by Alex Kinsella | April 2026
Spring has arrived in Waterloo Region and we’ve put together a list of not-to-miss events, concerts and fun things to do this May!
From baby goats to spring markets and live professional wrestling, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also got a list of Mexican restaurants to check out for Cinco De Mayo! Don’t forget to check out our events calendar for updates throughout the month and subscribe to TL;WR for a weekly newsletter of what’s happening across Waterloo Region.
Things to Do in May
Wonderfully Made Spring Market | May 2
Explore over 70 incredible makers and artisans under one roof at the Wonderfully Made Spring Market inside Catalyst 137 in Belmont Village. The market features hundreds of one‑of‑a‑kind, locally crafted products—from gifts and home goods to sweet treats and small luxuries.
May 2-D2 Intergalactic Celebration | May 2
The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is hosting May 2-D2, an Intergalactic Celebration from 11 to 4 pm. Celebrate a beloved fandom in an EPIC way! Choose a side: Light or Dark, and dress up as your favourite characters! Join the Galactic Academy and learn to wield a lightsaber like a pro!
Willibald Spring Market | May 3
What’s better than a visit to Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery? The Spring Market at the Willibald Farm! They’ll have over 20 vendors with awesome creations and gifts. The restaurant and Pasture Bar are open too.
Supernatural-Tributo Santana | May 3
Get an early start for your Cinco De Mayo celebrations at the Edelweiss Tavern with the authentic music of Santana performed by Supernatural. The world-touring cover band is celebrating its 10th anniversary with special guests, The Divines.
Cinco De Mayo at TWB Brewing | May 5
Think total solar eclipses are rare? This Tuesday, May 5 is the first time Cinco de Mayo has crossed paths with Taco Tuesday since 2000. TWB Brewing is celebrating with a patio party starting at 4:30 pm. They’ll have Chef Eduardo of Lord of the Tacos serving up authentic Mexican tacos.
Pro Tip: Speaking of tacos, celebrate the day with some authentic Mexican cuisines at one of Waterloo Region’s growing menu of traditional and Latin-inspired restaurants. Here’s a few of our picks:
- Ethel’s Lounge – Tuesday is always Taco Tuesday at Ethel’s with their famous hardshell tacos for $3.33 each.
- The Mule – Enjoy authentic dishes in the heart of Downtown Cambridge. They also have gluten free pancakes, which while not authentic Mexican, are delicious.
- Casa Toro 88 – You’ll find some of the best street tacos in Kitchener at this spot on the corner of Charles and Benton in Dowtown Kitchener.
- The Cactus – Just steps from UW is where you’ll find Waterloo’s best Mexican food at The Cactus. Be sure to try the enchiladas de mole!
- Don Julio Tacos & Tequila Bar – Tucked in the corner next to Bobby O’Briens, Don Julio Tacos & Tequila Bar is a beautiful spot with dishes that will knock your taste buds off.
- Uno Marketplace – Last, but not least — Uno Marketplace on Franklin Blvd. serves amazing tacos, including their famous birrias tacos.
A Sentimental Journey 4 | May 6–9
Take a trip down memory lane with Guse Productions’ A Sentimental Journey 4. It’s a musical journey through the decades that will have you dancing in the aisles. Proceeds go to support the KidsAbility Foundation.
Pavlo & Daniel Emmet | May 8
What happens when Greek guitar virtuoso Pavlo teams up with America’s Got Talent finalist Daniel Emmet? It’s a one-of-a-kind night of Mediterranean rhythms and soaring operatic-pop vocals that you can experience live at Centre in the Square. It’s an evening of energy, emotion and world-class artistry you don’t want to miss.
Baby Goat Day! | May 9
You read that right. May 9 is Baby Goat Day at Doon Heritage Village! You’ll learn about goats and how their infamous ability to eat anything makes them such great environmental stewards. This event has timed-entry tickets, with start times at every half hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Poyo Fest | May 9
Poyo Fest is a free fan-run celebration dedicated to everyone’s favourite pink hero, Kirby! Spend an afternoon at the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener browsing art, stickers, handmade goods and Dreamland inspired creations from over 40 talented local artists.
Bloom Fest at Shuh Orchards | May 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24
Shuh Orchards invites you to experience the apple orchard in a whole new way with Bloom Fest. Every spring, the orchard’s trees transform into a sea of flowers as they bloom. Over select weekends in May, Bloom Fest is your chance to see the change for yourself while enjoying wagon rides, food trucks and hard cider, a petting zoo, live music and more.
