Spring Festivals and Events in Central and Southern Ontario

Spring is just around the corner. March and early April are a transition period in Central and Southern Ontario, where there are fewer snow storms, geese and other birds begin reappearing and in some cases, colourful crocuses break up the drably coloured ground. 

This time period is one where you plan out your backyard or balcony garden, take a March break with kids or grandkids, and get more active.

Here are a few festivals and events in Central Ontario and Greater Toronto area that usher in the spirit of spring for you to enjoy: 

Annual Spring Garden & Home Show

Bradford Greenhouse Garden Gallery, Barrie, Ontario

March 9 – 10, 2013

If you are thinking of updating your home décor – inside and outside – the Spring Garden & Home Show gives you one-on-one time with numerous businesses in the area that can help you with your home projects. Get inspired by the latest trends in design, learn about new technologies and materials for renovations, and get tips for landscaping from special guest Frankie Flowers (Frank Ferragine), gardening expert for Breakfast TV and City TV News. 

17^th Annual Canada Blooms

The Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario

March 15 to March 24, 2013

Canada Blooms is Canada’s largest flower and garden festival – a must-visit for serious gardeners and hobbyists alike. For those who are looking for garden solutions, this is the show where you get access to experts who can answer your questions and inspire you with their displays. This year’s theme is “The Magic of Spring”, showcasing the beauty of this season of growth and revival. 

Tickets: Available online at www.canadablooms.com

 

Note: When you visit Canada Blooms: The Flower and Garden Festival you will also receive same-day admission to The National Home Show.

Parking is available for 6,500 cars on site. Daily fees apply. Free parking Monday, March 18th to Friday, March 22nd after 4 pm.

Toronto Salsa Festival

Babaluu (festival pre-party) and Sheraton Centre, Toronto, Ontario

March 28 to 31, 2013

Get your body and feet moving to the sounds of salsa music. Starting with the pre-party at Babaluu, one of Toronto’s best Latin clubs, followed by workshops and competitions from Friday to Sunday, it’s a weekend of fun activity, socializing and learning. With the rise of dance competition TV shows, salsa has enjoyed a renewed interest from people young and old in recent years. 

Passes (at varying costs depending on level of participation) are available from purchase online. 

Sweetwater Festival

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

April 6 & 7, 2013 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Wye Marsh Sweetwater Harvest Festival is a treat for all ages and a traditional Canadian experience that engages the senses - smell the wonderful scents of maple sap boiling and Bannock roasting over a fire; enjoy tasting a pancake breakfast and freshly made maple taffy; listen to the sound of an open wood fire and live music; and engage in activities such as Horse Drawn Wagon Rides and Chickadee feeding. 

Cost: $5 per person (kids under 5 have free entry); pancake breakfast is an additional $5.

This post was also featured as a guest post on the Harmony Village blog. Harmony Village is a development in Barrie, on the shores of Lake Simcoe, focused on the "Art of Living Well.".