75+ Things to Do This 2023 Summer in Kitchener-Waterloo

Credit: Grand River Conservation Authority/Lindsay Button

Experience art, culture, and history and try out adventurous sports and water-based activities for thrilling fun all summer long. Here is a list of things to do to help you plan a great summer in (and around) the Kitchener-Waterloo Region.

Things to Do This Weekend Around Kitchener-Waterloo Region – Apr 26 to 28, 2024

1. Events and Festivals

Uptown Summer Solstice Crawl

On the summer solstice in June, join us for a food crawl featuring delicious dishes from Uptown restaurants for a chance to win up to $100 Uptown dollars. Details

June 20 – July 18, 2023

Summer Social

Kick-ff summer with a fun night at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. This all-ages licensed event will feature live music, bingo, games and activities, vcendor market, food and more. Details

June 23, 2023

Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival

The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival is held annually in Kitchener’s Victoria Park and provides our community with an opportunity to share food, fun, music and dance. Details

June 24 – 25, 2023

Celebrate Canada Day

Celebrate Canada’s 155th birthday with fun events. activities and fireworks. Details

July 1, 2023

Ghost Walks

Experience the eerie side of Castle Kilbride with a captivating stroll. The tour features frescoes from an artist who should have been dead, playful kids throughout, including Kilbride’s resident spirit and haunted antiques that have found their way back to the Castle. Details

select Saturdays, May 27 – October 28, 2023

Whimsical Wednesdays

Head over to Cambridge City Hall Civic Square every Wednesday evening in July from 6:30 – 7:30 PM for some amazing entertainment, games, crafts & more! Details

Wednesdays, July 2023 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Concerts in the Park

Enjoy free musical concerts in Cambridge parks on Sundays in July and August. Local artists perform a variety of musical styles at 7 pm. Details

Sundays, July 9 – August 20, 2023 | 7:00 PM (6:30 pm on Aug 20)

Celebration of Community

The Hespeler Village Music Festival features games, performances, and many other fun activities! Details

Saturday July 8, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 10.00 PM

Campfires

Come over and enjoy live music and games around the fire. Campfires will take place on the second Wednesday of every month at Uptown Public Square. Details

Wednesdays, June 14, July 12 & August 9, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Cambridge Scottish Festival

Make happy memories at Churchill Park during the Cambridge Scottish Festival. Details

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July 14 – 15, 2023

Music & Mid-Week Markets

Join the Kitchener Market every Wednesday in July and August for your new favourite weekly Summer outing! Details

Wednesdays, July – August 2023 | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Summer Music Series at Langdon Hall

Enjoy acoustic music featuring Wellington Music and The Guitar Guys on select Tuesday evenings in July and August. Details

July 11, 25 & August 8, 22, 2023

Annual Butterfly Count

Join rare’s Annual Butterfly Count. During this official butterfly census, you will identify and count all of the butterfly species throughout all habitats on the reserve. Details

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Ribfests

Enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, and many other amazing options at the Ribfest.

Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on July 14 – 16, 2023
Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on August 11 – 13, 2023
Waterloo Rib & Beer Festival on September 8 – 10, 2023

Food Crawl

Discover a Taste of Preston. Details

Friday, July 7, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Cruising on King

Classic cars will line King Street between Francis and Frederick Streets joined by live entertainment throughout downtown Kitchener including music, bustling patios and more. Details

Friday, July 7, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Summer Music Concerts and Festivals

Summer is the time when music fills the air. Check out some of the events taking place in the region.

Hot Springs Music Festival – TBA
Rockin’ it at Rockway on TBA
Castle Kilbride Summer Concert Series on Thursday evenings, July 16 – August 31, 2023
The Elora Festival on July 7 – 18, 2023
Kultrun World Music Festival on July 13 – 16, 2023
MacKenzie Creek Music Festival on July 20 – 23, 2023
Hillside Festival on July 28 – 30, 2023
Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival on July 21 – 23, 2023
Wayback Festival on July 22, 2023
TD Kitchener Blues Festival on August 10 – 13, 2023
Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival on August 24 – 27, 2023
All That Worldly Jazz Festival – TBA

Gaslight Grand Opening

The Gaslight District is Waterloo Region’s largest public square with a permanent stage, the biggest outdoor video screen this side of just about anywhere, and a 12-month calendar full of free community events. Join for three days of free music, art, and fun to celebrate its Grand Opening! Details

July 28 – 30, 2023

Fergus Scottish Festival

Come and enjoy Scotland without the Airfare! From music and highland dance, to heavy events and highland games, there’s something for everyone. Details

