April 9th, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Have you seen the pictures of the moon from Artemis II yet?!

Absolutely incredible...

If you haven't, definitely go check them out (right after you finish reading the newsletter of course)

In today's email:

• some great local events (including the World's Largest Maple Syrup Festival)
• 2 community highlights
• a storm that comes every day at the same time
• Ronald
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​KW Wine & Food Show | The Aud, Kitchener | Fri, Apr. 10th from 5-10pm & Sat, Apr. 11th from Noon-10:30pm | "You’ll not only indulge in fantastic vino and sumptuous eats, the KW Wine & Food Show also brings you craft beer, cocktails, live cooking demonstrations, music from local artists and more."

​Fibre Arts Festival | Hampton Inn, Waterloo | Sat, Apr. 11th from 9-5pm & Sun, Apr. 12th from 10-5pm | "Community quilt edition: auctions, high tea, wine tastings, demos & more. If you can't make the show in person, you can still bid online!"

Thursday, April 9th

​Intro To Printmaking Workshop | KW Art Gallery, Kitchener | 5:30pm | "Guided by an experienced art instructor, young artists will explore one of the world’s oldest and most exciting art forms: printmaking! From linocut to Gelli-prints, explore the versatility of the medium through hands-on projects and playful experimentation."

​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."

​Mandala Coaster Workshop | Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters, Kitchener | 6:30pm | "Create a cohesive set of four mandala coasters using one beautifully curated colour palette and a single guided design. Perfect for beginners and experienced dot artists alike, you’ll leave with a beautifully coordinated set you’ll be proud to display"

​Musical Bingo: I Love the 90's | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 7pm | "Amazing music, delicious food, and our Craft Cocktail menu that’s a hit every time."

​LMT Connection | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A soul/funk trio established in 1989 who are true masters of their craft, having recorded seven albums, played over 7,000 shows including 15 tours of Europe (2003-2025) and 6 tours of China (2013-2018). At home in Canada they remarkably held a weekly residency at Toronto’s legendary Orbit Room for over 20 years."

​Nick Bordman: Live | Lancaster Smokehouse, Kitchener | 8pm | "Spice up your Thursday with a night of blues-infused country, served with a side of rock. The Nick Bordman Band's blend of song will surely catch your ears. Special guest, Johanna Daze."

Friday, April 10th

​Empowered Learners: Bone Health 101 | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex | 1:30pm | "Calling all curious minds! Join us for an informative presentation and lecture series on a wide range of themes and topics, including health resources and general interest."

​Soup Dumpling Making Class | Wave Maker Craft Brewery, Cambridge | 7pm | "You will learn how to make soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) from scratch. We will make the dough and filling, and fold them. You will take the dumplings home to freeze or cook."

​Hops & High Notes: Opera at the Brewery | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "Drop by for a very special edition of Hops & High Notes with Grand River Opera, where they'll explore the operatic favourites hiding in popular media. From cartoon classics to adventure films, sci-fi, and even social media trends - opera pops up in more places than you think!"

​Sip & Stretch: Rosé & Reset | Puddicombe House, New Hamburg | 7pm | "1 hour of gentle yoga followed by a 45-minute guided wine tasting and pairings."

​Let's Take It Back | Room 47, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "A nostalgic, feel-good live journey through the golden era of ’90s and 2000s R&B and Hip Hop."

​The Jazz Collective: Chris Alcantara | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Inspired by the warmth, humour, and masterful interplay of Clark Terry and Bob Brookmeyer, the group brings lyrical improvisation and hard-swinging energy to this classic repertoire."

​Foreign Journey: The Best of Foreigner & Journey | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 8pm | "Prepare to be transported back to the golden age of arena rock with this phenomenal group of world-class musicians."

​Friday Night Dance Party | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 9pm | "Join us for a Friday Night Dance Party where the music goes wherever the vibe takes us - from throwbacks to club favourites and everything in between. If it gets people moving, it’s getting played!"

Saturday, April 11th

​Elmira Maple Syrup Festival | 7am-4pm | If you've ever been to the festival, you know it's a "can't-miss" event... and if you haven't - come check out what everyone's raving about.

Pancake breakfasts, food stalls, a wide variety of vendors, live music, family fun areas & more! And of course... a ton of delicious maple treats (don't worry, if you're not wild about maple syrup there's a TON of other options)

I can't wait to go!

​Signs of Spring: Guided Nature Walk | Huron Natural Area, Kitchener | 10am | "Explore the beauty and wonders of nature on this guided walk. This will be a casual to moderate paced walk with stops along the way to observe and learn about the changes in nature that occur during the early stages of the spring season."