Destiny Boxing Spring Showdown | May 9
It’s fight night in Kitchener at SydFit Health with Destiny Boxing’s Showdown. Catch some knockout amateur boxing matches featuring Destiny Boxing fighters.
Mother’s Day Drag Brunch | May 10
Arabella Park Beer Bar and House of Kameleon want your moms to feel the fantasy at the Mother’s Day Drag Brunch. Celebrate the moms and mother figures in your life with vibrant drag acts and great vibes.
Mothers Day High Tea on the Grand River | May 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a riverside high tea experience at Canoeing The Grand. Treat your mom to high tea with curated canapés, finger sandwiches, a guided nature walk, a canoe trip and a special gift to take home.
An Inspiring Evening with Olympian Clara Hughes | May 13
Canadian cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes is bringing her Open Heart, Open Mind talk to the Humanities Theatre at the University of Waterloo. In her talk, Clara shares a powerful and personal story beyond her athletic success. After early Olympic experiences, she faced severe depression — hidden beneath the pressures of elite sport. Her journey toward healing became central to her return to competition and her life’s purpose.
Waterloo Central Railway Mystery Express: Rum Runners | May 15
Get ready for an immersive prohibition-era train experience! For the night, Waterloo Central Railway becomes a rolling speakeasy, and you become part of the operation. The booze is hot. The cops are watching. And somebody’s going to crack! This isn’t a show you watch. It’s a show you get to be in. Make sure you dress the part for the chance at a special prize!
Waterloo Must Laugh | May 16
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter at Forbes Hall at RIM Park in Waterloo at Waterloo Must Laugh. The night features a powerhouse lineup featuringAcapella, Slk, Forever, Rich White, and Seye Sax. From razor-sharp impressions to gut-busting observations and smooth musical wit, this crew is bringing everything and then some.
Long Weekend Band Crawl – Volume 16 | May 17
Fat Scheid & Pink Lemonade Records are back with another reason to stay in town this Victoria Day long weekend. Seven venues, 25 bands, one awesome weekend. Acts include, The Creepshow, The Abruptors, Broadcast Zero, Kingfisher, KROKA and more.
Kitchener Panthers Home Opener | May 17
Your Kitchener Panthers are back at Jack Couch Park for their first home game of the season against the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. It’s a big year for the Panthers with the move from semi-pro to professional and the league changing names to become the Canadian Baseball League. Be a part of history, grab your tickets today!
Big Screen Movies at The Gaslight District | May 19
Grab a blanket or a couple of camping chairs and head over to The Gaslight District for the return of Big Screen Movies. This month, they have a free screening of The Minecraft Movie on their giant outdoor screen. Pick up a slice at Pizza Motola or snacks and drinks from Collective Arts and enjoy Jack Black and Jason Momoa camp it up in this box office record breaking adventure.
Rusty Nail Comedy presents Zabrina Douglas | May 22 and 23
Rusty Nail Comedy is bringing Zabrina Douglas to the TWH Social in Downtown Kitchener! A Juno-nominated comedian and registered nurse, Zabrina brings razor-sharp wit and hilarious real-life stories to audiences across Canada, performing at Just for Laughs, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Yuk Yuk’s clubs nationwide. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Canada’s best live at 8 pm.
Benjamin Tree Farm Spring Market | May 23
Christmas isn’t the only time to explore Benjamin Tree Farm. On May 23, they’re hosting a Spring Market and Family Fun Day from 10 to 4 pm. Explore an artisan market, get your face painted, pet some animals, take a tractor ride and go on a spring-themed scavenger hunt.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy at Bingemans | May 23
Tired: two drink minimum. Wired: dinner and a show! Bingemans and Yuk Yuk’s are bringing you a special buffet dinner comedy show. The night features comedians Adrienne Fish and Ronald Hae with MC Greg Palone.
SLAMDEMONIUM II | May 23
Catch professional wrestling right here in Kitchener at SLAMDEMONIUM on May 23 at The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Off The Ropes Wrestling is bringing amazing matchups, featuring Revna, Tyler Bateman, Soultaker, and more!
Big Shiny Tunes – Albums 7-9 | May 29
Experience a throwback to the early 2000s with JR Music as live bands play a selection of songs from Big Shiny Tunes 7 through 9. Come sing along to all of your favourites and even sign up to sing with the band at The Union on Sydney St. in Kitchener.
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale | May 29 & 30
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual Mennonite Relief Sale – full of food, fun and the highlight of the weekend, the Quilt Auction. All money raised throughout the weekend goes to support the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a not-for-profit relief, service and development and peace agency.
**To find more events happening in Waterloo Region, check out the Explore Waterloo Region Events Calendar!**