by Alex Kinsella | April 2023
Spring weather may be unpredictable, but you can always count on Waterloo Region to deliver unique events!
Check out list below for itinerary ideas that are perfect for couples planning a weekend getaway or families looking to reconnect and have some fun!
Start the car and get ready for an April Waterloo Region Road Trip that includes sports, music, theatre—and easter egg hunts!
NUMUS: Incantations | April 2
Discover tomorrow’s music today at NUMUS: Incantations at the Registry Theatre. NUMUS is one of Canada’s foremost new music organizations with a mission to showcase established and emerging talent from across Canada and the globe right here in world-class venues like the Registry Theatre. In this concert, violist Marlena Pellegrino, percussionist Yang Chenmand, and poet Kelsey Rideout will perform an eclectic show featuring an original world premiere for viola and spoken word.
The Journalism Film Festival presents Whiskey Tango Foxtrot | April 4
Great journalism has never been more important—that’s the theme behind the inaugural Journalism Film Festival in Waterloo Region. The festival’s second screening is Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016), a film based on journalist Kim Barker’s memoir The Taliban Shuffle about her time covering the war in Afghanistan.
Insider Tip: After the screening, grab a table at the Grand Trunk Saloon (30 Ontario St., Kitchener) and enjoy one of their signature coffee & cigarettes cocktails—it’s the favourite of some of our local journalists.
Browns Battle of the Bands | April 5
Come out to Maxwell’s Concerts and Events (35 University Ave. E., Waterloo) for the Browns Social House Battle of the Bands. It’s a fun night combining live local music, friendly competition, and community involvement. The event is a fundraiser for the Youth Creativity Fund, a project dedicated to helping young people flourish creatively.
UW A Cappella Winter Concert | April 5
If rock isn’t your thing—and that’s okay—how about an aca-awesome evening of music at the University of Waterloo’s A Cappella Winter Concert. This year’s concert feature ACE, The AcaBellas, The Musical InterDudes, The Unaccompanied Minors, The Water Boys, In Full Colour and other groups performing stunning sets with only the sounds of their voices.
American Son at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse | April 5–23
Drayton Entertainment kicks off its St. Jacobs County Playhouse season with the explosive drama American Son. The New York Times Critics’ Pick examines a nation’s racial divide through the eyes of parents whose worst fear hangs in the balance. When a divorced, interracial couple’s son goes missing, a mother and her estranged husband have to face each other and a pair of police officers in a real-time exploration of identity, race, and the U.S. criminal justice system.
QUOTE: “American SON is not a subtle play; it barely feels like a play at all. With its unrelentingly high tension on every level — maternal, marital, societal — it’s more like a slice of a nightmare, with few contours despite its surprises. Its abrupt ending doesn’t even offer a chance for catharsis; it just spits you out.” – Jesse Green, New York Times
Easter in the Village of St. Jacobs | April 8
Visit St. Jacobs on Saturday April 8 for Easter in The Village! The fun includes the Bunny Hop Paint Day, a Family Friendly Patio Party, Easter and Spring themed treats, and even some special deals at select businesses throughout the village. Rumour has it the Easter Bunny will also be in St. Jacobs so you can snap a picture together and get a treat!
The Harlem Globetrotters | April 11
There’s always energy inside the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium—but never more so than when the Harlem Globetrotters come to town! Get your tickets for their fantastic mix of athleticism and humour on the hardwood. Will they beat their archrivals, The Washington Generals, this time? Come down to the Aud to find out!
Paws For Laughs | April 13
Laugh out loud for a great cause at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth’s Paws For Laughs comedy festival. On April 14, headliners Kate Davis leads a lineup of amazing comedians at the Apollo Theatre in Downtown Kitchener. Davis is a twelve-time nominee at the Canadian Comedy Awards, including the prestigious Phil Hartman Award and the star of her hour-long comedy special on CTV and the Comedy Network. Looking for dinner before the show? The Apollo’s neighbours at the Crazy Canuck are open, and 10% of your bill will be donated to the KW Humane Society between 5 and 7 p.m.
