May 14th, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

I was today years old when I found out the Grand River is home to over 90 species of fish.

Which represents more than half of all the fish you can find in Canada.

Crazy... 🤯

In today's email:

• some fun, unique events
• shipwrecks
• Dale
• our local champions
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​​The Good Card @Square Peg​ | Kitchener City Hall | Thu, Fri & Sat from 10am-4pm | "Take a moment at our letter-writing station to send a heartfelt note to someone you love, anywhere in Canada. Every purchase gives back, with 5% of sales supporting Mamas for Mamas KW."

​Level Up! Workshop | Retro Remix, Cambridge | Thu at 6:30pm & Sat at 10am | "Step into the Retro Remix Studio and turn a piece of gaming history into your own remix! In this guided, hands-on session, you’ll transform an original Nintendo controller into your very own work of art!"

​Irish Real Life: Weekend Retreat | Knox Waterloo | Fri, Sat & Sun | "Join us for three days of reflection and talks with John Philip Newell and Cami Twilling, based on the book 'Sacred Earth Sacred Soul'!"

​​Bloom Fest​ | Shuh Orchards, West Montrose | Sat, Sun & Mon from 9am-7pm | "Join us for our first annual Bloom Fest. Enjoy a wagon ride through the apple blossoms, sip hard cider, listen to local live music and let the kids explore our petting zoo, corn box, playground and many other activities."

Thursday, May 14th

​​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."

​From The Top Step Creative Collective | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 6:30pm | "A year-end theatre showcase performed by award winning youth actors. Fun for the entire family!"

​Underground Live Music Performance Vol. 1 | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7pm | "A stacked local lineup is set to take over the stage, featuring Yungkiddxiety, MYSTXCC, H3SO, KIZZZMO, and XIM, five emerging artists each bringing their own unique style and presence."

​Run Club & Trivia Night | Counterpoint Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "Run with friends, grab a pint & enjoy some trivia."

​Brews & Beads Fundraiser: Supporting Saving South Paws | Four Fathers Brewing, Cambridge | 7pm | "Create a custom beaded dog collar while enjoying beer and supporting Saving South Paws, a local non‑profit dog rescue."

​​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."

​Mennonite Mass Choir: Jenkins’ Mass for Peace | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "In a time when the world often feels uncertain and divided, the 150 voices of the Mennonite Mass Choir and Orchestra present a deeply moving program that reflects on humanity’s struggles and the enduring hope for peace."

​Robert Ball: Thursday Soul Series | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "This will be a blend of classic soul and new soul featuring some of Robert’s originals and the music of: Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathway, Bill Withers among others"

Friday, May 15th

​​Friday Flicks Travel Show​ | Community Pavilion, Waterloo | 1:30pm | "Join us as presenters share their travel stories from various parts of the world. This show features Montenegro by Ron Van Der Zwaag."

​Boogie Down Broadway: A Singalong Dance Party! | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 6pm | "For one unforgettable night, Maxwell’s transforms into a high-energy Broadway celebration packed with iconic showtunes, giant on-screen lyrics, and a room full of fans ready to sing their hearts out."

​Mystery Express: Rum Runners | Waterloo Central Railway | 6pm | "Upon arrival, you’re recruited into a notorious smuggling ring. Each railcar is run by sharp-suited gangsters and quick-witted molls under the leadership of Uncle Leo, the mob boss. Learn the ropes. Play the angles. Bluff your way through dice, cards, and shell games. Earn your reputation."

​Brian Gardiner: Live | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacobs | 6pm | "He plays all the favourite classic rock songs from the 50’s to the present, from Buddy Holly to the Sheepdogs and has met with a positive response everywhere he plays."

​Youth Board Game Night | Downtown Community Centre, Kitchener | 7pm | "Get ready for a deliciously good time at our free Board Game Night for youth ages 14 to 24! We will have tasty treats on hand, either cozy hot chocolate with pastries or cool summer snacks like ice cream bars and popsicles."

​DJ MLC: Freestyling Through The Decades | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm

​Friendly Feud | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 7pm | "What’s Friendly Feud all about? Unlike your typical trivia, anyone can play and anyone can win! Instead of digging for facts, we’ve surveyed the nation and your team’s goal is to guess the top answers!"

​Music Bingo: Pitch Perfect | Rural Roots, Elmira | 7:30pm | "From Bellas to Trebles, we’re spinning all your favourite sing-along hits - so warm up those vocals and grab your crew. Expect big energy, throwback jams, and prizes worth hitting the high notes for. Cover by donation"

​Valérie Lacombe: Live | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A Montreal-based jazz drummer, bandleader, and composer whose work centers on original music for chordless quartet."

Saturday, May 16th

​CardCore Collectors Expo | Bingemans, Kitchener | 9:30am-3pm | "If you’re into Pokémon, One Piece, sports cards, or anything collectible... this is where you want to be. Sealed, singles, slabs, and those cards you didn’t even know you needed (until you see them). Come check out vendors from across Ontario"

​Spring Brunch & Craft at The Garden | The Gardens Event Centre, Cambridge | 10am | "Treat yourself to a curated, all-inclusive experience at the most idillic indoor garden you'll ever lay your eyes on. Guests will enjoy a beautifully styled, full brunch buffet followed by a hands-on artist led workshop of their choice."

​Saturday Market Cooking Experience with Chef Mady | Kitchener Farmers Market | 10:30am | "Shop local produce and meats directly from Kitchener Market vendors and use your haul to cook a delicious meal. Enjoy the full Market experience from start to finish, including "Market dollars" to fund a full grocery trip from our vendors, followed by a hands-on cooking class with Chef Mady as your guide!"

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

​Acoustic Brad & The Box Striker | Block Three Brewing, Cambridge | 2pm | "Acoustic covers from the 90s & 2000s and beyond. SteveMiller, Blue Rodeo, Barenaked Ladies, Oasis, Pearl Jam, U2 and a whole lot more!"

​Paint by Numbers | Cafe Clementina, Kitchener | 3pm

​A Lady Gaga Drag Show | Farm League Brewing, Cambridge | 7pm | "Join us for an unforgettable in-person drag show featuring stunning performances, dazzling costumes, and all the Gaga vibes you love."

​Alain Bedard’s Auguste Quartet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A singular voice in modern jazz: a music that tells, that breathes, that evolves. The group plays with notions of time and space with intelligence and sensitivity."

​Ghost Walks | Castle Killbride, Baden | 8pm | "This isn’t a standard tour. It’s special night-time exploration after the mansion has closed. Exclusive access highlighting secret history & ghost stories."

​Classic 90s -00s Throwback Night | Tapestry Hall, Cambridge | 9pm

Sunday, May 17th

​​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."

​Needle Felting Workshop: Succulents | Metro Restaurant, Kitchener | 1pm | "In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the art of needle felting with artist Michela while creating your own mini wool succulents! Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes to make your piece unique."

​​​Glasstime​​ | 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."

​Tarot Reading | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 2pm | "Discover what the cards say with a 10-minute personalized Tarot session, or embrace the mystery with a 15-minute Turkish Coffee, Bean, or Tea Leaf reading. Whether you’re seeking insight, curiosity, or just a touch of fun, each reading is a unique way to welcome the season."

​Drag Lab: 3 Year Anniversary | AOK Craft Beer & Arcade, Kitchener | 6pm

​Long Weekend Band Crawl | Multiple locations in Uptown Waterloo | Starts at 6:30pm | "This edition will feature the most artists yet, which include: The Creepshow, The Abruptors, Broadcast Zero, Arcade Allstars, Mark It Zero, Curbside & many more!"

​FUNK-OLOGY 101 | Lost Vessel, Waterloo | 8pm | "Get ready for a sonic blend you can’t miss. We’re bringing the smoothest R&B, coolest jazz, pop hooks, and raw indie-Funk energy to Lost vessel - for one night only!"

Upcoming Events

​Grand River Buzz Upcoming Events Page​

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Saturday, May 16th (7am—3:30pm)

​Kitchener | Saturday, May 16th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, May 16th (7am—1pm)

​Elmira | Saturday, May 16th (8am-1:30pm)​

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

WEATHER

🌤️ Fri, May 15th | HIGH 18° | NIGHT 8° | 20% POP

⛅️ Sat, May 16th | HIGH 22° | NIGHT 12° | 40% POP

⛅️ Sun, May 17th | HIGH 26° | NIGHT 13° | 20% POP

🌤️ Mon, May 18th | HIGH 29° | NIGHT 19° | 20% POP

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers

The Kitchener Rangers swept the Barrie Colts 4-0 in the OHL Championship Series!

There were multiple stand out players on the team throughout the playoffs, with Sam O'Rielly leading the playoff goal count at 17 - also coming second in overall points with 28.

Next up is the Memorial Cup, which will be held in Kelowna, BC. The tournament will determine the winner of the CHL, and includes Kitchener, WHL's Kelowna Rockets & the winners of the WHL & QMJHL championship series.

⚾️ Kitchener Panthers

• Home Opener: Kitchener Panthers vs. Chatham-Kent Barnstormers | Sun, May 17th at 2:05pm | Click here for more info and tickets.

COMEDY

Friday, May 15th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Chris Quigley"

Saturday, May 16th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Chris Quigley"

​Improv Comedy! | KW Little Theatre, Waterloo | 8pm | "It's May, and there'll be plenty of May-hem as our talented team of performers creates comedy based entirely on ideas from the audience. If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway, you'll love TriCity Improv!"

Upcoming Events

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy | Bingemans Bowlounge, Kitchener | Sat, May 23rd at 9pm | "Featuring comedians Adrienne Fish, Ronald Hae & Greg Palone"

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Dale!

Dale's a fun looking, 3 year old male dog who weighs just under 80lbs.

"A thoughtful guy who just needs a couple of meet-and-greets to feel truly comfortable with new people. Once he knows you, his loving personality really shines, he'll happily soak up all the attention you have to give and be right by your side.
​
He also has a playful streak and absolutely loves a good game of chase! Dale is looking for a patient, understanding home that will give him the time he needs to build trust and in return, you'll gain a loyal, affectionate companion."

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

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

The Labyrinth of Clues: The word "clue" originally meant a ball of thread (spelled "clew"). Its modern meaning comes from Greek mythology, where Theseus used a ball of thread to find his way out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth.

The Smell of Rain: The earthy scent that occurs after rain falls on dry soil is called petrichor. It is caused by the release of a chemical called geosmin, which is produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. Humans are incredibly sensitive to it; we can detect it at concentrations as low as 5 parts per trillion.

The Great Lakes’ Hidden Shipwrecks: There are an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks at the bottom of the Great Lakes. Because the water is cold and fresh (lacking the salt and wood-eating "shipworms" found in the ocean), many of these vessels are perfectly preserved, looking exactly as they did the day they sank.

THANK YOU!

Hope you're having a fantastic day and wishing you a great long weekend. We'll see you Monday 💪

ps. Some of you may have noticed that there wasn't a newsletter this past Monday. Apologies there, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Back at it today though and we're on a roll again!

INFO STATION:

❌ Had enough of these emails? No hard feelings, just tap this link to unsubscribe.

😩 Did someone forward you this email? And now you're wondering how to get in on the action? Say less friend, tap here to sign up for yourself: grandriverbuzz.ca/signup​

📖 Do you have an event, funny story or meme about the region you want to share? Hit reply to this email and let me know what you've got to be featured in an upcoming email!

👋 Have a thought, comment or feedback about the newsletter? Or maybe you just want to tell me a random joke.. whatever it is, I love getting replies and try to respond as often as possible. Reach out whenever you'd like by hitting reply.

📢 Think someone you know would love this email? Forward this to them to spread the love.

❤️ Feeling extra generous and loving? Shout us out on your favourite social media platform using this link: grandriverbuzz.ca/signup - it really helps spread the word!