August 11 – 13, 2023

Twelfth Night

Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a festive, mischievous and witty play in the outdoors. Twelfth Night stands out as one of William Shakespeare’s most joyous escapades, brimming with lively melodies, intricate love triangles, and an abundance of delightful absurdity! Details

August 4 – 13, 2023

Day of Play

Come have a Day of Play on Saturday, August 12 in Waterloo Park! Located along the Waterloo Park Promenade (near the animal pen area) there will be activities, games, adventures, and more. A day of non-stop fun for everyone!! Details

August 12, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Moparfest

Moparfest ia Canada’s Largest all Mopar Car Show. Details

August 19 – 20, 2023

Kidspark

Creating fun, free, and memorable moments – Kitchener’s most popular children’s festival is back this summer!! Details

August 20, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fergus Steampunk Festival

Come to the inaugural event where downtown Fergus will be transformed into a Victorian steampunk festival extravaganza. The festival will celebrate and promote the steampunk subculture, which is inspired by the Victorian era and features elements of science fiction, fantasy, and alternative history. Details

September 8 – 10, 2023

Royal Medieval Faire

The Royal Medieval Faire brings the magical Kingdom of Mearth alive in Waterloo Park! The epic fun filled-day for the whole family includes storytelling, swordplay, games, vendors, music, dancing, food & beverages, costumes & decorations, plus much more. Details

September 16, 2023

Belmont Village Bestival

Celebrate local music, art, and dance at the Belmont Village Festival!! Details

September 15 – 16, 2023

2. Activities in (and near) the City

Stay Active

There are lots of fun things to keep active in Kitchener. Why not register for these programs? Details

Watch Movies Outdoors

Enjoy a movie under the stars.

For more options see, Drive-In Theatres in Ontario

Art Walks

Enjoy art walks in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. These art works create beautiful streets and places to enjoy public art.

Dominion Lane Art Walk – Map
Hughes Lane Art Walk – Map
Elora Art Walk – Self Guided
Cambridge Mural Tour
City of Waterloo’s Public art map

Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery

Check out the amazing exhibitions at the Galley. On view until September 11 is an interesting exhibtion ‘Grading Light’, that challenges our expectations and understandings of ceramics, art, technology, and light. Details

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Geocaching

For a treasure hunt-like experience try geocaching! Chances are there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Details

Victoria Park

This downtown park offers a playground, splash pad, restaurant on the lake, canoe and paddleboat rentals and so much more for a day of family fun. Details

See one of the oldest Covered Bridge

The 140-year-old “Kissing Bridge” in West Montrose is one of the oldest covered bridges in Canada. Walk or drive the bridge that spans 198-feet across the Grand River. Details

Shop Farmers’ Market

Shop groceries or weekend meals, including meat, produce, dairy, and specialty items from the Farmer’s Market.

Uptown Waterloo Night Market

Explore local treats, entertainment from local musicians and variety performers, programming from WPL and SO much more! The Night Market will take place in the upper parking lot at the Waterloo Public Library (Main Branch) on Thursday nights from 7PM-10PM, July-August. Details

Pop up Market

Join every other sundays for a Pop-up Market on Main Street in DOwntown Cambridge. Each market will feature a different theme. Details

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Enjoy a Tee Time

Golf courses across the Kitchener-Waterloo region are open. Book a tee time!

Chicopee Tube Park

Check out this park for an adventurous afternoon of zip-lining and water tubing with your family. Opening in July. Details

Chicopee Tube Park

Explore Parks

Enjoy the green spaces in the region. You can use the map to find the park nearest to you. Details

Hip-Hop Culture Tour

Explore the places in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge that have shaped local hip-hop culture. Details

Kitchener Farmer’s Market

Kitchener Farmer’s Market is not aonly a place where you can buy local fresh produce and wares, but also a great place for entertainment. Head over on Wednesdays in July and August, to enjoy live music, great food and an artisan market. Details

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Visit the historic 60-acre village for a look at what life was like in Waterloo over 100 years ago. The village comes to life with knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic 1914 clothing and features historic buildings, farm animals and fun activities the whole family will enjoy. Before you go, do check out their events calender for special events. Details

Heritage Hopper

Join us and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Regions’ famous Mennonite farm country on our historic rail line that has been in service since the 1880s. Details

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Discover thousands of butterflies and examine a wide selection of various insects and exotic bugs at this conservatory. Buy your timed tickets before you visit! Details

Breithaupt Centre

Check out this centre for various activities like swimming, arts and crafts programs, and fitness classes. Details

