaking depiction of “a community under siege but rarely given voice.” Tuesday, Mar. 21 at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 22

I’ve had daughters for over a decade and I can barely do a pony tail, so maybe I should sign up for Braids and Buns for Everyone at Kitchener Public Library on Wednesday, Mar. 22. Students from the Voila Institute will show you the tips and tricks for everyone from beginners to those looking to try something new.

Also at KPL, they’ve teamed up with the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery for Public Domain, a free screening of five short documentary videos that introduce you to an artist whose work is in the KWAG Permanent Collection. Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 7 p.m.

The KW Titans take on the Sudbury Five on Wednesday Mar. 22 at 7:00 p.m. Use the code "SCHOOL" and come out to the Aud for some amazing professional basketball!

The Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada presents Critical Histories of Blackness in Canada with Barrington Walker. This talk will explore R v. RDS twenty years after this landmark legal case in Canada. In person (232 King St N.) or online on Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 7 p.m.

University of Waterloo Theatre and Performance Program Presents Portia’s Julius Caesar. This production represents a radical adaption of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar with a focus on the voices and perspectives of the female characters. Performances run Mar. 22–25.

March Musical MADNESS is on at TWB Brewing Co-Op. Come out for their Trivia Night with Seen on Screen Podcast. Tickets are $10 per person and include a 12 oz beer and unlimited (ish) popcorn courtesy of Apollo Cinema.

Thursday, March 23

KWFamous x Last Shop on Earth present the Creatives & Cocktails on Thursday, Mar. 23 at Workhaus in the east end. Escape your creative rut and get guided into your subconscious with local fashion designer Chris Coates.

The Paddling Film Festival World Tour is on 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.

KPL Forest Heights Library has Game On! Scrabble from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This week at DTK Live, check out an amazing performance from Conor Gains & Aysanabee—live at THEMUSEUM starting at 7 p.m.

AOK Craft Beer + Arcade has Totally Tubular Thursdays: $10 pizzas 5-8pm; Rock Band Jam 8-11:30pm.

Three Sisters Cultural Centre in St. Jacob’s invites you to celebrate Ontario’s fibre traditions at WEFT Fest, a festival of showcasing, learning, and growing. Whether you are just starting out or have long been creating fibre art, there is something for you. Learn a new skill at a workshop; purchase high-quality materials at their Vendors’ Market; or sit back and relax at their Tea Room. Vote in our People’s Choice Quilt Display or listen to experts explain their craft in the Speaker Series. Learn more at weftfest.ca.

BeccaHosts has "Classic Rock" Music Bingo at The Rabbid Fox starting at 8 p.m.

Friday, March 24

It’s what we can only assume is Jeff Pickel’s favourite day of the year—Pickelfest. Enjoy dill-icious pickle inspired dishes from local restaurants and drinks from local breweries at THEMUSEUM from 7–10 p.m.

Gallery King McKay welcomes Barry Lorne to Kitchener for his new show Yin Yang Pop. Bring a friend, revel in the colour and get spring started right. Friday, Mar. 24 from 7–9 and Saturday, Mar. 25 from 4-6.

Join the team at the Fat Sparrow Charcuterie Bar for an evening of culinary excellence featuring quality, local beef from Beverly Creek Farms. The Butcher & Market and Fat Sparrow Chefs have teamed up to bring you an elegant multi-course dinner of unique, hand-crafted dishes made with pasture raised animals from local farms. Friday, Mar. 24 at 7 p.m.

Over at Rural Roots in Elmira, check out "90s Night" Music Bingo with BeccaHosts at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 25

TVO is coming to KPL for TVO Day at Kitchener Public Library and they want you to come celebrate Polkaroo's Birthday—if he even shows up. Saturday, Mar. 25 at 10 a.m.

Later in the day, check out So, You Made a Podcast. Now What? (TVO workshop). Ariana Longley, TVO’s digital channel specialist, will tell you the best practices for optimizing podcasts with enticing language, images, and keywords that will drive new listeners and maybe get you that Spotify-exclusive deal you’ve been dreaming of.

