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 16 – September 3, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
Big Splash Birthday Bash
Celebrate Big Splash’s birthday with a full day of waterpark fun as we mark the year it all began—1983. Grab your friends and family and make a splash all day long. Details
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Gruhn Street Porch Party
Enjoy live music, sports and games, face painting, crafts, community picnic, and more. Details
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dundee Artisan Festival
Shop for exquisitely handcrafted gifts from local independent makers, indulge in delicious food, bring the kids to get their face painted and have fun creating crafts & enjoying musical performances. Details
Sunday June 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 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 20 – 21, 2026
Cirque Italia Water Circus
Step aboard and discover a dazzling world of shimmering water fountains, radiant lights, and breathtaking performances designed to amaze guests of all ages. Watch in awe as world class artists transform the stage into a sparkling ocean of motion and magic, creating unforgettable moments you will want to relive again and again. Details
June 5 – 15, 2026
Princess Party at Castle Kilbride
Where fairytales come to life, it’s a Princess Party at a Castle! Make a magic wand, then have an enchanted evening with Belle and Ariel as they sing and dance to their signature songs. Afterwards, tour the Castle. Details
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Celebrate Canada Day
Celebrate Canada’s 159th birthday with fun events, activities, and fireworks. Details
July 1, 2026
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 October 24, 2026
The Cookout’s Block Party
The Cookout’s Block Party will transform The Canadian Brewhouse into a high-energy, mature nightlife experience designed for people who love good music, good people, and unforgettable vibes. Expect a soundtrack that moves seamlessly through Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Soca, Afrobeats, and more — powered by some of Ontario’s top DJs and hosts. Details
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 10:30 PM
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 10 – 26, 2026
Waterloo Region Tacofest
Waterloo Region Tacofest promises three things: tacos, craft beer, and good times. Featuring local restaurants and their finest tacos, local craft breweries serving their best brews, music, face painting, and more. Details
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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 5 – August 30, 2026
Fergus Cheesecake & Taco Fest
Come enjoy some of the most unique and delicious cheesecake and taco flavours all in one place!! Details
July 18 – 19, 2026
Movies in the Park
Bring a blanket or your favourite hoodie and join us for movie nights in the park on the big outdoor screen at Waterloo Park. Details
June 11, 18, 25 and July 9, 16, 23 and August 6, 13, 20, 2026 | Sundown
Cambridge Scottish Festival
Make happy memories at Churchill Park during the Cambridge Scottish Festival. Details
Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Afrovibes The Festival
AfroVibes Festival is a dynamic cultural event that celebrates and elevates African heritage in Canada. Details
July 11 – 18, 2026
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
2026 date TBA
Ribfests
Enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, and many other amazing options at the Ribfest.
- Waterloo Rib & Beer Festival on July 10 – 12, 2026
- Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on July 17-19, 2026
- Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on August 7-9, 2026
- Ribs Rythm & Rotary Ribfest on August 28 – 30, 2026
Ontario Pirate Festival
The Ontario Pirate Festival returns to Marden Park in Guelph, for the August long weekend. Live shows including magic and juggling, live music, the mud show, and a live falconry demonstration. Come visit the pirate village of Dry Bluffs – a glorious day out for the whole family. There’s food and ale; merchants and crafters, and more entertainment than you can possibly imagine. Details
August 1 – 3, 2026
Caribana Ignite
Experience the energy, colour and rhythm of carnival at Caribana Ignite. This vibrant celebration features stunning street theatre, a high‑energy street party, and showcases the true essence of carnival, from up‑and‑coming designers to the diversity and vibrancy of Caribbean culture. Details
August 21 – 22, 2026
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, June 26, 2026 | 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 11 – September 3, 2026 | 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 Thursdays and Saturdays from May 14 – Oct 31, 2026; Tuesdays from June 16 – Sept.1, 2026
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 – select Wednesdays, June 24 – August 19, 2026
- Castle Kilbride Summer Concert Series on Thursdays, June 25 – August 27, 2026
- The Elora Festival on July 10 – 26, 2026
- Kultrun World Music Festival on July 10 -12, 2026
- MacKenzie Creek Music Festival on July 23 to 25, 2026
- Hillside Festival on July 17 to 19, 2026
- Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival on July 17 – 19, 2026
- Wayback Festival – July 24 – 25, 2026
- Kitchener Blues Festival on August 6 to 9, 2026
- Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival on August 27 to 30, 2026
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 7 – 9, 2026
Shakespeare in the Yard
Romeo & Juliet will be performed on the pavilion stage in the yard this summer presented by The Elora Community Theatre. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragic tale of two star-crossed young teenagers from Verona whose passionate love for each other defies the long-standing blood feud between their families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Their quick, secret marriage leads to a series of misunderstandings and untimely deaths, culminating in a tragic double suicide that finally compels the families to reconcile. Details
July 17 – 26, 2026
Day of Play
Come have a Day of Play on Saturday, August 22 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 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Moparfest
Moparfest is Canada’s Largest Mopar Car Show. Details
August 15 & 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Endless Summer
What better way to wrap up your summer than with a day full of sunshine, laughter, and live music? Endless Summer is the ultimate celebration – perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a good time. Details
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Kidspark
Creating fun, free, and memorable moments – Kitchener’s most popular children’s festival is back this summer!! Details
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 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
September 11 – 12, 2026
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 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Belmont Village Bestival
Celebrate local music, art, and dance at the Belmont Village Festival!! Details
September 11 – 12, 2026
rare Trail Party
TBA
Cambridge Fall Fair
September 10 – 13, 2026
Lumen
TBA
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 artworks create beautiful streets and places to enjoy public art.
- Hughes Lane Art Walk – Map
- Elora Art Walk – Self-Guided
- Cambridge Mural Tour
- City of Waterloo’s Public Art
- DTK Art Walk
Excellence in Clay
Check out the amazing exhibitions at the Gallery. On view until August 15th is the ‘Emergence’ exhibition. Emergence celebrates the winners and finalists of the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery’s annual awards for emerging ceramic and glass artists of Canada. This special exhibition showcases the extraordinary skill, passion, and vision of the next generation of ceramic and glass artists. Details
Geocaching
For a treasure hunt-like experience, try geocaching! There’s a good chance that 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.
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 calendar for special events. Details
Heritage Hopper
Join us and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Region’s 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
Checkout 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 20th for the 2026 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
Enjoy an afternoon or evening listening to free live music being played at various locations in Kitchener-Waterloo Region. Details
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 27 – July 5, 2026
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
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 17, 2026 | 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 Wednesday to Sunday, June to August from 9 am – 5 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
View Comments (2)
Will this be updated to reflect 2023? Thank you!
Yes, by June.