Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: August civic holiday weekend edition
The August long weekend is upon us and there will be some clouds and sunshine and hot temperatures so be sure to grab everything you might need as you head outdoors.
Local restaurants may have special deals to mark Food Day Canada, which is on Monday and is dedicated to encouraging people to shop, eat and dine Canadian.
The Taste Of World Halal Food Fest will take place in Riverside Park in Cambridge on Saturday and Sunday, with lots of food options and a free movie night (register online).
As part of the ongoing summer series, there's a Guelph Outdoor Handmade Market in Royal City Park on Saturday.
The Kitchener Panthers are heading to Guelph on Saturday. First pitch is at 7:30 p.m. Then Kitchener hosts the Welland Jackfish Sunday afternoon at Jack Couch Park.
After their game Saturday against the Panthers, the Guelph Royals are on the road to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday afternoon.
If you need to drive this weekend, here are some local gas prices:
Ayr 200
All weekend
Various locations in Ayr
The Village of Ayr in North Dumfries is marking 200 years with a large family friendly event this weekend.
There's a midway at the community centre, a dance, parade, picnic, live entertainment, a horse show and more.
Softball Canada's U23 Men's Canadian Fast Pitch Championship
All weekend
Peter Hallman Ballpark, Kitchener
Teams from across Canada, including the Shallow Lake Sting, Saskatchewan Delisle Pride and Wiarton Red Devils as well as teams from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia take the field in Kitchener this weekend.
Games got underway earlier this week and continue through to the championship finals on Saturday and Sunday.
Ontario Pirate Festival
Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marden Park, Guelph
Yar! Who doesn't love a good pirate festival? This event has various shows, like juggling, aerial daredevils and sword fights.
There's a kids area with rope ladder challenge, balloon sculptures, sand-art bottles and other activities.
The marketplace includes metal work, clothing, crafts and crystals. There's also a food area with spots like the Captain's Mess, Thirsty Parrot Pub and the Great White Pickle Co.
Nourish Café Launch
Saturday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
42 Carden St., Guelph
Get to see inside the Nourish Kitchen during this open house-type event and learn more about the social enterprise café. This event is free to attend, but food tickets are $5 each. It will feature five chefs with unique offerings inspired by Food Day Canada.
Nourish Kitchen is a shared commercial kitchen used by more than 15 food businesses at 10C, which is a community hub that offers a variety of services to people and groups in the city.
Enjoy some live music
There are several options for enjoying live music this weekend, including going to local restaurants, bars and breweries.
Here are a few other spots to catch some music:
