What to do.

Tuesday, July 25

Join Kitchener Public Library at the Grand River Stanley Park Library for a relaxing evening of crafting and socializing in the park just outside the library entrance. Just bring a lawn chair and your craft supplies, and they’ll bring some ideas to pique your creative juices! Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

Waterloo Public Library and Words Worth Books are hosting a night of conversation with authors Nathan Whitlock (Lump) and Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer (Wait Softly Brother) discussing their new books.

The Apollo Cinema has a screening of Joy Ride, a hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centres on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. Tuesday, July 25 at 9:15 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26

The Branches Yoga and City of Kitchener have free lunchtime yoga from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. in Civic Centre Park.

Kitchener Public Library has Summer Special: Lego in the Library from 2 to 3 p.m. for kids ages 5-11.

Also at Kitchener Public Library, the Waterloo Centre for Astrophysics’s Astronomy Series presents Citizen Science in Astronomy from 7 to 8 p.m. Join them this month to hear Dr. Ana Ennis speak about the role of citizen science in astronomy, and how you can get involved in it!

It’s a race! Waterloo Public Library invites you to race against other teams as you complete challenges at the McCormick Branch. Work with your team to solve clues and complete challenges at each leg of the journey. Complete the race for your chance to be entered to win a family prize pack.

Music at the Market brings you Natalie Reis and Amanda Kind live on stage starting at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 27

Movies in the Park (in Waterloo Park) has a screening of Hairspray at sundown. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks and your favourite hoodie and join us for these free outdoor movie nights with friends and family.

Explore Uptown Waterloo during the Uptown Waterloo Night Market between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Waterloo Public Library (Main Library), in the upper parking lot. Taste local treats, enjoy entertainment from local musicians and variety performers, discover programming from Waterloo Public Library and more!

Movies in the Park features a screening of Hairspray at sundown in Waterloo Park. Bring a non-perishable donation for the Food Bank of Waterloo if possible.

Friday, July 28

Minds Eye Studio Art Gallery and Yoga Studio has an artist reception for Christina MacLellen’s "Bright As Day". Working towards breaking down the stigma against mental health through her artistic practice, Christina explores the benefits and healing power of creativity and self expression.

The Singer's Theatre presents the Canadian Premiere of The Battle of Boat at the Conrad Centre For The Performing Arts. ‘The Battle of Boat’ is a new musical by writing duo Donnelly & Maltby. Set in a seaside town on the English south coast in 1916, the carefree happiness of a group of young children is short-lived as they find themselves discovering more and more about the First World War that is unfolding around them. Shows on July 28 and 29.

Shop from 20 local artists, crafters & makers at the Art Market in the Waterloo Public Square from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music by Gerima Harvey from 7 to 9 p.m. while browsing all of the amazing goods.

The Bottom 40 are playing at Wineology in Kitchener on July 28 from 8 to 11 — no cover. The Bottom 40 are five seasoned professionals, known for their craft of re-engineering popular tunes into innovative funk and jazz fusion variations, with songs spanning multiple decades, featuring classics from Prince to Nirvana and contemporary hits from Harry Styles to Tears for Fears.

The awesome people at Good Co. Productions, Downtown Kitchener, and the City of Kitchener invite you to enjoy a free outdoor concert in Vogelsang Green at 7:30 p.m.

The Gas Light District is opening on July 28, and you’re invited to the grand opening celebration. The new entertainment area is Waterloo Region’s largest public square featuring a concert stage and a massive outdoor video screen. Its free grand opening celebration includes art, food, and two days of free live music featuring Walk Off The Earth, Big Wreck, Tebey, and VILIVANT.

Saturday, July 29

The For the Love of ButterTarts Festival takes over the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira for a day dedicated to all things butter tarts—even ones with raisins. A portion of every ticket sold will go to their charitable partner—Woolwich Community Services.

Kitchener Public Library has a Family Movie Morning screening of the rock n’roll fable Trolls World Tour at 10 a.m.

Join Hold the Line WR for a family-friendly bike ride on trails from Kitchener to Waterloo Park and the Rally Against The Big Sprawl! Depart from the Iron Horse Trail by the community garden off Strange Street at 1:15 p.m. and arrive in Waterloo Park at 2 p.m.

Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Jordan Foisy at the Crazy Canuck DTK.

Sunday, July 30

The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region invites has its free "Picnic in di Park Summer Social" for the community in Waterloo Park from 12 to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 31

The Princess has a screening of North of Normal at 7 p.m.

Ways to get involved.

Donate to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region now and have twice the impact! Normally, for every $1 you donate, they can provide 2 meals. But right now, 2 meals becomes 4 meals thanks to a generous match from the Allan Bush Investment Team.

What to read.

Andrew Coppolino takes a look at what's new and exciting in Waterloo region's food scene (CBC News KW)

Ambitious plan promises 10,000 new homes for families in Waterloo Region, at half the cost they sell for now (Liz Monteiro in The Record)

Local Athletes Speak on Trans Folks in Sports in the Region (Me in the Community Edition)