This week finds a nice balance with Mother’s Day moments, creative sessions, and nights that don’t end early. Pick a vibe or try a few.
Free events
Youth Month – Board Games & Pizza – Mid-afternoon plans get an easy upgrade May 11, 2026, 3–4 PM at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, Kitchener, ON. Enjoy board games, social time, and complimentary pizza in partnership with Kitchener Public Library. Admission is free.
Henry’s Kitchener – Shooting with the Fujifilm Fundamentals – Understanding your camera starts with the fundamentals on May 11, 2026, 1–2 PM at Henry’s Kitchener, Kitchener, ON. This one-hour workshop helps users fine-tune settings and shooting preferences.
Murdoch Travel’s Luxury Travel Show – Travel ideas take on a more elevated feel on May 12, 2026, 4:30–8:30 PM at Grey Silo Golf Course, Waterloo, ON. Explore high-end destinations, curated experiences, and expert insights in a relaxed setting built for inspiration. It’s free to attend.
Teen Studio: Ceramic Freestyle Workshop – Working with clay becomes the focus on May 12, 2026, 6–8:30 PM at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON. This teen session blends instruction and open studio time for experimenting with ceramic forms and ideas. Entry is free.
Sing-Along with Kento – Music fills the afternoon on May 13, 2026, 1:30–3 PM at 22 Willow Street, Waterloo, ON. Kento Stratford leads a friendly sing-along featuring songs from the 1940s–1990s, with space to sing or simply listen. Refreshments provided.
Heritage Plant Sale – Early Saturday brings a chance to shop garden favourites on May 16, 2026, 9:30 AM–12 PM at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener, ON. Visitors can find heritage plant varieties grown from museum gardens, with proceeds supporting local museum initiatives.
CardCore Collectors Expo – Card collectors and hobby fans gather on May 16, 2026, 9:30 AM–3 PM at Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, ON. Expect tables filled with Pokémon, One Piece, sports cards, and unique collectibles in a lively expo setting.
Spring Walk – Fashion takes a more personal turn on May 16, 2026, 2–5 PM at Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON. Participants are encouraged to wear what they already own, embrace individuality, and optionally share the story behind their outfit while walking together outdoors.
Instrument Petting Zoo at Long & Mcquade Guelph – Curiosity takes the lead on May 16, 2026, 11 AM–1 PM at Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Guelph, ON. Visitors of all ages can try out different instruments in a casual, no-pressure environment made for exploration. It’s free to attend.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day Cocktail Event – Glasses clink and the evening slows into something celebratory on May 10, 2026, 6–8 PM at 14 Pinebush Rd, Cambridge, ON. It’s a relaxed mix of cocktails, creativity, and conversation designed to mark the occasion. It’s free to attend.
HoK’s Annual Mother’s Day Drag Brunch (Second Seating) – Sequins, laughter, and brunch come together on May 10, 2026, 1:30–3:30 PM at Arabella Park Beer Bar, Kitchener, ON. Expect vibrant drag performances, a lively crowd, and a fun, high-energy way to celebrate the day. Tickets are CA$22.63.
Mother’s Day Brunch – When the day calls for something a little more intentional, this brunch fits right in on May 10, 2026, 11 AM–2 PM at Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo, an IHG Hotel, Kitchener, ON. Expect chef-curated dishes and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Entry is CA$30.21–67.52.
Mothers Day – High Tea – Time by the river sets the tone on May 10, 2026, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM at 3734 King St E, Kitchener, ON. This Mother’s Day experience includes high tea, a nature walk, canoe outing, and a curated gift for Mom. Tickets cost CA$61.66.
KPL Presents Mother’s Day High Tea – Moments of connection take centre stage on May 10, 2026, 10 AM–12:30 PM at Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON. Guests are welcomed to enjoy high tea, sandwiches, music, and conversation in a peaceful library setting. Tickets cost CA$67.80.
Stretch, Sip & Connect: A Mother’s Day Event – Morning energy softens into something intentional on May 10, 2026, 9:30 AM–12 PM at The IV Loft at Four Fathers Brewing, Cambridge, ON. Yoga, conversation, and community-focused offers create a calm, welcoming Mother’s Day experience. Tickets cost CA$31.59–37.61.
Mother’s Day: Dixon’s x Play With Clay – Hands get messy in the best way on May 10, 2026, 1–4 PM at Dixon’s Distilled Spirits Inc, Guelph, ON. This creative drop-in experience invites guests of all skill levels to craft with clay and enjoy a laid-back Mother’s Day activity. Admission is CA$54.58.
Fairy World Presents Plant Night Bunny Garden – When the day slows down, something playful begins on May 10, 2026, 4:30–5:30 PM at EVO Kitchen & Bar, 31 Water Street South, Cambridge, ON. Guests are invited into a whimsical plant experience designed for creativity and calm connection. Tickets cost CA$54.99.
Mom & Me Paint Event (Kids and Adults) – The afternoon slows into something creative on May 10, 2026, 1–3 PM at Mr. Puffs, Guelph, ON. Families can paint side by side, enjoy good vibes, and take part in a simple, feel-good Mother’s Day experience. Admission is CA$38.95–71.03.
