by Christine Wilson |April 2025
Beat the winter blues and embrace the transition into spring. These exciting events will encourage you to brave the cold and slushy sidewalks while exploring the best of Waterloo Region through cultural events and family fun. Here’s what you can experience in the region from January through May.
January
Winterloo
Tempted to hibernate this winter? Winterloo—Uptown Waterloo’s signature winter festival—is the perfect solution to help you embrace the magic of the season. Bundle up, grab a thermos of hot chocolate, and bring the whole family for this kid-friendly event, where the city transforms into a snowy playground with ice carving demonstrations, outdoor skating, and live entertainment.
March
Irish Real Life Festival
For 10 days in March, the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle come to life in Waterloo Region at the Irish Real Life Festival. This lively event celebrates both traditional and contemporary Irish culture, featuring music and dance performances, film screenings, and delicious food. Whether you’re of Irish descent or simply a lover of its culture, this festival offers an authentic taste of Ireland. Don’t forget to wear green!
April
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
For a sweet taste of Canadian heritage, don’t miss the annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival on the first Saturday of April. Renowned as the world’s largest single-day maple syrup festival, it offers pancake breakfasts drizzled with fresh syrup, sugar bush tours, and a bustling outdoor market with over 150 vendors. It’s the perfect outing for the whole family.
Cambridge Jazz Festival
The Cambridge Jazz Festival kicks off in April, making its debut at Tapestry Hall in the Gaslight District. Visitors will get to experience a world-class lineup of local and international jazz artists plus fun workshops and community events. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz enthusiast or just looking to enjoy live music among your community, this festival promises an unforgettable experience in Cambridge’s most exciting district.
May
Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound
Dive into the world of the avant-garde at the Open Ears Festival, where sound meets innovation. This cultural event focuses on sound art and contemporary music with performances that challenge and expand traditional auditory experiences. This event is a must-attend for those eager to explore the boundaries of music and sound.
Vintage Fest
Experience a nostalgic celebration of fashion, food, and fun at Vintage Fest, hosted by KW Famous in partnership with the Uptown Waterloo BIA. This well-loved event invites vintage enthusiasts to explore a curated selection of vendors offering upcycled goods alongside local food trucks and live music. You never know what treasures you might find, so don’t miss your chance to snag a one-of-a-kind gem!
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
Check out the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, a nearly 60-year tradition supporting global humanitarian efforts. Guests can enjoy homemade Mennonite foods like apple fritters and sausage on a bun, browse local crafts, and bid on handcrafted quilts at the live auction, with all proceeds of the event going towards supporting worldwide projects by the Mennonite Central Committee.
Note: Event dates and details are subject to change. Please visit the official event websites for the most up-to-date information.