KW Multicultural Festival, Go Skate Day, and a heck of a lot of comedy
TL;WR for June 17 through June 23 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, June 17
KPL Southwest branch has Breaking the Sound Barriers with Gift Tshuma. Much of today’s industry-standard music production tools are not designed with the disability community in mind. Special guest Gift Tshuma will discuss ways to make music production more accessible for everyone.
Join the Waterloo Region Health Network Community Town Hall to get updates on health and emergency services in our Region, and share ideas on how care can be improved. 7 pm at Kitchener Public Library central branch.
KW Library of Things, a nonprofit that lends infrequently used home, garden and camping gear, is looking for donations to update their inventory and prepare for their Community Yard Sale. Drop off donations such as tools, lawn and garden equipment, small kitchen appliances and camping gear during their open hours at 91 Moore Ave in Kitchener, Tues and Thurs 5 pm-7 pm and Sat 11 am-1 pm.
Tues and Thurs 5pm-7pm and Sat 11am-1pm.
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery has Youth Guild: Pride Pottery for youth ages 14-18. During this workshop you will make and paint a piece of pottery. Each ticket includes 1 clay item that will be kiln-fired in their studio.
Wednesday, June 18
Want to get more comfortable with cycling in the city, or just get out on your bike more? Join KPL for KPL Green - Book & Bike: A Community Bike Ride and Discussion, a beginner-level community bike ride loop from the Central Library, with time to socialize and discuss your latest read around cycling, sustainability, and environmental initiatives.
Speaking of bikes, the Region of Waterloo Library has Bike Repair with Red Raccoon Bike Rescue from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Bloomingdale Branch.
…and speaking of the Region of Waterloo Library, registration for its July programs opens Wednesday at 7 pm. Don’t sleep on this.
Warm up in Uptown Waterloo Public Square with Campfire on June 18. Grab a seat on the patio or gather around the fire and enjoy live music performed by different local musicians from 6 to 8 pm. Check the site for weather updates before you head down!
Spectrum presents 2SLGBTQIA+ Yoga with Erin at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex at 7 pm.
Rusty Nail Comedy’s Old School PRO AM night is going down TWH Social at 7:30 pm, featuring semi pro, amateur, and pro comedians from all over Canada.
Thursday, June 19
rare is hosting the Willibald Comedy Night to celebrate the launch of their collab beer. The evening features live improv comedy by Tri-City Improv, beer and cocktails by Willibald and a silent auction in support of rare's conservation, education, and research activities.
The Kitchener Panthers take on the Hamilton Cardinals at 7:30 pm at Jack Couch Park.
Juliana Rodrigues headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social. Doors at 7, show at 7:30.
Maxwell’s & Have Hope present Born of Osiris, with special guests The Browning, Convictions, and Auras. Doors open at 6:00 pm, music starts at 6:30 pm.
Friday, June 20
Tri-City Roller Derby is back with Put Up Your Toques! A full weekend of sanctioned play at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Teams from Michigan, Montreal, and more will be playing. Friday, June 20 - 2 pm - 8 pm, Saturday, June 21: 10 am - 8 pm, and Sunday, June 22: 10 am - 4 pm. Get your tickets here!
Check out the Hespeler Food Tour from Stroll Walking Tours. The Hespeler Food Tour will take you on a 3-hour tasting journey to introduce you to locally owned and operated restaurants, gourmet food shops, hidden gems, sweet treats and eateries in the Village of Hespeler.
KWLT presents: Scorched from June 13–29. Directed by Hiyam Mahrat, Scorched tells the story of twin siblings, Simon and Janine, as they unravel the secrets of their mother’s past, Nawal, after her death amidst the haunting echoes of civil war years ago.
Downtown Kitchener, the City of Kitchener and TenC Dance Co are heating up Carl Zehr Square with DTK Latin Heat from 7 to 11 pm.
The Registry Theatre has Experience Echoes of Brilliance: From Art Song to Broadway, an elegant and emotionally rich evening of music featuring acclaimed pianist Antonia de Wolfe, baritone stage performer Austin Larusson, and vocalist Angela Stoita in a program that spans classical art songs, solo piano, and beloved Broadway melodies.
The Waterloo Brewing Taphouse is hosting Pride Drag Bingo, a fabulous, fun night of comedy, drag and bingo! Starts at 6 pm, and 19+. Free to play, first come first serve, or call ahead to reserve your table.
Peter Saran headlines Rusty Nail Comedy on Friday and Saturday at TWH Social.
Sunset Sessions are back at Vogelsang Green in DTK. 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.
TWB’s Patio Music Series is back with Monday Morning Whiskey. Monday Morning Whiskey is the musical outcome of five friends, two guitars, bass, keys, drums and vocal harmonies, meeting in that place where country and rock collide. No tickets or reservations needed—just good vibes, great beer, and live music. Pay What You Can to help us better support and compensate our amazing local musicians
Downtown Cambridge (Galt) has its Twilight Market from 6 to 10 pm on Main Street, Civic Square and the Event Pad behind Monigram Coffee Roasters.
Den 1880’s Comedy Den is back with Rusty Nail Comedy and headliner Chris Robinson!
Saturday, June 21
Come celebrate all things Short Finger at Short Finger Brewing on Lando Day! Check their social for updates leading up to release day.
UW Skateboarding Club is hosting Go Skate Day at the Waterloo Skatepark on Father David Bauer Drive. The afternoon is packed with lessons, contests, raffles, and giveaways for all skill levels. Whether you’re popping your first ollie or landing flip tricks on lock, there’s something for you—and it’s free!
From porches to driveways to front lawns, the City of Kitchener invites you to join in the fun of Neighbours Day, a city-wide porch party. Bring your lawn chair to enjoy some live entertainment in celebration of Neighbours Day. Check out their site for locations near you!
Check out the Gruhn Street Porch Party from 2 to 7 pm. It’s an afternoon of live music, art, games, and food!
Hey Pioneer Park friends, KPL has KPL Green: Pioneer Park Hike with David Gascoigne at 10 am.
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures at the 58th Annual Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival in Willow River/Victoria Park. This free, family-friendly event showcases the region’s rich diversity through live music, dance performances, international cuisine, artisan markets, and engaging activities for all ages.
What’s better than a guided tour of Castle Kilbride? A guided tour that ends with a slice of pie. Check out My oh My and a Slice of Pie Tea and Tour at Castle Kilbride, featuring a costumed guided tour, pie, tea, and the new special exhibit “Handcrafted History from A to Z”.
Yuk Yuk’s at Room 47 in Uptown has Martha Chaves featuring Ted Morris and Andrew Barr at 7:30 pm.
Dance along to the sounds of salsa, bachata and merengue music on Main St. in downtown Galt from 6 to 10:30 pm. New to the music? No worries, there is a free intro lesson from 6 to 6:30 pm.
Fiddles and guitars and Bodhráns, oh my!Wave Maker Craft Brewery is hosting an old fashioned Celtic Kitchen Party from 3 to 10 pm.
Improv-a-llama might just be the biggest improv show of the year! The night features four local improv groups sharing the stage of the Registry Theatre in Downtown Kitchener. You’re in for interactive comedy from TriCity Improv, Afterschool Arcade, Culturally Irrelevant, and Thanks for Laughing with a grand finale that includes members of each group!
Raven’s Landing plays the Rabbid Fox at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, June 22
Baseball action is back at Jack Couch Park when the Kitchener Panthers welcome the Guelph Royals at 2 pm.
The Waterloo Concert Band has Community Bandfest from 1 to 8 pm at the Waterloo Park Bandshell. Lineup includes Waterloo Concert Band, The Cambridge Concert Band, The Galt Kiltie Band, The Guelph Concert Band, and the Kaleidoscope Flute Choir. Free Entry, donations appreciated!
Limitless Performance, Events with Danielle, Victoria Street Market, and Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo are hosting the Annual Shannon Bloch Foundation Car Wash Fundraiser from 10 to 2 pm. This fundraiser supports the Giving Back Abroad, Shannon Block Foundation. All funds raised will give Doctors and chiropractors, and other healthcare practitioners an opportunity to volunteer with World Spine Care in Botswana and South Africa. Help honour Dr. Shannon Block's legacy— a woman whose strength, love, and legacy continues to inspire.
The KW Pro Comedy Show has headliner Drew Behm live at The Jazz Room at 7 pm. Host is Tige Wright and the lineup includes Eric Pillwein, Jonathan Snape, and Brendan Greenwood.
Monday, June 23
Retro Rollers is turning Carl Zehr Square into the region’s best outdoor roller rink every Monday night in June from 7 to 10 pm. Skate and dance to tunes spun by DJ PDK and other guest DJs! No skates? No problem! Retro Rollers has kids’ and adults’ skates available for rent.
Ways to get involved.
Join Hockey Helps the Homeless on June 21 at Oxford Hills Golf Course in Mount Elgin, for the Hockey Helps the Homeless Waterloo Region 2nd Annual Golf Tournament, where you have the opportunity to putt, chip, and hit a drive against a former NHL player. All funds raised are granted to six local organizations; House of Friendship, YW Kitchener-Waterloo, oneROOF Youth Services, Starling Community Services, Cambridge Shelter Corp, and The Working Centre. Get into the swing of things and help our local homeless shelters.
What to read.
DTK Own It 2025 is out! (Alexander Giovanatto, M. Bai Martin, Breanna Crossman, Stefanie Golling, Taginder Clair, Curated KW, Brie Pointer, Chelsea Scherer, Chris Tiessen, Cindy Xayavong, Sukh Binning, Josh Boniferro, Kate Cebulski, Elizabeth Dicesare, J. Drews, Ayden Elworthy, Jamila Kyari, Alex Kinsella, Habila Mazawaje, Harminder Phul, Shraddha Bhesdadia)
Local non-profit 'unlocking' empty office space for artists in Waterloo region (Joe Pavia, CBC KW)
The best friend (Kurtis Rideout, Community Edition)
AI in Healthcare: A Powerful Tool, But Not the Cure for Ontario’s Healthcare Worker Shortage Crisis (Annika Gasee, Community Edition)
Kitchener Celebrates Erick Traplin Day (Alex Kinsella, Community Edition)
Drink it, dip it or bake it — rhubarb season is here (Jasmine Mangalaseril, Community Edition)