by Alex Kinsella | May 2025
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and discover across Waterloo Region this June. From outdoor movies and live music to food tours, heritage train rides, and big-name concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a solo adventure.
Read on for our top picks of things to do this June!
Drew Ripley’s “Big Balloon Show” and free movie screening | June 1
The magic man of balloon making is taking over the Gaslight District from 2 to 2:45 pm with his mix of illusions, gags, and comedy! Stick around after the show for a free outdoor screening of The Greatest Showman at 5:30 pm!
Kitchener Panthers Baseball | June 1, 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, and 26
Take the family out to Jack Couch Park for Kitchener Panthers Baseball this June. The Panthers have seven home games, including Hamilton Cardinals, Guelph Royals, and the Brantford Red Sox.
Roller Skating in the Square | June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Retro Rollers is turning Carl Zehr Square into the region’s best outdoor roller rink every Monday night in June from 7 to 10 pm. Skate and dance to tunes spun by DJ PDK and other guest DJs! No skates? No problem! Retro Rollers has kids’ and adults’ skates available for rent.
Wagon & Walking Tour | June 5, 12, 19, and 26
Discover the rich Mennonite heritage of Woolwich Township on a morning wagon ride led by volunteers from The Mennonite Story. In the afternoon, explore Historic St. Jacobs with Stroll Walking Tour’s Juanita Metzger and learn stories of innovation, community, and tradition in this charming village rooted in history.
Appleflats Guided Orchard Tours | June 5, 12, 19, and 26
Waterloo Region is famous for its apples (and Wellesley Apple Cider). Learn how apples get from the orchard to your table at Appleflats Orchard every Thursday in June. The tour includes local snacks and a complimentary crabapple product to take home.
Shelterfest 2025 | June 6
Royal LePage Wolle Realty proudly presents Shelterfest 2025 at the Concordia Club. Shelterfest is a traditional KW Oktoberfest-style night-out with an authentic keg tapping ceremony, live music provided by The Golden Keys, Bavarian food, dancing, games and more! The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has raised more than $41 million to support abused women and children living in shelters across Canada.
Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship | June 6–8
The Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship is Canada’s largest wood carving show, with carvers coming from across Canada and the USA. Over 500 carvings and wood art pieces will be displayed from youth, beginner, and master carvers. Admission is free on Friday, June 6. Saturday and Sunday are $10 per adult or $20 per family. Children 12 and under are free.
Latin Music on Main St. in Galt | June 7 and 21
Dance along to the sounds of salsa, bachata and merengue music on Main St. in historic downtown Galt from 6 to 10:30 pm. New to the music? No worries, there is a free intro lesson from 6 to 6:30 pm.
Broken Social Scene | June 7
Catch indie legends Broken Social Scene live at Maxwell’s Concerts and Events! For over 20 years, this Toronto collective has redefined what it means to build a music community by blending genre-defying sounds with unstoppable creative energy. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Canada’s most influential bands, up close and unforgettable.
Open Air Antique Fair | June 8
Market Road Antiques invites you to its Open Air Antique Fair from 10 am to 6 pm. Explore a curated collection of vintage treasures, unique antiques, and timeless collectibles from furniture to home décor.
Erick Traplin Day | June 8
Celebrate over 35 years of music and joy with Waterloo Region’s most beloved children’s entertainer, Erick Traplin! This free, all-ages event features live performances, games, food trucks, family-friendly fun—plus a special 1 p.m. tribute to Erick. Bring the whole family for a summer day full of music, laughter, and community.
Jann Arden: The Mixtape Tour | June 8
Canadian legend Jann Arden returns to Centre in the Square for an evening of music, storytelling, and heartfelt moments. Don’t miss this chance to experience her live in an evening that promises to be inspiring and entertaining!
Movies in the Park | June 12 and 26
Bring a blanket or chair and your favourite hoodie for a movie under the stars in Waterloo Park. Movies in the Park is brought to you in partnership with Princess Cinemas to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate.
KWLT Presents: Scorched | June 13–29
Directed by Hiyam Mahrat, Scorched tells the story of twin siblings, Simon and Janine, as they unravel the secrets of their mother’s past, Nawal, after her death amidst the haunting echoes of civil war years ago.
Free Father’s Day Heritage Hopper | June 14
Forget the ties and take Dad on a train ride through St. Jacobs! On June 14, Dad rides FREE with the family on a scenic heritage train journey through the beautiful Mennonite countryside of Woolwich Township. Enjoy vintage charm, stunning views, and a special gift for Dad, a limited-edition WCW Locomotive Lager in the lounge car.
YKF 75th Anniversary Open House | June 14
From its humble beginnings as a regional airfield in 1950, the Region of Waterloo Airport has become a hub for tourism, trade, and growth. Celebrate 75 years of flight at YKF on June 14 from 10 to 3 pm with tours and more!
Eby Manor Farm Open House | June 14
Eby Manor Farm is opening the farm gates again for a day full of fun, fresh air, and Golden Guernsey goodness! Meet their cows, tour the barn, enjoy wagon rides, and shop from amazing local vendors.
Palette x Palate | June 14
Experience art, music, food, and summer vibes at Palette x Palate on Saturday, June 14, from 3–11 pm in Downtown Kitchener! This multi-sensory celebration transforms the core with live painting, murals, music, performances, tasty eats, and vibrant patios. Discover creativity around every corner, from City Hall to hidden gems in our downtown core.
Campfire in Uptown Waterloo | June 18
Warm up in Uptown Waterloo Public Square with Campfire on June 18. Grab a seat on the patio or gather around the fire and enjoy live music performed by different local musicians from 6 to 8 pm. Check the site for weather updates before you head down!
Feast for the Senses 18 | June 19
Treat your palate and imagination at Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery’s Feast for the Senses 18. It’s an unforgettable evening of art-inspired culinary creations and expertly curated drink pairings. This tapa-style tasting experience features Chef Andrew Barrett of Wildfire Cuisine, known for his globally inspired dishes, and Certified Sommelier Esther Dawson of Langdon Hall, who brings deep knowledge and creativity to every pour.
Hespeler Village Food Tour | June 20
Cambridge is home to one of Waterloo Region’s most vibrant food scenes, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Hespeler Village. Join Stroll Walking Tours for an intimate guided tour of some of the village’s best cafes and restaurants. Local food scene insider Stephanie Soulis leads the tour.
Improv-a-llama! | June 21
Improv-a-llama might just be the biggest improv show of the year! The night features four local improv groups sharing the stage of the Registry Theatre in Downtown Kitchener. You’re in for interactive comedy from TriCity Improv, Afterschool Arcade, Culturally Irrelevant, and Thanks for Laughing with a grand finale that includes members of each group!
KW Multicultural Festival | June 21–22
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures at the 58th Annual Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park. This free, family-friendly event showcases the region’s rich diversity through live music, dance performances, international cuisine, artisan markets, and engaging activities for all ages.
My oh My and a Slice of Pie Tea and Tour at Castle Kilbride | June 21, 22, and 23
What’s better than a guided tour of Castle Kilbride? A guided tour that ends with a slice of pie. The historic house in Baden has three tours this month featuring a costumed guided tour, pie, tea, and the new special exhibit “Handcrafted History from A to Z”.
Castle Concert Series featuring Dana K and the Remedy | June 26
The team at Castle Kilbride are kicking off its summer concert series with Dana K and the Remedy live at 7 pm. Admission is by donation, and the event is weather permitting. Check the Castle Kilbride site for updates on this concert and the rest of the series.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello | June 28
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to Centre in the Square. Your kids will sing, dance, and play alongside their favourite Sesame Street friends while following Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek.