Extending these events to Cambridge.

TL;WR for August 19 through August 25 2025

Aug 18, 2025

La Bodega on Ahrens has an insanely amazing selection of hot sauces.

What to do.

Tuesday, August 19

The Princess has a 4k restoration of “Shin Godzilla” at 9:20 pm.

Wednesday, August 20

Are you a cyclist? Get outside for some coffee and good times with Darin White and Mark Connolly from Cycle Guide. 7:30 am at Gildner Green off the Iron Horse Trail behind Tim Hortons.

Waterloo Public Library has The Price is Right: Adulting Edition for Teens at 7 pm. In this fun and interactive game show-style program, teens will guess the prices of everyday essentials needed when living on your own in college or university.

Kitchener-Waterloo Society of Artists members have a pop up shop at Square Peg, 220 King Street West, Kitchener. Come see paintings, jewelry, photography, fiber art and more. The shop opens Wednesday to Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-4 through August.

Thursday, August 21

Stroll Walking Tour has a spots open in its Black Cambridge: Footsteps to Freedom tour that explores the lives and community of early Black residents in the 1800s.

Onion Honey, the have the hardest-working neo-old-time stringband in Waterloo Region is back at Detweiler Meeting House on Thursday! It’s a concert not to miss.

The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is back in Uptown Waterloo from August 21–24 with world-class acrobats, comedians, magicians, and fire breathers. Delight your tastebuds with food vendors, explore unique treasures along the carnival path, and enjoy thrilling midway games.

Wave Maker has music bingo hosted by DJ Fletch at 7:30 pm.

The Uptown BIA Night Market is back local treats and local vendors and entertainment from musicians and performers. 7 to 10 pm at the Dupont Street Parking Lot at the Waterloo Public Library.

Sydney Jones plays the Roos Island Music Series from 7 to 8 pm.

Conexion Latina and TenC dance are headlining Salsa at Sunset at the Kitchener Market from 7 to 11 pm.

The Union has the Go Kick-Ass! 3 - Release Party with Glass Planets, Streets to Ourselves, Alert the Audience, and Sega Saturn the Console starting at 7 pm. All ages show.

Friday, August 22

Experience the vibrant energy of Caribbean culture right here in Kitchener! Join Caribana Ignite and honour the Caribbean’s rich traditions and joyous spirit. Friday night features the Family Glow Party, and Saturday the Grand Parade gets underway at 11 am. Follow them on Instagram for all event updates and exciting giveaways.

Kiesza plays Maxwell’s starting at 7:30 pm. Now I’ve got “Hideaway” stuck in my head all day.

David Green headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social at 7:30 pm. Known as “The Punniest Comic in Canada”, his infectious energy and witty wordplay have been featured on City TV’s Canada’s Got Talent, at Just For Laughs Toronto and as the headlining act on The Circuit, Canada's first clean comedy tour.

Saturday, August 23

Animaltopia, a Kitchener-founded animal rescue, is host its first-ever dog adoption event at the Waterloo Park, West Gazebo on Saturday, Aug 23 9:30am-11:30am. Animaltopia is a newly formed non-profit organization with a mission to build better lives for animals.

28 bands. 10 porches. That’s right, the Schneider Creek Porch Party is back for its 11th year of music, art, and community in the Schneider Creek neighbourhood of downtown Kitchener.

ODDFEST 2025 is happening from 2 to 10 pm in Cambridge between Ainslie St. and Water St. They’ve got a full day of music and awesome vendors to shop from.

More Rusty Nail Comedy with headliner Mark DeBonis at TWB Social. Mark can be seen/heard on CBC’s “Accent on Toronto”, CBC’s “The Debaters” Much Music, Comedy Network, and his Comedy Special filmed for I-Channels “No Kidding.” His latest album, Minutiae can regularly be heard on SiriusXM.

Mark Smith plays live at the Rabbid Fox at 7:30 pm.

Climb aboard Waterloo Central Railway’s Rails & Rhythms, a one-of-a-kind train ride blending heritage travel with soulful live music. Enjoy a two-hour scenic journey through Waterloo Region’s countryside while being serenaded by Danny Boy Phelan, a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from the Niagara Region.

Sunday, August 24

The Roos Island Music Series brings you The Hummingbyrds from 2 to 3 pm.

KW Gays and Theys x TWB Brewing bring you Beers with Queers from 2 to 5 pm. It’s an event supporting their mission to create spaces in the community for people to connect.

Word Zine has a release party at Bright Side Skate Supply from 6 to 9 pm. Before that, check out the DONC ZINE release skate jam at McLennan Skatepark at noon.

As if. The Princess has a 30th Anniversary (now I feel old) of “Clueless” at 2 pm. There’s also a screening of “It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley” at 4:20 pm.

Monday, August 25

The Knitting and Crochet Club meets at the Waterloo Public Library’s main library at 7 pm.

The Duke of Wellington has an open mic from 6:30 to 10 pm.

Tuesday, August 26

Get ready to hit the courts in downtown Kitchener and join the pickleball fun at the Downtown Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this action-packed fundraising tournament offers friendly competition, great prizes, and high-energy vibes all day long! Registration is open now!

Ways to get involved

Want to make a difference in just one hour? The Terry Fox Run, a volunteer-driven event, needs your help! They’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support participants on Sunday, September 14, at noon in Victoria Park. Whether you can cheer on runners and walkers along the route or share your musical talents to inspire them, your time is invaluable. They’re happy to sign off on student volunteer hours. Donate an hour of your time to this great cause! Contact them at kitchenerterryfox@gmail.com.

Pre-orders for Issue 01 of Long Days Magazine. It’s a locally produced print magazine about backcountry camping in all its beautiful forms. Get yours ordered today!

On Saturday, October 4, the legendary Concordia Club in Kitchener transforms into the spiciest spot in the country as Goat Fest returns for 2025! Part of the official KW Oktoberfest lineup, it’s a full day of heat, hops, food, and music you don’t want to miss.

30+ Hot Sauce Makers – including Canada’s largest Hot Ones lineup
15+ Breweries & Craft Drinks – beer, cocktails, Caesars & more
Festival Eats – wings, oysters, food trucks, BBQ & more!
Live Music – headlined by JUNO Award winner JJ Wilde + party band Eddy & The Dirty Boys (featuring members of the Glorious Sons & Boston Levi)
Smokin’ Ed Currie – creator of Carolina Reaper & Pepper X
Mike Jack – Guinness World Record pepper-eating legend
OG Camera Guy Bill – from Hot Ones

They’ve got early bird tickets on sale now, plus VIP tickets too.