​Pruning Trees and Shrubs Workshop | Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener | 10am | "Under the instruction of Bob Wildfong, our Heritage Gardener, you will prune young trees, shrubs and vines. Learn how to shape and train woody plants, repair damaged branches, revitalize thin growth, and stimulate foliage, flower and fruit development."

​2026 Uptown Egg Hunt | Uptown Waterloo | 11am | "Come on up and get: a map of the event, free caricature sketches, and enjoy live music as you tour Uptown and collect treats. The first 100 people at our Uptown BIA tent will receive a free tote to help collect treats along the way."

​Ponytail Academy Workshop: Beers & Braids | Wave Maker Craft Brewery, Cambridge | 1pm | "Ponytail Academy is a fun, hands-on workshop designed especially for dads who want to feel more confident doing their child’s hair. Whether it’s for school mornings, dance class, sports, or just everyday life - this class gives you practical skills you’ll actually use."

​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."

​Tri-City Roller Derby Double Header | Queensmount Arena, Kitchener | 5pm | "Bring your friends and family and experience the speed, strategy, and intensity of live roller derby."

​Naughty Trivia | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 7pm | "This is 19+ trivia with zero filters and absolutely no shame. Dirty questions, questionable answers, adult humour, and a crowd that knows exactly what they’re walking into. If you’ve been to one, you already know. If you haven’t… well, consider this your warning."

​Morning & Night | First United Church, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "Deantha Edmunds - the brilliant Inuk/Newfoundlander soprano and composer, fresh from her 2025 Juno win for best composition, performs that work in the company of her artistic forebears, in a program that traces images of a day from dawn to nighttime."

​Country Music Video Dance Party | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "Boots on, drinks up, and every country anthem you love on the big screens all night long."

​KW Community Orchestra Spring Concert | Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "The program includes Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major and Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2 - a spring season program that promises expressive depth, graceful beauty, and revitalising sound."

​Avataar: Live | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "His music is inspired by the deep musical traditions of India, Africa and Brazil, rooted within the framework of modern jazz. In an innovative marriage of ancient and modern, driving grooves intersect with cinematic atmospheres and soaring melodies, creating a fresh, emotive sonic experience."

​Blue Silver & Factory (Tributes to Duran Duran & New Order) | Dallas Nightclub, Kitchener | 8:30pm

Sunday, April 12th

​Heartfulness Chair Yoga​ | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Center, Waterloo | 8:30am | "The session starts at 8:55 AM with Relaxation & mind centring exercise for 5 mins followed by Meditation for about 30-45 minutes. Followed by learning Heartfulness techniques & interactive session, Q&A on topic of the day. Light refreshment after the session."

​Cambridge Wedding Expo Spring 2026 | Tapestry Hall | 11am-3pm | "Meet local wedding pros, design & décor inspiration, wedding formalwear, photo booths & more! Free or paid VIP tickets available."

​Bite by Bite | Crown Plaza, Kitchener | 12-8pm | "A celebration of the culinary creativity and passion that embodies Downtown Kitchener! We’re securing 15+ restaurants from Downtown Kitchener to bring you a delicious array of samples. This isn’t just a food festival; it’s an interactive competition where you are the judge."

​Family Sunday: Seed Starting & Spring Sprouts | KW Art Gallery, Kitchener | 1-4pm | "Guided by our talented art instructors, celebrate the arrival of spring by planting seeds that will grow right along with you! Fill a tiny pot with soil, tuck in your seeds, and decorate a special home for your new plant friend. Learn how to care for your sprout, and watch it grow into something beautiful!"

​Tutti 2026: All Together Now! | Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo | 2pm | "A concert for everyone: the 2026 edition of our Accessibility Concert designed for all abilities and ages to attend. A relaxed performance to get everyone involved!"

​Brass Butterflies Spring Circus Showcase | Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, Kitchener | 2pm | "A two act show featuring self choreographed acts by our talented students and staff in the first half of the show, followed by this year's Senior Performance Ensemble Production, Aquarion, in the second half of the show."

Sound Bath Circles | Lavender Lane Wellness Centre, Waterloo

• ​Gong-Led Yogic Rest | 2pm
• ​Spring Release & Reset | 5pm

Upcoming Events

​Grand River Buzz Upcoming Events Page​

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Saturday, April 12th (7am—3:30pm) - outdoor stalls now open!

