Things to do this Civic Day Long Weekend in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
Friday, August 1 – Monday, August 4, 2025
August long weekend events & activities including free, fun family & kids’ activities, hikes, live music, theatre & performing arts, and more!
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Waterloo Rib & Beer festival
August 1 to 3, 2025
RIM Park, 2001 University Ave E, Waterloo
$2
Canada Strong Pass
Enjoy free admission to Parks Canada sites and free admission for children aged 17 and under, 50% off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 to provincial museums until September 2, 2025.
- Parks Canada National Parks and Historic Sites
- National Museums: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canadian Museum of History, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum and National Gallery of Canada.
- Fulford Place — Ontario Heritage Trust — Brockville
- Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History — Ontario Heritage Trust — Dresden
- Art Gallery of Ontario — Toronto
- McMichael Canadian Art Collection — Kleinburg
- St Lawrence Parks Commission — various locations
- Royal Botanical Gardens — Burlington and Hamilton
- Old Fort Erie — Fort Erie
- Laura Secord Homestead — Niagara on the Lake
- Mackenzie Printery — Niagara on the Lake
- McFarland House — Niagara on the Lake
- Sainte-Marie among the Huron — Midland
- Discovery Harbour — Penetanguishene
- Fort William Historical Park — Thunder Bay
- Royal Ontario Museum — Toronto
Ontario Pirate Festival
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 2 – 4, 2025
Marden Park, 7368 Wellington County Road 30, Guelph
$12 – $20, depending on age
Daily Summer Programming at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory offers daily interactive programming perfect for young ones and the young at heart. Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Rd, Cambridge
General Admission Day Pass (age 13-64): $22.50
Senior Day Pass (age 65+): $18.50
Child Day Pass (3 – 12): $13.50; Child (age 2 and under): Free
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
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, June 10 – August 30, 2025; Thursday, Saturday, September 4 – October 30, 2025
Northfield ION, St Jacobs Farmers Market, and St. Jacobs village.
$19.99 – $39.99
Explore Chudleigh’s Farm
Take a walk in the orchard garden, enjoy a wagon ride around the farm, stop by the playground and run on our haybales, visit friendly farm animals and enjoy a barnboard pizza with a glass of cider on the patio. Details
Daily | Hours Vary
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm, 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills, Halton
$12.50 – $14.50
African Lion Safari
Guests can enjoy the drive-through Game Reserves in the comfort of their own vehicle. Get closer than you ever imagined to majestic species from around the world as you drive along 9 kilometres of the trail (approximately an hour to an hour and a half), home to over 1000 birds and animals. Details
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
African Lion Safari, 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton
$24.95 – $49.95
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
Parks around Kitchener-Waterloo Region are great spaces to enjoy a fun time together with your family. Fly kites, go cycling or hiking, or just enjoy the outdoors. Pack a picnic basket and make it a day out!
Any Park in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
For more ideas see:
II. Live Music
Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
Take your pick from lunch-hour concerts or evening concerts. Hear some of the best as well as upcoming talents on the music scene.
Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
Canadian Masters of Disaster
Prepare for a relentless night of hometown carnage as crushing riffs and ferocious drums ignite the stage in a storm of heavy metal and death metal mayhem. Three local heavyweights join forces with Montreal’s Warsenal to deliver an unforgettable onslaught. This is one you don’t want to miss! Details
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, 35 University Avenue E, Waterloo
$15.00 +Fees
Sunset Sessions
Join us at Vogelsang Green (corner of Queen and Duke) every friday in June, July and August to enjoy an intimate outdoor concert under the lights. Details
Fridays, June 20 – August 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Vogelsang Green, 19 Queen St N, Kitchener
Free
Castle Kilbride Summer Concert Series
Summer is best enjoyed outdoors! Every Thursday evening beginning July 7, from 7pm – 8pm, summer is celebrated at the Castle with an outdoor concert on the front lawn. Details
Thursdays, June 26 – August 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden
Admission is by donation
Cambridge Summer Live
July 6 – August 24, 2025
Tea for Three | Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Mill Race Park, 104 Water Street, Cambridge
Various locations across Cambridge
Free
Karaoke Train
Let loose, grab the mic, and enjoy a relaxed ride as we roll through the peaceful rural landscape. All aboard the Karaoke Train—a rolling party through the countryside, where the rhythm of the rails meets the music of your heart! Join us in our stylish Lounge Car for an unforgettable evening filled with karaoke fun, scenic views, tasty snacks, and your favorite drinks.
Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Elmira Station, 155 Howard Avenue, Elmira
$89.99
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Harvey
The story of Elwood P. Dowd, a friendly and eccentric man, and his best friend, an invisible six-foot-three-and-a-half-inch rabbit named Harvey. Details
July 31-August 2, 7-9, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick Street, Kitchener
General Admission: $25; Generous Admission: $40 (general admission + a bit more to support community theatre!)
Big Splash Dive-In Movie
Experience movie night like never before—poolside under the stars! Big Splash reopens at 8:00 PM for an exclusive Dive-In Movie Night. Float, swim, or lounge while you enjoy a family-friendly film on the big screen, with the movie starting around 8:45 PM. Relax in the water or grab a deck chair and soak up the summer vibes. Details
Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Bingemans Big Splash Waterpark, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener
$10
Moose Movie Nights
Who’s ready for the ultimate summer experience? We’re bringing you FREE family-friendly films on our massive outdoor screen every long weekend Sunday!
Community Pad opens at 7 pm, movie starts after sundown (~9pm). First 100 people get FREE Hotdogs & Popcorn!
Moana 2 | Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
The Moose Community Pad, 20 Heldmann Road, Kitchener
Free
Million Dollar Quartet
Million Dollar Quartet is a hit musical inspired by the legendary 1956 recording session at Sun Records in Memphis. History was made when an extraordinary twist of fate brought together then-rising star Johnny Cash, unknown Jerry Lee Lewis, veteran musician Carl Perkins, and chart-topper Elvis Presley for the first and only time. Details
June 10 to August 31, 2025
Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs, 11 Albert St. W, St. Jacobs
$36.50 – $59.50
Drive-in Movies
What better way to spend an enjoyable time with family than to watch a movie under the stars?
Various dates
IV. Sports/Fitness
Kitchener Panthers
Catch exciting Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) action and cheer on the Panthers! Details
vs. Brantford Red Sox on Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM
vs. Barrie Baycats on Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Jack Couch Park, Eugene George Way, Kitchener
$11 and up
Alpaca Private Tour and Visit at Brae Ridge Farm
Experience the magic of alpacas at Brae Ridge Farm & Sanctuary. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our exclusive private tour, designed for up to 5 guests (expandable to 8 for a small additional fee). Experience the thrill of meeting and hand-feeding alpacas while strolling through their paddocks and home. It’s an intimate encounter that will truly leave you in awe! Discover the secrets of alpaca communication and behavior, immersing yourself in their fascinating world. Details
Various dates
Brae Ridge Farm & Sanctuary, 7667 Maltby Rd E, Puslinch
$110
Go Golfing
Golf courses across the Kitchener-Waterloo region are open. Book a tee time!
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
There are plenty of opportunities across the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to enjoy nature. Go cycling and explore Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 Nature Attractions & Parks in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 100 Adventures in Ontario Provincial Parks
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- 50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTA
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
The Great Canadian Food Trail in celebration of Food Day Canada
From Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 10 embark on a delicious journey across Canada with the Neighbourhood Group, celebrating Food Day Canada. Each of the restaurants will showcase dishes from a unique Canadian region. Details
August 1 – 10, 2025
Neighbourhood Group Restaurants
Borealis Grille & Bar (Kitchener), The Wooly Pub, Park Eatery, Miijidaa Café + Bistro, Borealis Grille & Bar (Guelph)
Come indulge in the best of Canadian taste and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to any Neighbourhood Group Restaurant. Call to book!
