Ways to Spend the Last Long Weekend of Summer
by Cora Kuehl | August 2026
There’s something about the last long weekend of summer that makes you want to squeeze every last drop out of the season.
Before school starts, routines return and summer officially starts winding down, Waterloo Region has plenty of ways to make the most of those extra few days. Whether you’re planning a day out with friends or looking for a family-friendly adventure, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to make the most of the long weekend.
- For friends: Take in live music, dance at sunset, spend an afternoon in an orchard or gather around a campfire for one more summer evening together.
- For families: Make a splash, get out on the Grand River, meet fascinating farm animals, go apple picking or head out on a wild adventure at African Lion Safari.
Here are some ideas to help you make the most of the last long weekend of summer.
FOR FRIENDS
Catch the Summer Vibes at Endless Summer
If you’re looking for a reason to get outside and celebrate the season with friends, Endless Summer is a great place to start. Hosted by the City of Kitchener, and with Mother Mother headlining the event is all about soaking up those final summer days with entertainment, activities and plenty of reasons to stick around. Grab your friends, get outside and make a day of it, because summer isn’t over until you say it is.
Take in Live Music at TWB Brewing
For a laid-back night out with friends, head to TWB Brewing, where live music is part of the patio experience. TWB’s Patio Music Series brings local musicians to the brewery, making it an easy spot to grab a drink, settle in with friends and enjoy some live tunes. For the long weekend, look for Zoltar, and Ben Rollo on the lineup. With music, a summer patio and good company, it’s a great way to spend an evening without having to venture far.
Enjoy Orchard Views, Music and Cider at Shuh Orchards
Make Shuh Orchards a stop on the long weekend! Enjoy a scenic wagon ride through the orchard, catch some live music, and check out their new hard cider while taking in the sights and flavours of the season. It’s a great place to gather with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and experience a taste of the region.
(Insider Tip: Shuh Orchards is part of the Fields & Flavours Trail, a self-guided trail that leads you to the Region’s best farm experiences. Start at Shuh, and use the interactive map to decide where to head out for your next great adventure!)
Salsa at Sunset in Waterloo
Looking for something a little more energetic? Head to Waterloo Square for Salsa at Sunset and spend the evening dancing, listening to music and enjoying the atmosphere. You don’t have to be an experienced dancer to join in. Bring a friend, learn a few steps and embrace the slightly chaotic energy of dancing outside on a summer evening. And really, is there a better way to say goodbye to summer than dancing at sunset?
Gather Around a Campfire at Perth Farmhouse
For a more relaxed evening, gather your friends and head to Perth Farmhouse for their Farmhouse Fires. There’s something undeniably summery about sitting around a fire with good company as the sun goes down. Add in a wine flight and a s’mores board and you’ve got the perfect night. It’s the kind of evening that encourages you to slow down, stay a little longer and enjoy the people you’re with. Bring your favourite people and make an evening of it.
FOR THE FAMILY
Canoe or Tube the Grand River
Sometimes the best way to spend a long weekend is simply to get outside. A canoe trip down the Grand River is a classic summer adventure and a great way for families to enjoy a few hours surrounded by nature. Pack some snacks, bring plenty of water and take your time as you paddle along. If you don’t have your own canoe, you can rent one from Canoeing the Grand.
Make a Splash at Bingemans
If your family isn’t quite ready to let summer go, make the most of the last big splash weekend at Bingemans. Spend the day in the water, then keep the fun going with some mini golf or even the arcade. It’s an easy option when you’re looking for something that will keep everyone entertained, and you don’t have to worry about fitting multiple activities into separate days. You can even stay the night in one of their container cabins, log cabins or pitch a tent. It’s a great opportunity for one final summer adventure before everyone gets back into their fall routines.
Looking for something even more laid-back? Grand Experiences offers a two-hour tubing trip on the Grand River from Bridgeport to Bingemans. Just hop in a tube, relax and let the current do the work. It’s an easy, fun way to enjoy the river, spot some wildlife and spend a summer afternoon outdoors.
Meet the Kitchener Rangers at Fan Fest
Join the 2026 Memorial Cup champion Kitchener Rangers and get ready for another season of exciting OHL hockey at the Kitchener Rangers’ Fan Fest. The annual Fan Fest is a free, family-friendly event and part of the Rangers’ Labour Day weekend Summer Showcase. Fans can enjoy inflatable games, rides, a BBQ and an autograph session with Kitchener Rangers players, making it a great opportunity for young hockey fans to meet some of their favourites and celebrate with Rangers Nation.
Go Apple Picking at Downey’s Apple Farm
Downey’s Apple Farm is open for apple picking and packed with fun for the whole family! You can also wander through their beautiful flower field trail, stroll among the blooms and even pick your own flowers to take home. With plenty to keep little ones entertained, including a monster truck climbing structure and fun apple-themed activities, Downey’s is the perfect family-friendly stop for making the most of the last days of summer.
Get Up Close with Bees at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life
Looking for something a little different? Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life has introduced a new Ultimate Honey Bee Encounter, giving families the chance to learn more about bees and get an up-close look at these fascinating pollinators. It’s the kind of experience that combines a little adventure with learning, and gives kids something fun to talk about long after the weekend is over. And if bees aren’t quite your thing, check out the farm’s many other experiences like their goat tower, or mini highland cow meet and greet.
Go Wild at African Lion Safari
For a family adventure that feels like a mini getaway, spend the day at African Lion Safari in Cambridge. Take a drive through the park’s expansive game reserves and see animals including lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more from the safety of your vehicle. Then get out and explore the rest of the park, with animal presentations, the scenic railway, boat cruise and family-friendly attractions. And if your kids love to cool off, this weekend is an especially good time to go, it’s the last weekend to enjoy Misumu Bay Wetplay!
Go Fishing at Lyndon Fish Hatcheries
For a slower-paced family adventure, head to Lyndon Fish Hatcheries and spend some time at their fishing pond. The pond is fed by spring water and stocked with more than 3,000 pounds of Rainbow Trout, all raised right at the hatchery. It’s a fun way to get the kids outdoors, try your hand at fishing and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a family activity that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, just bring your fishing gear, enjoy the grounds and see what you can catch!
Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer
The last long weekend of summer doesn’t need to be complicated. You could spend it dancing with friends, discovering local music, sitting around a fire, getting out on the water or trying something completely new with the kids. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve had a proper summer getaway.
So gather your people, check what’s happening around Waterloo Region and make a plan, because before you know it, summer will be a memory.
One last long weekend. One more adventure. One more reason to get outside and enjoy Waterloo Region.