Woodside National Historic Site

Enjoy a walk on the beautiful grounds of Woodside, the childhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th and longest-serving prime minister, wandering through the surrounding hardwood forest. Tour the 11.5-acre property and discover its fascinating history. Details

Bingemans Waterpark

This epic water park experience has some crazy slides to enjoy, a wave pool, beach volleyball and so much more. Check it out this summer! Details

Explore Historic Galt

Explore the historic part of Cambridge and enjoy a walk along the Grand River.

iBowl

This is a great place for everyone to participate in a variety of fun sports activities including bowling, cosmic mini-golf and air hockey. Details

Cambridge Sculpture Garden

Considered to be a well-kept secret, this garden offers scenic trails, walks along the river, and various events throughout the year. Details

Enjoy Skating /Skateboarding

Skating/Skateboarding can be enjoyed at these locations:

Skate park at Waterloo Park
Cambridge Skateboard Parks
Upper Canada Park, The Aud and Fischer Park

Kitchener Natural Areas Program

Check out the events offered by the Kitchener Natural Areas Program and enhance your connection with nature and learn more about natural areas in Kitchener. Most programs are free with drop-in and pre-registered programs. Details

Airborne Trampoline

Jump! Jump! Jump! Bring your friends and family to jump for fun on Olympic trampolines. Details

Waterloo Park

Head over to this jewel of the city, with picnic sites, sports facilities, a farm and a splash pad; there is surely something for everyone. Located centrally is the Eby Farmstead where you can interact with animals like llamas, goats, pigs and peacocks, up close. Details

Herrle’s Country Farm Market

This family-owned farm offers delicious pies, fresh produce, baked goods and homemade preserves. They also have ‘pick your own’ strawberry fields, which are open based on weather conditions. The PYO strawberry patch will be open mid June! Details

Laurel Creek Conservation Area

Spend a day or a weekend camping at this park, which is great for swimming, hiking, biking, windsurfing, kayaking or a quiet getaway near home! Details

Rail Trail

Hike or bike any section of the 18 kilometre trail that follows the Grand River through lush Carolinian forest with spectacular river overlooks. The trail follows the old roadbed of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway (LE&N). In Cambridge, the trail connects to City of Cambridge trails, which in turn link to the Walter Bean Trail, which continues through Kitchener and Waterloo. Details

From Cambridge: The Canadian General-Tower Trailhead is at 210 Water Street South (Highway 24) just south of Concession Street

Map

Twenties Tea & Tour

Step back 100 years to enjoy the sights and delights of a 1920s garden party. It will be the bee’s knees! Tour the Castle by a costumed guide, afterwards enjoy tea and sweets on the front lawn. Details

Steckle Homestead

Visit with farm animals; make a fun farm-themed craft; explore the gardens; enjoy the site and play games in the fresh air! Details

Outdoor Summer Concerts

Music in the Park on Sundays | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Waterloo Park Bandshell
Galt Jazz on First Sundays, June to October 2023 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Downtown Cambridge’s Main Street
Live at Lunch Music Series on Fridays in June | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM @ Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener
Thursdays DTK Live: Pop-up Concerts on Thursdays in June to September 28 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM @ Various Locations in Downtown Kitchener
Friday Sunset Sessions on Fridays, Fridays in June to September 29 | 7 PM @ Vogelsang Green, Kitchener
Saturdays Sunny Sounds on Saturdays in June through September 30 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Hong Kong Plaza, 265 King St. E
Concerts in the Park on Sundays, July 9 – August 20, 2023 | 7:00 PM (6:30 pm on Aug 20) @ Various Cambridge parks

Explore Shade’s Mills

This day-use park located just minutes away from Cambridge is a popular place to enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Details

Go Cycling

Plan a cycling tour and explore the city using the bike maps:

Explore Elora Gorge Conservation Area

Experience the grandness of the Grand River from the Elora Gorge Conservation Area this summer. Details

Huron Natural Area

Visit this natural area to hike science trails and take in the view from various look-outs. Do not forget to plan a play date at Huron Natural Playground. Details

Off-leash Dog Parks

Spend the afternoon letting your dog run free in any of the leash-free areas.

Go Apple Picking

There are many farms in the region that offers apple picking. Apple picking season usually starts mid-late August/early-mid September. Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting. Check out these farms for some great options:

Go Fishing

Have a fun time fishing!

Ontario Family Fishing days from July 1-9, 2023

See Sunflower Fields Corn Mazes

A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for a smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience. In Ontario, these flowers bloom for about two weeks only from early to late August/early September.