​Kitchener | Saturday, April 12th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, April 12th (7am—1pm)​

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

WEATHER

🌧️ Fri, Apr. 10th | HIGH 9° | NIGHT -2° | 100% POP | 10mm 💧

☀️ Sat, Apr. 11th | HIGH 10° | NIGHT 0° | 10% POP

🌧️ Sun, Apr. 12th | HIGH 11° | NIGHT 10° | 70% POP | 1-3mm 💧

🌦️ Mon, Apr. 13th | HIGH 19° | NIGHT 13° | 80% POP | 1-3mm 💧

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Series tied 0-0 between Soo & Kitchener (best of 7)

• Next Home Game: Fri, Apr. 10th | Game 1: Soo at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​
• Upcoming: Sun, Apr. 12th | Game 2: Soo at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​
• Tickets to game one are almost gone, so make sure to snap some up fast if you're interested! Wishing the Rangers lots of luck & success against the 5th ranked Soo Greyhounds (Kitchener finished 1st in the regular season)

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

First round series tied 1-1 between the KW Titans and Windsor Express (best of 5)

• Next Game: Thu, Apr. 9th | Game 3: KW Titans at Windsor Express | 7pm
• Upcoming: Sat, Apr. 11th | Game 4: KW Titans at Windsor Express | 4pm
• Next Home Game: Tue, Apr. 14th | Game 5: Windsor Express at KW Titans | 7pm | *if necessary (tickets will become available once the game is confirmed)

COMEDY

Friday, April 10th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Jesse Singh"

​Two Asians, One Mic | KW Little Theatre, Waterloo | 8pm | "Bonggun Kim & Robert Peng bring hilarious, unfiltered Asian comedy! Smart, silly & must-see."

Saturday, April 11th

​TriCity Improv Presents: Spring Into Improv! | KW Little Theatre, Waterloo | 8pm | "Come join us for a night of laughter and spontaneity! Our talented performers will have you in stitches with their quick wit and hilarious, fully improvised scenes and games. If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway, you'll love TriCIty Improv!"

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy | Kingpin Bowlounge (Bingemans) | 8pm | "Feature act Chris Quigley, middle act Paul Haywood & MC Tyler Little"

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Jesse Singh"

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"

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

​Tire Change-A-Thon | Sat, Apr. 11th from 10am-2pm | 91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener

"Swap your winter tires with the help of our handy volunteers and walk away with a lifelong tire-changing-skill. All while your registration fee goes toward building a stronger sharing economy and creating accessible employment right here in our community."

Fun for the whole family too - there will also be cotton candy, popcorn, music & more.

You can sign up for various times and read through more of the details here if you're interested!

Yard Waste Collection Is Back

"We encourage you to use your old green bin or garbage containers for yard waste! Just add a yard waste sticker or tie a bright ribbon so crews can easily identify them.On your collection day, remember to set your containers to the curb by 7 a.m."

Need a yard waste sticker? You can pick one up at regional or municipal offices and libraries.

Find a location near you here (and there's other tips, FAQ's, etc. on this link as well if you need any help)

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Ronald!

Ronald's a 3 year old male cat who just recently arrived at the Kitchener shelter.

"While he can be a little shy with new people at first, he quickly warms up and seeks out attention. Ronald loves to get his head pet and scratched and will gladly curl up next to you for a snuggle and nap. He also loves treats and is sure to be around when you have them in hand. If you are looking for a companion that will keep you company but is also content with doing his own thing then Ronald might just be the one for you."

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.

Also, along with the Stratford Humane Society, they've currently got a 'Kitten Season' merch sale going on with t-shirts, sweaters and tote bags available. Since the amount of cat pregnancies and newborn litters rise around this time, these extra funds go towards helping to fund the increase

* 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

I've got two questions for you this time... feel free to respond with your answers to either one - 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? ☀️

Hit reply to this message to let me know and I'll share some of the best responses next week!

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

The Sound of Reading: Even when you read completely silently, the microscopic muscles in your tongue, mouth, and larynx still activate and make tiny movements. This process is called subvocalization, as your brain is still essentially "sounding out" the words.

A Weather Phenomenon Named Hector: There is a thunderstorm over the Tiwi Islands in Australia that is so incredibly consistent that it has a name: "Hector the Convector." From September to March, Hector reliably forms and strikes at almost exactly 3:00 PM every single day.

Botanical Alarm Systems: Acacia trees in Africa can "talk" to each other. When an animal starts chewing on their leaves, the tree emits ethylene gas to alert nearby acacias. Those neighbouring trees then begin producing tannin, a toxin that makes their leaves bitter and dangerous to eat.

THANK YOU!

Hope you're having the best day and the weekend treats you well. I'll be back Monday 🐝

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