Rainbow Reels Presents: Queer Slow Dance

8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 to 1 a.m. Sunday, March 18

The Walper Hotel, 20 Queen St. S., Kitchener

Celebrate what will soon be the start of spring with a dance. DJ Junglecat will be spinning the tunes while dancers can also enjoy a manicure table, tarot readings, photo booth, candygrams and ice cream. My favourite part of this event is that the recommended dress code is "fabulous."

Kitchener Model Train Show

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 18

Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive

More than 170 vendors and at least three model train layouts will be in operation throughout the day for those who love everything trains. A great event for kids or the seasoned collector/operator.

People tour Old MacDonald's Farm at College Royal at the University of Guelph. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

College Royal

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 17

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 18

University of Guelph

The annual student-run open house is back. Take in Old MacDonald's Farm, dog and cat shows, learn about butter making, watch some bubble soccer or square dancing, and do not forget the milkshakes. The students put a lot of effort into this event, which is great for the whole family.

Ian Bell: Sea Shanties of Ontario

2 p.m., Sunday, March 18

13 Food and Beverage, 13 Main St., Cambridge

A seaman's ballad from Owen Sound, a dockside holler from Amherstburg — if you didn't realize there are Ontario sea shanties, you're not alone. But fret not! Folk singer Ian Bell will lead you through them all in this concert, which is part of the Millrace Folk Society's Folk @ 13 series. Along with the songs, jigs and reels there will be vintage photos of vessels, sailors and ports.

Celebrate all things St. Patrick's Day in a variety of ways. (Submitted by Meghan Tucker)

St. Patrick's Day

All day

Various venues

OK, this one I admit is kind of cheating. But there are so many things happening on St. Patrick's Day (that does not include the unsanctioned street party on Ezra Avenue in Waterloo, by the way). Every bar in town likely has some SPD event, but I'm going to highlight a few other events.

Blarney Beoirfest — from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday at TWB Co-operative Brewing in Kitchener — There are seven casks of beer made special for this event, and none of it green — or so I'm told). You can also enjoy music, food and samples from Dixon's Distilled Spirits and Revel Cider. The money raised goes to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

St. Patrick's Day at the Kitchener Market — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Come for the live Irish dance show, stay for the kids crafts and delicious cooking demo.

Paint the KPL Green with Celtic Crossing — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kitchener Public Library main branch — The Irish Real Life festival is on this weekend with many events (and not just on Saturday, although some are sold out so check the schedule). One fun, all-ages event is Celtic music in the KPL lounge. Celtic Crossing is a four-piece acoustic ensemble and they play a variety of music. If you're in Waterloo, you may want to head to Waterloo Town Square for games, music, dancing and crafts.

Waterloo Central Railway St. Patrick's Train — three start times, beginning 300 Farmers Market Rd., Waterloo — Enjoy Irish tunes, chocolate gold coins and get a special temporary tattoo all while riding the train, which is fun for train enthusiasts young and old.

Mudmen — 8 p.m. start at Maxwell's Concerts and Events in Waterloo — Wear your plaid and join Celtic "rock warriors" Mudmen. Be sure to get your tickets soon as they are nearly sold out.

Hespeler Village — 12 p.m. start in Cambridge — Several venues in Hespeler Village are celebrating the day with live music, specials and tours. That includes Four Fathers Brewing, which is giving people a peek inside their new facility.

Kids in Kilts — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at McDougall Cottage Heritage Site, Cambridge - Kids can create a fun pepper print shamrock craft. While there, consider taking in the Paint the Grand Exhibit and silent auction.