Ideas to Celebrate Father’s Day
Celebrate this special day with Dad: gift him a memorable weekend of togetherness and enjoy some of the events taking place in and around Kitchener-Waterloo Region.
Things to Do in Kitchener-Waterloo Region in June
Father’s Day Brunch/Dinner/BBQ
- Restaurants around the Kitchener-Waterloo Region are offering dine-in takeout and delivery options, some specifically crafting a Father’s Day menu for the special day. See the list for a selection of restaurants ranging from Father’s day special meals to take-out deals. Restaurants for Father’s Day Brunch/Dinner in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- If you want to cook your Dad a delicious meal, check out the local Farmer’s Markets for fresh local ingredients.
- Patios across the Kitchener-Waterloo Region are open. Book a table at his favourite patio.
Food, Craft Beer, Wine & More
- On Saturday, June 13th, treat Dad to a brewery tour with stops at local breweries, including Brothers, Fixed Gear, Wellington, Sleeman, and Royal City. This family-friendly event offers a safe and accessible way to enjoy your favorite local brews together.
- For Father’s Day, enjoy a special Afternoon Tea for Two on June 19- 21, available for pickup or delivery. This $80 package includes appetizers, sandwiches, scones, sweets, and teas
- On June 19, 2026, from 6 pm to 10 pm, head to Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum with Dad for a night filled with delicious tacos, local craft beer, and great entertainment. Enjoy unlimited tacos from the region’s top restaurants, savor snacks, and taste the best local brews at this 19+ event. You and Dad can vote for your favorite tacos and beers and support Community Support Connections.
- Treat Dad to an elegant High Seas Teas experience at Castle Kilbride, inspired by the museum’s special exhibit Vogue Voyages: Fashion from the High Seas 1912–1939. From June 19 to 21, guests can enjoy a guided tour led by costumed staff, followed by lemon chiffon tea and internationally inspired treats including British scones and baklava on the front lawn, weather permitting.
Races, Rodeos, Train Rides & Vintage Cars
- Treat Dad to a delightful scenic train ride this Father’s Day, where he will enjoy a special treat to indulge in along the journey. VIP dads will receive an additional surprise gift, ensuring a memorable experience for the extraordinary man in your life. Join us on Saturday, June 20, for a special Father’s Day train ride. 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.
III. Go Fishing for Free
Farm Fun, Midways, and more! For the Family
- Spend the weekend at Clovermead Adventure Farm featuring over 50 attractions. Kids will love the Splish Splashpad, sunflower field, cedar maze, and animal barn with goats and chickens. Enjoy a day of making lasting memories in a naturally interactive setting.
- Make Father’s Day memorable at THEMUSEUM with a full day of Art & Technology @Play, hands-on family programming, creative activities, and free admission for dads and father figures. Families can explore exhibitions, make Father’s Day Coffee Coasters in THEMAKERSPACE for a $5 add-on, enjoy Maverick & Friends LIVE!, take part in a Father’s Day craft, and experience Star Lab together.
- Go on a drive-through safari adventure, exploring 9 kilometres of trails through seven game reserves, including lion country and bushland trails. Enjoy a boat tour on the “African Queen” to see exotic primates and birds, and ride the “Nature Boy” scenic railway. Kids can play in Safari Venture and Toddlers’ Playground, and visit Pets’ Corner.
- Head over to the family-run Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Nature Park this weekend! This 25-acre wildlife park features over 80 species, including lions, tigers, wolves, and other exotic animals. Enjoy educational programs, picnic spots, a play area, and a scenic nature trail.
- Bring the whole family to visit the donkeys and mules at the Sanctuary on Sunday, June 15th! Learn about the are of these wonderful animals, discover their unique personalities, and understand the dynamics of their different groups. It’s an educational and fun experience for all ages!
- Step into a Father’s Day weekend mystery with Castle Kilbride Ghost Walks, an exclusive indoor nighttime tour through the secrets, legends, and lingering spirits of this Victorian masterpiece. This all-ages experience takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a Concert, a Theatre, a Movie, or a Festival
Take Dad to see some of his favourite artists or a movie.
- Bring the whole family to You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, a cheerful musical revue inspired by Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strips, on stage at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre from June 12 to 28, 2026. With Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and the gang bringing everyday adventures to life, this playful production makes a charming Father’s Day outing
- Give Dad a good laugh with Sorry…I’m Not Sorry!, an unapologetically Canadian comedy starring Neil Aitchison as RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs. Running from June 3 to August 22, 2026, this spirited show blends folksy humour, lighthearted political satire, and music from the Great Canadian Song Book.
