RUBY DOOM AT LOST VESSEL
Public Seating DIY presents an eclectic mixed bill at Lost Vessel Vintage. Featuring Brantford-based DIY girl punk band Ruby Doom, Lamzy Divey from Toronto and Kitchener’s newest dance punk quartet Chatter.
Public Seating DIY presents an eclectic mixed bill at Lost Vessel Vintage. Featuring Brantford-based DIY girl punk band Ruby Doom, Lamzy Divey from Toronto and Kitchener’s newest dance punk quartet Chatter.
The fourth annual Joy of Nature Hike in loving memory of Jaqui McDermott. The Joy of Nature Hike is an annual fundraiser for the Nice Day Shining Charity. Among other things, the charity funds two scholarships each year which are awarded to students studying fine arts in a post-secondary setting.
Kitchener’s favourite hometown hero performs at Cafe Pyrus with a host of new songs. Joining him will be chamber folk band A Horse Named Friday and Hamilton folk/country duo Michael Antelope. Presented by Bird Daniels.
On Oct. 10, supporters of Palestine will take the streets to mark three years since Israel’s genocide on Gaza began. People in Gaza have endured over 1,000 days of bombing, starvation and occupation. Show your support Oct. 10 at Gaukel Block in Kitchener.
Hosted by the Alpine Club— Habsburg Haus delivers the heart and soul of Oktoberfest under one roof. Indulge in classic, home-style dishes like schnitzel, sausage, cabbage rolls and of course the legendary, handmade Alpine Apple Strudel.
Mixed(er) is a comedic coming-of-adulthood story about Sam, a biracial woman who returns to her parents’ home in Kitchener-Waterloo after completing her undergrad. She learnsher parents are throwing her a surprise birthday party, including her White friends and only Black friend.
Bring your appetite and gather your friends, family and neighbours for King StrEATery, a free community celebration of food, local businesses and downtown fun that is returning to Kitchener. This pedestrian-friendly event will transform King Street East between Eby Street and Cedar Street, as well as the Kitchener Market piazza.
Performing from the upstairs balcony at The Yeti, in an homage to the Beatles’ last concert on a London rooftop in 1969, a Beatles cover band will play the album Abbey Road from start to finish! Plus a bunch more Beatles songs inspired by their Shea stadium performance.
KW’s favourite DIY music fest is back for a second round. Public Seating DIY has curated an excellent lineup of hardcore, punk, indie and ecclectic music over the course of 3 days in downtown Kitchener. Highlights include Julie Doiron, Yoo Doo Right and Botfly. A pre-show will take place on Sept 25th at Short Finger […]
Sasha Tease is adopting her 2nd child, Bee Gaea! Come fill the room with love and celebrate chosen family with an incredible drag show. Bee Gaea made her Drag Debut almost 3 years ago at Sasha’s Drag Open Stage. Since then Bee has been tugging on Sasha’s maternal heart strings and has finally made her […]
The Multicultural Festival of Elmira returns for a day chock full of performances, workshops and more. This year’s theme, “Rooted Here. Growing Together,” shows how shared presence and care create vibrant, connected communities. No matter where we come from, we all contribute to what’s growing here.
Join Nash Danger and friends for a night of folk music at Midnight Run Cafe. Hear heartfelt folk performances from Nash Danger, Hunter Stull, Ava Hickey, Emily Gilbart and Neurosea. This event is 15$/PWYC.
In 2001, Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area launched their first biennial: CAFKA.01: AND THEN WE TAKE BERLIN. 25 Years and 13 biennials later, CAFKA is celebrating their avant-garde contemporary art contributions to the KW community with a huge art party. Free food, cash bar, DJ’s and more.
Hear from candidates who are running to represent Ward 10 on Kitchener City Council, and ask your questions before election day. Election day is Monday, October 26th, 2026. Municipal elections often have the biggest impact on your daily life, and your vote can make a real difference.
Art vendors, queer line dancing, live music, beers and so much more! The KW Punk Rock Flea Market has something for everyone. Check out their instagram @prfmkw to see all the vendors featured at this market.
Come play casual friendly games with local KW chess players. All levels and ages welcome. Experienced players, will be matched with similar level players. New players will be taught the game rules.
Join WPL and SPECTRUM for a reading circle for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies that takes less commitment than a book club. The event will have different readings (short stories, essays, poetry, etc) that will beread together and then discussed. No preparation needed!
Each year, World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity to receive information about local services and resources, to connect with others, and to be with community. Join the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council for light refreshments, a panal discussion and a hope and healing ceremony.
Get lost in a universe of sound from Amanda Elemental, DIVAA, and Summerr, featuring a live set from duo Moonbean. Prepare to be star struck by a cast of drag performers: Elixxirr, Miss Conduct, Anita Valentine, Dr. Dirty Digoonious, and Peach Blossom. A fun filled rockous night for all.
Saving the planet one SWAP at a time!! Join in for the ever amazing seasonal clothing swap, saving 1000s of garments from the landfill and refreshing your wardrobe in a fun, creative way. Meet cool people, get new clothes – yep, who could ask for a better way to spend a few hours. A riotous […]
Saturday Farmer’s Markets are back! Check out your favourite local farmers and vendors with your community. Visitors are able to pick up their weekly groceries or weekend meals, grab a hot meal at our Food Hall and see exciting family friendly events.
Explore 4 days of world-class street performances, comedy, food vendor, midway attractions, acrobatics and more. Busker performances will take place across multiple locations in Uptown Waterloo.
Join Al-Falah Kitchener for a fun-filled day of celebration with friends, family and community. Sports, bouncy castles and games and delicious meals.There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Support local band Heirloom and their Oracle album release. Liral and Mount Mural will also be playing. The show is in Uptown Waterloo at Emmanuel United. Enjoy a night of dreamy folk music.
Explore over 50 vendors throughout King Street, featuring delicious eats, unique retail finds, services and much more. There are also exciting live performances and interactive activities for you to enjoy. Experience this vibrant fathering place for culture, community and connection.
A new play by Ben Gorodetsky, performed inside of a sauna. A small audience of 16 people are invited to share space and sweat inside a hot schvitz for a first look at the play. This workshop will combine storytelling, bathing rituals, archival sound recordings of politicians and comedians.
Join Playful Fox Productions as we take a journey “far far away” with Shrek The Musical based on the hit animated movie. Join the big, bright, beautiful world of Shrek and come along for the adventure.
Join Castle Kilbride on the front lawn each Thursday night from June 25 until August 27. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy unique music. Admission by donation. Weather permitting.
Enjoy a wide variety of racquet sports with your community. Visitors of all ages can explore racquet sports, including squash, pickleball, badminton and more.
On the intersection of Queen and Mitchell, come enjoy refreshments and learn more about Kitchener in Bloom. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved with community gardens this is your chance.
Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. It’s the purrr-fect way to celebrate our favourite four-legged feline friends while raising money for local cats in need!
This year there are over 35 acts to see at one of the largest blue festivals in Canada. Kitchener will host international and local blues acts on stages around the Downtown area.
Join your neighbours for a relaxed ride to support local businesses & get to know neighbours. The final stop will be karaoke at the Fred Gies Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 on Belmont Ave. Please wear a helmet!
All summer long, there are free outdoor entertainment events for all ages in Cambridge. Every Wednesday and Sunday throughout July and August will have outdoor performances with no tickets necessary. Some events include movie nights, tea for two, and live music performances.
Enjoy free performances in the City Hall atrium every Wednesday through the end of August.
Browse through a large selection of handmade goods by artists, crafters and makers while listening to live local music. More art markets will be held at Open Streets on June 13.
All skills levels are welcome, come enjoy the music with a live DJ as you skate the night away! Skate rentals are availbel for a fee, bring your own helmets.
Need support for employment? Stop by this speed networking event! Drop-in employment support will be available from 1 PM to 2 PM. Pre-registration is encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome.
Expect the best vibes as music brings together festival-goers, artists and music lovers for one final celebration. This is where the community comes together to enjoy culture, music, and food.
Your favourite food festival is coming to town! Enjoy some of the most unique and delicious cheesecake and taco flavours in one place. There will be a margarita bar, live music and a large artisan market.
Romeo and Juliet will be performed on the pavilion stage in the yard. There are evening and daytime performances from July 17 to July 26 presented by The Elora Community Theatre.
Open Mic, open stage, open invitation! Anything goes in this diverse and delightful open mic. Comedy, music, drag, performance art, poetry and more are welcome.
Tattoo and needle felt with this hands on, beginner-friendly class. You will get all the tools needed to tattoo and needle felt. The first hour of this class is dedicated to tattooing, learning everything needed to line and colour your tattoo. Then there will be a guided hour of felting.
This international choral festival presenting world-class choirs now in its forty-seventh season. The Festival’s ensemble-in-residence is The Elora Singers, one of Canada’s finest professional chamber choirs.
From July 10 to 12, Waterloo park will come alive with excellent music from all across the world and in our own backyard. There will be interactive workshops for the whole family, a Kids Zone, cultural market and much more. International food trucks will also be there.
Volunteers will be on hand to help you get your bike all fixed up. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and learn some new skills. Participants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join Branches Yoga for a relaxing day in the park. This welcoming, low-pressure session is open to all ages and experience levels.
This 19+ queer variety show will highlight local performers paying tribute to their favourite fandoms! Money raised at this show will benefit both FightBackKW and the food bank.
Go out for a dance without sacrificing the next day! This rave is for people over 30 to relive the peak of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. There will be confetti showers, Co2 cannons and more.
Come hang out for some good talks, stories and connections in the Indigenous circle. This is a relaxed and respectful environment where men can talk openly with no expectations and judgements.
Turn up the classics with Wayback Festival 2026! Enjoy iconic rock, fan-favourite tributes and legendary Canadian artists in downtown Kitchener. This year’s lineup will celebrate the music which defined generations.
Visit with community partners in trans healthcare to learn more about what is available. Make new connections with Community Healthcaring KW, HIVE Health Services, KW Trans Library and more.
Join the Willow River Centre in Downtown Kitchener for figure sketching with a live model. All artists over 18 are welcome of all skill levels. Poses will range from 2 minutes to 30 minutes.
Revive Karaoke Bar welcomes you to celebrate Pride with a blast! Celebratory attire is encouraged: colours, glitter, pride flags and more. All people are welcome. Check out the sweet and spicy sales from guest vendor Stag Shop.
From therapists, to mechanics, to birth workers and more. There will be over 50 booths filled with various service professionals, as well as others with local snacks and beverages! This is an all-ages event and is free to attend.
This youth-led open mic welcomes you to enjoy live music, poetry, storytelling, spoken word performances and more. A high-energy Electric Pow Wow with DJ Boogey the Beat will follow.
Join basm, an Egyptian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, with a celebration of art. This multimedia gallery exhibition will combine paintings, video, audio and a live performance art piece. basm’s work has accumulated over 500K streams and 250+ radio plays across stations including KCRW, Los Angeles and CBC Radio Canada.
Celebrate the release of a debut poetry collection from a local! This community-style poetry book launch afternoon features a Q&A, raffle, bookmark-making station and time to hang out.
This is a drop-in space for folks who wear chest binders or are looking for more information about them. Members from the Gender Variant Working Group (GVWG) are on hand to help get accurate size information. Participants can also learn more about safe binding practices and other information about local spaces and services,
Calling all tweens ages 9-12! This hour-long program will allow you to create some colourful jewelry. The materials and equipment will be provided by the library.
