PUBLIC CREATION
126 Wedding Dresses – FREE
March 12, 13 and 14
1:00PM – 5:00PM
Upper Rotunda, Kitchener City Hall
200 King St. W, Kitchener, ON
We love a good story – especially a local one. That’s why our fabulous friend Rachel Behling breathlessly reached out when she came upon hundreds of Wedding Dresses secreted away in the attic and basement of a WWII-era heritage bungalow in downtown Kitchener this Fall. The owners of the home had passed and the dresses – from the 50’s to early 2000’s – were stashed deep. Given the offer to take what we could manage, Rachel and I stuffed full her van, making a couple of trips to given sanctuary to 126 Wedding Dresses. It’s said that every wedding dress has a story – what are theirs? Join us as we breathe life to these forgotten Femme Frocks by displaying them in Kitchener City Hall. We’ll be on-site to gather your stories and share ours as we uncover the mystery of these gowns. (…more)
Clothing Swap & Style – FREE
March 8
NOON – 4:00PM
Visitor Centre
It’s for all genders, all bodies, and all ages. We’re thrilled to host our third annual Clothing Exchange!
This year we are adding in some fun new offerings to help you get creative with your wardrobe and re-imagine fashion with the help of Rachel Kaufman Behling of Auburn Vintage Clothiers and Carol Campbell of SeeingSquared. Want to know more about upcycling/recycling? Carol’s on-site to walk you through from first imaginings to more expansive creating. As always, Rachel will inspire you to look at new-to-you finds styled ont-the-spot.
Super-special for Femme Folks Fest 2025: Rachel and Carol will be adding fancy items into the exchange for those of you planning Prom or Formal events.
Remember to:
- Bring your good condition clothes, accessories, jewelry, shoes and more.
- Bring bags to take home new-to-you finds.
- Please NO faulty or stained items.
All welcome. (…more)
Date Night Upcycle – FREE
March 15
5:30PM – 6:30PM
Visitor Centre
If you didn’t get a chance to attend the exchange on the 8th, now is your chance! Bring a friend to peruse the fabulous frocks available and share any upcycled pieces we/you have created particularly if they include treasures you found at the March 8th exchange! It’s a great time to meet others who love to sew, design and create. Have a mingle, a nibble and then head out to Femme and Friends Drag Show following. (…more)
Feet Music – FREE (registration required)
With Marjorie Hopkins
March 9
6:30-8:30PM
Visitor Centre
Ever tapped your toe to a lively tune and wished you could do more? In this interactive sean-nós dance session, Marjorie will give you simple, rhythmic “dance lego” pieces to build your confidence and skills. No experience necessary—just bring curiosity, energy, and a willingness to have fun!
Bring comfy clothes and shoes easy to move around in and/or Tap or Hard Soled shoes if you have them (not essential). (…registration and more)
Infrastructures for Survival: Pollinator Wisdom in the Bend of the Equinox – FREE (registration required)
Climate crisis workshop that will make you feel good.
March 9
2:00PM-4:00PM
Visitor Centre
When the ever-urgent but continually abstracted climate crisis is met with infrastructural resistance: what’s next?
If you find yourself wondering what is possible and in your hands to do, this workshop offers some thoughts and actions to take, while getting your hands dirty in soil. Together, over two hours, we will co-develop a text rooted in the principles of speculative fiction, grounded in a “close reading” of plants.
With humility for the season of the vernal equinox, we will seed native pollinator plants together, learning the many ways they graciously play host in urban environments, reminding us gently, of what survives beyond us.
Registration required, all materials provided. 15 spots are available. Recommended for ages 16+. We’ll have our hands in the dirt, so keep that in mind when dressing for the event. (…registration and more)