Kate's 5 fun things to do this weekend in Waterloo region and area: Aug. 25 to 27

Jul 23, 2023

It will be a cooler weekend, maybe some wet weather, but it's still summer so that's a good reason to get out of the house and enjoy events in Waterloo region and Guelph.

If you're looking to improve your photography, join the Kitchener Photography Group for a paid workshop in nature photography Saturday at 3 p.m. in Victoria Park. Registration is required.

On Friday night there's a roller skating fundraiser being hosted by the Retro Rollers and Royal City Roller Derby at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre in Guelph. There's also a bout on Saturday when the Royal City Roller Derby will host Kingston and Alliston.

The organizers of the Palmerston Agricultural Fair want to know: Where have you bean? The fair runs Friday to Sunday with a parade Friday night, tractor pull Saturday night and a dog agility show on Sunday, plus a children's area and all the usual fair and livestock exhibits.

If you need a reason to laugh, head to the Scran and Dram in New Hamburg Saturday night for Rusty Nail Comedy with Drew Behm and special guest Alex Fortin. Tickets required.

By the way, if you notice people in parks or walking down the street looking down at their phones and standing in groups, they may be taking part in Pokémon Go Fest, a worldwide event for people who play the game.

In case you need to drive, here are some local gas prices:

Friday 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Uptown Waterloo

Buskers will take over uptown Waterloo as the carnival celebrates its 35th anniversary. See acrobats, one-wheel cycle acts, feats of strength, drumming and dancing. After each performance, the buskers will pass a hat and people are encouraged to give a donation to the artists.

Executive committee chair Randy Warren told CBC K-W one performer he's excited to watch is All Strings Attached, who will be appearing in Waterloo for the first time.

"In talking to some of the other carnivals that have hired her, they say quite often people leave her show very moved and sometimes in tears, because their show has a very powerful message to it," he said.

"It's not just all about the acrobats. While she's doing her acrobatics, she has a whole message about how as a society and how as a world, we're all connected and we need to support each other, accept each other, work together."

But, Warren added, "All 10 acts are amazing and if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to watch all 10 of them."

He says the final act — the Family Vaudeville Show — is the perfect way to cap off the weekend with half the proceeds from the show going to Tiny Home Takeout.

Friday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Riverside Park, Guelph

There will be ribs. There will be beer. There will be other treats.

Also enjoy live music from bands including Practically Hip and Symply Skynard, take in the classic car show or swing by the children's area which includes rock climbing, face painting, Guelph Storm players and a midway.

Saturday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Various locations in Cambridge (Galt)

This community music festival is exactly what it sounds like — local musicians take over the porches of homes in Galt for the afternoon and people can move from yard to yard to enjoy. The event is free. People are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and refreshments.

Sunday, first pitch at 2 p.m.

Jack Couch Park, Kitchener

It's the playoffs! Sunday's game will be the third in the best of five series. Grab the peanuts and crackerjacks and cheer on the Panthers.

Are you in Guelph? The Royals will be hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2 of their playoff series Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:30 p.m.

Friday 7 p.m. start, Saturday games at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Sunday games at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

North Dumfries Community Complex, Ayr

Hockey season is fast approaching and one of the first signs of it locally is the annual tournament in Ayr. The tournament has a new name this year to honour player Eli Palfreyman, who died last year.

Friday night the Ayr Centennials will take on the K-W Siskins. There's also teams from Germany, Toronto and St. Catharines. The public is welcome to attend the games and cheer on these young players.

Today is the day!<br><br>The Eli Palfreyman Global Invitational tournament presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/AyrMutual?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AyrMutual</a> kicks off at 4 pm at the NDCC today<br><br>Come out and watch these talented players as they show case their skills!<a href="https://twitter.com/AyrCentennials?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AyrCentennials</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sachockey1899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachockey1899</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StCathFalcons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StCathFalcons</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KWSiskins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KWSiskins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adlermannheim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adlermannheim</a> <a href="https://t.co/DhUABpRabt">pic.twitter.com/DhUABpRabt</a>

Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activia Sportsplex, 135 Lennox Lewis Way, Kitchener

If you're looking for more hockey, look no further than the Activa Sportsplex on Sunday.

Fans will be able to see the real Stanley Cup trophy and meet Las Vegas Golden Knights champion and hometown hero Nicolas Hague.

"We are so proud of hometown hockey inspiration Nic Hague. The entire community watched with great pride and excitement as the Golden Knights won the [Stanley Cup] championship," Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in a release.

"Nic reminds all of us to never give up on our childhood dreams and that with hard work and determination, anything is possible."

People will have a chance to take a picture with the Stanley Cup, as well as meet Hague and get his autograph.

Reporter/Editor

Kate has been covering issues in southern Ontario for more than 15 years. She currently works for CBC Kitchener-Waterloo. Email: [email protected]