April 16th, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Hope you're having a great day.

Lots of fun events going on this weekend - make sure to check out the 'General' section, as there's quite a few interesting things happening that span multiple days.

In today's email:

• a fantastic local art book
• Whiskey
• soccer in the region
• "blue blood"
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​Cambridge Home & Lifestyle Show | Duncan McIntosh Arena | Fri, Apr. 17th from 4-8pm and Sat, Apr. 18th & Sun, Apr. 19th from 11am-5pm | "Attendees can explore the latest trends, connect with local professionals, and take advantage of exclusive show specials. The event is designed for homeowners, families, and anyone looking for inspiration to refresh their space this spring. Admission is just a toonie & a tin for the food bank."

​Scrap Fest | The Aud, Kitchener | Fri, Apr. 17th from 4-10pm and Sat, Apr. 18th from 9am-5pm | "ScrapFest is Your Ultimate Paper Crafting Destination as we unite papercrafters-scrapbookers, card makers, stampers, and mixed media artists together for some creative fun. At our events you could have the opportunity to enjoy the following: Shop, Crop, Learn, Create & Connect"

​Hepcats Homecoming | Hepcat Swing Studio, Waterloo | Sat, Apr. 18th from noon-11:30pm & Sun, Apr. 19th from 10:30am-1:30pm | "Celebrate our 10-year anniversary as a not-for-profit, as well as the colourful history of swing dancing in KW over the past 100 years! Re-live all the joy of dances past, and make some new memories on the dance floor with us. Lessons, dances, bands, DJ's, social hours, fireside chats & more!"

​Finding Neverland | Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge | Now through May 3rd | "Packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography, and unforgettable characters, Finding Neverland is a heartwarming reminder that while time pushes us to grow up, the child inside each of us never will. Don’t miss this timeless tale of wonder, courage, and the enduring power of belief."

​STOMP | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Fri, Apr. 17th at 8pm & Sat, Apr. 18th at 2pm | "The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. See what all the noise is about."

​CFUW KW Annual Used Book Sale | First United Church, Waterloo | Fri, Apr. 17th from 9am-9pm & Sat, Apr. 18th from 9am-1pm | "Books are priced from $3 to $4, but on Saturday you can fill a box for just $20. Do not miss it!"

Thursday, April 16th

​Salsa & Bachata Latin Night | Rare Nightclub, Waterloo | 6pm | "We’ll start the evening with a 30-minute beginner dance lesson, designed especially for first-timers. Our instructors break things down in a clear, supportive way so you can feel comfortable and confident stepping onto the dance floor right away. After the lesson, enjoy social dancing with great salsa and bachata music until 10:00 PM."

​Darts Night | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "Come out for a fun and friendly evening of darts. Partners rotate after each game of '501'. All levels are welcome."

​Musical Bingo: Throwback 00's | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 7pm

​Celtic Women: A New Era | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Featuring new orchestrations alongside the timeless traditions of Irish music and storytelling, this unforgettable concert highlights the group’s evolution while honouring the spirit that made them an international phenomenon."

Friday, April 17th

​Cocoon & Bloom | The Village at 1883, Conestogo | 7pm | "A heart-opening cacao, conscious breath work, Yoga Nidra & a sacred circle space to be seen, heard, and supported. This is your space to cocoon - so you can bloom."

​A Delicate Art: Play | Elmira Theatre Company | 7:30pm | "A heart-warming comedy about moving on. Dolly and Florence are alone in Dolly’s Diner when a strange gentleman enters. He proceeds to sweep them off their feet. But is he who he says he is?"

​Jeff Daniels: Live | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Presenting his take on straight ahead jazz, with an emphasis on the hard bop styles of the late 1950’s to early 1960’s featuring recognizable jazz standards."

​This Is Stan | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 8pm | "The ultimate Slim Shady experience, bringing Eminem’s legendary catalogue to life with unmatched intensity and authenticity."

​Denis LePage's Highbanks Bluegrass Band | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 8pm | "Superb picking, and beautiful harmonies make this a bluegrass concert highlight."

Saturday, April 18th

​Watercolour Florals Workshop | KW Art Gallery, Kitchener | 2pm | "Explore the possibilities of watercolour as you learn beginner and intermediate techniques to create vibrant, expressive floral paintings. This workshop is perfect for those looking to deepen their creative confidence and bring their artistic vision to life!"

​Claytime: Beginner Clay Workshop​ | Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Waterloo | 2pm | "Our instructor will demonstrate basic handbuilding techniques and show you how to combine simple forms with sculptural elements to create fun and functional pieces for your home! Items are foodsafe, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe."

