by Alex Kinsella | March 2025
April is in full bloom with exciting events across Waterloo Region! Whether you’re sipping and savouring at the KW Wine & Food Show, indulging in the sweetness of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, or enjoying the slam dunks and show-stopping moves of the Harlem Globetrotters at The Aud in Kitchener, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome spring.
Art lovers can explore captivating exhibits, music fans can discover live performances, and families can celebrate Easter with egg hunts and festive fun. And for pet lovers? The KW Pet Expo is the ultimate weekend to treat your furry friends.
Read on for our list of things to do in Waterloo Region this April!
Scotch Tasting at Puddicombe House | April 3
“I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly…” Indulge in an evening of fine scotch whisky at the Puddicombe House! It’s an evening that promises to tantalize your taste buds and expand your appreciation for this distinguished spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to savour exceptional flavours in the charming ambiance of the historic Puddicombe House. Pro tip: Looking for some locally-made whiskeys? Check out Elora Distilling Co., just a short drive away from Waterloo Region.
The Mixtape at The Boathouse | April 4
Local fan-favourite musicians Jessie T & Mandippal have joined forces as The Mixtape. Check out their mix of ’90s and 2000’s throwbacks and Top 40 covers at The Boathouse in Victoria Park from 8 PM to 11 PM.
St Jacobs Market Food Tour | April 3, 10, 17, and 24
Experience the rich flavours and traditions of the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market with the St. Jacobs Market Food Tour. Led by the team at Stroll Walking Tours, this two-hour guided journey delves into Mennonite food, culture, and history. Pro tip: Looking for more culinary excursions? Stroll Walking Tours has a Kitchener food tour on April 5 and a Waterloo food tour on April 25.
Everything Was So Pretty Exhibition Opening | April 4
Explore the captivating work of artist Stephen Altena at the opening of his solo exhibition, Everything Was So Pretty. Drop by the Preston Gallery at 435 King Street East in Cambridge from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for an inspiring evening of art, conversation, and refreshments. Admission is free, and all are welcome—no registration is required.
KW Wine & Food Show | April 4–5
Indulge in a weekend of culinary delights at the KW Wine & Food Show at the Aud. Sample fine wines, craft beers, cocktails, and ciders from local and international exhibitors. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, music from local artists, and more. Tickets include a sample glass.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival | April 5
Spring is sweeter when you start the season with family and friends at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival! The annual event kicks off the local festival season with sugar bush tours, wagon rides, and, of course—pancakes and delicious Canadian maple syrup.
Pro tip: It’s a beautiful drive to Elmira for the festival, but it’s an even better train ride. Avoid the traffic and take the Waterloo Central Railway from the St. Jacobs Market District to downtown Elmira.
Eid Mubarak at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum | April 5
Celebrate Eid with the community at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum! Join them at 10 Huron Road in Kitchener from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM for an afternoon of live music, dancing, vendors, henna and face painting, and delicious food. Admission is free, and all are welcome to partake in the festivities.
Culture Talks: Art, Architecture, and the Public Realm | April 10
Join the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery for an engaging discussion featuring Mitchell Cohen, President and CEO of The Daniels Corporation, as he explores the intersections of art, architecture, and community building. Following the presentation, Professor Rick Haldenby from the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture will join Cohen for a discussion.
Steve Patterson Live | April 10
For one night only—Canadian stand-up comedian Steve Patterson, known for his work on the CBC Radio show The Debaters, is performing at The Hub in Downtown Kitchener.
Dirty Dancing: In Concert | April 10
Nobody puts Baby in the corner! Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of the iconic film at Dirty Dancing: In Concert at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square. This unique experience features a digitally remastered screening of the classic movie on a full-size cinema screen, accompanied by a live band and singers performing the film’s unforgettable songs.
ScrapFest in Kitchener 2025 | April 11–12
Immerse yourself in the ultimate paper crafting experience at ScrapFest in Kitchener 2025! Join fellow scrapbookers, cardmakers, stampers, and mixed media artists for two fun-filled days at The Aud. Participate in a 28-hour crop session, explore the Marketplace with over 25 exhibitors, and attend innovative workshops led by renowned Canadian talent. VIP passes include early Marketplace access and a gift bag filled with scrapbooking products.
Schneider Haus Easter Egg-stravaganza | April 12
Hop into spring at the Schneider Haus Easter Egg-stravaganza! It’s an afternoon filled with crafts, seasonal stories, bunny-themed games, a rainbow egg hunt, and adorable baby chicks. Activities are perfect for children 12 and under.
