April 2nd, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Did anyone see the rocket launch going to the moon yesterday?!

Exciting that we're going back there.

This mission takes 4 astronauts on a 10 day journey where they'll fly around the moon and back.

In the next year or two, the plan is to run two more missions - one where they'll connect with a lander in outer space, and the second where they'll actually land on the moon.

And in a local twist, Jeremy Hansen from London, Ontario is one of the four on board for this current mission. Pretty cool!

In today's email:

• the origin of April Fool's day
• some eggsellent local events for the family (sorry about the pun, i had to...)
• more green bin info
• an upcoming syrupy festival
• Miller (he's cute)
• a special P.S. message
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​Springtime at the Conservatory | Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory | Fri, Apr. 3rd from 9am-7pm and Sat (Apr. 4th), Sun (Apr. 5th) and Mon (Apr. 6th) from 10am-5pm | "As you move through the facility, you’ll visit 6 stations, each featuring a different animal and its eggs — from turtles and birds to insects and amphibians.At each station, you’ll learn simple, surprising facts about how eggs are laid, hidden, and hatched. There's also storytimes, crafts, mystery eggs & more!"

​Easter Weekend Mini Egg Hunt & Activities | Schneider Haus, Kitchener | Fri (Apr. 3rd), Sun (Apr. 5th) and Mon (Apr. 6th) from 11am-4pm | "Join in for our mini egg hunts running hourly beginning at 11:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. and collect an Easter treat! Spot the golden egg during our scavenger hunt and enter for a chance to win a free membership to the Region of Waterloo Museums!"

​Spring Fling: Family Easter Celebration | McDougall Cottage, Cambridge | Fri (Apr. 3rd), Sat (Apr. 4th) and Sun (Apr. 5th) from 11am-4pm | "We invite you and your clan to join us for an egg-citing time creating fun seasonal crafts, planting posies and lots more! Challenge your family to a game of Carrot Toss, or Bunny Bowling and then search McDougall’s garden for some springtime friends to receive a special Easter treat bag (kids only)!"

​Mini Easter Egg Hunt | The Gaslight District, Cambridge | Each day this week through Sat, Apr. 4th | "Visiting the District today? The Easter Bunny has hidden a handful of Easter eggs throughout the District! If you find one, it's yours!"

Thursday, April 2nd

​Dana K & The Remedy | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacob's | 6pm | "A 5-piece indie rock, blues, funk, soul, country, pop infusion project based out of Kitchener-Waterloo consisting of professional musicians with diverse musical styles and influences with a goal of getting people up, keeping them up, and truly engaging the crowd."

​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: Back to the 80's Volume 1 | E.V.O. Kitchen, Cambridge | 7pm

​Too Mutch Clutch Party | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "A high-energy night packed with music, vibes, and nonstop party energy. Back for its annual celebration at Maxwell’s. Expect a lively crowd, big energy, and a full-throttle Thursday night party atmosphere."

​Romeo Sex Fighter | Dallas Nightclub, Kitchener | 8pm | "Kitchener's favourite whimsical scamps are back for more musical hijinx!"

​Throwback Thursday | Edelweiss Tavern, Kitchener | 9pm | "Live music by 'Always on Friday. Get ready to dance all night and relive the best party KW has on long weekends! Photo booth, awesome decor & costumes optional. Bring your best retro look!"

Friday, April 3rd

​Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs | Knollwood Park, Kitchener | 10am | "A vast area of the local park will be filled with thousands of colorful, treat-filled eggs and prize tokens just waiting for your furry friend to find them - with a little help from you. National Service Dogs’ largest and most anticipated annual fundraiser."

​Friendly Feud | E.V.O. Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 6pm | "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!"

​Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Broadway Musical | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7pm | "Join Wonka, young Charlie Bucket, and four other golden ticket winners as they embark on a life changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including Oompa Loompas, chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator. Also shows on Sat, Apr. 4th at 2pm & 7pm."

​Bach: Mass in B Minor | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Featuring the Grand Philharmonic Choir, soloists, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, conducted by Mark Vuorinen."

​Adam James: Live | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "With a unique blend of soulful music, transformative storytelling, and visionary philosophy, Adam challenges societal norms and lights up stages worldwide."

Saturday, April 4th

​St. Jacob's Market Easter Egg Hunt | 9am | "Hop into the spring spirit with a day of egg-citement and family fun! Our Easter Egg Hunt promises a basketful of joy, laughter, and surprises for everyone."

​The Easter Egg-spress | WCR Farmers’ Market Station, St. Jacob's | 10am & 12pm (two rides) | "Scenic heritage train ride, Easter Egg Hunt at the WCR Park (five eggs per child permitted), visit from the Easter Bunny, and extra treats for Lounge Car passengers - plus... the chance to win an extra special Easter basket."

​Hope Into Easter Fun | Moore Farms, Ayr | 10am | "Easter egg hunts, live animals to meet, photo opportunities & more!"

​Easter Brunch: Cook Together Family Class | Kitchener Market | 10:30am | "Families will learn how to assemble French Toast Casserole, master Eggs Benedict with a fool-proof hollandaise sauce, and finish the meal with a sweet pastry. Along the way, we'll build kitchen confidence, practice age-appropriate skills, and focus on teamwork, timing, and having fun in the kitchen."

​Discover Twinkle (Ages 0-6) | KW Little Theatre, Waterloo | 10:30am & 1pm (two shows) | "A dream-like camping adventure, where everyday objects change into extraordinary worlds. A backpack reveals a pond, a grassland, a starlit sky; umbrellas turn into sparkling constellations; shadows start to dance, and simple objects transform into friendly companions."

​​Country Sugar Bush Tours​ | St. Jacob's Farmers Market | 10:30am & 1:15pm (two options) | "At the sugar bush, meet Norman and Bernadine Horst and their family, who have been farming here for generations. Norman will explain their unique maple syrup process and answer your questions"

​Downtown Cambridge Easter Egg Hunt | 11am | "Pick up your map at Encore Threads & Treasures and enjoy sweet stops at 30+ participating businesses. Free event, no registration required!"

​Hespeler Village Easter Egg Hunt | 12pm | "Take your little bunnies and hop along Queen Street! Look for the Easter Egg in shop windows, pop inside to have your maps stamped, and receive a special treat!"

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

​​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."

​Skateboarding Jam | Queensmount Arena, Kitchener | 4:30pm | "Join us for an indoor skate jam with open skate, beginner lessons, fun contests, prizes, and local vendors. Come give it a try - helmets and skateboards available!"

​Murder Mystery: The Time Lock Murders | E.V.O. Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "Step into an evening of food, fun, and whodunit! A live, three-act murder mystery woven between dinner courses"

​Ink Nite | Ink Den, Waterloo | 6:30pm | "Just like a paint night except you get to try the art of tattooing!"

​Glitz & Glam Drag Bingo | Farm League Brewing, Cambridge | 7pm | "Hosted by Crystal Quartz - 4 wild rounds, glam or naughty prizes, big laughs & big energy."

​The Almost Hip | Dallas Nightclub, Kitchener | 7:30pm

​Doug Wilde's Wilderness Ensemble | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm

​Bealby Point: Live | Revive Karaoke, Waterloo | 8:30pm

Sunday, April 5th

​​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."

​Looking At The Sky: Exhibit | Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo | 12pm | "This exhibit challenges viewers to embrace both the beautiful and the broken parts of themselves. Speak up, take up space, make art, and share vulnerability to build the resilience needed for personal and collective healing and action."

​Easter Bunny Visits | The Gaslight District, Cambridge | 12pm | "If you spot him, stop him for a free photo!"

​Easter Brunch Train | WCR Farmers’ Market Station, St. Jacob's | 1pm | "Experience our heritage railway as you ride along the scenic route and enjoy a leisurely meal in a beautifully restored vintage railcar, where the timeless atmosphere meets modern culinary delights."

​Stained Glass Painting Workshop | Metro Restaurant, Cambridge | 1pm | "In this hands-on workshop, you’ll work with an 8x10 black wood frame and learn step-by-step how to bring this blooming tulip to life with rich seasonal colors."

Upcoming Events

​​Beatlemania!​ | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Wed, Apr. 8th at 7:30pm | "From the electrifying Ed Sullivan debut to the soul-stirring Let It Be, The Liverpool 4 takes you on a magical journey through every iconic era of The Beatles’ legendary career."

​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."

​Grand River Buzz Upcoming Events Page​

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Saturday, April 4th (7am—3:30pm) - Outdoor stalls are now open!

​Kitchener | Saturday, April 4th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, April 4th (7am—1pm)​

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

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Yes, I'm back with more green bin updates... (which ya'll seem to love by the way, always gets a lot of interest)

Not sure what to do with your old ones? There's a few options.

The region has drop-off events scheduled where you can drop them off at:

• April 11, 9am-1pm.: Waterloo City Hall
• April 12, 9am-1pm.: North Dumfries Community Complex
• April 18, 9am-1pm.: Breslau Community Centre
• April 19, 9am-1pm.: Wellesley Recreation Complex
• April 25, 9am-1pm.: Wilmot Recreation Complex
• April 26, 9am-1pm.: Cambridge Farmers’ Market
• May 2, 9am-1pm.: Activa Sports Complex

Option 2, if you can't make it:

• Place the bin at the curb on your bulky item collection day with a “garbage please take” sign taped to it and it will be collected.

Option 3, if you want to get creative:

• Consider reusing your old green bin for storage such as soil, mulch, sports equipment, household goods or yard waste.

Here's a video the region put out on Facebook - and if you scroll down 4-5 posts below that one... you'll see they asked people what they're personally doing with their old bins. There's lots of great comments that are sure to spark some ideas for you. (it won't let me link the 2nd post for some reason 🤷‍♂️)

COMEDY

Friday, April 3rd

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Michael Moses"

Saturday, April 4th

​Together We're Boisterous Comedy Show | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "Pinch is back with an evening of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy - bringing quick wit, big laughs, and the kind of spontaneous moments that only live comedy can deliver."

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | "Headliner: Michael Moses"

Upcoming Events

​​Jeff Leeson: Only Going To Say This Once​ | Centre in the Square (Studio Theatre), Kitchener | Sat, Apr. 18th & Fri, Apr. 24th at 8pm | "With over 100 million views online and over 25 years of experience touring, find out why this is definitely one show you absolutely do not want to miss." - I highly recommend checking Jeff out! Every show is unique and super funny

WEATHER

🌦️ Fri, Apr. 3rd | HIGH 20° | NIGHT 2° | 60% POP | <1mm 💧

🌧️ Sat, Apr. 4th | HIGH 15° | NIGHT 3° | 10% POP | 5mm 💧

☁️ Sun, Apr. 5th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT -1° | 40% POP

⛅️ Mon, Apr. 6th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT -3° | 40% POP

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Kitchener lead the first round series 3-0 against Saginaw (best of 7)

• 3/31: Kitchener beat Saginaw 4-3 away from home in OT | #86 Luca Romano was the first start - chipping in a goal and an assist for the Rangers | Watch Highlights​​
• Next Game: Thu, Apr. 2nd | Game 4: Kitchener at Saginaw | 7pm
• Next Home Game: Fri, Apr. 3rd | Game 5: Saginaw at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets aren't on sale yet, as the game might not be needed if Kitchener win game 4​

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

Series tied 0-0 between the KW Titans and Windsor Express

• Next Home Game: Thu, Apr. 2nd | Game 1: Windsor Express at KW Titans | 7pm | Tickets​​
• Upcoming: Sat, Apr. 4th | Game 2: Windsor Express at KW Titans | 4pm | Tickets​

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

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

​Elmira Maple Syrup Festival | Saturday, April 11th from 7am to 4pm

Celebrate a beloved community tradition at the 62nd Annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival!

Known as the world’s largest one-day Maple Syrup Festival, this event brings together visitors from near and far to experience the sweet taste of spring in Elmira, Ontario.

There’s an abundance of exciting things to do when you visit!

From family-friendly activities to delicious treats and unique local experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at the festival.

• 🥞 Dig into a Pancake Breakfast
• 🍬Try Maple Taffy
• 🌲 Go on a Sugar Bush Tour
• 🛍️ Explore the Vendor Mall
• 🎵 Catch Live Music
• 🐄 Farm Discovery Zone
• 🎪 Family Fun Area
• 🧶 Crafts & Collectibles Show
• & more!

I've gone the last few years and it's such a fun event!

It gets busy, but there's lots of parking... and you can even hitch a ride from a number of locations around Elmira to the festival via tractor-pulled wagons.

Click here to check out the schedule of events for the day! Or the link above to visit their main website for more information, FAQs, etc.

* this is not a sponsored placement, just something i've attended in the past and loved

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Miller!

I featured Miller last year sometime, and while I like to switch things up I wanted to highlight him again since he first came to the shelter in July of 2025 and is still looking for his forever home.

He seems like such a sweet pup & I'm sure there's a person (or family) out there who he'd fit in perfectly with.

"A young (2.5 yrs old), large breed mix with a big love for the outdoors and an even bigger heart. He's looking for an active home where he can go on long walks, explore, and spend time with his people. He's a talker and loves to "chat," especially when he's excited. Miller is still learning his basics, such as leash manners, sitting, and not jumping up. But he's eager to learn and thrives with consistent guidance. If you're looking for a fun, energetic companion who's always up for an adventure, Miller might just be your perfect match!"

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

April Fool's Day: While the exact origin is debated, many historians trace April Fools' Day back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian calendar, the New Year began around the Spring Equinox (April 1st). Those who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the year had moved to January 1st continued to celebrate in April. They became the butt of jokes and pranks, such as having paper fish hooked onto their backs—referred to as poisson d’avril (April fish), symbolizing a young, easily caught fish or a "gullible" person.

The First Hockey Pucks: Before the development of vulcanized rubber pucks, early hockey players used whatever was handy. This often included flat, circular pieces of frozen cow dung or carved wooden blocks.

The Stitches of a Baseball: Every official Major League baseball is hand-stitched with exactly 108 double-stitches of waxed red thread. Despite all the technological advancements in sports, no machine has ever been able to replicate the precision and tension required to stitch a baseball properly.

THANK YOU!

Hope you have a fantastic day, an awesome weekend... & I'll see you Monday 🐝 🐣

ps. I forgot to mention, but the last newsletter was the 50th edition! FIFTY! I can hardly believe it myself... I wanted to take a quick moment to say thank you to everyone that reads the emails - and really appreciate all of you that reply with feedback, encouragement and more too! It means a ton and I hope you're getting lots of value and some entertainment along the way. Here's to 50 more 😎

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