Updated August 2024
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 and friends to enjoy!
Labour Day Weekend in Waterloo Region
1) #WalkQueen Waybacks Euro Street Party
Saturday, August 31 from 7-11pm
This outdoor street party features the best eurodance, freestyle and gino beats from the 90s and early 2000s spun by DJ TGreen of Thunderstorm Productions and DJ Karim E. This is a free family friendly, all ages event that takes place on Queen Street in Hespeler Village rain or shine. Make a day of it by visiting the wide selection of restaurants and unique retail shops you’ll find here.
2) Take a Heritage Train Ride with Waterloo Central Railway
Along with its Heritage Hopper tours, Waterloo Central Railway has a special train happening on Saturday, August 31st. Their Brew & Bites Train includes a meal and an alcoholic beverage as you take in the breathtaking views on this scenic train ride! Tickets are limited and are available on the website (scroll down the page for details).
3) Pick Your Own Apples at Downey’s Apple Farm
All Weekend from 10am – 5pm daily
Apples at their absolute freshest! The entire family will love picking apples in the orchards at Downey’s Apple Farm in Breslau. In addition to the apples, you can play in the Play Field, navigate your way through the corn maze, and even try your hand at Pumpkin Bowling!
4) Go Wild! at African Lion Safari
Canada’s Original Safari Adventure is open all long weekend! Get closer than you ever imagined to majestic species from around the world as you drive along 9 kilometres of trail (approximately an hour to an hour and a half), and learn about African Lion Safari’s world-renowned animal conservation efforts.
5) Summer Tours and Programs at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Open all weekend including Labour Day
Join a Nature Interpreter for a 20 – 30 minute guided tour to learn more about butterflies, animals and gardens. Drop-in programming includes one of the following: an outdoor bug hunt, live creature feature or Storytime. All programming is included with regular admission to the conservatory where you can experience the magic of 1,000’s of free-flying butterflies up close.
6) Old Post Office Light Show
Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1st every half hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.
Watch as visual effects transform the Old Post Office in Cambridge! This 20-minute show is set to music (tune in to FM 92.5), and is perfect for the entire family.
7) Waterloo Regional Labour Council Labour Day Picnic
Monday, Sept. 2nd at Waterloo Park from 12-4pm
Join the WRLC for its annual Labour Day Picnic. This family event includes a children’s area and live music. Proceeds raised go to the United Way.
8) Kitchener Rangers FanFest and BBQ
Sunday, September 1 from 11 am – 2 pm
The annual Kitchener Rangers Fan Fest and Barbecue takes place at The Aud. Admission to the Fan Fest and Barbecue is free for all fans and will include a number of activities including inflatable games, rides, an autograph session with Kitchener Rangers players, and, of course, a BBQ!
Net proceeds from the BBQ, as well as admission to the exhibition game, will go to support Make-A-Wish Canada.
9) Music on the Grand
Sunday, Sept. 1 from 7-10pm
Galt Jazz presents this musical fundraiser in support of the Cambridge Food Bank at the Melville Café. It’s an intimate evening of music featuring the Patti Payne Duo and light food fare with Melville Pizza.
10) Big Splash Final Weekend
Open all weekend including Labour Day, Bingemans
Big Splash is the area’s largest water park and 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). You can also explore all of Bingemans other entertainment options while you’re there too!
11) Head to a local Farmers’ Market
Pick up fresh, local produce for your long weekend get togethers. There are a number of seasonal markets that continue into fall – check out this list of Summer Farmers’ Markets in Waterloo Region and head to one that’s close to you!
Stay to date on what’s happening in Waterloo Region – check out Explore Waterloo Region’s Events Calendar
