Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: April 5 to 7
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival celebrates 60 years on Saturday
The weather is going to be delightfully spring-like this weekend so it's a good time to hit local trails or walk around the neighbourhood.
There's the Registry Roots Weekend, presented by Folk Night at the Registry and The Registry Theatre, on Saturday and Sunday. There are two concerts that will feature Americana music, with musical performances from Tom Chapin on Saturday (which is sold out) and Mark Rust on Sunday. The performances will also be livestreamed.
The Kwartzlab makerspace in Kitchener is also holding an event Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate its recent expansion.
The space can be used by anyone who wants to create, from working with wood to leather, laser cutting to fabric arts and so much more. It's a very unique space in the city and this is a chance to tour inside and see what it's about.
WATCH | Kwartzlab expands to meet growing need:
On Saturday, Tri-City Roller Derby is holding a screening of Minnesota Mean, a documentary featuring one of the top roller derby teams in the world. The event is a fundraiser to help local roller derby athletes attend this year's regional championships being held in State College, Penn. The film begins at 7 p.m.
The Kitchener Rangers will host Game 5 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff series against the Erie Otters Friday night. Puck drops at 7 p.m. at The Aud. (In case you missed it, the Guelph Storm are out of the playoffs.)
The K-W Titans basketball team is off this weekend.
If you need to drive somewhere, here are some local gas prices:
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
Friday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Elmira
It's the sweetest time of the year. The annual maple syrup festival, which is celebrating 60 years this weekend, is your place to get the sticky brown liquid that pairs so nicely with pancakes.
Friday night there's a toy show, archive museum and a craft and collectibles show. Those continue on Saturday, when other events will take place including a pancake breakfast, an outdoor mall, maple taffy demonstrations, sugar bush tours, family activity area and the stage will include live performances.
Doubleheaders Model Railroad Club layout tour
Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Various locations
Members of this model railroad club are located in Waterloo region and Guelph and on Saturday, they'll open their homes to people to check out their layouts.
There are 23 model railroad layouts in 18 locations.
Guide books and tickets can be purchased in advanced or on Saturday at the Hespeler Memorial Arena (cash only).
Welcoming Spring: Indigenous Art Market
Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kitchener City Hall
Various vendors will be on hand for this art market in the rotunda at city hall. This is a local Indigenous-led market that supports Indigenous creators from across southwestern Ontario.
Items you may find at the sale include paintings, fabric arts, necklaces, crystals, beadwork, and clothing, among other items.
- Facebook event page
- More details about vendors on the I AM Kitchener Facebook page
Vocal workshop with Bernadette Connors and concert with The Trainwrecks
Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Lancaster Co., 574 Lancaster St., Kitchener
Bernadette Connors will lead a workshop for the first part of the afternoon, teaching different techniques for singing and breathing.
Then, The Trainwrecks will hit the stage. This is a youth Blues and R&B band made up of local high school students. Last summer, they performed in Memphis in the youth showcase at the 2024 International Blues Challenge.
The event is being hosted with the Grand River Blues Society. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
K-W Wine and Food Show
Friday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Aud, Kitchener
Food, wine, spirits, beer, cider — this event has everything to tickle your taste buds. Local restaurants and food businesses will have items from sauces and olives to cheese and tacos and so much more.
Tickets available through the show's website.
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