Kitchener 
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.
1. Events and Festivals
Farmyard Follies
Enjoy delightful adventures every Tuesday and Thursday at Farmyard Follies. Thursdays feature creative Farmyard Craft Activities, while Tuesdays transport you to a fairy tale world with Princess Storytime and Animal Meet-Up. Enjoy crafting, stories, and furry friends! Details
Tuesday and Thursday, June 17 – August 28, 2025 | 10 AM – 11 AM
7th Annual Craft Putt Classic
Register for the 7th Annual Craft Putt Classic! Enjoy local craft beer samples, a Boston Pizza buffet, 18 holes of mini golf, and giveaways, all while the DJ plays summer tunes. Details
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Feast for the Senses
Enjoy a decadent tapa-style tasting menu with inspired drink pairings inspired by works of art in current exhibitions. Details
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM
At First Light
Celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day and the Summer Solstice at THEMUSEUM with a traditional Sunrise Ceremony at 5:59 am. Haudenosaunee teachings will be shared, and a tobacco offering will be led by Kelly Fran Davis. Enjoy Haudenosaunee singing and dancing, and explore THEMUSEUM’s exhibitions afterward. Details
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 5:59 AM – 8:00 AM
Gruhn Street Porch Party
Enjoy live music, sports and games, face painting, crafts, community picnic, and more. Details
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Ayr Porchfest
Ayr Porchfest is a community-based free music festival featuring over 20 bands, a visual artists market, children’s entertainers, family immersive events, food trucks, a street dance party and more. Details
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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 21 – 22, 2025
Cirque Italia Water Circus: Platinum Unit
Cirque Italia presents “Aquatic Spectacular,” a unique show with a custom-designed water stage. The stage holds 35,000 gallons of water that performers dazzle over while thrilling the audience with every move. With this unique feature under the tent, guests will be surprised, for it’s a show of its own! Details
June 6 – 16, 2025
My oh My and a Slice of Pie Tea and Tour
Enjoy a delightful tour of Castle Kilbride by costumed staff including the special exhibit “Handcrafted History from A to Z”, afterwards sip on lemon chiffon tea while you indulge in a taste of the homemade with a slice of seasonal pie from Anna Mae’s. Details
Various dates, until August 16, 2025
Celebrate Canada Day
Celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday with fun events, activities, and fireworks. Details
July 1, 2025
Kitchener Market Cooking Classes
Sign up for Kitchener Market’s cooking classes and make something new! Details
Various dates
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, until November 1, 2025
Momma’s Cookout & Music Festival
Get ready for live performances, amazing food, and nonstop good vibes as we bring together the flavors, sounds, and energy of a family coookout all in one unforgettable festival. Details
Saturday, July 12, 2025
The Elora Festival
The sweet sounds of summer rise above the village when the Elora Festival brings the world of music to our door, for three full weeks of world-class performers and performances in a variety of music genres from classical and choral to opera, jazz and contemporary sounds and so much more. Details
July 11 – 27, 2025
King StrEATery Food Truck Festival
Grab a bite from the variety of food trucks and walk around Downtown Kitchener while browsing local artisanal vendors. Enjoy music, street performers, and community-led activities! Details
TBA
Cambridge Summer Live
Enjoy free outdoor entertainment, concerts, dog shows, busker-style entertainment, and more in July and August across Cambridge. Details
Various dates, July 6 – August 24, 2025
Celebration of Community
The Hespeler Village Music Festival features games, performances, and many other fun activities! Details
Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10.00 PM
Campfires
Come over and enjoy live music and games around the fire. Campfires will take place on select Wednesdays of every month at Uptown Public Square. Details
Wednesdays, June 18, July 16 & August 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cambridge Scottish Festival
Make happy memories at Churchill Park during the Cambridge Scottish Festival. Details
July 18 – 19, 2025
Afrovibes The Festival
Get ready for a full day of music, food, drinks, fashion, games, and nonstop vibes in Carl Zehr Square, Downtown Kitchener! AfroVibes Festival is a vibrant celebration of African and diasporic culture—featuring live performances, mouthwatering eats, stylish vendors, and interactive experiences for all ages. Details
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM
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
2025 date TBA
Ribfests
Enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, and many other amazing options at the Ribfest.
- Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on July 18 – 20, 2025
- Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on August 8 – 10, 2025
- Waterloo Rib & Beer Festival on August 1 – 3, 2025
Food Crawl
Discover a Taste of Preston. Aample amazing dishes from a variety of local restaurants, cafés, and more. Details
TBA; July 12, 2024 | 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 11, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Open Sky Live
On Thursday evenings enjoy live music under the open sky. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chair, relax as the sun sets behind the stage, and soak in performances by an incredible lineup of talented musicians, curated by Riverfest Elora! Details
Thursdays, July 12 – September 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Country Wagon Tours
Enjoy the ride by tractor and people mover/wagon will take you out into the country, driving through the beautiful farming landscape of Woolwich Township, which is rich in Mennonite heritage. On our tour, we drive through Martin’s Family Fruit Farm orchard, past an Old Order Mennonite school and rural Mennonite farms. A local tour guide will be on board speaking about the Mennonite culture, their way of life, farming in their culture, and Mennonite history. Details
Tours will operate on Tuesdays until August 27th. Thursdays until October. 31st, Saturdays until October 26th
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.
- Rockin’ it at Rockway – TBA
- Castle Kilbride Summer Concert Series on Thursday evenings, June 26 – August 28, 2025
- Rising Tide Arts & Music Festival on July 5, 2025
- The Elora Festival on July 11 – 27, 2025
- Kultrun World Music Festival on July 11 – 13, 2025
- MacKenzie Creek Music Festival on July 24– 26, 2025
- Hillside Festival on July 18 to 20, 2025
- Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival on July 18 to 20, 2025
- Wayback Festival – TBA
- TD Kitchener Blues Festival on August 7 – 10, 2025
- Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival on August 21 – 24, 2025
- All That Worldly Jazz Festival – TBA
Fergus Scottish Festival
Come and enjoy Scotland without the Airfare! There’s something for everyone, from music and highland dance to heavy events and highland games. Details
August 8-10, 2025
Shakespeare in the Yard
Experience timeless tales of love, deception, and human nature at Shakespeare in the Yard Festival! The 2025 edition features ‘The Secret Garden’ and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor.’ Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the shows. Details
The Secret Garden plays June 13 – 15, 2025; The Merry Wives of Windsor plays July 18 – 20,25 – 27, 2025
Day of Play
Come have a Day of Play on Saturday, August 9 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 9, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Moparfest
Moparfest is Canada’s Largest Mopar Car Show. Details
August 16 – 17, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Far East Asian Night Market
Join us on Sunday, August 17th, evening, as the east end of Downtown Kitchener transforms into a vibrant celebration of Asian culture. Details
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Kidspark
Creating fun, free, and memorable moments – Kitchener’s most popular children’s festival is back this summer!! Details
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fergus Steampunk Festival
Come to the third annual 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
Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM
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
Saturday, September 20, 2025| 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Belmont Village Bestival
Celebrate local music, art, and dance at the Belmont Village Festival!! Details
September 12 – 13, 2025
rare Trail Party
September 21, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Gaslight Charity Car Show
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lumen
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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
Latin Dancing in DTK
Dance Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue takes place every Friday of the summer until July 4 in Carl Zehr Square. Join at 7 pm for a free lesson, or 7:30 for dancing. 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
- Hughes Lane Art Walk – Map
- Elora Art Walk – Self Guided
- Cambridge Mural Tour
- City of Waterloo’s Public Art
- DTK Art Walk
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Excellence in Clay
Check out the amazing exhibitions at the Galley. On view until September 14 is the Excellence in Clay: 25 Years of the Winifred Shantz Award’ exhibition. For a quarter century, the Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics has been celebrating the best of emerging ceramic artists in Canada. This year is no exception, as we recognize the winner and finalists of 2025, as well as each winner in the award’s 25-year history. The only national award for emerging ceramic artists in Canada, the impact of the award is unmatched. Details
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.
