Caribbean flavour, awe-inspiring talent and magnificent visuals throughout a span of one weekend in Waterloo Region
by Ian Shantz | August 2024
The sound of steel drums will fill the air as performers breathe fire and the glow of lanterns set a tranquil scene.
Those activities won’t all unfold at precisely the same time but they’re happening in proximity so visitors exercising sound time-management skills should be able to see and do it all when a frenzy of festivals converge on Waterloo Region this August.
No fewer than three major celebratory events are slated for the weekend of Aug. 23-25, making it an ideal time for families and friends to make the road trip to Waterloo Region from the Greater Toronto Area, London and all points in between.
Of course, locals are always invited!
When it comes to festivals, the region is renowned for delivering some of the most fun, vibrant celebrations around — and as the area’s population expands, so does the range of offerings.
There’s something new, something tried and true, something gentle and something lively. What we’re saying is there’s something for everyone on what promises to be a memorable weekend of festivities that simply should not be missed.
It might be somewhat of a juggling act to experience it all, but the challenge is doable with a bit of planning. (It certainly will be a juggling act if you’re catching the buskers in Uptown Waterloo!) Here’s a breakdown of the weekend to help get you geared up for all the fun. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
CARIBANA IGNITE
The region’s newest festival, Caribana Ignite, makes its debut in downtown Kitchener with activities planned throughout Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25 – but let’s just call it island time!
This lively festival is being staged by the same organizers responsible for the wildly popular Caribana event in Toronto happening a few weeks earlier (the Toronto event is billed as North America’s largest Caribbean carnival.)
“We are excited to bring Caribana outside of Toronto for the first time ever!” Caribana Arts Group chair Davina Reid said. “Our aim is to present a unique showcase that will introduce Kitchener and visitors to the region to the cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and visual and performing arts known as Caribana.”
The Caribana Arts Group has partnered with the City of Kitchener to transform Carl Zehr Square at city hall into Carnival Village, showcasing the diversity of Caribbean culture and arts.
The festival will celebrate Caribbean heritage and pay tribute to the legacy, culture and spirit of the Caribbean diaspora while entertaining, educating, empowering and connecting visitors.
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region is another partner.
“Our mission of promoting the social, cultural and economic interests of the Region’s Caribbean community aligns perfectly with helping to bring Canada’s premiere Caribbean festival here,” said president Lannois Carroll-Woolery.
For more information, visit the festival’s website.
SUNLIFE WATERLOO BUSKER CARNIVAL
The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven festival that has entertained families since 1989. It’s also an award-winning festival that has attracted top international artists to Uptown Waterloo over the four days of festivities.
Acrobatics, comedians, magicians and, of course, the always-popular fire-performers will wow attendees in Waterloo’s public square, around city hall and on Regina Street.
From the opening ceremony and Spandy Andy’s Big Balloon Show presented by the City of Waterloo on Thursday, Aug. 22 through to acts such as The Fire Ninja, Barbie and Pancho Libre, the entertainment is endless.
Performances begin on Thursday night and then run daily from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The carnival is dubbed a “celebration of fun, art, and community spirit.”
Aside from the street performances, visitors can temp their tastebuds with international cuisine offered up by food vendors and seek out nifty gifties at the various shopping stalls before checking out the midway games and riding the popular Ferris wheel.
Best of all? Entrance to the carnival is free. Consider contributing to the buskers, however, as it’s their livelihood.
For more information, go to waterloobuskers.com.
WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
Picture more than 1,000 lanterns reflecting upon water as the sun sets.
That’s what visitors to this unique roving festival can expect when it is staged at Bingemans (425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener) for one day, Saturday, Aug. 24.
The Water Lantern Festival allows families, friends and strangers of all ages and backgrounds to gather for this serene scene that focuses on personal reflection and making connections.
Festivals-goers will each receive their eco-friendly lanterns to design before participants gather to “Light The Water” by releasing the lanterns as part of what promises to be a magical, emotional experience for all.
Food trucks will be on site offering a range of fares, but visitors can also bring their own food to the event. There will also be music.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the lantern launch is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. before the event concludes at 9:30 p.m.
Advance ticket pricing ranges from $17.75 for youths to $55.99 for adults. Each adult ticket includes festival entry, floating lantern, keychain LED flashlight, marker and wristband. Admission prices also cover the cost of collecting and removing the lanterns from the water following the event, and additional clean-up.
For more information, visit the event website.
*****
Ian Shantz is an award-winning, seasoned writer and editor based in Waterloo Region. Throughout his career in journalism spanning nearly 20 years, Ian has specialized in various storytelling, including sports, travel and breaking news reporting. He works at The Toronto Sun. Raised in the townships of Wellesley and Woolwich, Ian is forever in pursuit of a quality cup of coffee, a top-secret swimming hole, and a favourite new band.