Summer events in Waterloo Region
Summer is here and there's lots to do in the Region of Waterloo! Here's a preview of some of the events you can look forward to.
Kitchener
June 7
Pride in the Park: Summerfest at Willow River Park (Victoria Park). The lineup includes drag artists, performers and musicians. There will also be a Kids Zone with family-friendly music, games and crafts. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
June 7
Wicked Sing-Along at Carl Zehr Square. The movie will play on a big screen and attendees are encouraged to wear pink and green! Snacks can be purchased. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
June 8
Erick Traplin Day at Carl Zehr Square. A special celebration in recognition of the entertainer's 35-year career. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
June 20 – June 22
Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park. Music, dance, workshops, a Kids Area and food.
Neighbours Day 2024 Vintage Crescent
A crowd gathers on Vintage Crescent in Kitchener as musicians DadBand play for Neighbours Day on June 15, 2024. (Shelby Knox/CTV News)
June 21
Neighbours Day. This free porch party will be held at various locations across the city. Pop-up concerts, live entertainment and more. Concerts start at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
July 1
Canada Day at Carl Zehr Square. Details to come.
July 7 – July 11
Band Camp with Bandology – Kids (between Grade 1 and Grade 12) can take part in music rehearsals, performances, hands-on musical workshops and group activities. Participants do not need any musical experience and will be taught by music educators, conductors and musicians.
July 11
Cruising on King. The classic car parade returns, along with live entertainment, food and more. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ribfest 4
Ribs cook on the grill at the Ribfest and Craft Beer Show at Victoria Park in Kitchener on Friday, July 17, 2017. (Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener)
July 17 – July 19
Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show. Barbecue masters return to Victoria Park, serving up chicken, ribs and more. You can also try craft-brewed beers, ciders and cocktails, enjoy live music and Kids Fun Zone. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
July 25 – July 26
The Wayback Festival brings free music, entertainment and fun. Details to come.
Aug. 7 – Aug. 10
Check out the Kitchener Blues Festival at various stages across downtown Kitchener. Details to come.
Aug. 17
A day of family fun at Kidspark. There will be music, entertainment, activities and more at Victoria Park. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants in the grand parade at Caribana Ignite in Kitchener, Ont. in Aug. 2025. (Jennifer K. Baker/CTV News)
Participants in the grand parade at Caribana Ignite in Kitchener, Ont. in Aug. 2025. (Jennifer K. Baker/CTV News)
Aug. 22 – Aug. 23
Caribana Ignite is back to bring a little Caribbean flair to downtown Kitchener. Music, dancing, colourful outfits and a parade. Details to come.
Aug. 27
Downtown Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival. This free event is for pros and anyone else interested in trying out the sport. Details to come.
Sept. 5 – Sept. 6
Endless Summer in Victoria Park. Details to come.
Waterloo
June 4
Free Pride event at Waterloo Public Square with live music, interactive booths, a caricature artist, Four All ice cream and Indigenous Drum Circle. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 18, July 16, August 20
Campfire get togethers in Waterloo Public Square with live music. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
June – August
Movies in the Park. Bring a blanket to watch free movies in Waterloo Park. The films start at sundown. Donations accepted for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
June 12 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
June 26 - 10 Things I Hate About You
July 10 - Moana 2
July 17 - A Minecraft Movie
July 24 - The Sound of Music Sing-a-long (60th Anniversary)
August 7 - Flow
August 14 - Ghostbusters
August 21 - Lilo & Stitch
June 14
Open Streets in Uptown Waterloo. Live performances, music, art market and more. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
drone show
Spectators take in a Canada Day drone show at Waterloo Park on July 1, 2023. (Adam Marsh/CTV Kitchener)
July 1
Community Picnic in Waterloo Park. Food trucks, giant games, LED drone show and local artists. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
July 18 – July 20
Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival will sound off at Waterloo City Hall. The free event features local and national talent. July 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 20 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 9
Day of Play in Waterloo Park. Art activities, games, adventures and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 21 – Aug 24
Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival returns to the city. Features a mix of local and international performers doing everything from acrobatics and firebreathers to comedians.
Cambridge
June 12
Pride Garden Party – GLAM AS YOU ARE garden party at Under the Whispering Pines (23 Meadowcreek Lane). At this ticketed event, party-goers can snack at grazing stations, pose for a professional portrait or visit a digital photo booth, dance with a DJ, stop by a glam station and create at a charm bar. 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
June 13
Cambridge Celebration of the Arts at city hall and Civic Square. Work from performing, visual and literary artists, with food and a vendor market. Free event. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
June 24
Strawberries and Ice Cream Music Jam at the Ted Wake 50+ Centre. A social event with guitar players, musicians and, of course, strawberries. $8 fee. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
July 1
Canada Day in Cambridge. Details to come.
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