ROAMING THE REGION: FESTIVAL SEASON

Once again, Waterloo Region’s festival and event calendar is overflowing with options to celebrate cultures from all over the world. So, get out your planner and call all your friends and family! 

Salsa in the Square  

Every Thursday in Waterloo  Public Square from 7 p.m. to 11  p.m., the Underdog Dance Corp.  teaches a free dance lesson  in salsa, bachata or another  Latin dance style before letting  everyone loose on the open-air  dancefloor.

Concerts at the Castle 

Thursdays are a popular day in Waterloo Region. Weather permitting, head to Castle Kilbride in Baden for more outdoor music at this bydonation event from 7 p.m. to 8  p.m. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. 

Kitchener Blues Festival 

A free event, this year Canada’s  largest blues festival runs from  Aug. 6 to 9, with over 35 bands  and four stages in Downtown  Kitchener

Cambridge Ribfest and Craft Beer Show 

Save your appetite for finger-licking fun! From Aug. 7 to 9 in Riverside Park, travel Ontario by tastebud with some of the province’s best craft beer, ciders and cocktails, plus ribs and chicken galore. Live entertainment, a Kids Fun Zone, and a whole lot of food and drink await you. The event is free, though donations are accepted on behalf of Rotary Cambridge Sunrise.

Canadian Arab Festival 

The fifth annual Canadian Arab  Festival is taking place on Aug. 14  from 4 to 9:30 p.m. in Downtown Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square.  Explore food and local vendors, meet new people, and enjoy live music and performances like the energetic Dabke circles.

Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa Nights 

Move your hips to the beat in Cambridge. Similar to the Waterloo social dances, Queen Latin Music hosts Latin Music nights on Main St. in Downtown Galt (Aug. 15) and on Queen St. in Downtown Hespeler (Aug. 29). Dance the night away from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

KidsPark 

Looking for something to do outdoors with the kids? Head to Kitchener’s Victoria Park on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for food trucks and live entertainment.

Far East Asian Night Market 

Back for its third year on Aug. 16, the extremely popular Far East Asian Night Market is a celebration of Downtown Kitchener’s cultural diversity. Come hungry—there are over 50 food and retail vendors and the food sells quickly! 

Toronto Tempo 

Join the crowd at Cambridge’s Gaslight District Square on Aug. 23 for the 7 p.m. game against the Las Vegas Aces. The event is free and will run rain or shine. Bring chairs and treat yourself to a snack from vendors in the square.

Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival 

Another classic Waterloo Region event, the Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is taking place Aug. 27 to 30. The free event is in its 38th year and bigger and better than ever. Bring the whole family, your neighbours and friends to eat family-style at the food trucks, be amazed by the talented circus-like performances and mosey down Artist Alley before hopping on the midway rides. Support the performers and pay what you can when they pass their hats.