Kidchella | April 12
Get ready for Kidchella, a brand-new indoor music festival for kids in downtown Kitchener! Enjoy a family-friendly experience filled with live performances, including Sharon and Randi Hampson from Sharon, Lois & Bram, interactive activities, DIY stations, and exciting surprises throughout the day. Tickets are $15.99 to $30.99, with a 50% discount for THEMUSEUM members.
Spring Tasting Series at The Shoppe | April 14, 28
The Shoppe at Langdon Hall is hosting a new wine tasting series. Expert sommeliers, wine makers and educators will take you through intimate tastings. There are five unique tastings available to choose from, each with limited tickets available. On April 14th, explore the wines of Greece, and on April 28th you can explore the wines of British Columbia.
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour | April 15
Experience the magic of the Harlem Globetrotters as they bring their 2025 World Tour to Kitchener. Enjoy their signature basketball artistry, including slam dunks, trick shots, and comedic moments suitable for all ages.
Pro tip: Enhance your experience with optional upgrades like the “Magic Pass” for pre-game activities.
Uptown Waterloo Easter Egg Hunt | April 19
Join the fun at the Uptown Waterloo Easter Egg Hunt! Explore participating businesses in Uptown Waterloo as they hand out treats during this family-friendly event. No registration required; just bring your own basket and enjoy the festivities
Easter Egg-Stravaganza | April 19–21
Celebrate Easter weekend with family fun at the Waterloo Region Museum’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza! The event is a museum-wide scavenger hunt, exciting relay races, classic patio games like cornhole and croquet, and creative Easter crafts. Kids can also enjoy zooming around on wiggle cars. Activities run daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and are included with general admission.
How To Train Your Dragon and MEANDER | April 22
Experience an evening of art and cinema at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge! On April 22, enjoy a free indoor screening of How to Train Your Dragon at 6:30 PM. Then, after the movie, enjoy free admission to explore MEANDER, the largest permanent living architecture sculpture in the region inside Tapestry Hall.
Living Room for Small | April 24
Experience an electrifying evening of local music at Midnight Run Café as Kitchener-Waterloo icons Living Room for Small take the stage, joined by Dumb Crush and Amanda Braum and the Paper Cranes. Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of Midnight Run Cafe. Supporting local artists has never sounded so good!
Rusty Nail Comedy at Morty’s Pub: Headliner Dom Paré | April 25
Enjoy a night of laughter with Rusty Nail Comedy at Morty’s Pub, featuring headliner Dom Paré. Known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Dom has been a standout in the Canadian comedy scene. The evening promises a lineup of talented comedians, ensuring a memorable experience filled with humour and good times. Pro tip: Rusty Nail Comedy has shows every week across Waterloo Region. Check out their website for more comedy!
Good Co. Productions’ Secret Show | April 25
Get ready for an unforgettable night with Good Company Productions’ Secret Show! This one-of-a-kind event brings together two artists from vastly different genres, including a touring act making a special stop in Kitchener. Adding to the mystery, the venue location will only be revealed to ticket holders. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere, great music, and a curated selection of craft beers and drinks available for purchase.
CFUW K-W 58th Annual Used Book Sale | April 25–26
Explore a massive selection of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, sheet music, and puzzles at the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Kitchener-Waterloo’s 58th Annual Used Book Sale. Proceeds support scholarships and educational initiatives in the community.
Marion Bridge at Elmira Theatre Company | April 25–May 4
Experience the humorous and touching story of Marion Bridge, set in the kitchen of a family home in Nova cotia. Three sisters return to care for their dying mother, an ordeal throughout which the daughters begin to understand how their lives are intertwined in ways they never imagined. Presented by the Elmira Theatre Company, performances run from April 25 to May 4.
KW Pet Expo | April 26–27S
Celebrate your love for pets at the KW Pet Expo. This family-friendly event features over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in pet products and services. Enjoy live entertainment, including the Original SuperDogs, Wiener Dog Races, agility demonstrations, and more. Complete the pet waiver in advance if you’re bringing your furry friend to the event.
From the Old World to the New | April 30
Experience a captivating musical journey with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony at From the Old World to the New. Under the direction of James Sommerville, this concert features Brahms’ Double Concerto, showcasing the talents of cellist Bryan Cheng and violinist Blake Pouliot. The evening continues with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World, a powerful piece inspired by the composer’s time in America. The performance takes place at St. Matthews Centre in Kitchener.