Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region this civic holiday long weekend
Yar! There be a pirate festival in Guelph, enjoy ribs and beer in Waterloo or check out puppets in Stratford
The first weekend of August is here and while long weekends tend to be quieter when it comes to events, there is still lots going on.
DTK Latin Heat is free salsa dancing in Carl Zehr Square in front of Kitchener's city hall Friday night. Lessons get underway at 7 p.m. then dancing goes until 11 p.m.
Livi and Friends will be at the McCormick Branch of the Waterloo Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. It's a show with singing and dancing to educational songs and while free, registration is required.
It's also Snake Ssstorytime at the Guelph Public Library Saturday at 10 a.m. where kids have the chance to learn about wildlife conservation and meet a snake as well as enjoy a story.
Sunflower Fest runs all weekend at Brantwood Farms near Brantford. Check out the sunflowers, pick your own, take a wagon ride and maybe snap a few selfies standing near the bright yellow flowers.
In local baseball action, the Kitchener Panthers host the Barrie Baycats on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jack Couch Park.
The Guelph Royals will host the Hamilton Cardinals Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hastings Stadium.
The Ontario Pirate Festival
Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marden Park, Guelph
Ahoy! Join in the fun at this festival that is all about pirates. There is a kids area, marketplace and the Captain's Keg.
There's also live entertainment including people dressed in pirate garb, live music, sword fighting, feats of strength, a falconry show and Zoltan the Adequate will perform a number of bizarre stunts. There's also a pub sing at the Thirsty Parrot.
Waterloo Rib and Beer Fest
Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
RIM Park, Waterloo
If you want beer or ribs, this is the place to be this weekend. There are other food and drink options, too.
Along with the food, there is live entertainment that includes tribute bands for AC/DC, The Tragically Hip and The Rolling Stones.
The Voice of the River: Grand River Play Project
Saturday all day at Cambridge Public Library branches
Saturday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., York Road Park, Guelph
The Grand River Play Project is a play that takes place in various locations along the Grand River. There are two local events on Saturday connected to the project.
Stop into any branch of the Cambridge Public Library to make a dragonfly to wear. Dragonflies are part of this year's play.
There's also a performance of the play in Guelph at York Road Park in the evening. The performance is pay what you can.
For people who want to plan ahead: Wednesday evening will be the Cambridge performance from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Race Amphitheatre and it will be at Schneider Haus in Kitchener next Friday.
#WalkQueen Pickleball
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Queen Street E. between Guelph Avenue and Tannery Street E., Cambridge
The Hespeler Village BIA invites people to enjoy Queen Street with some expanded restaurant patios, live music and backyard games including jumbo chess, connect four, corn hold and ladder ball.
There's also free pickleball on the street.
Music around the region
There are a few musical performances to take in over the next few days. Here's a few:
Sunset Session at Vogelsang Green in downtown Kitchener, where you don't know who will be performing until the show starts at 7 p.m. Friday This concert is free. Bring a blanket or a chair and grab takeout or snacks from a nearby business.
Saturday night I, The Mountain performs on the patio at TWB Brewing in Kitchener. There are no tickets and reservations are not required, but people are asked to pay what you can to support the band.
Sunday afternoon is the Roos Island Music Series and JP Sunga will be performing at 2 p.m. at the bandshell on the island in Kitchener's Victoria Park. This concert is free, just bring a chair or blanket.
Tea for Three is on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Mill Race Park in Cambridge. It's traditional folk music from England, France and beyond. It's free to attend, but people should bring a lawn chair.
Bonus: World in a Weekend: International Puppet Festival
All weekend
Stratford
Puppetry artists from all over the world will be in the city for this festival. And these aren't all small hand puppets. There are all kinds of puppets including large animals and creatures.
There will be lots of family friendly activities and there's both free interactive things to do plus ticketed events.
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