March 1 – 31
We all know Edmonton is a food city. From March 1 to 31, it’s all about Eats on 118. Discover new favourites or pick up from your trusted go-to on Alberta Avenue. This month, 18 restaurants are offering specials for $15 – $20 for dine-in or take-out. For those who can’t pick a restaurant to try, consider ordering a Tour & Taste Box. These boxes feature the best of the best — and yes, green onion cakes will be included.
March 1 – 6
The Flying Canoë Volant is all about local history and everything great about wintry nights. While the highlight of the event is usually watching canoes race down a ski hill, this portion of the festival has been postponed until 2022. But, you can still enjoy whimsical illuminated trails, outdoor Indigenous programming and spontaneous activations. You can also make your own lantern to bring to the festival. RSVP your attendance from March 1 to 6, and follow the necessary COVID protocols that are in-place.
Online booking starts March 4
What’s the one activity you love to do, that follows all the pandemic rules and restrictions? Camping! Online booking opens up on March 4 through Alberta Parks. Get your camping gear, your favourite folding chairs and a portable barbecue ready. Just imagine sitting around a fire telling stories with your family.
It’s just about spring, which means it’s time for a seasonal clean. Even though we’ve all been super good about cleaning and sanitizating this past year, wouldn’t it be nice to do a big clean? Hoover your floor, clean your mattresses, change your bed sheets, do the laundry. You don’t have to do this all in one day. Do it section by section until your house sparkles.
March 4 – 14
Edmonton’s only theatre and multidisciplinary arts organization featuring the work of women-identifying and non-binary artists is back. And this year, SkirtsAfire has been reimagined to be both online and live. Experience the event from home with the digital premiere of Covid Collections on March 4, and Ballet Edmonton’s Body of Words from March 7 – 14. Or take part in the in-person festivities by heading to Old Strathcona and visit the in-person events, including an outdoor visual art exhibit, skirt design competition and Key of Me singer-songwriter series.
More daylight hours mean we’re spending more and more time outside, and Edmonton has loads of hidden gems to explore. There are small parks dotted all across the city, perfect for a stroll or a hike — like the Mactaggart Sanctuary, a nature preserve located between the Whitemud and Blackmud Creeks. With all its steep inclines, this one’s really more of a hike.
March 6
This two-hour lecture on March 6, hosted by the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts, looks at the many ways Ukrainians from different regions would cover their heads, and the meanings and histories behind them.
March 6 – June 6
Although Black History Month has come and gone, make sure to visit the Black Every Day exhibit at the AGA. Curated by 5 Artists 1 Love founder, Darren Jordan, the exhibit celebrates the 15th anniversary of the organization dedicated to showcasing art in all its forms by Edmonton’s African Canadian communities.
Available until the ice melts
Warmer weather is upon us and there aren’t a lot of cold days and nights left. For some this may be a reason to cheer, but for winter lovers, it may be their last chance to head over to the Edmonton Ice Wall. Rental gear is provided and there are no prerequisites required. There are also courses that introduce you to the sport, so grab your snow pants one last time this winter.
March 8
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Wolfe Automotive Group as it hosts a free online event to celebrate and honour women’s achievements in Edmonton, Calgary and the Bow Valley. A panel of women will share their stories and advice on a wide range of topics: business success, family, education and self-care. Take part or donate today.
March 12 & 13
Missing the music? The Jubilee holds another rooftop concert on March 12 and 13. The Songs of Spring Opera features singers from Edmonton Opera Emerging Artists Studio. Pick up something to eat, settle in and enjoy the live music through your FM radio.
The Lotus Art Gallery is taking spring head-on. For all plant lovers, The Bloom online exhibit showcases the beauty in flowers, just in time to inspire your green thumb for the upcoming gardening season. Make sure to catch History of Flowers, too, which is so prominent in Western art.
Until March 13
Enjoy a live-streamed concert featuring arias and ensembles from the Baroque and Classical eras, performed by the Opera Sustenida. The opera is made up of four musicians, including a pianist and a coloratura soprano. Grab your favourite book to read, a bottle of wine and relax to the opera.
For all the avid gardeners out there, it’s time to plan out your garden. Most berries like strawberries and raspberries like to be planted in early spring, when the weather is slightly moist. Start with germinating your seeds indoors and when your garden is frost-free, it’s time to plant.
Until March 14
This Whyte Ave festival is going on until March 14. You can enjoy something sweet and a latte from 13 different coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants for only $5 each. Don’t miss out on this spring food festival in the city, especially if it can satisfy your sweet tooth.
March 14
Although not an official holiday, Pi Day celebrates the mathematical constant of pi (in short-form, 3.14), so if you needed an excuse to buy your favourite sweet or savoury pie, this is it!
March 15
Alcohol ink (a fast drying, dye-based ink) painting is all about fluidity and movement. On March 15, Wilder Than Wind Studio is hosting a beginner’s alcohol ink painting class. You will be provided with yupo paper and tiles to complete three paintings. An in-person session, the studio is following all AHS guidelines and safety measures.
The Royal Alberta Museum is bound to keep you busy this month with all its at-home activities. Read stories that are cool and weird (did you know the fitted sheet was invented in Alberta?), quizzes and activities. Any activity you chose to do is bound to entertain you, whether you decide to build a banjo or eat like a soldier.
March 17
How green can you be on March 17? Traditionally, the colour associated with St Patrick’s Day was blue, but this was later changed by immigrants in the U.S., as they popularized the tradition to wear green (and pinch those who don’t). This year, be as green as you can be; wear it, eat it, or even bathe in it (with a green bath bomb). Because we could all use a little luck this year.
Enjoy dinner under the stars at Tiramisu Bistro. The outdoor patio has been converted into three igloos, where you will be safe from the weather. You can munch on brunch for $25 or have a date later at night. And don’t forget to try the desserts.
Opens March 17
Canadian artist Damian Moppett has been commissioned to create a display for the Art Gallery of Alberta. The piece will look as if it was drawn in the air, by using aluminum plates to recreate an abstract drawing. The long-term exhibit will be open to the public in the AGA Atrium on March 17.
The art industry is struggling to stay alive, but many are coming up with interesting ways to do so. The Alberta Ballet is featuring films capturing dancers in locations all across the province, available for free online. If you’re still missing the magic, try Ballet Edmonton and ESO’s collaborative performance of Listening for What Comes Next.
Available until March 28
Gardens all over the city are preparing for the summer. If you’re craving a bit of summer early, head over to the U of A botanic gardens, which are embracing the weather with Date Nights until March 28 (Thursdays through Saturdays). The night is filled with live music and incredible food options. But if you prefer a smaller garden, try the St. Albert Botanic Park. The five acres are divided into smaller gardens, perfect for strolls.
March 29 – April 1
The Citadel offers spring break classes for grades one to six on storytelling, improv, musical theatre and acting. If your child is interested in pursuing theatre, then we along with Citadel say, let them.
March 31
We don’t think any of us need a reason to have a macaron, but just in case you do, March 31 is National Macaron Day. These airy almond meringues are often filled with cream or jam and are a little chewy.
