Events: Now through August 2026

April

Apr 11
62nd Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

The world's largest single-day maple syrup festival — pancakes, wagon rides, sugar bush tours, and 100+ vendors.

📍 ElmiraFreeMore info →
Apr 26
Cambridge Jazz Festival

The inaugural Cambridge Jazz Festival — an award-winning lineup in a world-class venue in the Gaslight District.

📍 Tapestry Hall, CambridgeMore info →

May

May 2–3
TriCon KW 2026

Waterloo Region's premiere fan event — pop culture, sci-fi, comics, anime, cosplay, vendors, panels, and interactive tech-art all weekend.

📍 THEMUSEUM, KitchenerMore info →
May 28–31
75th Kin Festival

Four days of carnival rides, food trucks, live bands, games, and prizes — a Cambridge community tradition since 1949, celebrating its 75th year.

📍 Riverside Park, CambridgeFree admissionMore info →
May 29–31
Magic & Shenanigans NEW

Back for its 2nd year — a guided walking tour through Uptown Waterloo with world-class magicians at secret indoor and outdoor venues, led by professional comedians. Two hours of sleight of hand, laughs, and surprises. Ages 10+.

📍 Uptown WaterlooMore info →

June

Jun 13
Open Streets

Willis Way and Waterloo Public Square transform with live performances, music, and an art market — no cars, just people.

📍 Uptown WaterlooFreeMore info →
Jun 20
Neighbours Day

A city-wide celebration encouraging Kitchener residents to connect with neighbours through block parties, picnics, and community gatherings.

📍 Kitchener (city-wide)FreeMore info →
Jun 20–21
KW Multicultural Festival

One of Canada's largest multicultural festivals — food, dance, music, and international crafts drawing 40,000+ visitors over two days.

📍 Victoria Park, KitchenerFreeMore info →

July

Jul 1
Canada Day Celebrations

Multiple events throughout the region — live music, food trucks, fireworks, and family activities across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.

📍 Region-wideFree
Jul 11
Cruising on King

100+ vintage hot rods, Corvettes, and classic cars line King Street for half a kilometre, with an open-air stage and live entertainment.

📍 King St, Downtown KitchenerFreeMore info →
Jul 17–19
Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival

Free 3-day outdoor music festival in its 34th season, drawing 20,000+ with international, national, and local jazz artists.

📍 Uptown WaterlooFreeMore info →
Jul 17–19
Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show

Award-winning BBQ rib teams, Ontario craft beers, live entertainment, and a Kids Fun Zone across the weekend.

📍 Victoria Park, KitchenerFree admissionMore info →
Jul 17–19
Cambridge Scottish Festival

Waterloo Region's only Scottish festival — pipe bands, highland dancing, athletic Games Day, and the Avenue of the Clans.

📍 Churchill Park, CambridgeMore info →
Jul 24–25
Wayback Festival

Two nights of free classic rock hits at Carl Zehr Square — tributes, Canadian legends, food trucks, and a licensed bar area. 20,000+ attend annually.

📍 Carl Zehr Square, KitchenerFreeMore info →
Jul 30–Aug 2
2026 Ontario Summer Games

Ontario's largest multi-sport event comes home — 4,000+ athletes aged 12–18 competing in 23 sports across 28 venues throughout the region. Spectators welcome.

📍 Region-wideMostly freeMore info →

August

Aug 7–9
Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show

Award-winning rib teams, Ontario craft beers, and live entertainment at Riverside Park, drawing 25,000 visitors annually.

📍 Riverside Park, CambridgeFreeMore info →
Aug 7–10
TD Kitchener Blues Festival

35+ bands across 4 stages over 4 days — one of Canada's largest blues festivals, with jams, workshops, and world-class acts.

📍 Downtown KitchenerMostly freeMore info →
Aug 15–16
Moparfest

Canada's largest all-Mopar car show — 1,300+ Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth & Jeep vehicles, swap meet, burnout contest, and live music.

📍 New Hamburg ShowgroundsMore info →
Aug 21–22
Caribana Ignite

The third annual Caribbean Carnival in Downtown Kitchener — a Friday Glow Party followed by a vibrant Saturday Carnival Parade, soca, costumes, and Caribbean culture. Free and all-ages.

📍 Downtown KitchenerFreeMore info →
Aug 27–30
Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival

38th anniversary of this beloved 4-day street performer festival — jugglers, acrobats, fire acts, comedians, midway rides, and food trucks drawing 50,000+ visitors.

📍 Uptown WaterlooFree (PWYC)More info →