Sunflower Fields and Mazes in Ontario For a Day Trip

Escape Rooms

Spend an evening working together as a family solving puzzles, finding clues, and attempting to escape from a locked room with a limited amount of time. Check operating hours and book your slot in advance at these locations:

Visit your Favourite Patio

Dine safely outdoors at the patios this summer! Check out the interactive patio map of Uptown Waterloo. Given below is a map (courtesy of the City of Waterloo) of the restaurants in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region.

Visit the Beach

With the summer heat high, it’s a good time to plan a trip to the beach. Grand River Parks.

See a Lavender Farm

Enjoy a calming, meditative walk amongst lavender flowers.

Lavender Farms in Ontario for a Day Trip

A Night of Stargazing

Watch the stars and wonder at the celestial splendor. Stargazing is not fun as well as relaxing. Lie back in your own backyard or in a dark sky area near you and take in the awe-inspiring star-filled night sky.

You might like: Where to Stargaze in Ontario: Dark Sky Areas and Observatories

Garden Tour

Use the online map to find green spaces in your neighbourhood and create your own walking or bike tour. Details

Enjoy the Water

Enjoy a cool dip at these locations:

Visit Ontario Parks

Be it to enjoy a walk or just relax in the outdoors, fish or enjoy boating, provincial parks are great places to spend your time.

Visit Ontario provincial parks.

Ontario Parks offers Free Day Use on Friday, July 21, 2023 | until 10:00 PM

Lazy River Tubing

It’s time to head outside and enjoy the waters. And if you haven’t tried tubing in calm waters, this is the time to do it! Rent tubes and prepare for a day of careless floating! Details

Brew-Tiful-Vibez

From May – August, on select Fridays there will be a variety of artists and entertainers delivering epic live events to the Boston Pizza Patio. Details

Tour the Appleflats Orchard

Appleflats is the only crabapple-focused orchard in North America. Join hosts Glen and Alex and explore a modern experimental orchard. Details

Go on a Day Trip

Plan a day trip to the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum in Palmerston. The Museum has numerous railway and Victorian artifacts on display, and a large library of railway books, railway records and more. On Saturdays from June to August, enjoy free miniature train rides from 9 am to 12 am. Details

Bingemans Mini-golf

There are two mini-golf courses at Bingemnas “Hole in Fun’ to try out! Details

Schneider Haus National Historic Site

Visit this National historic site located in the heart of downtown Kitchener. The site features the historic house museum and galleries. They will also have the opportunity to participate in various activities. Details

Experience the Grand River

From day camps, and overnight and day trips, to corporate, school, and social group packages, there’s something to suit any adventure seeker’s needs. Guests can choose to canoe, kayak, raft, tube, or even bike the trails. Details

If you are new to canoeing, try the Breslau trip. Canoes, Kayaks, tubes, and water rafts are available to rent. You will also be provided with life jackets and a safety kit along with your boat. Details

Explore rare Trail Systems

There are three sets of trail systems that can be explored in the Waterloo Region – Cliffs & Alvars, Ancient Woods & Thompson Tract, and Springback Farm. All the rare trails are free and open to the general public from sunrise to sunset. Details

Enjoy Camping

Experience nature and camp outside! Camping is open:

Bingemans
Ontario Provincial Parks
Green Acre Park at North Waterloo
Grand River Parks: Brant, Byng Island, Conestogo Lake, Elora Gorge, Laurel Creek and Pinehurst Lake.
25 Places to Go Camping Near Toronto
25 Places to Go Backcountry Camping in Ontario
25 of the Best Ontario Parks to go Camping

Hike or Discover Nature Attractions

Explore nature parks or go hiking. The Kitchener-Waterloo region is dotted with beautiful and down-to-earth nature areas, parks, conservation areas, trails, and more.

Go cycling and explore Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.

TheMuseum

Enjoy exhibits, live music, activities and more this summer. On Tuesdays in July and August enjoy a unique performance including chemistry shows to the science of magic. Details

Join us at THEMUSEUM on June 25th for a FREE Concert by the Kitchener Musical Society Band! The band will play a selection of popular songs by Canadian artists & composers. Details

Learn all about Ticks in this informative and interactive pop-up exhibit! Explore and experience the fascinating science of ticks while learning how to prevent the health risks associated with the illnesses ticks can transmit. Details

Beyond Human Limits will immerse you in a variety of exciting sports in their natural environments. During your visit, you’ll be challenged to jump, fly, dive and climb while exploring some of the riskiest activities in the world. From training to perseverance, learn all about what drives these fierce and fiery athletes! On until September 2023. Details