Eating and drinking and working.

In local news - Laurie Snell at The Kitchener Post has an article about Midtown's own KCI and their crowdfunding efforts to upgrade their aging theatre. If you're an alumni or a parent of a future student, it's a great opportunity to support the school. More info on the crowdfunding campaign can be found on their GoFundMe page.

Terry Pender (Waterloo's #1 tech journalist) has a great interview with Craig Beattie about Perimeter Development's work on the retail space at 276 King St W. Spoiler alert - no mention of Trader Joe's.

Mother's Day Shopping Suggestions

Sunday, May 8th is Mother's Day. Yes, this coming Sunday. Haven't bought the mom in your life a gift yet? Not to worry - there are a plethora of stores in Uptown and Downtown to find a great gift. For flowers, Charmed Flowers (2 King St N, Waterloo) and Living Fresh (20 Queen St S, Kitchener) can help you out.

The Waters spa in the Shoppes at Waterloo Town Square (Willis Way off King St, Waterloo) has gift certificates available - from manicures to a full Mother's Day spa package. If you want to make a special spa at home, Cocoon Apothecary (75 St. Leger St, Kitchener) has a great selection of organic, locally made lotions, creams, and other amazingly great smelling products.

When you have no idea what to get and are in need of inspiration, check out the eclectic selections at Gifted Waterloo (181 Park St, Waterloo) and Open Sesame (220 King St, Kitchener in City Hall).

You've got a week left - get out and there and shop local!

Looking for brunch ideas? This month's Downtown Kitchener newsletter has some great suggestions -

• Gilt - 3 Course Brunch
• Crowne Plaza's Mother's Day Brunch
• The Boathouse - Mom's Day Jam
• B@THEMUSEUM - Mother's Day Brunch

What to do.

Online | Thurs, May 5 | 12pm
Cry havoc and let slip the tickets to Tacofest! In what is sure to be a repeat of the last two years, tickets for Tacofest will likely sell out in less than 45 seconds. If you see you're coworker crying or cursing at 12:01 on Thursday, you'll know why. My tip for getting tickets - log in to Evenbrite before noon and have your credit card info already added to your account.

Maxwell's Concert & Events | 35 University Ave E, Waterloo | Tues, May 3 | 7pm
Collective Soul returns to town this week for a stop on their See What You Started Tour. VIP packages available - including meet and greets.

The Berlin | Sun, May 8 | Noon till 4 | 45 King St W, Kitchener | $38
Cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off just aren't going to cut it anymore. You're an adult, you need to take your mother to a proper afternoon tea - and The Berlin has got you covered. Make your reservations now.

Open Sesame | 220 King St W, Kitchener | Sun, May 8 | 8pm | $10
Zones is back to delight you with more dreamy-breezy-psychy-poppy swirls of sound. Special guests Bad Channels join in along with Local heart throbs BEATRIX will be starting off the night with their post pop opera. Too hot for the internet.

Where to be for...

...Music

Tessa Jennison
Wed, May 4 | 7pm
Rhapsody Barrel Bar
179 King St W, Kitchener

...Food

Cinco de Mayo
Thurs, May 3-7
Taco Farm
8 Erb St W, Waterloo

...Movie

The Little Mermaid
Sun, May 8 | 2pm
Kitchener Public Library
85 King St, Kitchener
Free