by Alex Kinsella | July 2025
August in Waterloo Region is packed with the kind of events that make you want to clear your calendar and soak up every last drop of summer.
From celebrating our local history at the Seagram Distillery exhibit to dancing under the stars in Hespeler Village, there’s something happening every day. Whether you’re tasting your way through Langdon Hall, catching live music on a porch, or roller skating the night away in Carl Zehr Square, this month is your chance to explore, connect and enjoy.
Here’s what’s on tap across the region this August.
A Distiller’s Tale: The Art and Legacy of the Seagram Distillery | All August
Waterloo was once home to one of Canada’s largest distilleries, and you can discover the rich history, craftsmanship, and local impact at A Distiller’s Tale: The Art and Legacy of the Seagram Distillery. The City of Waterloo Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is always free.
Fabulous Fridays at Castle Kilbride | Every Friday
Take a special 45-minute guided tour of Castle Kilbride highlighting the trompe l’oeil masterpieces of Henry Scharstein. Discover the unique and interesting life of the painter behind the nationally designated paintings. Discounted admission if booked online in advance.
Latin Music on Queen | August 2 and 30
Latin Music is back on August 2 and 30 in Hespeler Village. It’s a free street dancing event with the hottest salsa, bachata, and merengue music! Come feel the emotion and energy while dancing the night away!
Bingemans Big Splash Dive-In Movie | August 2
Forget drive-in movies, Bingemans lets you splash and slide while enjoying a movie on the big screen. Get your tickets for Bingemans Big Splash Dive-In Movie on August 2. The movie starts around 8:45 PM, and your ticket includes unlimited use of the heated wave pool, Cyclone, Torpedo Bay, Boomerango, and Full Throttle.
Long Weekend Band Crawl | August 3
It’s time to ride into August for another Long Weekend Band Crawl, so grab your punk rock friends for another evening of non-stop music featuring thirteen eclectic artists and bands across four venues in UpTown Waterloo starting at 6:30 pm!
The Backlot Weekly Concert Session | Every Sunday
Downtown Cambridge invites you to its Backlot Weekly Concert Sessions on Waterloo St. Every Sunday in August, the Downtown Cambridge BIA and Ebolt Music present amazing acts on the stage next to Monigram Coffee Roasters. Check out Ebolt Music’s Instagram page to learn about each week’s artists.
Kitchener Panthers Baseball | August 3, 7, and 17
Your Kitchener Panthers have only three more regular-season games left at Jack Couch Park before the postseason begins. Bring the family out for an afternoon or evening of awesome Intercounty Baseball action.
Roller Skating in the Square | Every Monday
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.
Free Family Movies at the Gaslight District | August 5
The Gaslight District is back with more family movie screenings on one of the largest outdoor screens. Catch a screening of “Finding Nemo” on August 5, “Paddington in Peru” on August 12, and a special double feature of “Jumanji” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on August 26. You can grab a seat at the Foundry Tavern or the Underwing, or bring a blanket or chair for a front row seat.
Music In The Park | Every Wednesday
Head to Centennial Park in Ayr every Wednesday for Music in the Park. Bring a blanket and sit under the trees near Watson Pond as you enjoy live music with old and new friends.
Kitchener Blues Festival Fundraising Concert | August 7
Multi-Juno Award winner Burton Cummings headlines this year’s Kitchener Blues Festival Fundraising Concert at the OLG Clocktower Stage in Victoria Park. Start the evening off with Grammy Award winner Shemekia Copeland as the festival celebrates 25 years of great times and great music!
Kitchener Blues Festival | August 8
Incredible talent. Killer tunes. Great times. The Kitchener Blues Festival is back for its 25th year with an amazing lineup of amazing blues musicians. Experience four days of this immersive musical experience at free shows across Downtown Kitchener. Check out Miss Angel and the Homewreckers on Friday, Brooks & Bowskill and Conor Gains during the 12 Bar Blues, and Gospel Breakfast on Sunday morning.