​​​Jazz Jam​​ | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 2pm | "All performers are welcome. Listeners are encouraged (no charge)."

​Hold'em for Hospice Casino Night | DoubleTree by Hilton, Kitchener | 6pm | "Join us for a fun-filled night of classic casino action - all for a wonderful cause. Try your luck at Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Crown and Anchor, and more."

​Salsa Bachata Night | The Museum, Kitchener | 6pm | "Salsa & Bachata with retro vibes all night. Neon. Bandanas. Leg warmers. Let’s go!"

​Choral Couture | Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Unique 'upcycled' fashions, in which local designers have created beautiful new garments from discarded or outdated items, will be displayed, along with a performance of especially chosen songs from our Chamber Singers."

​Anders Mogensen Quartet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Danish drummer and Juno Award winner Anders Mogensen along with Danish piano wizard Carl Winther teams up with two of Canada’s most profound and loved jazz legends: Saxman Kirk MacDonald and bassist Neil Swainson."

​Cleopatrick | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 8pm | "Their live show is a collision of intimacy and volume, control and surrender, two lifelong friends pushing rock music somewhere more honest and unpredictable."

​Terra Spencer: Live | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 8pm | "Award-winning Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer charms audiences with her deft guitar, gospel piano, butterscotch voice, crackling wit, and wood-paneled warmth."

​Riddim N Wine | The Underwing, Cambridge | 9pm | "We’re taking it back to the hits that defined our generation. No fillers, just the heavy hitters that we continue to sing out loud to."

Sunday, April 19th

​Beginner Fused Glass Workshop | Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Waterloo | 2pm | "Our instructor will give a brief lesson on fused glass, and the rest of the time is yours to create a one-of-a-kind artwork! Get creative with colour and texture to create a unique, functional piece of art."

​Spring Spectacular: Presented by KW Chamber Orchestra | Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo | 3pm | "Usher in spring with the help of the Grand Harmony Chorus and Mendelssohn's glorious Symphony No. 4, the “Italian”. Join us for a season finale you won't want to miss!"

​Brian Dickinson & Penderecki String Quartet (CD Launch) | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 4pm | "These 4 musicians, from Poland, Canada, and the USA bring their varied yet collective experience to create performances that demonstrate their “remarkable range of technical excellence and emotional sweep” (Toronto, Globe and Mail)"

Upcoming Events

​Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Tue, Apr. 28th, Wed, Apr. 29th & Thu, Apr. 30th at 7pm and Sat, May 2nd & Sun, May 3rd at 1pm | "This critically acclaimed, immersive 2-hour theatre production combines side-splitting comedy with a delicious 3-course dinner. Step into the mayhem as Basil, Sybil, and Manuel bring the iconic British sitcom to life with their hilarious antics - all while you enjoy your meal."

​Scottish Music & Dance Workshop | Uptown Waterloo | Sat, Apr. 25th - all day | "A beginner-friendly workshop that covers the amazing dance and music of Scotland for International Dance Day. Workshops, dinner, an evening dance & more! Spaces are selling out quickly so if you're interested, make sure to snap up your spot now."

​Grand River Buzz Upcoming Events Page​

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Saturday, April 18th (7am—3:30pm) - outdoor stalls now open!

​Kitchener | Saturday, April 18th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, April 18th (7am—1pm)​

* none of these events are sponsored. that will always be made obvious if so.

WEATHER

🌤️ Fri, Apr. 17th | HIGH 20° | NIGHT 9° | 20% POP

🌧️ Sat, Apr. 18th | HIGH 18° | NIGHT 2° | 90% POP | 5-10mm 💧

☁️ Sun, Apr. 19th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT -2° | 40% POP

⛅️ Mon, Apr. 20th | HIGH 3° | NIGHT -2° | 30% POP

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Kitchener lead the Soo Greyhounds 3-0 in the second round series (best of 7)

• 4/14: Kitchener beat Soo 4-3 away from home to take a 3-0 series lead, and on track for their second sweep of the 2026 playoffs | #16 Dylan Edwards was the first star with a hat-trick, including the game winner | Watch Highlights​​
• Next Game: Thu, Apr. 16th | Game 4: Kitchener at Soo | 7pm
• Game 5 (if needed) will be on Fri, Apr. 17th at 7pm. Tickets will be released once the game has been confirmed (Soo need to win game #4 for that to happen)

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

Championship series tied 0-0 against the Sudbury Five (best of 5)

• Game 1: Thu, Apr. 16th | Sudbury Five at KW Titans | 7pm | Tickets​​
• Game 2: Sun, Apr. 19th | Sudbury Five at KW Titans | 4pm | Tickets​

⚽️ Waterloo United

• First game of the season for both teams! Tickets for each are only $8 as well. Get in some soccer watching ahead of this summer's World Cup
• Men's Team vs Guelph | Fri, Apr. 17th at 7:30pm | RIM Park, Waterloo | Tickets​
• Women's Team vs Guelph | Sat, Apr. 17th at 7:30pm | RIM Park, Waterloo | Tickets​

* what other sports would you like to see included here? reply to let me know what you'd find useful!

