by Alex Kinsella | June 2025
Turn up the volume in Waterloo Region in July! Kick the month off with Canada Day fireworks, drone shows and sunrise ceremonies, then roll straight into rock operas, flamenco dancing, classic-car parades, open-air concerts and street parties that keep the music going late.
Foodies can graze their way through BBQ smoke at the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show or savour wine and cheese aboard a heritage train, while families can catch ball games, movies in the park and Monday night roller-skating downtown.
Whatever your mood—loud guitars, quiet tastings or fresh air with friends—there’s an event below with your name on it. Read on, mark your favourites, and get ready to #ExploreWR all month long.
Celebrating Canada Day | June 29–July 1
Fireworks, drone shows, live music and family fun—Canada Day lights up Waterloo Region on July 1. From an Indigenous sunrise ceremony in Wilmot to LED drones over Waterloo Park and a late-night pyrotechnics finale in downtown Kitchener, every city has its unique way of celebrating and reflecting on our shared journey. Catch the quick recap here, then hop over to our full guide for times, locations and all the can’t-miss details.
Jesus Christ Superstar | July 3–27
The classic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar storms onto the Hamilton Family Theatre stage with its electrifying ’70s score, including “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and, of course, “Superstar.” Five decades on, its themes of fame, revolution, and humility remain deeply resonant. Catch this legendary production and feel the power of a musical that changed theatre forever.
Castle Concert Series | July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
Bring your favourite blanket or chair to Castle Kilbride for its Castle Concert Series every Thursday in July. This month, experience the music of Kitchener Musical Society Band, Kelvis and the Burnin Love Band, Rescue Junction, Unleashed, and Folklore Junction. Select weeks will also have a crafters’ market to explore.
Explore St. Jacobs with Stroll Walking Tours | July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
From unique independent shops to delicious treats, St. Jacobs is rich in experiences and history. Let the experts from Stroll Walking Tours be your guide on their weekly Historic St. Jacobs Walking Tour.
DTK Latin Heat 2025 | July 4
Salsa, Bachata and Merengue at DTK Latin Heat!
Free dance lessons start at 7PM, and then it’s time to strut your stuff from 7:30 – 11PM. Downtown Kitchener, the City of Kitchener and TenC Dance Co are collaborating on this dance series that is sure to heat up your summer!
Karaoke Train | July 5
It’s “All aboard!” like you’ve never heard it before. The Waterloo Central Railway invites you to sing your heart out aboard their restored classic railcars as you travel through the region’s countryside. Your ticket includes live music, snacks, and there’s a cash bar. Don’t sleep on this one. Tickets must be booked by July 3, 2025, at 12:00 a.m.
KW Flamenco Fest | July 5
KW Flamenco Fest lights up Kitchener-Waterloo on July 5 with a full day of free events. Check out kids’ flamenco at 11 a.m., a cante workshop at noon and a CalúJules student showcase at 2 p.m. at The Registry Theatre, followed by an open-air finale in Waterloo Square starring Esmeralda Enrique company dancers Virginia Castro Durán and Rocío Conde, Montreal singer Alvaro Echanóve and violinist Philip Samutin, hosted by Claudia and Julian.
Summer Tasting Series at Langdon Hall | July 7 and 28
Explore the wines of Burgundy and Croatia this month at Langdon Hall. Join their expert sommeliers, wine makers, and educators for guided, intimate tastings at their breathtaking venue.
Kitchener Panthers Baseball | July 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 27, and 31
Take the family out to a ballgame without having to trek down the 401! The Kitchener Panthers have seven home games this month at Jack Couch Park next to the Kitchener Aud. Gameday tickets are only $11 in advance or $13 at the gate. From evening games to a Sunday at the ballpark, the Panthers deliver exciting baseball action for everyone.
TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift | July 5
Whether you were there in person or watched the concert film, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour brought millions of people together across the globe. Relive those moments at Centre in the Square in TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift on July 5. It’s an evening of singing, dancing and celebrating Taylor together!
Roller Skating in the Square | July 7, 14, 21, and 28
Retro Rollers continues in July with four Monday evenings of outdoor roller rink skating from 7 to 10 p.m. in Carl Zehr Square.. Skate and dance to tunes spun by DJ PDK and other guest DJs! No skates? No problem! Retro Rollers offers skates for rent, suitable for both kids and adults.
Free Outdoor Double Feature Screening at The Gaslight District | July 8
Party time! Excellent! That’s right, The Gas Light District is back with another outdoor double feature on Canada’s largest outdoor screen. Head down on July 9 for a back-to-back screening of “Wayne’s World” and “Empire Records” starting at 6 pm.
Movies in the Park | July 10, 17, and 24
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. Catch “Moana 2” on July 10, “A Minecraft Movie” on July 17, and a special 60th anniversary “The Sound of Music” sing-a-long (60th Anniversary) on July 24.
