March 5th, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Lot's going on around the area this weekend.

Hope you're having a great week so far, enjoying the 'warmer' (but wet) weather and you got your garbage picked up.

In today's email:

• some local 'Olympic-themed' sport events (+ a ton of other great events!)
• Lark
• sports update
• a planet that rains glass
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

General

​2026 Skate Canada Cup | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex | March 6th-8th | "The 2026 Skate Canada Cup features novice, gold, and open synchronized skating teams as they compete for the title of national champion."

​Irish Real Life Festival | Various venues and times throughout Kitchener - starting March 7th through to St. Patrick’s Day | I don't even know where to start... they have a TON of fun events going on leading up to the big day. Click the above link to check them out.

​Speed Skating Ontario Elite Championships | Hespeler Memorial Arena, Cambridge | March 7th & 8th from 9am-4pm | In the Olympic mood still?

Thursday, March 5th

​Irish Real Life: Open Mic(k) | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7pm | "Join us and dazzle us with your talent! Whether it's music (acoustic solo or duo only please), stories, jokes, or dance, we're excited to see it all!"

​Candle Making Workshop | St. Jacob's Farmers Market | 7pm | "Learn about the history of candle-making, and the differences between available waxes on the market & fragrances. You can choose from over 20 scents or custom-blend your signature scent. And you will pour two candles and select a label for your creation."

​Country Music Bingo | Four Fathers Brewing, Cambridge | 7pm | "From sing along anthems to modern country hits, it is all about good music, good beer, and friendly competition."

​Musical Bingo: Mid-Winter Dance Party | E.V.O. Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 7pm | "This week is all about high-energy, feel-good dancing tunes! From the best of today’s hits to fan-favourite throwbacks, we’ve got the ultimate playlist to keep you moving all night long!"

​The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 8pm | "Two of Canada’s foremost dance and theatre creators team up to tackle the tale of one of classical literature’s most emotionally complex protagonists."

Friday, March 6th

​Golden Gray & Ash | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacob's | 6pm | "Built on years of friendship and a shared love for music. Their sound is shaped by collaboration, experimentation, and trust. Two up and coming artists looking towards the horizon."

​Mystical Haven Psychic Fair | Fireside Haven Studio, Cambridge | 6pm | "Delve into the mystical realms with mediumship, readings, and energy healing.Our event boasts a vibrant array of vendors offering their services and products.Don't miss this chance to connect with your inner self, and seize your opportunity for insight, enlightenment, and an afternoon filled with spiritual wonders. Free Admission"

​Marc Parent of April Wine: Live | The Boathouse, Kitchener | 7pm | "Known as the lead singer of April Wine, Marc Parent’s solo show gives him the freedom to explore the wide range of music he loves to play. A high-energy night that moves from classic R&B and blues to soul, disco, funk, and rock."

​Small Town Strip Club | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "The band has been building momentum across Ontario, earning wins at HTZ FM RockSearch and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Battle of the Bands, and is touring in support of new music, music that was produced by Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons."

​Avery Raquel | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A Canadian Alternative Soul/Jazz artist whose music fuses vintage soul, R&B, and jazz, into a modern, emotionally resonant sound. With a voice that defies her age and songwriting that blends vulnerability with maturity, Avery delivers a refreshing take on soul-infused storytelling."

​Class Albums Live: Prince's Purple Rain | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 8pm | "A roster of A-list musicians from across the country will be performing rock favourites exactly as you remember hearing them, note for note, cut for cut. Following the performance of Purple Rain, you'll hear some of Prince’s iconic classics after intermission!"

​Jesse Webber: Live | Foundry Tavern, Cambridge | 8pm | This is my cousin and he's an incredible musician who's been performing around the region for a long time. Great tunes & always entertaining - check him out!

​Friday Night Dance Party | EVO Kitchen & Bar, 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, March 7th

​Growing Seedlings Indoors | Ken Seiling Museum, Kitchener | 10am | "Grow your own healthy seedlings indoors, even if you don’t have a greenhouse! Learn about seed germination, seed storage, soil, watering, lighting, and tricks for keeping seedlings healthy and compact. Participants will plant and take home a tray of heritage seeds/seedlings for their own garden."

​Make Your Own Knotted Earrings | Yoni Mudra Art Gallery, Kitchener | 10am | "In this 5-Knot Series, learn how to make different knots to create macramé earrings for pleasure or an income."

​Saturday Market Cooking Class 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 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!" - This sounds amazing...

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

​Claytime: Beginner 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."

​March Mayhem Fight Night | Boxing by Syd Vanderpool, Kitchener | 6:15pm | "Join your Destiny Boxers for a full night of high impact, high energy amateur boxing matches, right here at SydFIT!"

​Mike Super: Magic & Illusion | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 7pm | "Mike has taken the performance of magic to new levels! He has created a show with jaw-dropping magic and illusion, combined with side-splitting humour, energetic music, and 100% audience interaction." - I've got tickets & am SO excited for some magic 🪄

​Joel Haynes Quartet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Joel has grown from his early community musical experiences in his hometown of Burlington, Ontario, and has progressed to playing with some of the finest jazz artists. Highlights include being nominated for a “National Jazz Award” in 2003 and two nominations in 2009 for CD of the Year and Drummer of the Year."