Join this alcohol and substance-free drag event with your favourite local drag entertainers. All the fun of a drag show, completely sober! Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds donated to the Sexual ASsault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.
This very queer and very fun pride party is a part of The Weird Girl book tour and is hosted by Dirty Works Studio. Enjoy readings from local writers, crafts, music, books and more.
Welcome to the Open Sky Live Summer Concert Series! There are seven free live music performances on the MacDonald Pavilion Stage at the Elora Centre for the Arts. There will be a food truck and a vintage camper bar and concessions. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
Empower & Elevate is a celebration of individuals, organizations, and businesses who contribute to community well-being and social good. The evening brings together community members and leaders for a shared meal, meaningful recognition, and entertainment, but most importantly, it supports MSSWR’s ongoing work in the community.
Explore your creativity and celebrate Pride Month by making zines with the KW Zinetopia Collective. Take home your very own zine, a small booklet designed using everyday art materials and your own imagination.
Join us for this 2SLGBTQIA+ craft night to create handmade coasters! The coasters will have inspired patterns using mosaic tiles. Finish off your creation with grout and take home a unique coaster of your own.
This event is open to Indigenous community members! Join in for this bi-weekly Community Drum Circle hosted by Amy Smoke.
Looking for another way to celebrate Pride? Enjoy this showcase and art market to celebrate local dance, drag and fine arts!
Every year for the past sixteen years, family and friends of residents have laced up,gathered pledges, and joined in our Hike for Hospice on the first Sunday in June. An ever increasing numberof people register each year, forming close-knit teams and sharing memories of the people they love and havelost in our Houses.
Leave it all on the dance floor, that’s what Pride is for! Welcome to Pride in Paradise, a One Big Gay Disco party to celebrate pride in all its colours. Get ready for that Pride beat to move your feet with a stacked cast of DJs to enjoy all night long.
There will be a sacred fire and respectful sharing to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous men and boys. Volunteers and speakers are welcome. All are welcome to attend.
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of tri-Pride; a milestone rooted in resilience, advoacy and community care. The 2026 theme is “The Light is Coming,” celebrating queer joy in response to a time marked by grief, uncertainty and renewed challenges.
Oak and Acorn is excited to announce Pride Flash Day! This inclusive, queer-positive tattoo studio is ready to welcome you as you are. This flash day is by appointment only, no walk-ins.
Come mark World Environment Day by watching and discussing the powerful new documentary “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” about the climate and environmental impacts of the U.S. war machine. This film screening will be followed by a moderated discussion by Dr. James Nugent of the University of Waterloo and Dr. Tamara Lorincz of Wilfrid Laurier University. All […]
A social hangout dedicated to creating, crafting, and collaging with others. All you need is your journal and a pen! Come join us for a fun gathering where you can connect with other journal lovers, share experiences, and get inspired.
Shop queer art, get a tattoo, change up your look and so much more! Queer Night Out is proud to present the return of a Guelph Queer Crawl. There will be gender affirming haircuts at pay-what-you-can pricing through the fabulous folks at Art Texture Hair.
This investigative drama follows a well-intentioned retail employee who discovers a factory worker’s handwritten note inside the new pair of jeans he’s folding. As he begins to pull at the threads, he’s entwined in a sprawling overseas network that leads right back home.
Join Landscape Designer Heather Jerrard for a hands-on workshop and lecture designed to make the gardening planning process accessible. Whether starting with a blank slate or refreshing a corner of the yard, this session provides professional foundations and “tricks of the trade.”
This fundraiser show for SASC WR includes performances from 12 amazing artists! There will also be 2 funtastic vendors available. Keep an eye out for the performer figurines being sold as that helps with the total donation!
Make pin-back buttons in preparation for Pride Month! Folks 12-29 are invited to participate in this button-making social. Folks who want a space to craft, hang out and talk about sexual health are welcome.
