These events are knockouts.
Your TL;WR for April 28 to May 4 and the inevitable "May the 4th be with you posts".
What to do.
Tuesday, April 28
Birds aren't real, but KPL is still hosting A Field Guide to Birds of Ontario with Mark Peck and Emily Rondel at 7 pm. They have bird trivia at 6 pm too, which I should tell my neighbour Brett about. Loves birds.
Host Wanted Productions has trivia with Brock at McCabes Waterloo at 7 pm.
Waterloo Public Library x Words Worth Books present An Evening with Kerry Clare from 7 to 8 pm. Kerry will discuss her latest release, Definitely Thriving. Hear about her inspiration, writing process, and the themes that shape this compelling new novel.
Catch a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey at the Princess and remember why maybe we shouldn't be trusting AI for everything. Especially pod bay doors.
Wednesday, April 29
$5 gets you an awesome evening of comedy at the Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM at TWH Social. The show features semi pro, amatuer and pro comedians from all over Canada.
Rell has Food & Drink trivia at the Boathouse at 7 pm.
Hard Tech Happy Hour has a Hike + Boathouse Pint at 7 pm. Join founders, engineers, scientists, and serious technical builders for a stroll around the park, conversation, and builder-to-builder connection.
In For Questioning has RuPaul's Drag Race trivia at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade at 8 pm.
Disney Channel was on a hot streak, Twitter had just logged on, and pirates were serving main character energy — ring a bell? From blockbuster movies and iconic TV moments to unforgettable hits, a lot went down two decades ago. Grab your crew and get ready for a totally throwback showdown at TWB Brewing with Trivia Night: That's So 2006.
Thursday, April 30
Sobreviviendo Canadá es un espectáculo de comedia en español que ha hecho reír al público en Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto y Vancouver. Ahora, puedes verlo aquí en Kitchener, en TWH Social, a las 6:30 pm.
Experience the energy and culture of Step Afrika! at Centre in the Square.The performances are rooted in traditions from historically Black fraternities and sororities, stepping is brought to life through precision, athleticism, and pure percussive power. 8 pm.
The Rabbid Fox has 2000s and on music bingo from 8 to 10 pm.
Friday, May 1
Builders need to eat, so join Builder's Club for its Pancake Social from 9 to 10 am. It's part community social, part behind-the-scenes look at what’s been brewing inside Builders Club.
The Margins has a Quiet Reading Night at Midnight Run Cafe from 6 to 8 pm.
Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Ian Sirota (Comedy Inc., Comedy Now, Gutterball Alley) on stage at TWH Social. Doors at 7:30, show at 8.
The Emmanuel Concert series brings you Toronto's Tamar Ilana & Ventanas at 7:30 pm. The band has toured throughout Canada and the US, Ireland, Colombia, Spain, and Portugal.
The TWB Brewing patio is officially open for the summer! The Lord of the Tacos is back every other Friday and Saturday starting May 1, 4:30-8:30 pm. Experience the true taste of Mexico with his authentic tacos, catering to everyone's preferences, whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover.
Mood Yellow Gallery and Studios is having its grand opening from 5 to 9 pm.
Tell All Your Friends, KW's alternative DJ night, is back with DJ Chives spinning the best emo, hardcore, punk, metal and alternative tracks all night long! 10 pm at Revive Karaoke in Uptown.
Saturday, May 2
The Wonderfully Made Spring Market is this Saturday at Catalyst 137 in Midtown. Explore over 70 incredible makers and artisans under one roof with hundreds of one‑of‑a‑kind, locally crafted products—from gifts and home goods to sweet treats and small luxuries. 10 to 3 pm.
If you've ever thought about running for municipal office — even just a flicker of curiosity — Day 1: 2026 Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School is for you. This is a free, non-partisan half-day experience for women at any stage of thinking about local politics — whether you're nearly certain or just starting to wonder.
