Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Sept. 13 to 15
Summer is coming to a close but there are still many events this weekend to enjoy the warmer temperatures and sunny skies.
There's a Monster Market Friday evening in Cambridge's The Gaslight District which includes lots of vendors and an outdoor screening of the original Beetlejuice movie.
The Bloody Berlin walking tour takes place Friday night, run by Schneider Haus National Historic Site. It is best for people aged 16 and up and covers the murders, executions, grave robbing, villainous doctors and pandemics of Kitchener's past. If you can't make it this week, there will be more walks in October. Tickets can be purchased online.
Keep walking Saturday morning for a musical hike at Huron Natural Area in Kitchener. Put on by Great Lakes Music Together, this free walk will include singing, storytelling and a treat at the end. Wear appropriate clothing for a walk.
Kitchener Fire is hosting an open house at headquarters (270 Strasburg Rd.). The family friendly event includes a chance for people to explore fire trucks and equipment, watch a kitchen fire demonstration, interactive activities and a bouncy castle. Admission is free but non-perishable food donations for Food4Kids Waterloo Region will be accepted.
The Guelph Comics Jam will run Saturday in Old Quebec Street Shoppes in downtown Guelph with special comic guests and a makers market.
There's also a Focus on Nature garden party in Saturday which will feature a new exhibit of photography by young artists as well as food and entertainment.
The Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival will mark its 27th year on Saturday with more than 40 teams taking part in races. There will also be food, entertainment and a children's tent.
On Sunday, Terry Fox Runs will be happening across the community with several local events.
If you need to drive anywhere this weekend, here are some local gas prices:
Belmont Village Bestival
Friday 7:45 p.m. start, Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Belmont Village, Belmont Avenue W., Kitchener
Music and art combine for this neighbourhood festival. Friday night includes performances from Matt Weidinger and special guests including Rob Szabo, Danny Michel, Cheryl Lescom and more.
Saturday there are workshops in the arts and crafts tent including learning about watercolours. There are three stages with entertainment including balloon artist Drew Ripley, yoga, and music from Grand Harmony Chorus, Sonic Uke, Clefs of Moher, Fiddle Stix and I, The Mountain.
There will also be visual artists, vendors and a kids area.
Fall fairs
Fall fair season continues with a few local events:
The Western Fair in London also runs until Sunday.
Guelph Royals vs. Barrie Baycats
Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Hastings Stadium, Guelph
The Guelph Royals are in the finals for the first time in 20 years and Game 4 goes Saturday night in Guelph.
One of these two teams will be the Intercounty Baseball League champs this year, so this is your chance to catch some great baseball before the season comes to an end. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through the team's website or at the gate.
The Guelph Royals will host the Barrie Baycats Saturday evening for Game 4 of the Intercounty Baseball League finals. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)
K-W Knitters' Fair
Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Aud, 400 East Ave., Kitchener
Various vendors to meet all knitting and crochet needs will be on hand for this event — from yarn to accessories to tools.
There is also a yarn winding station where purchases can be wound into tiny cakes in exchange for a financial donation to charity.
Homer Watson Art Fair
Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Homer Watson House and Gallery, 1754 Old Mill Rd., Kitchener
This fall art festival includes a wide range of artistic vendors, live music with classical guitarist Silas Chinsen and a food truck will be on site.