Less grass, more pollinators. That’s the vibe we’re taking into summer. Learn how at WPL’s Five Ways to Start Naturalizing Your Yard. Hosted by Reep Green Solutions, this fun, interactive workshop will show you five ways to increase the diversity of plant life so that your yard can support wildlife and improve watershed health. Saturday, Mar. 25 at 1 p.m.

Toronto’s Julian Taylor plays live at Emmanuel United Church this Saturday, Mar. 25 at 7 p.m. His 2020 LP, The Ridge, earned two Juno Award nominations, along with a pair of Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist and English Songwriter of the Year, five Native American Music Award nominations, plus a nomination for Canada’s most prestigious music accolade, the Polaris Music Prize.

Pinch Cabaret returns to Button Factory Arts for a fresh evening of variety with folk, comedy, burlesque, and more! Saturday, Mar. 25 at 8 p.m.

Mandippal is playing The Rich Uncle at 8 p.m.

Join everyone's favourite TWB Magician for a night of trickery and laughter! Performances by JP Magic, Josh Ryan, and John Akery. Space is limited, so get your tickets now!

Janice Jo Lee brings her band to Kitchener to launch her new album at The Registry Theatre. There will be music, spoken word, and dance by Sze-Yang Ade-Lam, Asian snacks, feminist throwdowns and warm melodies to soothe your deep-winter feelings. Saturday, Mar. 25 at 7 p.m.

Rusty Nail Comedy’s Saturday late show features Landry, Rob Bebenek, and friends starting at 9 p.m. at The Crazy Canuck DTK.

Sunday, March 26

TWH Social presents Detox : Drag Brunch, an energy-filled Sunday Afternoon- featuring talented drag performers, mimosas, and a delicious brunch buffet with Live Stations. Sunday, Mar. 26.

If that wasn’t enough serving for you, Cinched Events x Arabella Park Beer Bar have the Era-Brunch drag show starting at 12 p.m. The amazing performers will take you through multiple eras of music.

The Princess Cinema has a screening of Castle in the Sky at 2:10 p.m.

The Apollo has a screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – the Swordsmith Village at 9 p.m.

Monday, March 27

Join KPL for Trans in KW, a panel discussion on what it means to be trans in Waterloo Region. Panelists include Aashay Dalvi, Cait Glasson, and Manny Manila and the chat is moderated by Jesse Wiley. Monday, Mar. 27 at 6 p.m.

Centre in the Square is dropping science with every Earthling’s favourite scientist – Bill Nye the Science Guy. Monday, Mar. 27 at 8 p.m.

Ways to get involved.

Break barriers, and build connections: Join the Isolation 2 Inclusion case competition

There is a stigma associated with aging and dementia - particularly with racialized groups - which can lead to social isolation and barriers to accessing and participating in community programs. One of the most effective ways to identify and help older adults who may be experiencing social isolation or facing barriers to participation is through a community approach.

Isolation 2 Inclusion is a two-day case competition where local organizations and post-secondary students will work together to create solutions and products that address the unique challenges older adults - particularly those living with dementia and from racialized groups - experience.

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging is currently recruiting post-secondary students, from any discipline, but particularly those interested in healthcare and/or applied health sciences to participate in the Isolation 2 Inclusion case competition.

Registration is free but pre-required. Space is limited, visit: intergenerationalpartnerships.ca/i2i to sign up.

Support The Essentials Fund

The Essentials Fund begins its second fundraising campaign on March 20. The Essentials Fund collects monetary donations to provide local charities and organizations with an unrestricted grant to purchase items for their clients whenever needed. Donors receive a tax receipt for all eligible donations from the Waterloo Region Community Fund, as well as a year-end update from The Essentials Fund committee on the impact that your support has made. Last year, you helped raise funds to support 17 local charities and organizations who each received a grant to help their clients.

Get cooking

The Culinary Studio has a Mid-March Promo going on. For a limited time purchase one On Demand Recorded Class and get the second for 50% off—that's under $40 for two classes. You can make sushi with the kids one day, and have the best date night meal the next night. Deal ends on March 22.