GEM OF THE WEEK

​Trevor Clare Art​

"A visual artist from Kitchener with a passion for capturing the hidden gems and beloved landmarks of the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

My work brings together rapid brushwork and a mix of expressionist and digital styles, creating what I like to call neo-nostalgia - a fresh take on familiar scenes that invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with cherished memories."

Trevor has a wonderful book where he's painted a collection of landmarks and 'hidden gems' around the Waterloo Region. Each painting is accompanied by stories and details about the location.

Perfect for a gift for someone (or yourself) that loves all things local - especially for the nostalgia!

You can find the book here. And he's also got shirts, prints, hoodies & more in his shop that feature the artwork you can find throughout the book.

* this is not a sponsored listing, just something local I love and wanted to highlight (plus my parents have his book on their coffee table & it's awesome to look through!

COMEDY

Friday, April 17th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Bobby Knauff"

Saturday, April 18th

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy | Puddicombe House, New Hamburg | 7pm | "Get ready to laugh the night away with an hilarious live comedy show and appetizer buffet"

​Rusty Nail Comedy | Falls Road Irish Pub, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Ben Bayfield"

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Bobby Knauff"

Upcoming Events

​Rusty Nail Comedy Thursday Special | TWH Social, Kitchener | Thu, Apr. 23rd at 8pm | "We are bringing the best. Featuring headliner Frank Spadone (Comedy NOW, LOL network, JFL). Frank is maybe the best comic in Canada right now, don't miss this one if you love comedy!"

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy | Kingpin Bowlounge (Bingemans) | Sat, Apr. 25th at 8pm | "Feature act Freddy Proia, middle act Marc Hallworth & MC Oliver Ashton"

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Whiskey!

Whiskey is a 55lb male dog who's almost 2 years old! He first came to the shelter on March 29th.

"This charming cowboy is as affectionate as they come, always happy to ride alongside you on long walks or kick up a little dust with some good ol' fashioned playtime out in the great outdoors. He's got a real soft spot for grub too, toss him a treat and he'll tip his hat, sit polite as can be, and wait for his well-earned reward like a true gentleman of the range.

But don't let his adventurous spirit fool ya, when the sun starts settlin' low, Whiskey's more than ready to hang up his boots and cozy up beside you for some well-deserved rest. Whether it's a quiet evening on the porch or a lazy afternoon nap, he's happiest right by your side.

Tap here to find out more.

And there are tons of dogs, cats and other animals that are looking for their forever homes. You can find the adopt page here.

* if you adopt a dog or any pet from these emails, reply and let me know! I'd love to send you a special gift to help get things started

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Asking one last time, and then I'll feature all the answers in Monday's newsletter!

Email me your response to either question or both:

1. What's your go-to spot for a spring walk in the region? 🚶
2. Now that patios are opening up - which one(s) are you hitting first? ☀️

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

AI vs. Ancient History: As of early 2026, researchers have successfully used advanced AI and high-resolution X-rays to virtually "unroll" and read the Herculaneum scrolls. These 2,000-year-old papyrus rolls were carbonized by Mount Vesuvius and were previously impossible to open without destroying them. (interested to learn more about the scrolls and how they're being read?? there's a good website here)

Blue Blood: Octopuses have blue blood. They use a copper-based protein called hemocyanin to transport oxygen, which is more efficient than iron-based hemoglobin in cold, low-oxygen environments like the deep ocean.

Ancient Roman "Concrete": Roman concrete is significantly more durable than modern concrete. Scientists recently discovered that the Romans used "lime clasts" and volcanic ash, which gave the material self-healing properties. When cracks formed, water would react with the lime to fill the gap and re-solidify the structure. (hmm, could this solve our pothole problem?!)

THANK YOU!

Hope you're having a great week, and wishing you an even better weekend. Back Monday! 🐝

ps. I'd love your feedback. Whether it's something you like, or hate, or want to see more/less of - please let me know! My goal is to make sure you're getting value from these emails, and the important info you need. Hit 'reply' to let me know!

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