As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, many summer events and activities have been cancelled or postponed to a later date. For many people, spending money on activities and events can provoke a certain level of anxiety because of the uncertainty with the on-going development of provincial restrictions. Here at TCE, we have done our research to provide readers with a list of amusing arts-inspired outdoor activities happening in the region. Trust me, I don’t think I can watch another re-run of Schitts Creek, I’m ready to engage in some self-care outside the walls of my bedroom.
SPECTRUM Pride Events
This year, SPECTRUM will host their own Pride events. These include a virtual tour of the UW campus for the Glow Centre’s 50th anniversary and many virtual panel discussions on topics such as parenting LGBTQ+ children, the Liberation Generation and many more.
DATE(S): VARIABLE
COST: FREE
St. Jacobs Market
St. Jacobs farmers market includes a variety of locally produced artisan foods and crafts. Many veterans of KW have visited St. Jacobs Farmers Market, therefore, this contribution shouldn’t be a surprise. The market has COVID-19 policies in place to protect both shoppers and vendors. With both indoor and outdoor vendors available, you can determine your comfort level with shopping when you arrive onsite.
DATE(S):
Thursdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
COST: FREE ENTRY
Fourth Friday: Janice Jo Lee
KW’s own Janice Jo Lee will perform an outdoor concert at the Guelph Civic Museum. Lee is known for her own interdisciplinary performance art combined with a connection to social justice. Her art carries a message that is meant to both entertain and inspire while constantly evolving to shed light on important political and social causes. The event can also be live streamed via Facebook Live @guelphmuseums if you are uncomfortable attending the event in person.
DATE(S): Jun. 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
COST: FREE
DTK Art Walk
Like many locals in the region, you have noticed the recent abundance of outdoor art available in and around downtown Kitchener (DTK). All of the art showcased was created by KW residents who represent the creative energy in the region. DTK’s Own It magazine has provided a field guide online. Because this exhibit is outdoors, participants can enjoy beverages and food at their leisure with many take out and curbside options available. Also, off topic, but wouldn’t this be the cutest socially distanced date? You can mask up and take turns guiding your date to different locations while basking in warm weather!
DATE(S): ANYTIME
COST: FREE
Stratford Festival
A short 45-minute drive away from KW can transport you to New York City Broadway-inspired performances with the comfort and safety of an outdoor venue. Pending provincial restrictions and guidelines the Stratford Festival is operational this year. The outdoor festival offers a season of six plays and five cabarets with performances held under gorgeous canopies. Due to the provincial restrictions, large scale productions are unable to operate without the risk of safety to staff and artists. This year’s festival will have both musical theatre and performance art. The cabarets presented include Shakespeare-inspired musical numbers as well as cabarets dedicated to the celebration of Black music.
DATE(S): TBD
COST: TBD
Cambridge Celebration of the Arts
Although this event does not take place outdoors, this accessible platform has the opportunity to be brought outside to enjoy on a picnic blanket or patio set. Annually, the Cambridge Celebration of the Arts (CCA) showcases a variety of different community members presenting different styles and genres of art in the Visual, Literary and Performing Arts categories. CCA is perfect for people who want to experience arts and culture but are nervous to attend in person. Using a digital platform, you can stream the event live from any device that connects to the internet. Order in some local grub and turn the volume up on your device to enjoy some local talent from the city of Cambridge, right in your own backyard (literally).
DATE(S): TBD
COST: FREE