Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: June 27 to 29
And just like that, it's the last weekend of June.
Students are out of school for summer and it's a long weekend for people who are taking Monday off and Tuesday is Canada Day.
Collective Arts in Cambridge is launching Off The Canvas with a Sunday afternoon event. There will be live mural painting, music, immersive art installations and a makers market.
In Guelph, the Fourth Friday concert at the Guelph Civic Museum is Emilyn Stam and John David Williams, who blend clarinet, violin and accordion as part of their distinctive sound.
Knights Fest will be held at Goldie Mill Park on Saturday. The free event is family-friendly and will include combat demonstrations, live music, vendors, displays of weapons and armour, a magic show, children's storytime and food trucks.
The Kitchener Panthers are on the road this weekend in Chatham-Kent to take on the Barnstormers on Saturday night, then Brantford to face the Red Sox Sunday afternoon.
It's a full weekend of Guelph Royals action. The team is in Toronto Friday night, then hosts the Maple Leafs Saturday evening. On Sunday, the Royals are on the road again to face the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.
Looking ahead to Canada Day, the Panthers are in Guelph to face the Royals with first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
If you're driving this weekend, here are some local gas prices:
Sunset Sessions
Friday 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Vogelsang Green, corner of Queen St. N and Duke St. E, downtown Kitchener
Grab a bite to eat and a lawn chair to enjoy this free outdoor concert. The musicians remain a secret until the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
University of Guelph
The Good Games is like a music festival, but for sports. But there's also music.
It's a mix of pro and semi-pro teams playing games like softball, beach volleyball, teqball, cricket and flag football alongside hands-on activities to try different sports by community members. Also enjoy live music, food trucks, inflatables and demonstrations from the Super Dogs.
It's free to attend and there is lots to see and do, so plan your days so you don't miss anything.
WATCH |
Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
TWB Brewing, 300 Mill St., Kitchener
It's patio season and you can celebrate Pride with this patio party. There will be a new limited edition Pride beer called Sunshine and Rainbows that is a New Zealand IPA.
There will be live music by Eric Jackson and the Willow River Band and a food pop-up from Nibble and Nosh and The Lord of the Tacos.
Other Pride events this weekend including a Pride and Remembrance run, a crafternoon at the Kwartzlab Makerspace in Kitchener, a new free transgender swim in Waterloo, a drag bingo night and a virtual book club.
Saturday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Heritage Hall, 83 Essex St., Guelph
The Guelph Black Heritage Society is holding a celebration that will include live music by Dr. Mike and The Nurses, crafts for children with Art by Gaia, refreshments and the premiere of the exhibit Tattooed Stories: Black Identities, Resistance and Cultural Expression. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
All weekend
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
For the first time, the Call of Duty championships are being held in Canada and they're at The Aud.
Call of Duty is a first-person shooting video game and the tournament this weekend will see thousands of people watch the action in person or watch the live streams.
WATCH | :
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