- St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
- Kitchener Farmer’s Market
- Preston Towne Market
- Gaslight District Summer Market
- Cambridge Farmers’ 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 7 PM-10 PM, July-August. Details
Main Street Markets
The Main Street Night Market happens every 2nd Friday from June to September from 5 pm – 10 pm on Main Street in downtown Cambridge. The Main Street Vintage Market is scheduled every 4th Saturday from June to September from 11 am to 4 pm.
Enjoy a Tee Time
Golf courses across the Kitchener-Waterloo region are open. Book a tee time!
Family Art Cart
Enjoy free, drop-in art activities at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery every weekend from 1 pm to 4 pm for children ages 5-12! Get inspired by artworks at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and learn the stories behind the artworks on display. Details
Chicopee Tube Park
Check out this park for an adventurous afternoon of zip-lining and water tubing with your family. Opening late June. 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
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. Details
Breithaupt Centre
Check out this center 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 when it opens! Details
Explore Historic Galt
Explore the historic part of Cambridge and enjoy a walk along the Grand River. Details
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 open around June 24th for the 2025 season. 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
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, July 27 & August 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM at Waterloo Park Bandshell
- Music in the Park in Ayr on Wednesdays, June 4 – September 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Centennial Park in Ayr
- Galt Jazz on Sundays, June 1 – August 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Main Street, Downtown Cambridge
- Elmira Sunday Night Concert Series on Sundays, June 1 – August 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Gibson Park, Elmira
- Sunset Sessions on Fridays, June 20 – August 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM @ Vogelsang Green
- Castle Kilbride Summer Concert Series on Thursdays, June 26 – August 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Castle Kilbride, Baden
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.
- Bechtel Park in Waterloo
- Kitchener Dog Parks
- Dog park at Maple Grove Rd, Cambridge
- Township of Woolwich Dog Parks
Go Apple Picking
Many farms in the region offer 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 June 28 – July 6, 2025
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 outdoors at the patios this summer! Details
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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
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 18, 2025 | 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
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. Open on Saturdays, June 1st to September 28th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Details
Bingemans Mini-golf
There are two mini-golf courses at Bingemnas “Hole in Fun’ to try out! Details
Walk Waterloo Trails
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.
- 25 Must-Visit Nature Attractions & Parks in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- 50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTA
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- Top Bicycle Tours to Explore Ontario
KALEIDOSCOPE
Step into a world of colour, light, and endless possibilities. KALEIDOSCOPE is an interactive, immersive experience that invites you to explore a life-sized kaleidoscope, a swirling vortex, and watch yourself transform on a kaleidoscope TV. Unleash your creativity by designing your own unique kaleidoscope patterns, and lose yourself in the mesmerizing Mirror Tower. Perfect for sharing with friends, this exhibition is a playful and captivating journey where every twist and turn brings a new visual adventure! Details
Enjoy Boating
Boating, canoeing or kayaking can be enjoyed at these locations:
- Shade’s Mills Conservation Area
- Laurel Creek Conservation Area
- Grand River Parks
Pick-Your-Own Farms
Head over to your nearby U-pick Farms and enjoy ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berries!
- Herrle’s Country Farm Market
- Brantwood Farms
- Gillespie’s Garden
- Hoffman’s Strawberries
- Pinehill Farms
Summer Camps
Enroll the kids for summer camps:
- Button Factory Arts Summer Art Camp
- Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Summer Art Camp
- Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery
- Summer ECO Camp
- Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
- HCA Summer Camps
- THEMUSEUM
- Airborne Trampoline
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
- Schneider Haus National Historic Site
- Steckle Homestead Agriventure Camp
- Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy
- Kids in the Kitchen
Will this be updated to reflect 2023? Thank you!
Yes, by June.