Have you wondered why some people seem to live their lives to the fullest? They sparkle with energy and effortlessly engage, always having something interesting to talk about. I notice these types of people all have a gift for showing up.
I found joy in the experience of getting out to some incredible events and meeting the makers at Arts and Crafts Markets this summer. These vibrant and culturally rich events not only enhance our lives but nurture’s a way we can learn about our creative small businesses people who make our community thrive. Some of the events that really intrigued me were the night markets. Under the glow of Edison bulbs and starts you can buy art, listen to music and engage in mind opening conversations. Vincent Marcone, a Juno and Emmy award–winning artist known as My Pet Skeleton, hosted the KW Night Market Cryptids and Curios in August. The event was a huge success and not only showcased his extremely talented works but also offered a full collection of other talented artists, and makers. Don’t miss My Pet Skeleton’s website where you can see this award winning pieces if you missed the event.
Another Night Market favourite is Pretty Dope Soap, a booth you can smell from afar and appreciate close up. Founder Heidi Wade found herself with extra time as her eldest child moved out and her youngest split time between households. What started as a fun way to experiment with colours, designs, and scents quickly grew into something bigger—Committed to crafting products that feel good and do good, Heidi uses natural, sustainable ingredients like hemp seed oil to create soaps that are nourishing for the skin and gentle on the planet. Find her online at
Plant based natural body care | Pretty Dope Soap Co.
If you’re ready to burst with laughter, smell some excitement, and tickle all your senses, it may be time to venture out to one of these upcoming events.
KITCHENER – WATERLOO – CAMBRIDGE
September 2025
Sept 6 – The Art of Soil Collective (KWAG) – Art & environment exhibition
Sept 7 – Family Sunday (KWAG) – Family-friendly art activities
Sept 12–13 – Belmont Village Bestival – Street festival with art, music & food
Sept 13 – Dandelion Paper Making (KWAG) – Workshop using natural materials
Sept 20 – Sensory Saturday (KWAG) – Inclusive arts experience
Sept 20 – Doors Open Waterloo Region – Free heritage & arts site tours
Sept 23 – The Australian Pink Floyd Show (Centre In The Square) – Concert
Sept 25 – Honeymoon Suite (Centre In The Square) – Concert
Sept 26 – The Clothline Art Sale (Homer Wateson Gallery) – Affordable original art fair
Sept 26–Oct 18 – Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest – Bavarian festival with music & cultural programming
Sept 27 – Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story (Centre In The Square) – Musical performance
Sept 27 – HARVEST Fundraising Dinner (KWAG) – Arts fundraising gala
Sept 28 – AQUA (Centre In The Square) – Concert
October 2025
Oct 2 – Rick Mercer: Stand-Up For Canada (Centre In The Square) – Comedy show
Oct 4 – Sing Along (Centre In The Square) – Musical performance
Oct 4 – Legends of Motown (Centre In The Square) – Concert
Oct 5 – Family Sunday (KWAG) – Family-friendly art activities
Oct 8 – Thunder From Down Under (Centre In The Square) – Stage performance
Oct 18 – Milkweed Paper Making (KWAG) – Workshop
Oct 18 – Sensory Saturday (KWAG) – Inclusive arts experience
GUELPH
September 2025
Sept 14 – Eden Mills Writers’ Festival – Author readings, music, workshops (date TBC based on annual schedule)
Sept 19–Oct 12 – Ontario Culture Days – Free arts & culture programming across venues
Sept 20–Oct 13 – Echoes of Liberation – Public arts installations & community engagement
October 2025
Oct 1–2 – Rock / Paper / Scissors Book & Print Fair – Literary & print arts fair at Art Gallery of Guelph
October (dates TBA) – ArtsEverywhere Festival – Music, literature, and interactive arts programming
ELORA
September 2025
Sept 4 – Open Sky Live Concert Series – The Doubtfires + BBQ dinner
Sept 12–14 – Riverfest Elora – Outdoor music & arts festival; headliners include Silversun Pickups, Fitz and the Tantrums, City and Colour
Sept 16 – Cross-Country Book Tour & Workshop – With Kevin Andrew Heslop & Joanna Cockerline
Sept 18 – Kyle Burton Concert & Elora Fergus Studio Tour Opening Reception – Folk/Americana music + art reception.
Helen Fidler seeks to create beautiful spaces that evoke strong emotions in her audience. Her bold and unique visual vocabulary observes her favourite artists and architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Jackson Pollock. She free-flows from surrealism into an unrestrained abstract style when she paints, which carries over into her interiors when decorating clients’ homes. “My art is an expression of how I work through the troublesome realities of this world in a way that hopes to bring beauty to everything I touch,” she explains. For her, designing gorgeous interiors and creating stimulating paintings are essential to making the world around her a more beautiful space.
