This newsletter is also cursed. But you get your choice of events.
TL;WR for October 29 through November 4 2024
What to do.
Tuesday, October 29
Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words presents University of Waterloo professor and liaison librarian Kate Mercer covering what misinformation is, places it in context of the information landscape, and discusses how AI has shifted things further. 1:30 pm at RIM Park or online.
The Lean/Agile Meetup presents Agile Project Management and Artificial Intelligence from 5 to 6:30 pm.
The Rangers take on the Sarnia Sting at 7 pm.
TWB Brewing hosts a Tarot Reading with Vestika’s Oddities & Wellness from 6-9 pm. $25/person at the door - includes a 12 beer or non-alc beverage.
Wednesday, October 30
Think changing your car’s oil is scary? Check out AutoCate's Trunk-or-Treat at Counterpoint Brewing from 6 to 9 pm. Bring the whole family to enjoy trick-or-treating at themed trunks, decorated by AutoCate's incredible mechanics and other local partners! Each trunk is packed with candy, surprises, and Halloween fun for kids of all ages. All ages welcome.
Willibald is hosting a Halloween Movie Night at the farm with a screening of Ghostbusters at 6:30 pm. Did you know that Ghostbusters is called SOS Fantômes in French?
Back at TWB, check out Trivia Night: Halloween with Seen On Screen Podcast from 7-9:30 pm. $10 in advance/$12 on Trivia day.
WCA Astronomy Series at KPL presents Our View of Star Formation in the Milky Way and Beyond at 7 pm. Dr. Ashley Bemis will discuss what we learn about star formation by looking at where stars are being born in nearby galaxies – and within our own Milky Way.
The Falls Road Pub hosts Eric Moon and Jukebox Bingo - Halloween Songs at 7 pm.
Acclaimed jazz and hip-hop trumpet player BROWNMAN ALI will once again lead an all-star quartet through his popular annual Halloween Thriller concert at the Grand Trunk Saloon starting at 8 pm.
Waterloo Night Life presents the Haunting at Kentucky at Kentucky Bourbon & BBQ! Enjoy creepy vibes, thrilling entertainment, and eerie surprises exclusively for those brave enough.
Thursday, October 31
AOK Craft Beer + Arcade x Big Papa Razzi x Eric Moon Man of Leisure are having a Monster Mash rockband night! Two guitars, two mics, and a drumkit are available for you to bring your band or find some new players! There will be a costume contest with a prize for first place!
Twas Now Brewing is open from 5 to 9 pm for trick-or-treaters of all ages. They’ll also have a limited release brew, The Witches of East Ave, available.
Magic Thursday's Halloween Party is at Up Lounge starting at 10 pm.
The Princess Cinemas has The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 7 and 9:30 pm.
The Underdog Halloween Social is a thrilling night of Latin dance, great music, and the chance to show off your fantastic costumes. Register to save your spot.
The Gaslight District has an outdoor double feature of Young Frankenstein and Scream starting at 6 pm.
Friday, November 1 (PD Day)
KidsAbility x Harris Law presents: A Day at the Movies at the Princess Twin. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the amazing work of the KidsAbility team. Hotel Transylvania at 11 am and Goosebumps at 1 pm.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery has PD Day: Utopia/Dystopia from 9 to 4:30 pm. Young artists will embark on an exciting journey, delving into the rich themes of SOS: A Story of Survial, Part III - The Planet. They will explore the concepts of utopian and dystopian worlds through art, reflecting on their feelings about living in a society that often feels like it exists in between these extremes.
Green Light Arts' SEASONS LAUNCH EVENT is this Friday November 1 at 7 pm at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. The launch includes Propeller Plays, an inaugural showcase of new plays in development by local artists, a reception, and recognition of the support of the Ontario Trllium Foundation. Tickets are FREE (donations welcome) and you're encouraged to book your spot in advance.
The Wild Writers Literary Festival returns to Uptown Waterloo! Hosted by The New Quarterly, a nationally-circulated literary magazine, the festival brings readers and writers together for a three-day literary weekend to celebrate renowned Canadian authors and the craft of creative writing.
Get ready for an evening of laughs and wonder at the Laugha-Cadabra event at Kitchener Public Library, featuring top-tier comedians and magicians supporting the Movember campaign. This family-friendly event promises a memorable night of entertainment, with proceeds benefiting Movember’s initiatives for men’s health. The lineup includes Marco Giorgio, Ken Pham, and David Green.