The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is hosting May 2-D2, an Intergalactic Celebration from 11 to 4 pm. Celebrate a beloved fandom in an EPIC way! Choose a side: Light or Dark, and dress up as your favourite characters! Join the Galactic Academy and learn to wield a lightsaber like a pro!
Dallas has Cattle Decapitation with special guests Brujeria, No Cure, and Knoll. Doors at 6 pm.
Crast plays The Union KW at 8 with special guests Dead Karma and Among Legends.
Maxwell's has Royal Tusk live on stage! Doors at 7:30, music at 8. The band has made a major mark on the Canadian rock scene with multiple internationally acclaimed studio albums, more than 28 million streams worldwide, and six Top 40 Active Rock singles in Canada.
Comedy, friends, and fantastic brews! Eric Pillwein is hosting Comedy Night at Counterpoint Brewing Company from 7 to 9 pm with Dante Williams, Mike Fallico, Diana Barbosa, Ashley Mendes, and Paul Marroquin.
The Boathouse has The Caleb Khuu Guitar Trio live at 7 pm.
Sunday, May 3
Head to Ayr for the Willibald Spring Market from 11 to 4 pm on the farm.
Pink Crow Cafe is having a free patio opening party on Sunday May 3 from 11 am to 4 pm featuring live music by BillyCee & JT (music 12 pm to 3 pm).
And We Were Heard features a vibrant selection of works celebrating a diverse range of musical styles and perspectives. Join us for an engaging musical journey that’s sure to inspire and delight.Admission is free, with donations warmly welcomed in support of the band. Knox Waterloo at 2 pm.
The Union KW is hosting a fundraising concert for Tourette Canada with D-1, Detour, Milhowse, The Rottweilers, and a super secret set. $10 or pay-what-you-can. Show is 12 to 5.
Night Market x Luster & Oak are hosting a vintage market at Arabella Park Beer Bar from 2 to 8 pm. More than 30 vendors will be on site.
Simon King (HBO, Just For Laughs, CBC, CTV, Comedy Central) is bringing his rapid fire, high energy comedy to the Jazz Room this Sunday at 7:30 pm.
Monday, May 4
Do you have a favourite piece of clothing with a hole or tear you can’t bear to part with? Want to learn how to repair it in a way that’s creative, expressive, and totally unique? Then check out Cool Aunt Creative's Embroidery & Patchwork: Visible Mending Workshop at Ernie's Cookhouse from 7 to 9 pm.
The Princess has a Rainbow Film Club screening of Sisi & I at 6:45 pm.
Ways to get involved.

Get ready to hit the trails at the beloved Conquer the Canuck—an annual adventure that brings runners from across the region to the beautiful Shade’s Mills Conservation Area in Cambridge, Ontario. Whether you’re a seasoned trail warrior or taking on your very first off‑road challenge, this event has a distance for every kind of runner! Beyond the finish line, your footsteps make a difference: proceeds from the event support local charities like KidsAbility, helping fuel brighter futures for children and families in our community. Registration closes May 1!

A Better Tent City & Friends are hosting an Art Market & Fundraiser from 1–5 pm at 7 Pequegnat Ave in Kitchener. It’s a grassroots event in a community member's backyard built on the belief that neighbours should take care of their neighbours and that housing justice starts with community. Join them for live music, local art, raffle prizes, food, drinks, and fundraising.
What to read.
Why ION cost estimates went up (and what to do about it) (TriTag)
Chef Jason Bangerter reveals proposal for new onsite restaurant at Langdon Hall! Plus, candid takes on a turbulent 2025, Michelin ambitions, and general manager Andres Londono’s, vision for true luxury (Alex Bielak, Food For Thought - because I had the wrong last week.)
Part 2 of a Candid Conversation With Langdon Hall Exec. Chef, Jason Bangerter, and Colleagues, on an ‘Annus Horriblis’, Awards and Michelin Ambitions (Alex Bielak, Food For Thought)
Champions for Charity sets new fundraising record with more than $1.5-Million for MacKids (Jeff Hicks)