Menstrual Health Day 🩸 is May 28 and Changing The Flow has partnered with multiple community organizations to offer a series of events to raise awareness around period poverty and the need for period products in all public washrooms. See below for a full listing. During May, you can buy their Inclusion Period Boxes at Full Circle Grocery & Bulk. For every box sold, Changing The Flow is donating $5 to SHORE Centre.
What to do.
Tuesday, May 24
rare needs volunteers to help clean up Blair Flats, removing debris that has washed up along the banks of the Grand. This is an excellent opportunity to give back to nature while spending time with fellow individuals passionate about a healthy environment. Sturdy footwear, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended. Tuesday, May 24 at 9:30 a.m.
It Matters. PERIOD is an inclusive evening highlighting the importance of Menstrual Equity in Waterloo Region and beyond at The Apollo Cinema. Movie and panel discussion start at 7 p.m.
The Short Fictions with special guests Bliss Fields, EddyEbby & Dead Friend Collective play Maxwell’s at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25
A period box art night at KPL features local artist A. Decker leading attendees in a night of Period Box illustration. Her illustrated Period Box : "No shame in My Flow Game" offers period products in KPL bathrooms. Join the event for an evening of making Menstrual Equity a reality for all. Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m.
rare hosts their first in a long time in-person Conversation for Conservation with Nicola Ross. She’ll share her story of launching her Loops & Lattes Hiking Guides., describing her adventure in words and photographs. Nicola will bring alive the rich beauty of the hiking available in our backyards that have become her career and vocation. Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
BeccaHosts has Disney Trivia at Descendants Beer & Beverage Company at 7 p.m.
Or if Disney isn’t your thing, head over to the Duke of Wellington for general trivia at 7 p.m.
Mike & Matt from @CXC’90s on Midtown Radio have their season finale live at Arabella Park this Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 26
Come out and learn more about Food4Kids Waterloo Region at their open house from 11 to 5 p.m. Visit their facility to learn more about their programs and how you can get involved. They’ll be offering guided tours on the half hour, refreshments, and other displays.
Ginger Goat Hot Sauce x Wellington Brewery. Not a ton of details, but honestly, what more do you need to know. Thursday, May 26 at Wellington Brewery.
Blair Flats Shoreline Cleanup Volunteer Day — volunteer to help rare staff restore the local ecology and rehabilitate native habitats by removing invasive species. Volunteers are asked to gather at Lamb's Inn, and they and staff will proceed onto rare lands to pull and remove invasive garlic mustard. Thursday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m.
BeccaHosts has Music Bingo: Killer Covers at Descendants starting at 8 p.m.
The Kin Club of Cambridge’s Kin Carnival kicks off Thursday, May 26 and runs through Sunday, May 29. It’s the Kin Club’s largest fundraising event supporting organizations like Big Brother/Big Sisters, Cambridge Food Bank, Haven House and more.
Hilary Abel & Janelle Chalouhi present WOMEN + WEB3 + KW. It’s an evening for women and non-binary people in KW to come together and connect about Web3 technologies. 5 p.m. at Babylon Sisters Wine Bar.
Local folk musician and storyteller Al Parrish plays the Yeti Cafe at 7 p.m. $20 at the door.
Thursday is Queer Wine Night at Goldie's Convenience. Meet new friends and taste some funky, natty pours. Thursday, May 26 at 8 p.m.
The Underdog Dance Corp. hosts Salsa in the Square in Uptown Waterloo. They have a half-hour beginner dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by dancing from 8–11 p.m. Free to the public, but donations are appreciated.
Friday, May 27
Learn about Black history in Kitchener with Stroll Walking Tours’ Black Presence in Berlin tour. Friday, May 27, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
The Uptown Waterloo Art Market is back with artists, crafters, and makers from Waterloo and surrounding area selling outside at the Waterloo Public Square. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Midtown Radio is kicking off six weeks of live broadcasting at TWB Brewing Co-operative. Join them on the patio with live musical from Luke Michielsen and food from The Lab Street Eats from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Feed The Fire fundraiser is raising funds to support the Indigenous land-based programs of Crow Shield Lodge. Join them for an evening of community, connection, silent auction and entertainment in support of the work of Crow Shield Lodge. Tickets are $15 per person and a donation option is available if you cannot make it in person but would like to show support.
Join Greg Sestero at the Princess for The Room and his new film Miracle Valley, featuring a Q&A, script readings, book signing and meet and greet. Friday, May 27 at 8 p.m.
The KW Jazz Room hosts a Mel Brown Festival concert featuring Joni Nehrita, Rufus John, and Alysha Brilla at 8 p.m.
The Mighty Kin play Molly Bloom's Waterloo at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Join David Gascoigne, two-time past president of Waterloo Region Nature, as Kitchener Public Library’s Grand River Branch explores the Walter Bean trail along the Grand River. Register here and then meet at the Walter Bean trail access point at 650 Otterbein Rd, Kitchener at 10 a.m.
We Are Committed. Period. is a community celebration of collective Menstrual Equity at Kitchener Public Library. Come out and meet representatives from Moon time sisters, Changing the Flow, Community Engagement, and Diva. 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The Hohner Street Porch Party brings you live music on Chapel Street, Brubacher Street, Samuel Street and Hohner Ave from 3 – 8 p.m. The Kitchener Public Library Book Pedaler will also be out with book, library card sign up, and WiFi.
The Oscar Peterson Jazz Mobile featuring Ron Westray plays the KW Jazz Room for another Mel Brown Festival concert at 8 p.m.
Pinch Cabaret is back at Button Factory Arts for a brand new night of unexpected variety and live performing arts including: comedy, poetry, drag, and more. Hosted by storyteller and international performing artist Ben Gorodetsky, this mix of NYC nightlife cabaret and spontaneous improv comedy surprises audiences and brings together disparate artistic communities.
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events proudly presents SHAD on Saturday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
Stroll Through Historic St. Jacobs with Stroll Walking Tours, then grab a beer at Block Three or a late lunch at Jacob’s Grill! Sunday, May 29 at 11:30 a.m.
Would you like to get out and get active, while helping to grow healthy volunteer organic produce for your local food bank? Come to rare's Springbank Farm Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and they’ll put you to work. They’ll provide the guidance and the tools while you build confidence learning new skills from other gardeners.
Everyone loves a good collab. The Apollo Cinema and The Fashion History Museum present a screening of The Boy Friend (1971) for their Flicks and Fashion series. Showing is at 4 p.m.
Monday, May 30
Homer Watson House & Gallery presents Memento Mori: An Evening with the Spirits. It’s the anniversary of Homer Watson’s death on May 30 and they’re hosting two events (7 and 9:30 p.m.) for a unique paranormal investigation. The evening includes a Death Day cocktail, tour, and conversation about Homer Watson’s interest and connection to spiritualism.
Ways to support local.
KW Counselling Services is celebrating over 70 years of providing accessible counselling services to individuals, couples, and families in Waterloo Region. You can help them continue this work by participating in their Couch to 5K fundraiser from wherever you are! You can create a team, join a team, join as an individual, or donate here.
KidsAbility Superhero Challenge is a fun and accessible week-long challenge when our community comes together to raise awareness and funds by unleashing their superpowers. Get a team together and register today!
What to read.
Torin Langen’s Weird World Of Art (Community Edition)
Black artistry and curation shine in local arts scene (insideWaterloo)
7 Patio Picks In Waterloo Region (Explore Waterloo Region)
Food4Kids Waterloo Region hosting open house (The Record)