Mother’s Day Tea – Time settles into something softer on May 10, 2026, 10:30 AM at Guelph Civic Museum, Guelph, ON. Tea service includes curated blends, baked goods, and fruit served in a calm, welcoming space perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. Tickets cost CA$24.86.
Famous Moms Trivia Night at Four Fathers – Midweek plans turn into trivia fun on May 12, 2026, 7 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON. Expect a themed quiz night celebrating famous moms, along with craft beer and an easygoing crowd. Admission is free.
Romantic Restaurants in Guelph for Your Next Date Night
Planning a special night out? The right restaurant can make a night feel completely different, and Guelph has no shortage of places that deliver on both atmosphere and flavour. Read the full article to find the perfect place for your next date night.
Exciting and new
Quiet Reading Night – Monday night takes on a softer tone on May 11, 2026, 6–8 PM at Midnight Run Cafe, Waterloo, ON. No prompts or pressure, just time to read whatever you like in a relaxed, community-minded setting. It’s free to attend.
Shuffle Dance Class! – If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing without overthinking it, this one-hour session fits right in on May 11, 2026, 7–8 PM at 92 King St S, Waterloo, ON. Beginner shuffle footwork is broken down into simple, fun combos that keep things light and easy. You’re in for CA$28.25 worth of movement and laughs.
DIY Bookmarks: Resin & Pressed Florals – Some nights are meant for quiet creativity on May 11, 2026, 7–9 PM at Ernie’s Roadhouse, Cambridge, ON. Guests craft resin bookmarks layered with pressed flowers in a relaxed, step-by-step session that doesn’t require any prior experience. A soft, calming workshop at CA$59.91.
Wire Wrap Pendant Workshop – The evening takes a handmade turn on May 12, 2026, 7–9 PM at ABE ERB – Downtown, Kitchener, ON. Guests learn wire wrapping techniques to create a nature-inspired mushroom pendant with an organic, sculptural feel. A calm, hands-on workshop priced at CA$59.91.
Avonlea: A New Musical | Penny & Pound Theatre – The world of Anne of Green Gables gets a musical retelling on May 14, 2026, 8–10:30 PM at Guelph Little Theatre, Guelph, ON. Expect a warm story of friendship, imagination, and belonging brought to life through a folk-inspired score. Admission is CA$22.63–38.61.
Gather at the Gallery: Stitching Clay (55+) – Creativity finds a slower rhythm on May 14, 2026, 2–4 PM at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON. This gathering for the 55+ community features hands-on workshops, artist encounters, and exhibition previews designed for relaxed exploration. Tickets cost CA$23.17.
Wax Seal Workshop – When the week needs something slower, this fits perfectly on May 15, 2026, 6–8 PM at 132 Ahrens St W, Kitchener, ON. Guests can craft wax seals in a calming environment designed for creativity and gentle focus. Tickets cost CA$33.55–33.90.
Garlic Breath: A Quartet for Garlic, Cello, Mouth & Telephone – One night only brings a creative work-in-progress on May 15, 2026, 7–8:30 PM at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, Waterloo, ON. Directed by Lianna Makuch, this workshop performance explores a bold new staging in an intimate theatre environment. Admission is by donation.
Friday Flicks Travel Show: Montenegro – The afternoon takes a storytelling turn on May 15, 2026, 1:30–3 PM at Community Pavilion, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo, ON. Guests can hear travel experiences from Montenegro presented by Ron Van Der Zwaag in an easygoing community setting. Admission is CA$2.25.
The Guelph Poetry Slam – The café fills with rhythm and spoken word on May 16, 2026, 7–10 PM at The Round Table Board Game Café, Guelph, ON. Guests can experience an open mic, featured poet, and slam competition where creativity meets a $100 prize. Tickets cost CA$11.98.
Paint by Numbers – When the weekend calls for something quiet and grounding, this fits perfectly on May 16, 2026, 3–5 PM at Café Clementina, Kitchener, ON. Guests can slow down with a relaxed painting session designed for ease, focus, and simple creativity. Tickets are CA$27.96.
The Pink Book Social: A Sip and Paint Experience – A thoughtful afternoon built around creativity unfolds on May 16, 2026, 3–6 PM at 42 Carden St, Guelph, ON. Guests are invited to paint, share conversation, and enjoy a calm space designed for connection and reflection. Entry is CA$27.96–38.61.
Date nights
Jack’s Tuesday Night Trivia – When Tuesday night needs a little energy, this fits right in on May 12, 2026, 7:30–9:30 PM at Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill Kitchener, Kitchener, ON. Expect screen-based trivia, team play, and plenty of playful competition. Admission is free.