Cruising on King | July 11
Rev up your summer at Downtown Kitchener’s first street party of the year. Half a kilometre of King Street transforms into a chrome-glinting parade of classic cars. The open-air stage will keep the good vibes rolling with a tribute show packed with hits from The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Roy Orbison. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just chasing feel-good retro tunes, this all-ages celebration promises a perfect throwback night in the heart of DTK.
Kultrun World Music Festival | July 11-13
Join Neruda Arts for their signature annual event. This free outdoor festival at Waterloo Park’s bandshell celebrates the music of the world. This year’s line up includes local and national performers, together with international performers from Chile, Colombia, South Korea and more. There are also lots of interactive activities that will have the entire family celebrating and dancing!
Momma’s Cookout & Music Festival | July 12
Momma’s Cookout and Music Festival has grown into a marquee event in Waterloo Region. This year, it returns—bigger than ever—for a full day of African, Caribbean, and Western Black music, culture, food, and community. It’s a joyful, inclusive space where everyone is invited to connect, celebrate and leave inspired.
Open Air Antique Fair | July 13
Antiques, tunes, and food trucks await you at the Market Road Antiques’ 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.
Palestinian Day Festival | July 13
Explore festival art exhibits featuring Palestinian history and stories at the fourth annual Palestinian Day Festival at Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener. Explore local vendors showcasing Palestinian crafts and heritage goods while enjoying tasty food and treats throughout the day.
Campfire in Uptown Waterloo | July 16
Summer is for campfires, and Campfire in Uptown Waterloo Public Square is the place to be on July 16. Grab a seat on one of the square’s patios or sit 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!
Cambridge Scottish Festival | July 18–19
Celebrate all things Scottish at the 2025 Cambridge Scottish Festival! Friday features their first-ever Night Market, featuring 30 local vendors and Celtic music, with renowned artists Crowded Table and 5 Against One. On Saturday, catch the Festival’s Games Days showcasing talented pipe bands, dancers, and athletes from throughout Ontario and beyond.
Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival | July 18-20
This year will mark 32 years of the Festival bringing world-class live music to Waterloo Region. Steely Dan influenced Monkey House headlines opening night at the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival. Saturday night features something a little different – tap dancer extraordinaire, Travis Knights who will dance to the music of a live Jazz group on stage. Sunday’s headliner is JUNO award winner Christine Jensen and her quartet.
Admission, as always, is Free.
Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show | July 18–20
The aroma of BBQ and the taste of crisp craft beer are calling you to Victoria Park for the Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show. Enjoy ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken and more from nine award-winning BBQ teams and beer, cidre, and cocktail samples from over 20 vendors. The Conestoga Meats Entertainment Stage features live music all weekend long, too!
AfroVibes Festival | July 18–19
The AfroVibes Festival is back for two days, celebrating African culture, art, music, and community. On July 18, Den 1880 in Uptown Waterloo hosts the AfroVibes Festival Panel exploring the stories, challenges, and triumphs that drive Black excellence forward. On July 19, the festival kicks into full gear at Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener, featuring live performances, delicious food, vendors, and interactive experiences for all ages. It’s more than a festival—it’s a vibe!
Latin Music on Main St. in Galt | July 19
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.
Gaucho | July 24
Gaucho is an eight-piece band that covers the musical styles of Steely Dan. Catch them live at the Jazz Room on July 24.
Art Market in Waterloo Public Square | July 25
Browse through a wide selection of handmade goods created by local artists, crafters, and makers while listening to live music in Waterloo Public Square. The market runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with live music from 7 to 9 p.m.
Wayback Festival | July 25
Kitchener’s Wayback Festival packs two days of free live music and nostalgia into one epic weekend. Friday fires up with Destroyer’s note-perfect KISS homage and Thunderstruck’s high-voltage AC/DC set. Saturday keeps the crowd singing along as Big Wreck, Default, and Conor Gains bring their rock radio favourites to the stage.
EUROOO Street Party | July 26
Are we in Hespeler or Amsterdam? It’s hard to tell the difference at the second annual EUROOO Street Party! Dance to the best eurodance, freestyle, and Gino beats from the 90s and early 2000s, spun by DJ Karim E, and explore the shops and restaurants of Hespeler Village.
The Long Dash Festival | July 26–27
The Long Dash Festival returns to the rare Slit Barn and ECO Centre for its second year celebrating the worlds of art and science. Explore two days of programs that dive into the interconnections and overlaps between arts and science while showcasing the talents of local artists, musicians, naturalists and scientists.
The Scenic Rail Wine Pairing Experience | July 27
Climb aboard the Scenic Rail Wine Pairing Experience for a rolling feast of local flavour. As countryside views glide past your window, enjoy fresh sourdough with whipped herb butter, then sip three pours from Jakobstettel Winery—Unoaked Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot and Sparkling Prosecco—matched to boards piled with fine cheeses, cured meats, summer fruit and chocolate truffles. Heritage, scenery and indulgence in one unforgettable ride.