Queer Night Out | April 15
Shake off the winter with dinner and dancing at Grand River Pride’s Queer Night Out – Spring Fling on April 15. Enjoy dinner at EVO Kitchen (31 Water St. S., Cambridge) and music from DJ Sour Panda. Come as your authentic self, whether that’s semi-formal or fabulously fierce. Proceeds go towards this year’s Cambridge Pride Week.
KW Titans vs. Windsor Express | April 15
The 2023 KW Titans season continues when the hometown hoopers take on the Windsor Express at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Use the code “ASKDAVID” at checkout for $5 off bowl tickets, $10 off baseline tickets, and $15 off courtside tickets!
Serena Ryder at Centre in the Square | April 20
Platinum-selling artist and Juno award winner Serena Ryder makes a tour stop at Centre in the Square for her new album, The Art of Falling Apart.
QUOTE: “The music is catchy and vibrant, and Ryder’s vocals are alternatingly soulful, moody and joyous. The Art of Falling Apart will delight existing fans, and is a strong entry in the singer-songwriter’s discography.” – Sarah Bea Milner, EXCLAIM!
CFUW K-W Used Book Sale | April 21-22
After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the CFUW K-W Used Book Sale returns for its 56th year at First United Church (16 William St. W., Waterloo). Find a new favourite or a cherished classic with over 25,000 items on the show floor. The sale funds over $50,000 in scholarships yearly for high school students in Kitchener-Waterloo and mature students studying at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College.
Brunch & Brews | April 23
Tired: brunch and mimosas. Wired: brunch and brews. That’s right—trade that OJ for some hops at Brunch & Brews at THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener. The event is part of their Bites@THEMUSEUM series and features an early afternoon of savoury dishes, sweet treats, craft brews, games, and prizes.
Insider tip: Work off brunch with a self-guided tour of Downtown Kitchener’s Art Walk tour. There are dozens of art installations and murals to discover!
Zonta Film Festival | April 27–29
The Zonta Film Festival returns to the Princess Twin (46 King St. N., Waterloo) for three days of films showcasing inspiring, powerful, and thought-provoking films about women changemakers through the lens of women.
Don’t forget to check our Events Calendar for more things to do this month!
Easter Weekend Road Trip Ideas in Waterloo
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Kitchener is offering a special Easter Weekend package that is perfect for a family Road Trip! It includes a 2-night stay, breakfast for a family of 4, as well as Easter Brunch.
Speaking of food, what is Easter without a traditional fish fry? Chef Nicole and the Kitchener Market team are hosting a Good Friday Fish Fry at the market on Friday, April 7, from 4–8:30 p.m. You’ll be treated to a family-style dinner with fresh ingredients from vendors in the Farmer’s Market.
Continue your weekend road trip in Cambridge at the Fashion History Museum for its Easter Cream Tea party. Your ticket gets you admission to the museum, a scone with jam and cream, and a bottomless pot of tea or coffee. Tea times are available on Friday, April 7, Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets go fast, so reserve yours today!
Head back to the Kitchener Market on Saturday, April 8, for a day of Easter-themed activities. There will be egg-decorating activities, visits from some of your children’s favourite characters, a special surprise performance, and the Easter Bunny himself.
On Saturday, April 8, make your way to the historic Castle Kilbride Museum in Wilmot Township for its Whisked Up Weekends event featuring an egg decorating demonstration and a craft-making activity. Your museum entry includes an hour-long tour throughout the weekend, where you can explore at your own pace and enjoy this grand Victorian mansion.
No Easter Weekend visit to Waterloo is complete without an easter egg hunt. Steckle Heritage Farm hosts its Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, with two hunts—one at 10 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. The hunt is BYOB (bring your own basket)! If you want to mix easter eggs and shopping, the St. Jacobs Market District is hosting an easter egg hunt, too, with start times at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.
Want more inspiration for your Easter Road Trip to Waterloo Region? Check out the link below!
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Alex Kinsella is a freelance writer and marketer based in Waterloo Region. He’s the guy behind TL;WR – Waterloo Region’s weekly events newsletter. He’s worked with some of Canada’s most well-known tech companies in roles including customer success, development, product management, PR, social media and marketing.
Alex has contributed to publications including BetaKit, Grand Magazine, Community Edition and more. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.