Something good is happening in KWCG’s neighbourhood this week. Don’t miss it.
Free events
SMM – Boxing with SydFit — the Sunday Morning Move series continues and this one’s a knockout. Former World Champion boxer Syd Vanderpool leads an intro boxing and mindset session at Conestoga Mall, 550 King Street North, Waterloo, ON on May 3, 9:30–11 AM. Free to attend.
Jane’s Walk: Blazing the Trail in Kitchener’s Natchez Woods — If you love a good walk with great context, this one’s for you. Join Scott Clark for a 3 km guided loop through trails, history, and local infrastructure at 650 Otterbein Rd, Kitchener, ON on May 3, 4–5 PM. Completely free.
Youth Month – Youth Thrift Night — A free wardrobe refresh for the younger crowd. The City of Kitchener and Camino Mental Health and Wellbeing are offering gently used clothing at no cost for ages 12–24 at 35B Weber St W, Kitchener, ON — Monday, May 4, 6–7:30 PM. Bring a bag if you can.
Cinco de Mayo Trivia Night at Four Fathers — No trivia pros required, just good energy and a love for a good time. Drop in for a lively mix of pop culture, general knowledge, and Cinco de Mayo fun at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON — Tuesday, May 5, 7–9 PM. Completely free.
Video Editing Workshop — a handy Wednesday session for real estate agents looking to level up their content game. Learn to edit videos using CapCut and Instagram’s built-in tools to create engaging, trust-building content at Keller Williams Innovation Realty, Kitchener, ON, on May 6, 12–1 PM. Free to attend.
Danny Burton Presents Mixed Emoji(s) — Friday plans, sorted. This one’s stacked with an artist’s reception, art sale, food pop up, beer release, and live music at 1601 Victoria St N c105, Kitchener, ON — May 8, from 4 PM. And it won’t cost you a thing.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
A Cup of Love: Mother’s Day Teapot Crafting at Staples Guelph Store 81 — If you’re looking for a meaningful pre-Mother’s Day activity, this one’s a gem. Kids design and decorate their own paper teapot card to gift to someone special at Staples Guelph Store 81, Guelph, ON on Wednesday, May 6, 5–7 PM. Free to attend.
Made With Love: Mother’s Day Workshop — a truly special way to celebrate Mom this season. Participants design and craft two beautiful mosaic tiles using colourful glass pieces and creative patterns at 15 Surrey St W #3, Guelph, ON on Friday, May 8, 6–8 PM. Tickets are CA$45.20.
Mother’s Day Pop-Up Market — Good finds, good vibes, and a whole lot of local love. Celebrate moms while browsing artisans, crafters, and small businesses at JTM Cake Studio & Cafe, Cambridge, ON on May 9, 9 AM–4 PM. No cost to attend.
Mother’s Day Cookie Decorating Workshop — Some of the best memories are made in the kitchen. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a fun cookie decorating session for all ages at 15 Surrey St W #3, Guelph, ON on May 9, 11 AM–2:30 PM. Tickets start at CA$39.55.
Kids in the Kitchen: Mother’s Day Mini Cakes — The sweetest gift is always the one made from scratch. Kids bake and decorate their very own personalized mini cakes in this fun hands-on class at 300 King St E, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, May 9, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Tickets are CA$45.
Eat Your Way Through Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo’s food scene is seriously underrated, and this roundup is proof. From bustling markets to hidden gem shops and beloved local institutions, there’s something for every kind of foodie. Read the full article to discover all 8 tried-and-tested spots worth adding to your list.
Exciting and new
Kat Studios Presents “Descendants” The Musical — Vibrant costumes, electrifying choreography and a cast full of heart. This production of Descendants brings the global sensation to the stage at Guelph Little Theatre, Guelph, ON on May 3, 1–3:15 PM. Grab a seat for CA$38.61.
Supernatural-Tributo Santana~Cinco De Mayo Fiesta! — Ten years strong and still a crowd pleaser. Supernatural brings the classic latin rhythms of Santana to life alongside the vocal powerhouse trio The Divines at Edelweiss Tavern, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, May 3, 5–7:30 PM. Grab a ticket for CA$33.28.
