Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: May 2 to 4

A cloudy and possibly rainy weekend is ahead, but don't let that keep you inside.

Check out the cherry blossoms at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom of appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms. An event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and it coincides with an open house of the Sakura Japanese Language School. The trees on campus have been donated by the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto and they're 

Bird Friendly Kitchener is kicking off a month of events to celebrate the city naming the dark-eyed junco as its official bird. Starting Saturday, volunteers will be at the Square Peg space at Kitchener's city hall with a mini market and over the course of the month, there will be various activities, artists, bird outings, presentations and more.

WATCH | The month of May in Kitchener is all about the birds:

The month of May in Kitchener is all about the birds

3 days ago

Duration 1:40

Kitchener is home to a diverse range of colourful local birds that have called the city home for many generations. So for the month of May, Bird Friendly Kitchener is celebrating that diversity. The organization helped give Kitchener the city's bird-friendly status and its official bird: the dark-eyed junco. Meredith Blunt, the organization's founder, spoke to CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty about all the fun activities she's got planned for this month.

Strike The Mihbaj is a performance by Levant Canada at the University of Waterloo's Theatre of Arts that tells the story of Zeina, who returns to a Bedouin village from Canada with her boyfriend, who has to try to win over her traditional family. There are performances Saturday and Sunday.

The Waterloo County Teachers' Choir will perform its Hope and Dreams concert on Sunday at Central Church in Cambridge.

Oh, and of course, May the 4th be with you all on Sunday.

If you're driving, here are some local gas prices:

Mannheim Community Garage Sale

Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

Mannheim

It will be garage sales galore in Mannheim on Saturday for those who love the thrill of the hunt for new-to-you items. There will also be a food booth set up by the Optimist Club in case you need a snack between snagging deals.

• Facebook event page

Elora Festival Giant Book Sale

Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elora Curling Club, David Street W.

This massive book sale has something for everyone. Books, games, DVDs, CDs and records will fill the curling club. There's an entry fee of $5 on Friday night, but it's free admission on Saturday and Sunday.

• Elora Festival event page

Spring markets

In case you didn't realize, Mother's Day is coming up (May 11) and Father's Day is a month away. There are a few spring markets where you might be able to find the perfect gift or treat yourself to something nice.

• Spring Ayr Market, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the North Dumfries Community Centre. It will feature up to 40 vendors as well as tasty treats. Facebook event page.
• Mother's Day Market, Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the New Dundee Community Centre. This market will feature local handmade artisans and admission supports local charities. Sew Rustic event page.
• Book fair and crafters market, Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Victoria Park pavilion in Kitchener will feature lots of literary fun and one-of-a-kind pieces. Facebook event page
• Mother of all Handmade Markets Elora, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grandway Events Centre at the raceway. There are several local handmade makers and artisans who will have items for sale. Facbeook event page.
• Spring Fling Market, Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at St. George Anglican Church in Guelph will include indoor and outdoor vendors with handmade goods, art and food. Facebook event page.
• Moms and Mimosas Mother's Day Market, Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fireside Haven Studio in Cambridge. There will be local vendors and crafters, a photo backdrop and door prizes. Facebook event page.
• Puslinch in Bloom, Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Puslinch Community Centre will include nearly 30 local vendors and food trucks. Facebook event page.

Trees for Guelph Tree Planting

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grange Road Natural Area, park in the parking lot at Grange Road and Watson Parkway

All ages can attend this event and help to plant trees in the area around the playground and soccer fields. This is a rain-or-shine event so dress for the weather. Stay as long as you can to plant one tree or several.

Shovels, buckets, mulch, trees and wildflowers will be provided. This event can also count toward high school volunteer hours.

• Trees for Guelph event page

Bring on the Bots

Saturday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Waterloo Public Library, Eastside Branch

Four local FIRST Robotics teams will take part in a public demonstration of their robots, plus teach robotics and coding. Check out the action, ask questions and try out coding for yourself at this drop-in event.

• Waterloo Public Library event page