In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn the art of hand-stitching leather as you create your own cardholder to take home. Learn essential techniques such as saddle-stitching, beveling, burnishing, and sealing edges. You’ll also get a quick demo on punching stitch holes and cutting.
The vigil will include Gary Whetung, an Indigenous Catholic, who will be speaking about Laudato Si, an encyclical written by Pope Francis about the Care of Creation. The vigil will also include time for reflection.
Lions Club is hosting a road clean up along the HWY. 7 between Woolwich St. S. to Shantz Starion Road. All are welcome to participate; anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The meetup starts at the 822 Air Cadets building at the Waterloo Region Airport.
Starting on May 9, join Shuh Orchards during select weekends in May to experience the orchard in full bloom. Celebrate spring at Shuh Orchards! Join in for the first annual Bloom fest. Enjoy a wagon ride through the apple blossoms, sip on some cider and listen to local live music.
Let’s Tree Wilmot is partnering with the Township in this new special project. The trees being planted will feature a species from the Carolinian forest zone. No tree planting necessary, but advance registration is requested.
Join KWAG in ROOTED, their celebration of 70 years in operation. This weekend of free arts programming and music will include the return of the Garden of Resilience, an opportunity for community members to grow their own organic produce.
Girls’ Night is back at Whoopsie Daisy Drinks! Come down for drinks and laughs and secrets with friends. Heather Mariko from Canada’s Drag Race and Project Runway Canada is the headliner for this star-studded night of jokes. This is the last show for a few weeks before a brief interim.
This annual event features art by youth aged ten to 18, from paint to pencil to photography, sculpture and more. The City of Kitchener has teamed up with community groups to bring this whole event together.
Spend your Victoria Day at McDougall Cottage! Drop in for a guided tour and explore the new exhibit, Snapshots in Time. Enjoy freshly baked mini-scones and jam and whipped cream alongside your choice of tea, coffee or ginger cordial.
Rock out with the community with this edition of the Long Weekend Band Crawl. Enjoy the most artists yet, including The Creepshow, The Abruptors, Broadcast Zero and more. Hop around from venue to venue supporting your favourite local artists.
Rusty Nail Comedy brings the best comedians in Canada to Waterloo Region! Drew Behm is the headliner, hailing from Edmonton. He gained fame with his viral “Alberta accent” videos and has appeared at Just for Laughs.
Enjoy this intimate evening of food and wine, featuring acclaimed winemaker Luca Baccarelli. This exclusive experience celebrates the culinary traditions of Umbria, Italy. The region’s soulful cuisine will inspire a thoughtfully curated four-course menu.
Get your trivia on for this Mother’s Day-themed trivia night featuring famous moms from pop culture. This fun, fast-paced night will be filled with familiar favourites and a little friendly competition.
This immersive guided walk will bring you through the beautiful woodlands surrounding Doon Heritage Village, located in the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. Step off the path and into the story of the forest.
Join in on the treasure hunt! Everyone is welcome at the KW Gem and Mineral sale. Find rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, fluorescent specimens, beads, gemstone jewelry and more.
Check out this beginner-friendly art program for adults who want to explore sketching, watercolour, painting and acrylic painting in a supportive setting. Get guided time to experiment with basic techniques, materials and colour. This program is open to all skill levels and all materials are provided.
Join in for ELLA’s 2026 Generator Event: Little Humans, Big Tech. They are bringing together two powerhouse Canadian voices to spark a real conversation about supporting families in the digital age.
Join us for a special matinee concert welcoming the Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz quintet to Kitchener. More than just a band, Waleed Kush-Afro Jazz draws from African values of community and shared knowledge. This ticketed show will have mixed seating available. There will be a cash and card bar at the venue, as well as a […]
Enjoy classic cottage tea, complete with a selection of tea sandwiches, scones with jam and whipped cream and other sweet treats! What could be better than a chat and some nosh in a cozy 168-year-old stone cottage?