Dabke, egg hunts, and astronomy on tap this week in WR.
TL;WR for April 8 through April 14 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, April 8
Waterloo Public Library has a discussion with authors Vinh Nguyen and S. Thammavongsa at 7 pm in partnership with Words Worth Books. Vinh Nguyen will talk about his new release The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse with Souvankham Thammavongsa (author of How to Pronounce Knife) for a conversation on literary craft, refugee families, and life writing.
The Princess Cinema has a screening of David Cronenberg’s Videodrome at 7 pm.
Wednesday, April 9
Region of Waterloo Library is hosting Backyard Fruit & Nut Growing with Fred & Lawrence from Whiffletree Farm & Nursery. Learn how to grow fruit and nuts in your backyard or small space. 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the Bloomingdale Branch.
Join Astronomy on Tap on April 9 to chat about the newest findings on dark energy and cosmic structure coming from the DESI experiment. James Morawetz will talk about baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs), a process occurring in the early Universe that impacts its present-day structure. Then, Sofia Chiarenza will talk about dark energy, and how DESI is using features like BAOs to study the properties of this mysterious force. 8 to 10 pm at The Crazy Canuck Kitchener.
Cool Aunt Creative has a Felt Daisy Wreath Making Workshop at Waterloo Brewing Beer Store from 7 to 9 pm.
Pinch Cabaret is partnering with IMPROV FOR LOVE for an improv x speed dating event at Whoopsie Daisy Drinks from 7 to 9:30 pm.
Gemstone Entertainment has music bingo from 7 to 9 pm at the Underwing in the Gaslight District.
Thursday, April 10
KWAG’s Culture Talks continues with Culture Talks: Art, Architecture, the Public Realm and Social Infrastructure featuring Mitchell Cohen. He’ll share how creativity, design, and social infrastructure shape thriving communities. 6:30 - 8:30 pm at The Walper.
For one night only—Canadian stand-up comedian Steve Patterson, known for his work on the CBC Radio show The Debaters, is performing at The Hub in Downtown Kitchener.
The Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada (232 King St N) welcomes Ted Barris back for a talk on his new book, The Battle of Britain. Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7:00. Join them in-person or on Zoom.
Nobody puts Baby in the corner! Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of the iconic film at Dirty Dancing: In Concert at Centre In The Square. This unique experience features a digitally remastered screening of the classic movie on a full-size cinema screen, accompanied by a live band and singers performing the film’s unforgettable songs.
The International Fly Fishing Festival is back at the Princess Twin showcasing the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing around the globe. Presented with KW Fly Fishers, with introduction by president Dan Kennaley
Waterloo Public Library has a discussion with author Kyo Lee in partnership with Words Worth Books. Teen author Kyo Lee for a discussion about her debut poetry collection, i cut my tongue on a broken country, with moderator Tanis MacDonald.
Lavender Fizz is celebrating its first anniversary with a special show at TWB Brewing. It’s a free/PWYC event from 7 to 9 pm.
Friday, April 11
Do you have a legal problem? Book an appointment to speak directly with a lawyer from Waterloo Region Community Legal Services (WRCLS) for free and confidential legal hosted by the Region of Waterloo Library.
Immerse yourself in the ultimate paper crafting experience at ScrapFest in Kitchener 2025! Join fellow scrapbookers, cardmakers, stampers, and mixed media artists for two fun-filled days at The Aud. Participate in a 28-hour crop session, explore the Marketplace with over 25 exhibitors, and attend innovative workshops led by renowned Canadian talent. VIP passes include early Marketplace access and a gift bag filled with scrapbooking products.
It’s a double dose of comedy with Rusty Nail Comedy at Morty's Pub with headliner Kate Davis at 7:30 pm. They’ve got another show with headliner Lianne Mauladin at TWH Social at 7:30 pm, too!
Saturday, April 12
Stuffing, STAT! KPL is hosting a Teddy Bear Clinic by medical students from McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote, School of Medicine, Waterloo Regional Campus! This drop-in initiative is intended for children ages 3-9 in which they will role play medical scenarios with their plush teddy bears (Please bring your favourite bear!)
Also at KPL, check out the Dabke Dance Celebration—part of Arab Heritage Month! Dabke is a traditional Palestinian folk dance that celebrates cultural pride and resilience. 2 pm at Central Branch.
Hop into spring at the Schneider Haus Easter Egg-stravaganza! It’s an afternoon filled with crafts, seasonal stories, bunny-themed games, a rainbow egg hunt, and adorable baby chicks. Activities are perfect for children 12 and under.
Get ready for Kidchella, a brand-new indoor music festival for kids in downtown Kitchener! Enjoy a family-friendly experience filled with live performances, including Sharon and Randi Hampson from Sharon, Lois & Bram, interactive activities, DIY stations, and exciting surprises throughout the day. Tickets are $15.99 to $30.99, with a 50% discount for THEMUSEUM members.
TWB Brewing is hosting Together We're Boisterous Comedy Show starting at 7 pm.
The Union KW has Holy Grinder with special guests Gutter Girl, To Be Continued, and Indignation at 7 pm.
Pauline Tolentino takes the stage for No Cover Saturdays at The Boathouse.
Sunday, April 13
KPL has a free family screening of Moana 2 at 1:30 pm.
Wave Maker Craft Brewing has Tattoos 'n Brews from 12 to 6 pm. They’ve teamed up with Thrive Studios and will have four tattoo artists in the brewery tattooing. All designs will be premade, with no alterations. Arms and legs ONLY, first come, first come basis. Tattoos will be priced as listed at the event.
The Union KW has Double Denim: Queer Line Dance Party from 6:30 to 10 pm.
Monday, April 14
Princess Twin has a screening of Rock This Town! at 7 pm. Rock This Town brings to life the exciting history of rock music concerts in KW from the 1960s & ‘70s. An insider’s look into the gritty reality of building the local live music scene. A 70-minute documentary featuring interviews with music business pros plus performances by today’s musicians. Rock stars come and go but live music is here to stay!
The Shoppe at Langdon Hall is hosting a new wine tasting series. Expert sommeliers, wine makers and educators will take you through intimate tastings. There are five unique tastings available to choose from, each with limited tickets available. On April 14, explore the wines of Greece.
Ways to get involved.
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, surrounded by a community of individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. Join Food4Kids Waterloo Region for a morning of celebration and gratitude at the Brighter Futures Breakfast Appreciation Event! Tuesday, May 13, 2025 7:45 am to 9:30 am at St. George Banquet Hall.
What to read.
How to make the most of maple syrup season (Jasmine Mangalaseril, CBC KW)
From gameplay to reality: Cambridge's Hacksmith brings Fortnite's Fizzooka to life (Karis Mapp, CBC KW)
New KPL Branch Opens in Kitchener (Alex Kinsella, Community Edition)
On the ticket page for the Steve Patterson show, the event is listed as cancelled.