Shuffle Dance Class! — no experience needed, just a willingness to move. This beginner-friendly class teaches dope footwork combos in a fun, no-pressure setting at 92 King St S, Waterloo, ON on Monday, May 4, 7–8 PM. Tickets are CA$28.25.
Hot, Flashy & Fabulous — An evening worth clearing your Wednesday for. Dr. Deanna Walker and Dr. Rahima Hirji host an empowering, intimate Q&A covering all things perimenopause and menopause at 1150 Franklin Boulevard, Unit 103, Cambridge, ON on May 6, 6:30–7:30 PM. Tickets are CA$28.25.
Euchre for Shelter — Fun, friends, and making a difference all in one night. This in-person Euchre event welcomes players of all skill levels for an evening of strategy and good company at 600 Doon Village Rd, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, May 7, 6–11 PM. Tickets run CA$50.
Bad Thursday – Wet T-Shirt Contest (Win $1000 Cash) — The wildest Thursday night in KW is back. Bad Thursday returns to Roxxanne’s, Kitchener, ON on May 7, 8 PM–2 AM with a wet t-shirt contest and a chance to walk away with CA$1000 cash. Entry is free to CA$6.62.
Baby Goat Day! — Yes, there will be baby goats and yes, it’s exactly as wonderful as it sounds. Visit the adorable herd at Doon Heritage Village’s Forest doing their part to remove invasive buckthorn through prescribed grazing at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, May 9 at 2:30 PM. Entry is free to CA$19.38.
Destiny Boxing Spring Showdown — A full night of high energy amateur boxing that’s not to be missed. Destiny Boxers bring the heat with back to back matches at 180 St Leger St, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, May 9, 6:15–11:30 PM. Tickets run CA$38.61–$54.58.
Spring Market in Guelph — a Saturday market with a little something for everyone and a big heart behind it. Over 35 vendors, food, drinks, and workshops fill the space at St. George’s Anglican Church, Guelph, ON on May 9, 11 AM–4 PM. Donate what you can at the door in support of the Guelph Food Bank.
Date nights
Sunday Trivia Night — Trivia guru or just in it for the fun, this weekly Sunday night welcomes all. Bring your crew or make new friends over a lively round of trivia at 44 King Street South, Waterloo, ON on May 3, 5–7 PM. Free entry with $1 wings on special.
Monday Night Trivia at Foundry Tavern in Cambridge — The best cure for the Monday blues is good trivia and better drinks. Host Master Alyssia Bienker brings the questions while Foundry Tavern brings the craft beer and comfort food at 64 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge, ON on May 4 at 7 PM. Free to join.
Drag Bingo at AOK — Sasha Tease may be out of town but the fun isn’t going anywhere. Rising drag star Bee Gaea takes the hosting reins for this May edition of Drag Bingo at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade, Kitchener, ON on Tuesday, May 5 at 8 PM. Completely free.
Dog Mic: Stand Up Comedy — Always wanted to try stand-up? This is your sign. Dog Mic welcomes both performers and audience members for a fun night of amateur comedy at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON on Tuesday, May 5, 8–10 PM. Free to join.
Trivia Tuesdays at McCabe’s — Newbie or seasoned pro, Tuesday nights at McCabe’s have something for everyone. Show up, team up, and bring your A-game at 44 King St S, Waterloo, ON on May 5, 7–9:30 PM. Completely free.
Weekly Trivia Night at Whale & Ale Pub — Your neighbourhood pub is calling and it’s got six rounds of trivia waiting. From general knowledge to a name that tune challenge, there’s something for everyone at Whale & Ale British Pub, Kitchener, ON on May 6, 7–9 PM. Free to play for singles, couples, families and teams alike.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM Night — Live comedy is back in downtown Kitchener and this one’s worth the Wednesday night out. A pro am lineup takes the stage at TWH Social in the König Walper Hotel lower level, Kitchener, ON on May 6, 7:30–10 PM. Tickets are CA$6.66.
