Kate's 5 fun things to do this weekend in Waterloo region and area: June 2 to 4 edition
Enjoy Pride events, take in some competitive crokinole or visit the AfroVibes festival
It's going to be a hot one this weekend, so be sure to grab the sunscreen and water bottle before heading out.
It's a very busy weekend in and around Waterloo region. The World Crokinole Championships is on Saturday in Tavistock. Play gets underway at 8:15 a.m. at the Tavistock & District Recreation Centre.
The Great Ontario Beer Festival is on at the Kitchener Aud on Saturday. Meanwhile in Fergus, Terra Lightfoot, The Sheepdogs, Rural Alberta Advantage and Sloan are performing as part of the Meadows Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
There's also an exotic car show planned for Sunday afternoon in downtown Guelph.
Speaking of cars — need gas? Here are some of the prices from around the region:
Pride events
Saturday, various times and venues
June is Pride month and Spectrum, the region's Rainbow Community Space, has a number of events this weekend to kick things off.
On Saturday, there's a book sale at Spectrum's site (283 Duke St. W., Kitchener) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. where people can pay what they can for 2SLGBTQIA+ books.
There's a Pride patio party with a Pride beer launch at Together We're Bitter (TWB) Brewing in Kitchener Saturday evening.
There's also a tri-city improv event at the Country Hills Community Centre in Kitchener Saturday evening.
The Idea Exchange has a Pride Art Cart for teens and kids from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday to make their own rainbow flags using ribbon, colourful fabric and markers.
The Cambridge Art Galleries is holding a Queer and Ally Artmaking session on Saturday afternoon where people will make a custom book with artist Alyssa Pisciotto. Registration required.
AfroVibes
Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Gaukel Block, downtown Kitchener
The AfroVibes festival will highlight the signs, sounds and flavours of Africa in the downtown space known as Gaukel Block (the part of Gaukel Street right beside Victoria Park that's been turned into a pedestrian-friendly area).
The Facebook event page says people can "expect to be transported to a world of vibrant colours, lively music, and delicious food."
Robin In The Hood
Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gibson Park, Elmira
Gibson Park becomes Nottingham and there's a tournament to celebrate Prince John's birthday. Immerse yourself in this medieval festival and take part in games as knights, townsfolk and outlaws. There will be vendors on site, shows and archery.
Reaching New Heights: Grand Harmony Women's Chorus
Saturday at 2 p.m., Community Christian Reformed Church, 1275 Bleams Rd., Kitchener
This live, in-person concert features women who have a passion for a cappella music. They will sing a mix of contemporary, traditional and original songs. Joining them will be Maple Reserve, a group of young men who sing a cappella.
Renee Nolet, show chairperson of Grand Harmony Chorus, said in a media release that they're thrilled Maple Reserve is going to be part of Saturday's show.
"Their energy and enthusiasm for a cappella music is infectious, and we can't wait to share the stage with them," Nolet said.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by email. Details are on the group's website.
Guelph Potters Market
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Royal City Park, Guelph
This annual event is a chance to browse one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your own home or perhaps as a gift. It's a fun way to be outside and see how talented the artisans are, plus you can talk to them about their work.
As a bonus on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., the Guelph Symphony Orchestra will be performing in the Royal City Park pavilion for a free pop-up concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy.
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