Step into the ring with these events.
TL;WR for April 1 through April 7 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, April 1
Witness bold pitches, connect with founders, and experience innovation in action as they compete for the $25K grand prize at the Velocity Pitch Competition: All-Stars! The Velocity Pitch Competition (VPC) provides equity-free funding to early-stage startups to help remove some of the barriers that hinder innovation and entrepreneurial growth. This year, the competition features a first-place award of $25,000, bringing together exceptional current and past Waterloo founders to compete head-to-head. 7 to 9 pm at the Theatre of the Arts at
TWB Brewing has its Darts Night. Doors at 6:30, darts at 7.
The Princess Cinemas has a 4K Restoration screening of The Elephant Man at 9 pm.
Wednesday, April 2
Olivia Stadler (Just For Laughs, Roast Battle Canada, Letterkenny, Shoresy) is headlining Sugar Run Comedy to get ready for her upcoming comedy special. Show starts at
KPL’s French Language Film Screening is Amélie at 6 pm at the Central Branch. The movie is screened in French with French subtitles
Thursday, April 3
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.
Laurier Alumni is hosting “Inspiring Conversations - This Means (Trade) War: How Will U.S. Tariffs Impact Canadians?” from 11:30 to 12:30 pm. Hear from economic, supply chain and political science experts from Wilfrid Laurier University as they share their perspectives and answer your questions.
Celebrate Isha, Em and Raquel’s Birthday with The Underdog Dance Co. at a special Salsa and Bachata Social! There’s live music from Orlando Valencia’s band, performances, and beautiful social dancing all night long. Entry for this social is $15 to support musicians.
Friday, April 4
COMPASS Refugee Centre is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Refugee Rights Day in Canada from 4 to 8 pm at its Open House. Discover new insights on Life Beyond Refuge. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and connect.
Explore the captivating work of artist Stephen Altena at the opening of his solo exhibition, Everything Was So Pretty. Drop by the Preston Gallery at 435 King Street East in Cambridge from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for an inspiring evening of art, conversation, and refreshments. Admission is free, and all are welcome—no registration is required.
Indulge in a weekend of culinary delights at the KW Wine & Food Show at the Aud. Sample fine wines, craft beers, cocktails, and ciders from local and international exhibitors. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, music from local artists, and more. Tickets include a sample glass.
The April Edition of the Wave Maker Book Club is this Friday at 7 pm. This month, they’re reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—a thought-provoking novel about second chances and infinite possibilities.
Local fan-favourite musicians Jessie T & Mandippal have joined forces as The Mixtape. Check out their mix of ’90s and 2000’s throwbacks and Top 40 covers at The Boathouse in Victoria Park from 8 PM to 11 PM.
Rusty Nail Comedy is hosting the Hot as Heck Comedy Tour at TWH Social with Max Sheldrick, Doug Koing, and Mitch VK.
Saturday, April 5
Spring is sweeter when you start the season with family and friends at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival! The annual event kicks off the local festival season with sugar bush tours, wagon rides, and, of course—pancakes and delicious Canadian maple syrup.
Celebrate Eid with the community at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum! Join them at 10 Huron Road in Kitchener from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM for an afternoon of live music, dancing, vendors, henna and face painting, and delicious food. Admission is free, and all are welcome to partake in the festivities.
Join the City of Kitchener starting at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s High School (1500 Block Line Road) for the second thought-provoking Kitchener 2051 Speaker Series event. The session features Helen Kerr, an educator and leading Canadian foresight practitioner. No pre-registration is required. Helen is one of the great design minds of Canada who brings together design thinking and future perspectives. Helen looks at and uses ideas about the future to help us better prepare for change and disruption.
The Stroll Walking Tour Kitchener Food Tour is this Saturday from 2 to 5 pm. The tour is led by local food scene insider Stephanie Soulis!
Farm League Brewing presents Comedy Night at The Boat House. Your host is Tige Wright with headliner Mike Rita and opener Drew Behm.
Deer Fang, One Hundred Moons, Petrochemicals, and My Angel play the Union at 7 pm.
Alex Handy headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social at 8 pm. Down in Cambridge at The Underwing, you can check out headliner Rob Bebenek at 8 pm.
Wing Night: The Band play Maxwells. Doors at 7:30 pm.
The Steve-O Super Dummy Show is coming to the Apollo with shows at 7 and 9 pm.
Sunday, April 6
Courtney from Cool Aunt Creative will teach you how to make your own alcohol ink painting! Check out the Alcohol Ink Painting Workshop at Arabella Park at 1 pm.
Monday, June 7
Breakaway Femmes is the untold story of the halcyon era of women's professional cycling. Check out a screening of the documentary at the Princess Cinemas at 7 pm.
In for Questioning Trivia is going down at Arabella Park Beer Bar at 7 pm.
Ways to get involved.
Join fellow fight fans for an electric night of boxing, community, and giving back as you watch 20 brave men and women step into the ring for the first time in support of MacKids, KidsAbility, and Scotland’s Yard. After 15 weeks of intense training and fundraising, these local business professionals will lay it all on the line, becoming true Champions for Charity.
You can join other fight fans for the viewing party at The Gastlight District or purchase a live stream link to support this awesome cause.
You can also purchase 50/50 tickets for a cash prize and Post Malone tickets in Toronto!
What to read.
5 years later: Food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril on how local food businesses survived pandemic lockdowns (Jasmine Mangalaseril, CBC KW)
Red House, Black House, Updated Food Blogs and Events Sites & More News (Alex Bielak, Food For Thought)
Champions for Charity boxers weigh-in at Tapestry Hall ahead of charity bouts (Keegan Kozolanka, Cambridge Today)