Midtown is a thing.
TL;WR for April 15 through April 21 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, April 15
Join KWAG for a stroller-friendly event designed for babies, toddlers, young children and their caregivers from 10 to 12. Connect with other adults over a hot beverage while your little ones engage in tummy time, play with blocks, listen to a story read by one of our guides, or do some colouring.
Join local author, Cathi Bond, as she discusses her novel Bessie, the first book in the "A Woman of Good Standing" trilogy at the Ayr Branch of the Region of Waterloo Library. 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Inspired by the stories told to her by her grandmother and aunts, Cathi's novel Bessie takes place 100 years ago in Waterloo Region and digs into what it was like to be a farmer’s wife and mother during The Great Depression and World War II
The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2025 World Tour to Kitchener. Enjoy their signature basketball artistry, including slam dunks, trick shots, and comedic moments suitable for all ages.
Waterloo Public Library and Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region present Opportunities in Skilled Trades from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. This session focuses on skilled trades careers, offering insights into in-demand jobs and the pathways to apprenticeships. A panel of trades professionals in carpentry, HVAC, and more will share their career journeys, discuss apprenticeship pathways, and answer questions about certifications, job opportunities, and industry demand.
Wednesday, April 16
Grand River Transit will present its new GRT Business Plan at a special public input meeting at Regional Council on Wednesday, April 16 at 6 pm. The GRT Business Plan will guide transit service expansion and investments over the next 10 years and beyond. You can share your support or comment on GRT's Business Plan by e-mailing the Regional Clerk or registering as a delegation.
Bereaved Families of Ontario and Waterloo Public Library have a Living with Loss Peer Support Group at 7 pm.
Sugar Run has a Lana Del Rey artist spotlight from 9 pm to late.
Senseless Sensibilities plays Emmanuel United Church at 7:30 pm. The night will feature original organ music by Waterloo's Important Hair, as well as feature noise performances from Kitchener's part.parasite, Toronto's Black Galaxie and Victoria's Fussing.
The Princess Cinema has a National Canadian Film Day screening of It Feeds at 7 pm.
Thursday, April 17
Looking for something heartwarming to do with your toddler this April? Pop! Pop! is a sensory-rich puppet show designed just for children aged 2-5, running April 17-19 at The Registry Theatre in downtown Kitchener. Expect music, movement, and lots of delightful surprises. Created by the award-winning Carousel Players and presented by Cosmic Fishing Theatre, this is part of DiSCoVeR - Waterloo Region’s first professional theatre series developed exclusively for early years audiences.
Discover the world of felt painting at the Region of Waterloo Library’s Felt Painting Program. 1 to 2 pm at the Elmira Branch.
Experience the rich flavours and traditions of the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market with the St. Jacobs Market Food Tour. Led by the team at Stroll Walking Tours, this two-hour guided journey delves into Mennonite food, culture, and history.
The 50/50 Garden of Resilience is the newest addition to the KWAG Sculpture Garden. Join them for an information night that details KWAG's new project. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the project and add your name to a first-come, first-served list for folks who are interested in participating as gardeners in 2025 or to be a part of its Garden Committee.
KW Writers Alliance has a Writer’s Group Drop-in at 7 pm at the Waterloo Public Library’s main branch.
The University of Waterloo Art Gallery has an opening reception for the UW Fine Arts MFA Thesis One: Jordan MacDonald | Cree Tylee from 5 to 8 pm.
Rusty Nail Comedy presents its Easter eggstravagaza Thursday show with headliner Rob Pue. A gregarious and dynamic comedian with a knack for telling it like it is, Rob has become one of the brightest voices to hit the Canadian comedy scene. With unmistakeable charm, wit and trade-mark act-outs, Rob is a must see performance. 7:30 pm at TWH Social.
Friday, April 18
Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Mike Wilmot at TWH Social. Mike is a Canadian stand-up comedian. In 2005 he won two Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Male Stand-up and Best Actor for his work in It's All Gone Pete Tong.
Good Co. Products presents Stories in Song at Studio 27. This series features a different (secret) artist every month, performing totally unplugged to a small audience of 30 at Studio 27.
Tri City Improve presents The Great Friday All-Woman Show at the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre at 8 pm. For ninety minutes, they play with ideas and suggestions from the audience to make up entertaining and hilarious scenes on the spot. No two shows are the same!
Short Finger Brewing has Live in a Dive with CAM in the Van from 6 to 8 pm.
Saturday, April 19
Schneider Haus National Historic Site has Hoppy Easter from 11 to 4 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They’ll have spring crafts, mini egg hunts, and a scavenger hunt.
Join the fun at the Uptown Waterloo Easter Egg Hunt! Explore participating businesses in Uptown Waterloo as they hand out treats during this family-friendly event. No registration required; just bring your own basket and enjoy the festivities
Celebrate Easter weekend with family fun at the Waterloo Region Museum’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza! The event is a museum-wide scavenger hunt, exciting relay races, classic patio games like cornhole and croquet, and creative Easter crafts. Kids can also enjoy zooming around on wiggle cars. Activities run daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and are included with general admission.
Pinch Cabaret, KW’s variety show, performance laboratory, and community art party is back on Saturday April 19. Expect the unexpected with bellydance, improv comedy, indie-pop songs, storytelling, burlesque, Ukrainian folk music & who knows what else! Pinch Cabaret #39, Sat April 19 - 8pm. Sliding scale tix start at $5.
Graham Chittenden headlines Rusty Nail Comedy in Cambridge at St. Louis Bar & Grill. A familiar face at the Just For Laughs festival, on television and on the radio in programs such as Match Game and The Debaters, Graham has shared tours and stages with Howie Mandel, Andrea Martin, and Louie Anderson.
Griffin Noriega-Rivas takes the stage at the Boathouse for No Cover Saturdays from 8 to 11.
The Rabbid Fox has Joshua Pascua live at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, April 20
Arabella Park Beer Bar x Friends Not Foes are bringing Edseven from Sydney, Australia
on Sunday from 4 pm to late.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man. The Princess Cinema has a screening of The Big Lebowski at 7 pm.
Monday, April 21
The Princess Cinema has a screening of The Wedding Banquet at 6:45 pm.
Arabella Park and In For Questioning have trivia at 7 pm.
Ways to get involved.
Half for Hospice is back! This 50/50 draw provides necessary funds to help maintain Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice’s kitchens and purchase groceries for their residents' meals. Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice operates all day, every day, providing compassionate care for residents and their families as they navigate the difficult days approaching the end-of-life. Visit Half for Hospice March or your chance to win!
St.John’s Nursery School is turning 40! Join then anytime between 10am-2pm on May 2 to tour the school. Food trucks will be on site, refreshments and cake!
What to read.
Local Businesses React to Uncertainty About Tariffs (Alex Kinsella, Community Edition)
A Walk on the Walter Bean Trail With Lily Gyamfi-Kumanini (Amy Neufeld, Community Edition)
As interest in Ontario wines grows, these restaurants are taking notice (Jasmine Mangalaseril, CBC KW)
I stand firm in my midtown opinion, but I have come to terms with the fact that I’ve lost the war.