August 2022
We’re coming up to the final long weekend of summer. Labour Day Weekend is full of fun things to do in Waterloo Region: check out our list and find great options for families, friends and couples to enjoy!
1. Go for a Stroll
Stroll Walking Tours connects you to places, spaces, people and stories that will shift your perspectives on the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Check out Stroll’s Historic St. Jacobs tour, a special edition of their popular DTK Murals and the Outdoor Gallery tour, or head out on the new Cambridge Mural Walking Tour – Dog Friendly edition!
2. WelcomeFest
This brand-new festival is dubbed KW’s friendliest music festival! WelcomeFest is an all-ages event that runs September 2-3 at Maxwell’s in Waterloo and features over 20 musical performances. If you work up an appetite from all the singing, head to one of the food trucks on site. Admission to the outdoor events is free: 1-day or 2-day Indoor Passes are also available.
3. GREASE is the Word
It’s another movie singalong at the Apollo Cinema in Kitchener – “Tell me more, tell me more!”, right?? This time it’s a GREASE Singalong, with a friendly crowd who doesn’t care how off-key you are as long as you’re belting each song out to the rafters!
4. ART HOP
Explore Kitchener-Waterloo in a brand-new way on September 2nd and 3rd through this immersive art and music festival. With events like the Rooftop Concert, Glow-in-the-Dark Party, a Mad Hatter Garden Party, Breakdancing Workshop and Battle, and so much more. A full schedule of events is available on the website.
5. Opening Weekend at Snyder’s Family Farm
You’ll FALL for all the fun at Snyder’s Family Farm! Labour Day weekend is Opening Weekend at the farm: your Fall Farm ticket Includes access to the play area, pirate ships, petting zoo, pedal carts, jumping pillows, corn maze, haunted houses and HAYRIDE!
Don’t forget to book our Campfire Experience for your day at the farm! Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance online.
6. Digital Doors Open Waterloo Region
See what’s behind the doors of some of this region’s most iconic buildings. This year’s Doors Open Waterloo Region event is virtual with nine new videos being released beginning on September 3. Sites that will be featured this year include Crow Shield Lodge, Galt Arena Gardens, and the Blair Sheave Tower. Each episode is five to 10 minutes long and will debut on the Region of Waterloo’s Youtube channel and on Rogers Television.
7. Kitchener Rangers Fan Fest
Kick off the Kitchener Ranger’s 2022-23 season with fun, food and friends. Meet the Rangers players, get an autograph, and participate in many activities including inflatable games and rides!
Fan fest is free to all fans, and the Rangers will host the team’s first exhibition game (vs. The Niagara IceDogs) of the 2022-23 season at 2pm directly following.
8. Galt Jazz
It’s the first Sunday of September, and that means it’s time to head to Downtown Cambridge’s Main Street to take in some local jazz performances. Bring a lawnchair, then get ready to relax and enjoy the music! And while you’re there, pop into one of the great local cafés and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.
9. Labour Day Picnic
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council is hosting its annual “Pay-what-you-can” BBQ and family-friendly Picnic in support of the local United Way. This free community Labour Day Picnic and BBQ is named in honour of past WRLC Treasurer Ed Weidinger, and is brought to you by local unions and the Waterloo Regional Labour Council.
10. Head Out On Safari
Get closer than you ever imagined to majestic birds and animals from around the world as you drive along 9 kilometres of trail, through 7 large Game Reserves at African Lion Safari! The kids can also cool off at Misumu Bay Wet Play, and see a variety of animals at Pets’ Corner. You can also learn why African Lion Safari is considered a world leader in animal conservation efforts as well as a leader in the field of captive reproduction programmes for numerous endangered species.
11. Enjoy a Live Performance
It’s the final weekend of Drayton Entertainment’s production of The Crooner at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre. Starring acclaimed Canadian crooner Michael Vanhevel, this entertaining musical tribute celebrates iconic voices throughout the decades with that distinct smooth and snappy crooner style.
12. Tour a Castle
Step back into the Victorian era and explore historic Castle Kilbride in Baden. Staff will be on hand to showcase key features & answer questions.
Castle Kilbride is a grand Victorian home that was built in 1877, for James Livingston, flax industrialist, politician and entrepreneur. To fully appreciate the artistry in the Castle, you will want to see for yourself its brilliance. A tour through this magnificent Castle is a step back into the lavish Victorian Era. You can book your tour of the castle through the website.
13. Big Splash Final Weekend
It’s the last weekend of the season to take in the fun at Big Splash – the area’s largest water park that offers fun and entertainment for kids of all ages. Spend the day in the heated wave pool, on one of their 11 water slides or in Spray N Play (a splash pad for younger kids).
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