Caribana Ignite comes to Kitchener!

TL;WR for August 20 through August 26 2024

Aug 19, 2024

What to do.

Tuesday, August 20

The Gaslight District has a free screening of Trolls World Tour on the biggest outdoor screen in Ontario! Bring chairs and blankets for an awesome evening with the Trolls.

Scotish rockers Nazareth take the Maxwell’s stage at 8 pm, doors at 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, August 21

Want to get more comfortable with cycling in the city, or just get out on your bike more? Join KPL for 85 Green - Book & Bike, a beginner-level community bike ride from the Central Library to Waterloo Park along the Spur Line trail, with time to socialize and discuss your latest read around cycling, sustainability, and environmental initiatives, before returning to the Central Library.

The Apollo has a Cinema Slumber Party screening of Dirty Dancing at 7 pm.

Thursday, August 22

rare is hosting a Invasive Shrub Removal from 10 to 12:30 pm. Come out and help staff remove invasive species such as Autumn Olive, Buckthorn, Barberry, White Mulberry and invasive Honeysuckles that outcompete native vegetation, creating large monocultures.

TWB Brewing presents the Tippity Tap Counter Slap Beer Launch Party from 6-9 pm. TWB has teamed up with local, viral content creator Jorey Tessier to brew a new beer—Counter Slap Kölsch with Cherry & Rhubarb—and they’re having a party to celebrate its release. Live music by Sarah Emm, samples of some of Jorey's most popular recipes, and a food pop-up by Kojo's Korner.

Alone At The Microphone Presents: John Borra with special guest Scott Wicken at 9 pm.

Learn how to mix fun, alcohol-free drinks using herbs from the KPL garden at 85 Green: Literary Mocktails at 7 pm.

The Uptown Night Market is back at Waterloo Public Library from 7 to 10 pm.

Wave Maker Craft Brewery has Music Bingo at 7:30 pm with host DJ Fletch.

Check out live music, local food and craft vendors at Music at the Market, a free licensed, family-friendly, and free event. This week, music from Panwaves!

The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is back for four days of world-class acrobats, comedians, magicians, and fire breathers. There are also food vendors, explore vendors, and midway games.

BeccaHosts has 80s Night Music Bingo at The Rabbid Fox at 8 pm.

Friday, August 23

KPL has its Avengers Assemble: Escape Room on at 1, 2, and 3 pm. Only one name is required for registration but groups up to 6 are welcome.

Summer ribs continue with the Waterloo Rib & Beer Fest at RIM Park. Grab some ribs, sample craft beers, coolers, and cocktails, and enjoy live music each day of the festival.

Check out an intimate evening of original songs and stories by local KW singer/songwriters, Alyssa DVM and Clarissa Diokno at Midnight Run Cafe. Doors 8 pm, music starts shortly after. Tickets in advance or at the door.

Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Martha Chaves at the Crazy Canuck DTK at 7:30 pm.

More music bingo with “Greatest Hits” at Rural Roots with BeccaHosts at 7:30 pm.

Mind's Eye Studio Art Gallery and Yoga Studio has an artist reception for Tanner van Vliet's solo exhibition A Girl in the Garden. Tanner van Vliet (they/she), is a young queer artist currently living and working in Kitchener-Waterloo. Tanner's preferred mediums include collage, abstract painting, and mixed media exploration. They love experimenting with new mediums and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in their artistic practice.

Caribana Ignite brings all of the colourful costumes, lively music, and body-moving dancing that have made Caribana one of the world’s most-attended festivals to Kitchener for the first time ever! The festival kicks off with the free Caribana Ignite Glow Party on Friday, August 23, from 6 to 10 p.m. The party is a take on the traditional Monday Night Mas, a parade of lights usually held on Carnival Monday Night in the Caribbean. You can purchase a t-shirt and glow stick or wear your own colourful clothing for the night. Check out the website for full festival schedule.

Saturday, August 24

KPL has a free screening of Moana at 2 pm.

Join TWB for its second annual Dogs & Drag Show in partnership with Dog Friendly KW and some of our favourite local drag performers. A portion of each ticket helps to support two amazing local organizations, KW Humane Society and Dog Friendly KW.

Rusty Nail Comedy has two shows on Saturday night, headliner Martha Chaves at the Crazy Canuck DTK and headliner Ernie Vicente at Morty’s Pub. Both shows start at 7:30 pm.

DJ Galac and DJ Action are spinning the best of hip hop, reggae, afro, global bass, and latin music at Jane Bond starting at 10 pm.

Sunday, August 25

And again at TWB, join them for a Song/Craft Concert from 3-5 pm. Hosted by Coraline James with Amanda Braam & Benji Crane sharing songs, the stories behind them and fresh beer.

See all your favourite Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival buskers as they perform one last time at the Family Vaudeville Show at 5 pm. Fun for all ages.

THEMUSEUM and Off the Ropes Studio have an awesome Live Pro Wrestling show at 2pm, doors at 1:15 pm.

Across The Board Entertainment presents Feels "A Mostly RnB Party" from 2 to 7 pm. Get ready to sing your lungs out for an all-star DJ lineup including J.Hillis, DJ Flash, DJ WHITEGOLD, Nitemare, DJ 2cozy + Nickeo!! They will be taking you on a journey RnB and anything that hits you in the feels.

Wrap up Caribana Ignite with the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region’s Picnic & Pan in De Park at Victoria Park from 1 to 5 pm.

Arabella Park Beer Bar and Friends Not Foes presents Diggers Delight from 1 to 5 pm. Check out an awesome sale of used records and merchandise with your fellow vinyl lovers.

Monday, August 26

The Yeti has Shae Tull, Ricky Mullen, and Jay Burditt live at 8 pm.

Ways to get involved.

Support Food4Kids Waterloo Region and learn how to make a pizza! $5 per child at participating Dominos Pizzas gets you a tour and the chance to make their own two-topping small pizza. A portion of the proceeds goes towards support Food4Kids Waterloo Region.

CycleWR just published a blog about what a cargo bike service could look like in the Region of Waterloo. Take the survey, share your thoughts, and maybe this could help them or others launch useful service with a useful cargo bike for your everyday needs.