Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of March 14–16

Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of March 14–16

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is back. (Image: Michael Shehan Obeysekera)

In this edition of The Weekender, a festive parade, March break at the AGO and three more things to do in Toronto this weekend.

LITERATURE

Pages Festival and Conference
During the festival component of the weekend (Thursday to Saturday), Canadian authors will work with digital artists, as well as dancers, actors and musicians to put on performances. The conference (Friday) features panel discussions on the impact of technology on the publishing industry. Mar. 13–Mar. 16. Tickets from $15. Various venues, pagesfestival.com

MARCH BREAK

March Break at the AGO
Busy your kids at the AGO during the tail end of March break with activities like a Hot Wheels track-builder challenge, kid-friendly films and family yoga. Children and their minders can also indulge in prix-fixe ($25) meals at Frank. Until Mar. 16. Family Pass $49. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., ago.net

DESIGN

National Home Show
Home DIY enthusiasts will source advice and inspiration from exhibitors like Andrew Richard Designs and Bullfrog Spas. Meanwhile, Canada Blooms will deck out over 50,000 square feet of space with lush gardens. Attendees can also meet celeb guests like Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Leave it to Bryan. Mar 14.—Mar. 23. General Admission $20. Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd., nationalhomeshow.com

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Irish boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor will be the grand marshal at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Participate in the festivities or watch the marching bands and floats as they wind their way down from Bloor and St. George, over to Yonge, and finish at Queen and University. Mar. 16. Free. Various venues, topatrick.com

MUSIC

Lemon Bucket Orkestra Birthday Show
Join the Juno-nominated 15-piece folk band for a two-day birthday carnival, featuring guests like Montreal’s Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra and New York’s Raya Brass Band. Mar. 14—Mar. 15. Tickets $20 per show. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., lemonbucket.com