Cool down with these events.
TL;WR for July 8 through July 14 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, July 8
Party time! Excellent! That’s right, The Gas Light District is back with another outdoor double feature on Canada’s largest outdoor screen. Head down on July 8 for a back-to-back screening of “Wayne’s World” and “Empire Records” starting at 6 pm.
Wednesday, July 9
Kitchener Public Library has a free screening of “Moneyball” at 6:30 pm at the Central Library.
The Region of Waterloo Library x Beth Martin of Be Energized Fitness have Yoga in the Park (Bolender Park, Elmira) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Red Raccoon Bike Rescue is back at the Waterloo Public Library McCormick Branch to help you with your bike repairs this summer! Volunteers will be available to help repair your bike, but be prepared to get your hands dirty and learn some new skills. 6 to 8 pm.
Prohibition in Canada: What Happened in Waterloo presented by the City of Waterloo Museum on Wednesday, July 9 from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Bloomingdale Branch. 18+
Thursday, July 10
The Region of Waterloo Library Ayr Branch has Art & Herb Strolls with Lolo and Stinky from 10–11:30 am. Join local artist and herbalist student, Lolo, and their trusty raccoon sidekick, Stinky, to learn about plants in our own backyard, then create a beautiful watercolour painting to reflect on what you've learned.
Erick Traplin plays Kitchener Public Library’s Central Library at 10 am.
Thursday night baseball is back with your Kitchener Panthers taking on the Hamilton Cardinals at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $11 in advance.
Bring a blanket or chair and your favourite hoodie for a free screening of “Moana 2” under the stars in Waterloo Park. Movies in the Park is brought to you in partnership with Princess Cinemas to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate.
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the Waterloo Public Library’s main branch. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.
Wave Maker Craft Brewing has Music Bingo at 7:30 pm with DJ Fletch.
The City of Kitchener’s Roos Island Music Series brings you Ben Rollo live from 7 to 8 pm.
Friday, July 11
Kitchener Public Library has a family storytime with beloved children's educators and Drag Queens Fay and Fluffy at 10:30 am.
Rev up your summer at Downtown Kitchener’s first street party of the year, Cruising on King. Half a kilometre of King Street transforms into a chrome-glinting parade of classic cars. The open-air stage will keep the good vibes rolling with a tribute show packed with hits from The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Roy Orbison. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just chasing feel-good retro tunes, this all-ages celebration promises a perfect throwback night in the heart of DTK.
Charlie Weber plays Short Finger Brewing’s Live in a Dive from 6 to 8 pm.
Saturday, July 12
Join Counterpoint Brewing for the 2nd KW Cycle Quest Alley Cat race! This race will integrate bicycling, small business, beer & snacks. During this quest, you will be required to attend multiple locations by bike, complete a challenge at each location, perhaps answer a skill testing question or other fun task.
Momma’s Cookout and Music Festival has grown into a marquee event in Waterloo Region. This year, it returns—bigger than ever—for a full day of African, Caribbean, and Western Black music, culture, food, and community. It’s a joyful, inclusive space where everyone is invited to connect, celebrate and leave inspired.
The very amazing Mandippal plays The Boathouse from 8 to 11 pm.
Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Jordan Foisy at TWH Social at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, July 13
Antiques, tunes, and food trucks await you at the Market Road Antiques’ Open Air Antique Fair from 10 am to 6 pm. Explore a curated collection of vintage treasures, unique antiques, and timeless collectibles from furniture to home décor.
Explore festival art exhibits featuring Palestinian history and stories at the fourth annual Palestinian Day Festival at Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener. Explore local vendors showcasing Palestinian crafts and heritage goods while enjoying tasty food and treats throughout the day.
Experience Polynesian the spirit of Aloha at The Gaslight District at its Sunday Funday. There’s a free screening of “Moana” at 12:10 pm, leis, an açai and smoothie food truck, and “Aloha from Hawaii” with Bruno Nesci and The Dreamers, a free outdoor concert at 2:30 pm with a sizzling throwback to Blue Hawaii and the greatest hits that defined a legend!
scndry x Why Not Run Club have a Coffee House Party from 11 to 2. There’s only 50 spots.
The Stack play the City of Kitchener’s Roos Island Music Series from 2 to 3 pm.
Grand River Opera and The Waterloo Concert Band present Opera in the Park in Waterloo Town Square. Bring a lawn chair, your favourite cold drink, or grab a treat from one of the great local spots nearby.
COLLABS! The Boat House x The Lab x La Bodega bring you a Beats, Bites, and Pints featuring hip-hop, R&B, and reggae music spun by Uncle Doobie, Maddee Gee, Woody Wood, and Lorda Chedda from a Crate Night Out.
Monday, July 14
Visit the library at the park and enjoy a story walk as a family at Story Walk in the Park in Gibson Park, Elmira. 9:30 to 11:30 am.
Ways to get involved
The Willow River Centre is a vital gathering place rooted in Indigenous leadership and care and has been a home for healing, organizing, and cultural resurgence for those most often pushed to the margins, but it’s at risk of closing permanently. Tonight, you can support the centre at Protect the Centre: A Community Fundraiser for Willow River Centre at 5:00 pm at Victoria Park Pavilion. It’s a night of raffles, auctions, prizes and shared food.
What to read.
Bridges to nowhere — the decline and fall of Kitchener’s Market Square (Joe McGinty, The Record)
From Flames to Fellowship (Alex Bielak, Food For Thought)
Collective Arts Brewery Opens New Location in Gaslight District (Alex Kinsella, The Community Edition)