What to do.
Tuesday, July 22
The Princess Cinema has a screening of “Clue” at 7 pm.
TWB Brewing has Song/Craft Peer-to-Peer Song Sharing, a song-sharing group where songwriters can get feedback from peers and improve their songwriting.
Wednesday, July 23
Waterloo Public Library has Babies: Movement & Motion from 10:30–11 am.
Check out KPL Green: Taking on Climate Change at Home, in the Community, and Beyond at the Kitchener Public Library’s Central branch at 6 pm.
Also at KPL Central, they’ve got a free screening of “The Natural” at 6 pm.
Thursday, July 24
Gaucho is an eight-piece band that covers the musical styles of Steely Dan. Catch them live at the Jazz Room at 8 pm.
Anat Hector is playing live at Abe Erb Ayr from 6 to 9 pm!
Friday, July 25
Browse through a wide selection of handmade goods created by local artists, crafters, and makers while listening to live music in Waterloo Public Square at the Art Market in Waterloo Public Square. The market runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with live music from 7 to 9 p.m.
Kitchener’s Wayback Festival packs two days of free live music and nostalgia into one epic weekend. Friday fires up with Destroyer’s note-perfect KISS homage and Thunderstruck’s high-voltage AC/DC set. Saturday keeps the crowd singing along as Big Wreck, Default, and Conor Gains bring their rock radio favourites to the stage.
Patrick Hakeem headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social at 7:30 pm.
Come on out and beat the heat with a night of lively improv comedy with TriCity Imrpov at the KW Little Theatre. Tickets are just $10 at the door (credit and debit accepted), or you can make sure you get a seat by booking ahead of time on Eventbrite.
Turn it up to 11 with a 41-anniversary screening of “This is Spinal Tap” at 9:15 pm at the Princess Cinema.
Head to downtown Kitchener for another Sunset Session at Vogelsang Green. Brought to you by the Downtown Kitchener BIA curated by Good Company Productions, the evening is a secret show under the stars and lights of the green.
Saturday, July 26
An event made for Mike Farwell, check out the For the Love of Butter Tarts Festival at the Woolwich Memorial Centre from 10 to 4 pm.
White Tiger Vintage presents the WAYCOOL Vintage Market at the Gaukel Block from 12 to 8 pm. It’s a day of vintage shopping, tunes, local gems, and good vibes.
Join KPL to celebrate Emancipation Day with an exciting event honouring freedom and cultural heritage! Enjoy a vibrant dance performance by CariVybz, and Aaron De Silva playing the steel drums. After the performance, CariVybz will lead a brief dance workshop, teaching attendees some of their favourite dance moves. 2:30 pm.
Are we in Hespeler or Amsterdam? It’s hard to tell the difference at the second annual EUROOO Street Party! Dance to the best eurodance, freestyle, and Gino beats from the 90s and early 2000s, spun by DJ Karim E, and explore the shops and restaurants of Hespeler Village.
The Long Dash Festival returns to the rare Slit Barn and ECO Centre for its second year celebrating the worlds of art and science. Explore two days of programs that dive into the interconnections and overlaps between arts and science while showcasing the talents of local artists, musicians, naturalists and scientists.
The Hub has its infamous Shrek Rave. Doors open at 10 pm.
Sunday, July 27
The Hydrotonics play the Roos Island Music Series from 2 to 3 pm.
Beat the heat and chill out at the Gaslight District’s Sunday Funday: Frozen Heatwave, a one-day-only winter wonderland popping up right in the heart of summer! Free outdoor skating on synthetic ice with free screenings of “Ice Age” and “Blades of Glory”. 12 to 6 pm.
TWB Brewing is hosting a BBQ Fundraiser for the Waterloo Region Health Network Cook & Connect Program. Cook & Connect is a cooking program designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for youth struggling with mental health to learn, connect, and grow. We have created a place of empowerment, where food fosters healing, friendship, and meaningful connections. 2-4 pm
Join Runner’s Choice for Sunday Shakeout, a fun-filled themed run and social at Wave Maker Craft Brewery on the last Sunday of every month. From 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Runners' Choice Waterloo hosts a pop-up shop showcasing the latest footwear, apparel, and accessories from top brands. At 3:00pm, lace up for a scenic out-and-back social run or walk (3-10km) along the Mill Run Trail, led by experienced leaders from River Rats Run Club, Runners in Motion, and Runners' Choice Waterloo.
Join the Waterloo Concert Band for a beautiful summer evening of live music in the park! They will be performing some of their favourite concert band tunes - from classic marches to movie music and everything in between. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic blanket, and even a picnic dinner, and settle in for a relaxed and family-friendly evening. Free admission (donations appreciated).
Check out 40+ vintage vendors at Night Market x Luster & Oak at the Vintage Clothing Market at Arabella Park Beer Bar from 2 to 8 pm.
Climb aboard the Scenic Rail Wine Pairing Experience for a rolling feast of local flavour. As countryside views glide past your window, enjoy fresh sourdough with whipped herb butter, then sip three pours from Jakobstettel Winery—Unoaked Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot and Sparkling Prosecco—matched to boards piled with fine cheeses, cured meats, summer fruit and chocolate truffles. Tickets have to be booked by July 25.
Monday, July 28
In for Questioning trivia is back at Arabella Park Beer Bar at 7 pm.
Ways to get involved.
Celebrate the season of abundance at HARVEST—an evening of art, food, and community in support of KWAG. After exploring exhibitions on display, guests will gather for a three-course harvest-inspired meal prepared by Chef Jon Rennie of odd duck wine & provisions with wine pairings by Sommelier Wes Klassen. September 27, 2025.
What to read.
DIY Spaces Are the Backbone of the Local Music Scene (Ayden Elworthy, Community Edition)
Too hot to cook? Try a cold bowl of soup (Jasmine Mangalaseril, CBC KW)
These 3 community groups say new grant funding will help bring people in Waterloo region together (Kate Bueckert, CBC KW)
Your Waterloo Region Summer Cheat Sheet: Classic Stops & Curious Finds (Tara McAndrew, Explore Waterloo)