Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: May 3 to 5

CBC
·4 min read
The K-W Titans being their first round playoff series against the Newfoundland Rogues Friday night at the Aud. Game 2 goes Sunday afternoon at home. (Dan Congdon/KW Titans/Facebook - image credit)
The K-W Titans being their first round playoff series against the Newfoundland Rogues Friday night at the Aud. Game 2 goes Sunday afternoon at home. (Dan Congdon/KW Titans/Facebook - image credit)

It's expected to be a cloudy weekend with a chance of rain, so be sure to pack the right gear before heading out so you don't get soaked.

It will be warm, though, and it might be a good time to take in a nature sit spot at the Huron Natural Area on Saturday morning. This drop-in, free event by the City of Kitchener will begin with a short walk and relaxation techniques before people will learn how to be more mindful when sitting quietly in nature.

Jane's Walks are set to take place in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo and will take people through various neighbourhoods and parks to get conversations going about their neighbourhoods.

An event called Feeding the Fire will take place Friday evening at the pavilion in Kitchener's Victoria Park. The event includes dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction to benefit Crow Shield Lodge, a local Indigenous gathering space.

The Giant Book Sale in support of the Elora Festival is back on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cash is preferred at this very popular sale at the Elora Curling Club.

It's also Hops and High Notes at TWB Brewing in Kitchener Friday night where members of Grand River Opera perform at the brewery.

Take Me Home cultural night is a a multicultural play being held by Levant Canada at the University of Waterloo's Modern Languages Building. It's a folkloric comedic tale that includes cultural Dabke performances, beautiful traditional wedding ceremonies, and dances from diverse cultures.

Enjoy a life-size game of Candyland at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library on Saturday afternoon. The drop-in event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

There's also a spring studio pottery sale on Saturday at The Corner Studio in Kitchener, a membership-based studio, with more than 14 artists having their items on sale.

If you have to drive this weekend, here are some local gas prices:

The Great Flood of '74: Cambridge's Watershed Moment

Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cambridge Fire Hall Museum

May 17, 1974 saw a massive flood in Cambridge and the museum has a new photo exhibit to mark the 50th anniversary of that event.

The free event includes walking tours, displays, rescue equipment, photography exhibits, video screenings and presentations.

Other businesses in Cambridge are involved, too, putting up historic photos in their windows and 13 Food and Beverage has created a special cocktail called the Highwater Highball.

This photo of a police officer, Const. Jack Shuttleworth, was taken during the 1974 flood in Cambridge. It was featured inside the Cambridge Mill restaurant, which overlooks the river.
This photo of a police officer, Const. Jack Shuttleworth, was taken during the 1974 flood in Cambridge. It was featured inside the Cambridge Mill restaurant, which overlooks the river.

This photo of Const. Jack Shuttleworth, taken during the 1974 flood, is pictured here inside the Cambridge Mill restaurant in 2014. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the flood. (Matthew Kang/CBC)

Colours of India

Sunday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ken Seiling Region of Waterloo Museum

This is a free event held between the museum and the Sakhi Group to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month.

There will be dance performances, a children's corner and booths by local associations.

Arts Everywhere Festival

All weekend

Various venues in Guelph

This festival offers a few different events. Friday night is the Guelph Lecture — On Being with they keynote address from filmmaker, writer, and educator Nora Bateson. TIckets are required for this event.

On Saturday, there's a free event called Allautik. It marks the launch of three new books from emerging Inuit writers. There's also a free evening concert with Moneka Arabic Jazz and Lacey Hill.

On Sunday, there are several free events including workshops, conversations and live music.

Celebrate the Library Oak

Saturday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Main branch of Waterloo Public Library

The Bur Oak Tree at the main library won the Reep Green Solutions 2023 Tree of the Year contest and so now, it's time to celebrate.

There will be a ceremony, activities and treats.

EtsyWR spring market

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RIM Park, Waterloo

Join local makers and artisans for this market ahead of Mother's Day (and Father's Day next month) or maybe pick up a nice treat for yourself. More than 80 local makers are expected to take part.

There is a $2 admission fee paid in cash at the door.

BONUS: K-W Titans begin playoffs

Friday 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.

Kitchener Memorial Auditorium

The K-W Titans have had an incredible season and are heading into the playoffs as top seed in the Basketball Super League.

This weekend are the first two games of their series against the Newfoundland Rouges. It's expected to be a very exciting match-up. Enjoy fan activities before the game and stick around afterwards to meet some of the players.