Top Five Things to See and Do in April 2018

Paddling Film Festival, April 5: The Reel Paddling Film Festival returns to Kingston. This international festival tours to over 120 venues all over the world, screening the world’s best paddling films of the year. The festival, which features films about whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, and action and lifestyle, is hosted by Trailhead and will take place at The Screening Room from 6:30-9pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at Trailhead.

Repair Cafe Grand Opening, April 8: Repair Cafe Kingston is a neighbourhood initiative, hosted by the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship, that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Volunteers will repair and teach you how to repair anything from toys, electronics & electrical items, furniture, clothing & textiles to jewellery, bikes, skateboards, and more. Repair demonstrations will be given throughout the day. The cafe runs from 2pm-4:30pm at the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship (206 Concession St.). Mayor Paterson, MPP Sophie Kiwala and MP Mark Gerretsen will be present along with the Town Crier to celebrate the grand opening at 2pm.

A Gift from Martadella, April 20 and 21: Twenty years ago H’art Studio presented their first production “Martadella’s Gift”, the story of a young girl who communicated using a magic bubble wand, inspiring others to see beyond appearances. In H’art’s new musical, we meet Sam and Marta, a couple who were inspired by “Martadella’s Gift” many years ago and now have a child, Stella, who, like Martadella, cannot speak. Sam and Marta have worked hard to make Stella feel safe and comfortable but is that enough for Stella? Join over 40 performers, most with developmental disabilities, for a spirited celebratory performance showcasing their talents as actors, artists and musicians. A Gift from Martadella takes place at The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 20th at 6pm, Saturday and April 21st at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are $12/20 and can be purchased at The Isabel box office and online.

Electric Circuits Festival of Electronic Music and Digital Art, April 20 and 21: The Electric Circuits Festival features diverse, cutting-edge and under-represented Canadian artists who work in electronic and digital media. The festival offers two nights of music and art. This year’s line up features artists such as, Paraphonique, Slowpitchsound, Pursuit Grooves and Elysha Poirier, including Kingston artists Shannon Brown, Treebot and Deep Sixed. All events take place at The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and Renaissance Event Venue. Tickets are on sale now and are $20 per night.

Limestone Race Weekend, April 28 and 29: The Kingston Road Runners Association presents Kingston’s biggest annual running event: Limestone Race Weekend. The volunteer-run weekend includes 2K, 5K, 10K and half-marathon runs. As of last year, The Historic Half Marathon course is now officially certified by Athletics Canada. The 2K fun run is designed for kids under 12. Funds raised by the KRRA go to the KGH Trauma ward as well as the Start2Finish Reading and Writing program. Register now at the KRRA site.

Thanks to Thomas-P. and Peter Mooney for two of today’s pics.