Trivia Tuesdays at McCabe’s – When Tuesday rolls around, the questions take over on May 12, 2026, 7 PM at 44 King St S, Waterloo, ON. Guests can join teams, tackle trivia rounds, and compete for bragging rights in a relaxed bar setting. Admission is free.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM Night Only – A downtown comedy night unfolds on May 13, 2026, 7:30–10 PM at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON. The stage welcomes both pros and newcomers for an unpredictable mix of stand-up sets and crowd energy. Entry is CA$6.66.
Rusty Nail Comedy At Pops & Rubys Cambridge: Drew Behm – The stage lights up for a night of comedy on May 14, 2026, 7:30–10 PM at Pops and Ruby’s, Cambridge, ON. Drew Behm leads a lineup of stand-up performances in a casual, intimate venue setting. Tickets cost CA$17.31.
Paint & Sip: Friday Nights at Williams Fresh Cafe – What if Friday night didn’t need plans, just paint and a table to sit at on May 15, 2026, 7–10 PM at Williams Fresh Cafe, Guelph, ON? Guests can sip, create, and let the evening unfold at an easygoing pace. A soft creative reset for CA$22.63.
Rusty Nail Comedy Friday TWH Social: Chris Quigley – The weekend doesn’t ease in quietly here on May 15, 2026, 7:30–10 PM at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON. Guests can catch Chris Quigley and a lineup of Canadian comedians delivering fast-paced stand-up in a lively downtown venue. A solid laugh-heavy night at CA$22.63.
Disney Channel Drag & DJ Night – The night flips from nostalgic to electric on May 15, 2026, 8 PM at The Albion, Guelph, ON. Drag performances and DJ sets collide with dancing, featuring Anne Tique Doll, Kara Melle, and Ultraviolet in a high-energy party atmosphere. A full-on dance floor takeover for CA$16.95.
Pink Pony Club Drag Brunch at The Cornerstone! All Chappell All Morning! – When brunch meets rhinestones and pop anthems, the vibe changes fast on May 16, 2026, 1 PM at The Cornerstone, Guelph, ON. Guests can enjoy drag performances, themed energy, and a playful, music-filled atmosphere. Try this sparkly afternoon for CA$19.56.
Karaoke And Paint – What do you get when painting and karaoke share the same room on May 16, 2026, 7–10 PM at Hall, Waterloo, ON? A split experience where guests start with guided art and end the night singing freely. A creative, unexpected evening for CA$28.07.
TriCity Presents: Improv May-Hem! – The last Waterloo show of the season lands on May 16, 2026, 8–9:30 PM at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, Waterloo, ON. Guests can catch a high-energy improv night filled with spontaneous comedy, audience-driven moments, and quick-thinking performers. A final-season laugh hit for CA$11.98.
Lady Gaga Night – A Lady Gaga Drag Show – The night leans all the way into glam and chaos on May 16, 2026, 7–10 PM at Farm League Brewing, Cambridge, ON. Guests can enjoy electrifying drag performances, iconic Gaga moments, and a dance-ready crowd. It builds into a high-energy celebration of pure pop performance for CA$12.19–17.55.
Start Your Morning at Korner Kitchen
Korner Kitchen is the kind of spot that makes breakfast feel like something to look forward to, with generous portions, classic comfort dishes, and a warm, casual atmosphere that keeps people coming back. It’s the kind of place that feels easy and satisfying every time. Read the full review to find out what to expect.
Live music
Live Music Wednesdays at McCabe’s – What if your midweek reset came with live music instead of silence on May 13, 2026, 7–10 PM at 44 King St S, Waterloo, ON? The night builds on laid-back energy and ends with nothing but good vibes lingering.
Brilliant Corners – Rebecca Hennessy’s Makeshift Island – When sound becomes something you sit inside rather than just hear, the experience shifts on May 15, 2026, 8–11 PM at Silence, Guelph, ON. The night unfolds gently and leaves a lasting resonance for CA$15–50.
R4A Presents: BBQ Pope, Perfect Strangers, You Might Be Sleeping – The night doesn’t slow down, it ramps up fast on May 16, 2026, 10:30 PM at Jimmy Jazz, Guelph, ON. It finishes loud, messy, and memorable.
Other notable events
Moms In Business – at The Salt Cave – A slower kind of business connection takes shape on May 13, 2026, 10 AM–12 PM at Oasis of Healing Spa with Salt Rooms, Waterloo, ON. The focus stays on connection that actually lasts for CA$25.11.
Brews & Beads Fundraiser – Supporting Saving South Paws – A night of drinks and dog rescue support unfolds on May 14, 2026, 7–9 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON. Guests create beaded collars for adoptable dogs while enjoying a laid-back social craft night. It all goes back to Saving South Paws for CA$38.61–49.21.
SWAY’s Annual Eid Market 2026 – Celebration fills the space as SWAY proudly presents the Annual Eid Market 2026 on May 16, 2026, 12–8 PM at Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, ON. The day moves through colour, connection, and shared tradition for free.
Eid Celebration Brunch – Enjoying Eid with good food and company happens on May 16, 2026, 12–3 PM at Langs, Cambridge, ON. This ladies-only brunch features traditional dishes, games, and prizes in a relaxed, festive space made for celebrating together.