Speed Friending at Ernies! — Making new friends as an adult just got a whole lot easier. This fun, casual speed friending event brings good people together in a relaxed setting at Ernie’s Roadhouse, Cambridge, ON on Wednesday, May 6, 7–9 PM. Tickets are CA$17.55.
Paint & Sip: Friday Nights at Williams Fresh Cafe — the perfect way to ease into the weekend with a brush in hand and good company around you. This relaxed, beginner-friendly paint night runs every Friday at Williams Fresh Cafe, Guelph, ON from 7–10 PM. Tickets run CA$22.63.
Live at The Albion w/ AJ Bate — one night, one comedian, and a whole lot of laughs. AJ Bate, known from CBC LOL, Toronto JFL, and CHCH, takes the stage at The Albion, Guelph, ON on Friday, May 8, 8–9:30 PM. Grab a ticket for CA$22.90.
The Adult’s Guide to Outdoor Fun in Guelph
If you haven’t fully explored what Guelph has to offer outside, this is a good place to start. From calm and scenic to active and adventurous, the city has something for every mood. Read the full article to learn more about these outdoor activities.
Live music
Carry On: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young — Back by popular demand at The Jazz Room, Waterloo, ON this Sunday, May 3, 3–6 PM. Expect all the classic hits from four legends. Tickets are CA$33.28.
Live Music Wednesdays at McCabe’s — The midweek reset you didn’t know you needed. Kick back with live tunes, good drinks, and great company every Wednesday at 44 King St S, Waterloo, ON from 7–10 PM. Free to attend.
Art of Hope: Live Jazz with Jontue Elan | Art Show | Supporting Ray of Hope — Smooth vocals, soulful jazz, and meaningful art all under one roof. Jontue Elan brings her original music and reinterpretations of contemporary songs to COLLABHIVE, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, May 7, 5–9 PM. Donate what you can at the door in support of Ray of Hope.
ARMANII + Stalk Ashley Live in Waterloo | Impact Tour | Full Concert — The Impact Tour hits Waterloo and it’s going to be a big one. ARMANII and Stalk Ashley bring their worldwide tour to RARE Nightclub & Events Centre, Waterloo, ON on Friday, May 8, 9 PM–3 AM. Tickets start from CA$43.93.
KW Kiwanis Music Festival Finale Concert — Celebrate music education and the next generation of performers right here in KW. The festival finale features top participants and a special awards presentation at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, ON on May 8, 7–9:30 PM. Grab a seat for CA$15–$25.
An Evening with Trucker Mouth — Old favourites and brand new material in one Friday night show. Trucker Mouth takes the stage at Room 47, Waterloo, ON on May 8, 7:30–10 PM for an evening worth clearing your calendar for. Tickets run CA$17.31.
Live at the House of Miracles: By Divine Right and Marcus Adam Wanka — Four hours of live music from two acts that know how to deliver. By Divine Right and Marcus Adam Wanka share the stage at The House of Miracles, Cambridge, ON on Friday, May 8, 7–11 PM. Tickets run CA$22.90.
2nd Annual Spring Thing w/ FitV, DKR, & SAF! — Back for its second year and better than ever. FitV, DKR, and SAF bring a full night of rock to Royal Canadian Legion Waterloo Branch 530, 316 Marsland Drive, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, May 9, 5–11 PM. Grab a ticket for CA$17.31.
Brilliant Corners – Pat LaBarbera Quartet — Legendary saxophone, live and in the room. Pat LaBarbera, one of Canada’s most respected jazz musicians and educators, performs with his quartet at Silence, Guelph, ON on May 9, 8–11 PM. Grab a seat from CA$15.
Other notable events
Tourette Syndrome Fundraiser at The Union — A feel-good way to spend a Sunday afternoon supporting local music and a worthy cause. This fundraiser for Tourette Canada wraps up with a prize giveaway at 124 Sydney St S, Kitchener, ON on May 3, 12–5 PM. Tickets are CA$11.98.
PEO Grand River Chapter 30by30: Get Your Career Portrait Photo! — Your LinkedIn profile called and it wants a better photo. Get a polished, high-quality career portrait at Waterloo Public Library – Eastside Branch, Waterloo, ON on May 4, 6:30–8:30 PM. Only CA$10.