Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Labour Day weekend edition

It's the last long weekend of summer, and that usually means there aren't many events as people leave town or prepare for back-to-school, but there are some fun events.

There's an outdoor handmade market in Guelph on Saturday at Royal City Park.

Summer Jam Fest will take place Saturday at the Stratford Perth Museum. This event is a fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth. Artists include Robyn Ottolini, Coty Robinson, Celly Miles and Hannah Thomas.

The Kitchener Farmers' Market AfterDark event runs Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and includes craft and artisan vendors, food and live entertainment.

Penny & Pound will present the play Little Heaven at the Guelph Little Theatre with performances all weekend, with Monday's performance being "pay what you choose."

If you want to go for a bit of a drive, the Neustadt Night Market runs Friday night at the Neustadt Springs Brewery.

There's also the Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival all weekend, which includes harbour tours, a speaker series, live entertainment, the salt mine virtual reality experience, markets and games.

On Saturday, the Guelph Royals will host Game 2 of their series against the Welland Jackfish for the Intercounty Baseball League playoffs. The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

If you need to drive, here are some local gas prices:

Kitchener Rangers Fan Fest and preseason hockey

Friday game starts at 7 p.m, Saturday game starts 6 p.m., Sunday's fan fest runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and game starts at 2:30 p.m.

The Aud, Kitchener

Preseason hockey action gets underway this weekend at The Aud with the Kitchener Rangers hosting a preseason showcase.

On Friday, Brantford will face Saginaw in a game at 2 p.m., then the Rangers will take on the Erie Otters at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Erie and Brantford face off at 2 p.m., then Kitchener will face Saginaw at 6 p.m.

Fan Fest, which includes a barbecue, inflatable games, rides and autograph sessions with the players, will run Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Sunday, Erie will take on Saginaw starting at 11 a.m., then Brantford and Kitchener hit the ice with the puck dropping at 2:30 p.m.

• Kitchener Rangers event page

Paranormal Cirque

Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sunday 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Monday 7:30 p.m.

355 Hespeler Rd., Cambridge

Paranormal Cirque combines theatre, circus and cabaret with a bit of a horror story vibe in this show under a big tent.

Organizers Cirque Italia warn this show is not for the faint of heart and there is adult language used, so anyone between the ages 13 and 17 must be with an adult and young people 12 and younger are not permitted.

• Paranormal Cirque website

Paris Fair

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Paris Fairgrounds

It's fall fair season and this is the place to see farm animals, go on some midway rides, eat carnival foods and take in all the exhibits.

This fair has all the hits, like the heavy horse pull, livestock shows, live entertainment and a demo derby.

• Paris Fair website

Downtown Kitchener Art Walk

Saturday 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Meet at 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery hosts this walk through the downtown to look at murals, installations and public sculptures. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Preregistration is suggested.

• KWAG event page

Sunset Sessions

Friday 7 p.m.

Volgelsang Green, downtown Kitchener

This evening of music under the sun will feature a mystery musician (revealed at the concert). The concerts are free. Grab some food, a blanket and some chairs and sit in the small park to enjoy the music.

An after party will be at Don Julio Tacos and Tequila.

• Explore Waterloo Region event page