- Take Dad to the Cambridge Celebration of the Arts on June 19 and 20 at Cambridge City Hall. Enjoy local visual, literary, and performing arts, with live performances, food vendors, and open museums. It’s the perfect way to celebrate together!
- For dads who appreciate world-class live music, The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet offers an evening of modern swing, Latin grooves, lyrical ballads, and inspired improvisation on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Led by JUNO-nominated pianist Steve Holt, this acclaimed ensemble brings together Kevin Turcotte, Terry Clarke, Perry White, and Duncan Hopkins for a standout jazz performance.
- Visit your nearest Cineplex theatre and watch a favourite family film for only $3.99 plus applicable taxes.
- Head to the nearest Drive-in to enjoy a movie with family.
- Browse, eat, play, and celebrate community at the Dundee Artisan Festival on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at New Dundee Community Park. This free Father’s Day outing features handcrafted goods from local makers, delicious food, live music, kids’ activities, crafts, face painting, and Summer Solstice vibes for the whole family.
- Settle into McDougall Cottage’s garden for a relaxed Father’s Day afternoon of traditional folk music with Tea for Two, also known as T42, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Featuring viola d’amore, cittern, lively tunes from England and beyond, and light refreshments, this outdoor concert offers a charming way to spend time with Dad.
- Turn Father’s Day weekend into a neighbourhood celebration at the third annual Gruhn Street Porch Party in Kitchener on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This free community event features live music from local artists, an open mic, arts and crafts, face painting, outdoor games, a community BBQ, and family-friendly activities across Gruhn Street and Walter Street Park.
- Share food, music, dance, and culture with Dad at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival, returning to Victoria Park on June 20 and 21, 2026. This free Father’s Day weekend celebration brings the community together for international flavours, live performances, family fun, and a vibrant showcase of cultures from around the world.
- Fill Father’s Day weekend with music at the 2nd Annual Waterloo Region Bandfest on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Barnshell near Laurel Trail in Waterloo Park. This free all-ages event features eight hours of live performances by local bands and ensembles, plus food trucks, craft vendors, and a special appearance by the Local 530 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Band.
- Dance into Father’s Day weekend at the Waterloo Salsa Bachata Festival, where rhythm, culture, and connection take over the heart of Waterloo Region from June 18 to 20, 2026. With Salsa, Bachata, and Dancehall workshops, live performances, social dancing, DJs, food trucks, and international headliners Antoni & Belén from Spain, this vibrant festival is a lively way to celebrate with Dad or the whole family.
- Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a laid-back Father’s Day evening at the Elmira Sunday Night Concert Series in Gibson Park, featuring free country and bluegrass music throughout the summer. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Wendy Lynn Snider will perform as part of the weekly series, making it an easygoing outdoor outing for Dad and the whole family.
Walks, Rides, and more
- Taking place annually on Father’s day, the Annual walk/run for prostate cancer is the Prostate Cancer Foundation BC (PCFBC)’s largest fundraiser event. Sign up with Dad and raise funds for this great cause.
- The Waterloo 10 KM Classic, Waterloo Region’s oldest and largest 10k race, has been a Father’s Day tradition since 1978. This event brings together families and the running community for a fun summer morning with a live band, great food, pizza, beer, prizes, finisher medals, and more. June 20 – 21, 2026
More Fun: Go on an adventure or Enjoy an Activity
- There are plenty of opportunities across Kitchener-Waterloo Region to enjoy nature. Go cycling and explore Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo. Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- Gather the family and go tubing. Ontario boasts many slow-flowing rivers that are safe and surrounded by some of the province’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
- Celebrate Father’s Day with an adventure in the trees at Treetop Trekking! Enjoy quality time and create lasting memories.
- Experience the grandness of the Grand River from the Elora Gorge Conservation Area.
- Enjoy a serene paddle down the picturesque heritage river! For beginners, the Breslau trip is perfect. Rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, or water rafts, all of which come with life jackets and a safety kit.
- Golf courses across the Kitchener-Waterloo region are open. Book a tee time with Dad!
- Step back in time with Dad during Nostalgia of Cambridge Walking Tours: Galt’s Architectural Past, a guided evening walk from McDougall Cottage through the historic streets, buildings, and businesses that helped shape today’s Galt. Taking place on Friday, June 19, 2026, this 90-minute tour pairs local history, architecture, and community stories.