Back at the Aud, the Rangers go up against the Sudbury Wolves at 7 pm.
Check out new country stylings from The Goddamsels at Emmanuel United Church at 7 pm.
The Princess Cinemas presents the Degrassi Tour: School's Out! with a cast Q&A featuring Pat (Joey), Stacie (Caitlin) and Stefan (Snake) at 6:45 pm.
THEMUSEUM presents the annual CKWR Halloween Dance Party from 7 till late, featuring Dj Good Dr.
Maxwell's & Have Hope present a Local Hip Hop Night at 7:30 pm with Jerelle, Akresky, Caprice Soleil, DENNI, Acro, TACTICSondmt, and Ch1ld.
Rusty Nail heads to TWH Social with headliner Mark Debonis and the Lancaster Smokehouse with headliner Chuck Byrn. Both shows start at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, November 2
The Wild Writers Festival continues on Saturday. Check out program listings on everything literary from horror to publishing, poetry to travel writing, and more here.
Stroll Walking Tours presents Berlin's Great War Stories from 2 to 3:30 pm. Learn about World War One through a wide range of stories and people: those who fought bravely and those who bravely refused to fight; some who volunteered and others forced to enlist; others who tried to enlist but were refused; as well as the many women who contributed on the ‘home front.’
Join the Downtown Kitchener BIA for a Día de los Muertos celebration in partnership with TD Salsa in Toronto and the City of Kitchener! Enjoy a cultural parade along King Street East, lively mariachi music, traditional Mexican treats, and beautifully decorated ofrendas. This family-friendly event runs from 9 am to 10 pm and features performances, art activities, food vendors, and free dance lessons at various locations throughout downtown. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of Mexican and Latin American culture!
Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos with a Santana and Led Zepplin tribute concert at Room47 in Uptown Waterloo. Enjoy the authentic sound of the music of Santana and Led Zepplin with Supernatural Tributo Santana and very special Guest Avalon Stone.
Destiny Boxing Presents Fight for Cause at Bingemans at 6:30 pm. Get your tickets for a night of great boxing in support of House of Friendship, Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health, Humane Society of K-W Stratford and Perth, and Grand River Hospital.
Headliner Andrew Barr is at Rusty Nail Comedy’s show at the Crazy Canuck at 7:30 pm.
DJ Big Tom is taking over the tunes at TWB on Saturday, November 2nd from 7-9 pm! Get ready to sing along as he takes us back to the best of the Alt 90s.
Check out FoxNet's 2024 Fundraiser for KidsAbility at The Lancaster Smokehouse. Enjoy live music by the Fred Hale Band and savour delicious BBQ from The Lancaster Smokehouse.
Sunday, November 3
The Wild Writers Festival ends with a Sunday morning Literary Brunch at Grey Silo Golf Club. Helen Humphreys, David Huebert, and Carol Off will discuss their latest works, writing process, and lives as writers in an intimate, casual and engaging environment. Doors open at 9:30 and breakfast will be served at 10.
Head to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery for Family Sunday, a family-friendly afternoon of creativity and intergenerational sharing. Come and explore the galleries, embark on a grand quest to spark artful conversations and unleash your creativity by making works of art in their Community Access Space. 1 to 5 pm.
Catch some afternoon OHL action at the Aud as the Rangers take on the Saginaw Spirit at 2 pm.
Monday, November 4
Nicolas Reyes and The Gipsy Kings play Centre in the Square. I’d go just for Hotel California.
Silents Synced pairs classic silent movies with epic rock music. Check out their presentation of Radiohead’s “KID A (2000) / Amnesiac (2001),” paired with Nosferatu (1923) at 7:20 pm.
Ways to get involved.
Join Bridges to Belonging, a live DJ, and Adele Newton from CHYM to support people with disabilities to belong in Waterloo Region. It’s a fun night of music, dancing, and a silent auction all to raise money so that people with disabilities and their families can have a facilitator walk alongside them as they explore what belonging could look like for them
What to read.
‘This is my home’ — Waterloo Region urged to address racism (Prabhnoor Kaur, Cambridge Times)
Down Syndrome awareness calendar celebrates 10-year milestone (CBC KW)