​Definite Leppard: Live | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 8:30pm | "Get ready for a full-tilt blast of classic arena rock when Definite Leppard - Canada’s definitive Def Leppard tribute"

Sunday, March 8th

​EmpowerHER: An International Women's Day Wellness Retreat | Four Father's Brewing, Cambridge | 8:30am | "A bright and uplifting morning of connection, movement, and restoration in celebration of International Women’s Day."

​Heartfulness Chair Yoga | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Center, Waterloo | 8am | "Session starts at 8:55 AM with Relaxation & mind centering 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."

​International Women's Day: Women in Trades | Doon Heritage Village & Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum | 11am | "Learn about the history of women working in traditionally “male" trades and participate in historical demonstrations led by women working in the field today. Afterwards, check out our Trades Fair in the foyer and join us in the theatre for a panel discussion on women in the trades."

​Country Hoedown: Drag Bingo Brunch & Show | Thirteen Food & Beverage, Cambridge | 12pm | "Boots, bingo & drag! Join Crystal Quartz, Mary Snow & Peggy Harrison for a country hoedown brunch with glam prizes & performances!"

​Open House | Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener | 1pm | "Join us for a hands-on activity, clay demonstrations, exploration of the Gallery, and touring our studio spaces through a scavenger hunt."

​Spiritus Ensemble presents Bach Vespers for Lent | Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist, Kitchener | 4pm | "Admission by donation."

​Poetry Open Mic | Pink Crow Cafe, Waterloo | 7pm | "Hey poetry lovers! Join us for a fun in-person poetry open mic night where you can share your verses or just sit back and enjoy the vibes of amazing spoken word performances. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just love to listen, this is your chance to connect in a supportive, like minded community space."

Upcoming Events

​Crash Test Dummies | Maxwell's, Waterloo | Wed, Mar. 11th at 7pm | "Led by the unmistakable baritone of Brad Roberts, the band became a defining voice of Canadian alternative rock. Their cover of “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” became a standout track on the Dumb and Dumber soundtrack and further showcased their distinctive folk-rock fusion."

​Kitchener RV Show & Sale | The Aud, Kitchener | Mar. 13th-15th | "Featuring a wide range of RVs, outdoor gear, and lifestyle essentials, the show reflects the local spirit of adventure and community connection. Come discover new ways to explore, unwind, and enjoy the freedom of the open road."

Farmers Markets

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

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

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

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

WEATHER

🌧️ Fri, Mar. 6th | HIGH 5° | NIGHT 4° | 80% POP | 5mm 💧

⛈️ Sat, Mar. 7th | HIGH 17° | NIGHT -1° | 100% POP | 10mm 💧

🌤️ Sun, Mar. 8th | HIGH 11° | NIGHT 5° | 20% POP

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

1st Overall | 1st in Western Conference

• 3/04: Kitchener beat Sarnia 6-3 away from home | #23 Sam O'Reilly was the first star - chipping in with a whopping 2 goals & 3 assists | Watch Highlights​
• Next Game: Fri, Mar. 6th | Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​​

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

3rd Overall

• 3/04: KW won 100-93 against the Windsor Express | #10 Ty Groce again led the way for the Titans with 25 points & 11 rebounds
• Next Game: Sun, Mar. 8th | Lake Erie Jackals at KW Titans | 3pm | Tickets​ | "Wear silly socks, bring a new pair for the sock drive!"

COMEDY

Thursday, March 5th

​Next Stop Comedy | The Mule, Cambridge | 7:30pm | Headliner: Scott Faulconbridge - featuring Jason Allen & Levi Mann

Friday, March 6th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Craig Fay

Saturday, March 7th

​Just a Joke: KW Comedy All Stars | Centre in the Square, Kitchener (Studio Theatre) | 7pm | "Hometown Comic Stars take the stage in a fast, fierce take on our town and what makes the news. Featuring a jam-packed line-up of over 14 of our best!"

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Craig Fay

​Nargis' Son: Comedy Show ft. Zul Gulamhusein | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7:30pm

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Lark!

Lark's a 3 year old domestic shorthair/mix male with a brown & white coat. He came to the shelter this past weekend.

"He's friendly and curious, but he's a bit shy at first. He likes to take his time getting to know new people, so a patient hand and a few tasty treats go a long way in winning his heart. Once he warms up, he transforms into a playful, purring cuddle bug who loves head bumps and cozy sunbeams! This little guy would thrive in a calm, loving home where he can explore at his own pace and maybe sneak onto your lap when you least expect it! With Lark around, every day comes with a little extra whimsy and joy."

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 word "nerd" was first coined by Dr. Seuss. It made its debut in his 1950 book If I Ran the Zoo, where it was used to describe a small, grumpy-looking creature.

Pound for pound, a grasshopper is stronger than a horse. While a horse can pull about its own body weight, a grasshopper can leap with a force 10 to 20 times its own weight.

There is a planet where it rains glass sideways. On HD 189733b, the winds reach speeds of 5,400 mph. The atmosphere is filled with silicate particles which, in that heat and wind, create a literal storm of glass shards flying horizontally.

THANK YOU!

Hope you have an awesome weekend & we'll see you soon 🐝

ps. A bit shorter today because, well... it's been a busy week - plus i'm sick again, agh! Back at it on Monday. As always, let me know if you have any feedback or something you'd like to feature in an upcoming newsletter.

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