If you ask me what my favourite thing about Oshawa is, I would definitely have to say the variety of cultures is always up to something fun in the city. “Oshawa,” the name of this illustrious city, comes from the Ojibwe language and means “a crossing place.” In a joint partnership between Durham Community Health Centre, the Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program, and Ontario Tech University, visit Oshawa to participate in free Ojibwe language classes. This free learning takes place on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. from March 11 to April 1. Email James Costello (jcostello@durhamchc.ca) for more information.
Continue learning about and participating in the contributions of Indigenous people to Oshawa by checking out the Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival. Happening on a variety of dates between March 9 and 15, the conservation area offers horse-drawn wagon rides, self-guided tours, maple syrup collecting, and other activities! There will also be pancakes! All of this is only $8. Be sure to buy tickets online.
At the time of this writing, I am sitting in the new spot in town, Kareza Café- located just across the street from The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) - and it is seriously cozy. I was excited by the hint of warmer weather and immediately let down by yet another snowfall. It is that time of year when we are sick of the grey skies and looking for something to bring in the spring. I rarely indulge in a $10 latte, but on a day when snow is still crunching under my boots and I am surrounded by books, the decaf pistachio treat from a local small business is much enjoyed.
But, I am also super ready to feel the summer vibes. And, we can get those vibes early by attending Salsa on King! On March 14, The Market at 70 King hosts a salsa night featuring DJ Venez. Doors open at 8 p.m. for a complimentary salsa lesson and mocktail. Boasted as "Durham Region’s Number One Latin party," Oshawa’s downtown nightlife is precisely the flavour I need to coax the sun out.
There is something about Oshawa’s alternative scene that always has me looking for the next event. This time, I am looking forward to the BOND|ST Bizarre. Happening on Friday, March 7 from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., The Local Lounge promises a night of “mystique and magic.” The website suggests that patrons dress to impress before indulging in jaw-dropping acrobatics, fortune-telling secrets, and a live DJ set. I am always impressed by the events planned by the crew at BOND|ST, so I will be sure to check it out. Get your tickets here.
There is something in Oshawa for the art lovers, too! I had the distinct pleasure of attending the opening of Christina Leslie’s solo show, on now, at The RMG. It is truly an enriching, brilliant, and thought-provoking depiction of Jamaica – its history, its people, and memories of childhood from a generation growing up in Canada. Some of Leslie’s photos are produced using a one-of-a-kind sugar emulsion process. This produces an effect that makes Leslie’s photos pop and adds texture to all that her photography means. For those of us who love the arts, who enjoy conversations about the art process, and who want to meet the artist, visiting The RMG on March 22 for Show and Tell with Christina Leslie is a must. Happening from 1-3 p.m., audiences will get a closer look into the art and mind of an artist breaking new ground and representing her roots in a significant way.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, starting at 11 a.m. at Gomocku Restaurant and Bar. Their all-day Saint Paddy’s Day celebration features $1 bar shots, a live DJ, $10 burgers, green beer, karaoke, and the chance to win prizes! Cork and Bean are having their own party, including all-day happy hour, $6 draft beer, and karaoke from 6 p.m. to close. I predict that Portly Piper will have the biggest turnout of all the pubs in Oshawa. Their special St. Patrick’s menu includes Irish bacon and cabbage soup, Reuben quesadillas, Irish lamb stew, and Guinness smash burger. Personally, I usually celebrate by watching Boondock Saints, but this year, I definitely will check out all the local businesses honouring the patron saint!
I have always been fascinated by the Holi Festival, an annual celebration observed by Hindus. From what I have seen, it is such a joyous celebration of culture, colour, and community. If you're looking for a place to celebrate, Bond|ST. Event Centre will be hosting Rang Utsav 2.0 – The Ultimate Neon Holi Party on Saturday, March 15.
March is definitely a month of celebration, and there is truly something for everyone. It is Oshawa’s richness of diversity and willingness to dance that keeps me coming back for more. There is always food, music, and new friends waiting to be enjoyed. I hope this month brings you a restorative break and rejuvenating new energy to bring in the spring season!
コメント