Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues
TL;WR for August 6 through August 12 2024
What to do.
Tuesday, August 6
The Princess Twin has a screening of Longlegs at 9:15 pm.
Wednesday, August 7
Delicious wood-fired pizzas and cocktails aren’t the only reasons to visit the Willibald Farm in Ayr. The distillery hosts live music every Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm with Marshall Veroni live this Wednesday.
Melody Bijou & Saff the Sapphic play live at Campfire in Uptown Waterloo, brought to you by Create Waterloo!
Inter Arts Matrix and The Creek Collective invite you to join us for "Over the Creek" — an aerial performance, community mural unveiling, and film screening. Meet at Inter Arts Matrix (Globe Studios, 141 Whitney Pl) at 6 pm for a short walk to the performance/mural site. All ages welcome! Seating is limited for the 7:30 pm screening of Ben Gorodetsky's "A Hole in the Ground," so please register for the evening's film portion here.
Join Astronomy on Tap KW on August 7 for a talk about planets, travelling from the Earth to the thousands of other planets we've discovered beyond our Solar System. 8 pm at the Crazy Canuck DTK.
Thursday, August 8
The Kitchener Blues Festival returns to Downtown Kitchener for four days of incredible talent, killer tunes, and great times! This year’s festival features an amazing lineup of acts, including a fundraiser concert on Thursday, August 8, with Colin James and the Matt Weidinger Band, The Cooper Brothers, Blue Moon Marquee, Annie Mack, and more. The 12 Bar Blues, presented by the DTK BIA and SRM Architects, is another excellent way to experience the Kitchener Blues Festival. You can check out live blues music at local bars like TWH Social, Sugar Run, and Crabby Joe’s each night.
TWB Brewing has Kojo's Korner Food Pop-Up from 4:30-9 pm AND Lavender Fizz, a 2SLGBTQIA+, Women & Non-binary Comedy Open Mic hosted by local stand-up comic Sarah Thompson from 7 to 9 pm.
The Cat Empire plays Maxwell’s starting at 7:30 pm.
BeccaHosts has 2010s Music Bingo at the Rabbid Fox starting at 8 pm.
Music at the Market is back for year three! Head to the market for a free evening of music at Kitchener Market with Ashwyn Singh starting at 7 pm.
Friday, August 9
Celebrate the best summer has to offer with mouth-watering barbecued ribs and chicken, an incredible selection of Ontario craft-brewed beer, ciders, and cocktails, plus live entertainment and a Kids’ Fun Zone at the Cambridge Rib and Craft Beer Festival at Riverside Park in Cambridge. The event is in support of Rotary Cambridge Sunrise.
Bingemans Big Splash Dive-In Movie features a screening of Pixar’s Monsters Inc. while you float in the Big Splash pool. Your ticket includes unlimited use of the heated wave pool, Cyclone, Torpedo Bay, Boomerango, Full Throttle, and the movie!
Rusty Nail Comedy brings you headliner Zabrina Douglas at the Crazy Canuck DTK at 7:30 pm.
Rural Roots has its karaoke night with BeccaHosts from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
TWB’s Patio Music Series features Annette Grotentraast from 7 to 9 pm and tasty tacos from The Lord of the Tacos Food Pop-Up from 4:30-9 pm.
Discover the strange and extraordinary at the enigmatic NIGHT MARKET at the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener. Embraced by twinkling lights and moody soundscapes, a collection of peculiar artists and vendors will be showcasing their beautifully eccentric creations. From strange artworks to offbeat crafts and unconventional gifts, this market is a treasure trove for those seeking something truly one-of-a-kind. Don't miss the opportunity to embrace the unconventional and leave with a truly unique find. 30+ Aritsts and Vendors!
Saturday, August 10
Join Four Fathers Brewing and the Hespler Village BIA for free pickleball at Walk Queen from 10 to 4 pm. They’ll have coaches on hand, and the day is open to all ages and skill levels. Paddles and balls are provided. Experience the vibrant #WalkQueen atmosphere and join the fastest-growing sport in North America!
Live music and craft beer await you on the Iron Horse Trail at Short Finger Brewing Company’s Summer Short Can on Saturday, August 10, from 2 to 8 pm. They’ll have unique collaborations on tap with some of your favourite Ontario craft breweries, live music from bands like Handheld, Frank Dux, Wayfarer, LYFE SK!LLZ, and Kelly Spears, and awesome vendors, including BRFC, Cimmerian Wares, and more.
Explore Waterloo Region's beer scene with HopOn! Hop on and off at your own pace, sample delicious beers, and enjoy the unique atmosphere at each stop. Friendly guides ensure a smooth ride. Perfect for beer lovers and adventurers!
There are two Rusty Nail Comedy shows on Saturday. Check out headliner Zabrina Douglas at the Crazy Canuck DTK or headliner Kevin Christopher at Morty’s Pub. Both shows start at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, August 11
Bring the family to the OLG Clock Tower Stage on Sunday, August 11, at 10:30 am for the Gospel Breakfast. The free event features breakfast sandwiches, fruit, and an inspiring morning of gospel singers and bands.
Baseball season is heading into fall, but you still have time to watch your Toronto Blue Jays on the big screen inside the Gaslight District in Cambridge. Rain or shine, bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this free event.
Your Kitchener Panthers take on the Barrie Baycats at 2 pm.
The Apollo has the 2024 Cat Video Fest at 4 pm.
Get your live country music fix at the Forbes Park Bandshell with Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band live at 7 pm.
Enjoy an evening of Music in the Park with the Waterloo Concert Band at the Waterloo Park Bandshell (entrance off of Westmount Rd) on Sunday, August 11 at 7 pm. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket or even a picnic! No tickets. Donations appreciated.
Ways to get involved.
The Child Witness Centre is seeking your participation in its 1,000 Challenge – as an individual or with a team – for local child victims! There are also sponsorship opportunities with great benefits! This new peer-to-peer fundraiser is happening NOW, with a celebration taking place at Victoria Park Pavilion on September 17. The 1,000 challenge challenges participants to complete an activity of their choice for 1,000 units (i.e.: hours, kilometres, pages, golf swings, etc.), while raising critical funds to help support more young survivors – by getting them off their waitlist.
What to read.
SIZZLING SUMMER WEEKEND: Add these 3 festivals to your Road Trip itinerary (Ian Shantz, Explore Waterloo)
Things to Do in Waterloo Region in August (me, Explore Waterloo)
Local Plants to Find (or Flee) (Jessi Wood, The Community Edition)
The Most Consistent Dishes in Waterloo Region? (Alex Bielak, Food for Thought)