Uptown Waterloo Night Market | Every Thursday
Explore the shops, bars, and restaurants of Uptown Waterloo during the Uptown Waterloo Night Market. Held every Thursday from 7 to 10 PM, the Night Market features local artists, delicious treats, great entertainment from local musicians, and special programming from the Waterloo Public Library.
Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show | August 8
Enjoy all the classic Ribfest fun in support of Rotary Cambridge Sunrise at Riverside Park. Enjoy delicious ribs and BBQ from award-winning teams, a craft beer garden, and the Ribfest Car Show is back for another year, too!
Dogs & Drag | August 9
Get ready to sparkle, sashay and bring all the sass to the third annual Dogs & Drag Show — brought to you by Dog Friendly KW in partnership with TWB Brewing Cooperative and the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. Every ticket helps support the incredible work of the Humane Society, so you’ll be partying with both pride and purpose.
Summer Tasting Series at Langdon Hall | August 11 and 25
Sip, savour, and discover something new with The Shoppe at Langdon Hall’s summer tasting series. Join expert sommeliers, winemakers and educators as they guide you through intimate, one‑of‑a‑kind tastings. Explore the Hills of Piedmont on Monday, August 11 or discover Clos L’Écoutard: Wines of Saumur on Monday, August 25.
Bingemans Urban Cowboy Line Dancing | August 15
Grab your boots and your sweetheart and head to Bingemans on August 15 for Urban Cowboy Line Dancing. Whether you’re boogeying to the Cupid Shuffle or the Wobble, the pros at Urban Cowboy will guide you through boot-scooting fun on the Event Square at Bingemans.
Moparfest | August 16-17
Moparfest in New Hamburg is Canada’s largest all Mopar car show. It kicks off with a cruise night in downtown New Hamburg on Friday night from 4:30pm until dusk. Saturday and Sunday the showgrounds will be packed with more than 1,500 vehicles from the 1930s to today. There will also be live entertainment, Power Wheel drag races for kids, food tents and a beer garden, silent auction, prizes, and awards,
Explore Cambridge’s Beer Scene with HopOn | August 16
Explore Cambridge’s craft beer scene with HopOn South Loop! Sponsored by The Steele Group, this ticketed event includes 10 sample tokens, an exclusive HopOn bag, and shuttle service connecting breweries like Four Fathers, Jackass, Sparrow, Wave Maker, and Farm League. Enjoy food and drink discounts, special hotel rates, free GRT access, and friendly guides to make your brewery-hopping adventure seamless. A perfect summer day to sip, explore, and discover local flavour!
KidsPark | August 17
Bring the whole family to Victoria Park for KidsPark, Kitchener’s largest family festival, featuring music, entertainment, learning activities, and more! This festival has something for all ages, so plan to spend the day!
Onion Honey live at Detweiler Meeting House | August 21
The hardest-working neo-old-time stringband in Waterloo Region returns to Detweiler Meeting House in Roseville. They’re bringing their mix of banjo, double bass, guitars and mandolin to awe you with their unique four-part harmonies. It’s a concert you don’t want to miss.
Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival | August 21–24
The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is back in Uptown Waterloo with world-class acrobats, comedians, magicians, and fire breathers. Delight your tastebuds with food vendors, explore unique treasures along the carnival path, and enjoy thrilling midway games.
Caribana Ignite | August 22-23
Experience the vibrant energy of Caribbean culture right here in Kitchener! Join Caribana™ Ignite and honour the Caribbean’s rich traditions and joyous spirit. Friday night features the Family Glow Party, and Saturday the Grand Parade gets underway at 11AM. Follow them on Instagram for all event updates and exciting giveaways.
Rails & Rhythms: Featuring Danny Boy Phelan | August 23
Climb aboard Waterloo Central Railway’s Rails & Rhythms, a one-of-a-kind train ride blending heritage travel with soulful live music. Enjoy a two-hour scenic journey through Waterloo Region’s countryside while being serenaded by Danny Boy Phelan, a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from the Niagara Region.
11th Annual Schneider Creek Porch Party Live Music & Arts Festival | August 23
28 bands. 10 porches. That’s right, the Schneider Creek Porch Party is back for its 11th year of music, art, and community in the Schneider Creek neighbourhood of downtown Kitchener.