Set it off with these events in Waterloo Region.
TL;WR for July 15 through July 21 2025
What to do.
Tuesday, July 15
The Region of Waterloo Library has a Racism and Microaggressions workshop with author Leonarda Carranza on Tuesday, July 15 from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Ayr Branch.
Also over at the St. Jacobs Branch of the Region of Waterloo Library, check out Art with an Artist: Sara McTavish at 6:15 pm.
Wednesday, July 16
KPL Green - Book & Bike is back with another community bike ride and discussion. Join them for 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.
Rusty Nail Comedy has a special $15 pop-up show with headliner Drew Behm at TWH Social starting at 7:30 pm.
Thursday, July 17
The Region of Waterloo New Hamburg Branch has Art & Herb Strolls with Lolo and Stinky at 10 am.
Rescue Junction play the Castle Kilbride Concert Series at 7 pm.
Your Kitchener Panthers play the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers at 7:30 pm.
Movies in the Park is screening “Minecraft Movie” at sunset. Bring a donation for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
Check out Girl Night: Live Stand-up Comedy, a comedy showcase in Downtown Kitchener featuring the funniest gals from all across Ontario! Whoopsie Daisy Drinks at 7:30 pm.
The Rabbid Fox has One Hit Wonders music bingo at from 8 to 10 pm.
Friday, July 18
Celebrate all things Scottish at the 2025 Cambridge Scottish Festival! Friday features their first-ever Night Market, featuring 30 local vendors and Celtic music, with renowned artists Crowded Table and 5 Against One. On Saturday, catch the Festival’s Games Days showcasing talented pipe bands, dancers, and athletes from throughout Ontario and beyond.
This year will mark 32 years of the Waterloo Jazz Festival bringing world-class live music to Waterloo Region. Steely Dan influenced Monkey House headlines opening night at the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival. Saturday night features something a little different – tap dancer extraordinaire, Travis Knights who will dance to the music of a live Jazz group on stage. Sunday’s headliner is JUNO award winner Christine Jensen and her quartet. Admission, as always, is Free.
The aroma of BBQ and the taste of crisp craft beer are calling you to Victoria Park for the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show. Enjoy ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken and more from nine award-winning BBQ teams and beer, cidre, and cocktail samples from over 20 vendors. The Conestoga Meats Entertainment Stage features live music all weekend long, too!
The AfroVibes Festival is back for two days, celebrating African culture, art, music, and community. On July 18, Den 1880 in Uptown Waterloo hosts the AfroVibes Festival Panel exploring the stories, challenges, and triumphs that drive Black excellence forward. On July 19, the festival kicks into full gear at Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener, featuring live performances, delicious food, vendors, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Jesse Weber plays the Boathouse from 8 to 11 pm.
Living Room for Small plays Maxwell’s at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, July 19
The Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery has Botanical Scents and Poetic Murmurs at 11 am. This community event will teach participants how to make botanical scents (hydrosols) with young plants that need pruning.
Also at KWAG, join them for a drop-in style member appreciation event in the afternoon in the Sculpture Garden. Print on provided paper or bring your own blank t-shirt or tote bag to print on. Members are welcome to bring a friend.
The Deep Cut Film Festival returns to Waterloo Region at the Registry Theatre with some of the world’s best short films from all over the world. There are two shows, first at 2 then at 7:30 Tickets at the door and by donation. Cash only.
Dance along to the sounds of salsa, bachata and merengue music on Main St. in historic 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.
90s CXC x Midtown Radio have a two-hour radio special at TWB Brewing from 3 to 5 pm.
DK Phan headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social starting at 7:30 pm.
Gravity Junky plays Dallas Nightclub at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, July 20
Communism was just a red herring. The Princess Cinema has a screening of “Clue” at 4:40 pm.
Anat Hector plays the Duke of Wellington from 2 to 5 pm.
Monday, July 21
The Princess Cinema has an encore screening of “Rock This Town” at 7 pm. Rock This Town brings to life the exciting history of rock music concerts in KW from the 1960s & ‘70s. An insider’s look into the gritty reality of building the local live music scene.
Justin Maki plays the Roos Island music series from 7 to 8 pm.
Ways to get involved
The Waterloo Region Community Foundation is asking members of the community to nominate individuals and organizations who are "Doing More Good" in Waterloo Region. Visit https://www.wrcf.ca/award-nominations to learn more and submit your nominations by July 16, 2025.
What to read.
Bridges to nowhere — the decline and fall of Kitchener’s Market Square (Joe McGinty, The Record)
Scenic Cycling in Waterloo Region: A Journey Through Fields & Flavours (Peter McMurty, Explore Waterloo)