Kultrún and Momma’s Cookout = one awesome weekend.

TL;WR for July 9 through July 15 2024

What to do.

Tuesday, July 9

Pupilates takes downward dog literally! Pupilates is a weekly series that features local yoga and pilates instructors and gives you an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga and pilates practice. Pupilates takes place at Victoria Park off Roland St. The event is dog-friendly, but you don’t have to have a pup to join—everyone is welcome!

The Apollo has a screening of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga at 6:15 pm.

The Gaslight District has a double feature of E.T. and The Goonies starting at 6 pm on their insanely large outdoor screen.

Wednesday, July 10

The Random Sketches Studio and Gallery pop up shop at the Square Peg Space in DTK (next to City Hall) will be hosting a free Sketch Mob event for novice and experienced sketchers alike. This is not a class - just bring your own sketching supplies and a folding chair and we will sketch whatever catches our fancy in a communal setting. We will meet under the overhang at 220 King St. W from 5 to 6:30 pm. It’s also Brewery Week at Random Sketches Studio and Gallery pop up shop. Tour Della's ever-growing collection of sketches of Ontario's craft breweries, featured on the gallery's peg wall. 

Join KPL for tons of Minion fun in Summer Special: Minion Mayhem at the Stanley Park Library at 2:30 pm. This 90-minute drop-in program filled with activities, games, and crafts all about those silly and mischievious, yellow, banana-loving creatures.

Over at KPL’s Central Branch, learn to build a homemade Corsi-Rosenthal air purifier, and learn about how these DIY devices can help improve indoor air quality from dust, airborne particles, and wildfire smoke. 85 Green - Better Home Air Quality DIY at 7 pm.

It’s Campfire night at Waterloo Town Square. Come out for games, a campfire, and music from Hyness from 6 to 8 pm.

Thursday, July 11

Explore the shops, bars, and restaurants of Uptown Waterloo during the Uptown Waterloo Night Market. Held every Thursday from 7 to 10 pm, the Night Market features local artists, delicious treats, great entertainment from local musicians, and special programming from the Waterloo Public Library.

The Lavender Fizz Open Mic Comedy at TWB Brewing is a night of laughter and empowerment. The open mic event is open to performers and audience members who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, women, and non-binary. Don’t miss this supportive and inclusive comedy night! 

Wave Maker Craft Brewing has music bingo at 7:30 pm.

Movies in the Park is back with Kung Fu Panda 4 at the bandshell in Waterloo Park. Movie starts at sunset. If possible, please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

BeccaHosts Entertainment and The Rabbid Fox have 70s Music Bingo starting at 8 pm.

Friday, July 12

The Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery presents Kathleen Daly: Northern Exposures. Kathleen Frances Daly Pepper is widely known for her portraiture and depictions of northern Québec and Labrador communities. Her most iconic images convey a quiet warmth of humanity; an intimacy of close looking. Not to dismiss the burden of their own intercultural complication, Daly's images seem to come from a more genuine, immersive place than other mid-century travellers of the same regions. The exhibit runs July 12 to November 24, 2024.

Experience the vibrant Kultrún World Music Festival on July 13-14 at Waterloo Park. Enjoy free performances by international artists, and immerse yourself in diverse cultural expressions through music, dance, and interactive activities. The festival also features workshops, delicious food, and a family-friendly environment. Celebrate global traditions and the local Indigenous culture in this enriching community event from Neruda Arts!

Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Chris Quigley at the Crazy Canuck DTK starting at 7:30 pm.

Cruising on King is back with classic cars lining King Street between Water and Frederick Streets starting at 5:30 pm. There’s live entertainment on an open-air stage, food, and a licensed bar area, too.

Downtown Kitchener will ring with hits from The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, with live performances from The Beatle Band and Beggars Banquet. Wander up and down over half a kilometer of King Street enjoying all the classics at the year’s first street party!

Saturday, July 13

The Downtown Kitchener Art Walk is a rejuvenating guided walking tour through downtown Kitchener with a focus on the vibrant murals, installations and public sculptures that call DTK home. Your guide will meet you in the KWAG Sculpture Garden 10 minutes prior to departure. Please wear comfortable footwear and dress for the elements as tours operate rain or shine (excluding severe weather). 1 to 2:30 pm.

Matteo's Mobile Bicycle Repair will be at TWB Brewing Co-Op from 1 to 5 pm offering repairs for your ride. Tune-ups usually run $25-$60 depending on what you need.

The Waterloo Region Electric Vehicle Association has a Tesla Meetup & BBQ at Dial A Tire (89 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo) from 12 to 3 pm.

The first-ever KW Cycle Quest Ally Cat Race brings together bicycling, local businesses, and craft beer! During this quest, you will visit small businesses and other local spots to complete a challenge. Points will be awarded based on the number of locations and challenges completed, as well as time! The race starts at Counterpoint Brewing and the awards ceremony is at Arabella Park Beer Bar in Midtown. Don’t have a bike? No worries. You can rent a great bike from River City Cycle Rentals to get in the race! 

Rusty Nail Comedy has a second show with headliner Chris Quigley at the Crazy Canuck DTK at 7:30 pm. Across town at Morty’s, the team brings you two amazing Canadian comedians — Rob Pue and Rob Bebenek, also at 7:30 pm.

Momma’s Cookout & Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of Black food, culture, and community, blending delicious flavours, diverse sounds, and infectious vibes. The festival features artists, entertainers, and vendors from Waterloo Region and beyond. It’s a unique fusion of music, culinary delights, and cultural immersion! Musicians include Choclair, Rufus John, Joni Nehrita, and more. 

Maxwell’s has Sons of Sabbath with guests Motorheadache on stage live. Doors open at 7:30 pm.

The Yeti has Rädd Ishh and Local Goblin at 8 pm.

Sunday, July 14

The Bruce Hotel in Stratford has a BBQ & Biergarten from 12 to 4 pm with Chef Nick Benninger. $35.00 includes awesome BBQ (vegetarian options available) and a beer pairing from Black Swan Brewery.

The Princess Cinema has a screening of North by Northwest at 1:30 pm.

Monday, July 15

QueerKPL presents Let’s Make a Zine! at 6 pm at the Central Branch. Join zinester and KPL staff member Ellie Anglin for a casual program where you’ll write, collage and draw to create a queer zine together! If you identify as queer, questioning or an ally, you are welcome to join in.

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What to read.

Top craft breweries in Waterloo Region to find during the LCBO strike (Robert Williams, The Record)

Chef’s Blog: This Little Piggy is Organic (Nick Benninger, Explore Waterloo)

Rookie + Ace Opens as New Multi-sport Facility for Players of All Levels (me, The Community Edition)