DTK Latin Heat 2025
Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue every Friday of the summer from May 23 to July 4, and a season finale on August 1! Details
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Carl Zehr Square 200 King St W, Kitchener
Free
A Distiller’s Tale: The Art and Legacy of the Seagram Distillery
The exhibition explores the 130-year history of the Seagram distillery, which operated continuously at the corner of Erb and Caroline Streets—from 1857 to 1992. More than just a local employer, Seagram’s was a cornerstone of the city’s economic and social fabric, known for its strong workplace culture and community roots. Details
July 8, 2025 to May 1, 2026
Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (Open Saturdays for July and August)
City of Waterloo Museum, located at Conestoga Mall (near the food court)
Free
Summer Open Days at the DSC
Come out and experience the DSC! Details
Sundays, May 4 – October 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, 6981 Concession 4, Puslinch
$0 – $20
Central Ontario Art Association 2025 Juried Art Show
All are welcome to join us in McDougall’s garden for a fantastic afternoon of lively traditional music featuring Tea for Three (T43). Details
Tuesday – Sunday, July 19 – August 17, 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden
The show is included with regular admission to Castle Kilbride
Family Sunday
Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of creativity and intergenerational sharing. Engage in stimulating conversations about art while you unleash your creativity in our vibrant Community Access Space, where you can craft your very own unique works of art. All ages are welcome. Details
Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
KWAG, 101 Queen St N, Kitchener
FREE | Drop in
Makerspace Summer Day Camp at Schneider Haus!
July 21 – 25, 28 – August 1, 11-15, 18-22, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener
$320.83
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
Monday – Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on August 3 – 4, 2025
THEMUSEUM, 10 King Street West, Kitchener
Regular admission
Timbers in Time
Step back into the 1820s and explore how education began in our community inside the very building where it happened. Timber in Time: A Cabin’s Journey Through Generations invites you to experience the stories of learning, resilience, and community that started right here. Details
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Waterloo Park, 50 Young Street West
Located by the Young Street Entrance
Free admission
Fabulous Fridays at Castle Kilbride
“Shhh…we don’t talk about Scharstein” Special 45-minute guided tour of Castle Kilbride highlighting the trompe l’oeil masterpieces of Henry Scharstein. Find out about the unique and interesting life of the painter behind the nationally designated paintings. Details
Fridays in July & August, 2025 | 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM
Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden
$8/Adult, $5/child, $20/family in advance; Discounted admission if booked online in advance.
Uptown Waterloo Night Market
Taste local treats, enjoy entertainment from local musicians and variety performers, discover programming from Waterloo Public Library and SO much more! Details
Thursdays, July – August 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Lower parking lot at the Waterloo Public Library (Main Branch)
Free
Cambridge Farmers’ Market
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is our community food hub. It is where residents gather, talk about food, and community happenings. Farmers’ Markets are a place of excitement and anticipation around food, centres of commerce and socializing, a venue for combining old with new, and a place for new ideas to be explored. Details
Saturdays, Year-round | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cambridge Farmers’ Market, 40 Dickson St, Cambridge
Free
Saturday Farmer’s Market
For more than 150 years, Kitchener residents have come together at our Saturday farmers’ market. Visitors can pick up their weekly groceries or weekend meals, including meat, produce, dairy, and specialty items. Many Saturdays also host live music and other family-friendly events. Details
Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kitchener Market, 300 King St E, Kitchener
Free
Preston Towne Market
Farm produce, baked goods, artisans, musicians and so much more. Come down with the family for dinner, enjoy the splash pad, play in the park, and shop local vendors and the bustling downtown Preston businesses. Details
Wednesdays, June 18 – September 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Central Park, Cambridge
Free
Go Fishing
You can cast a line and reel in that big catch at Ontario Provincial Parks.
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.
View Comments (2)
The details link for the civic holiday train ride K W area takes one to the Hamilton region events.
It would have been nice if someone could have confirmed which days of the week the events will take place in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.