ISKCON Waterloo Chariot Fest

The Chariot Festival is a joyful, free, and open-to-all celebration rooted in thousands of years of tradition — and today it belongs to everyone. Across North America, cities like Toronto, Thunder Bay, and beyond have welcomed this festival into their streets, and it is now being celebrated in Waterloo too.

The festivities begin with a vibrant, colorful parade along Father David Bauer Dr, starting from Waterloo Skate Park along the sidewalks. A beautifully decorated chariot is hand-pulled on the sidewalk by community members of all backgrounds — no experience, belief, or background required. The air fills with melodious singing, uplifting chants, and free-spirited dancing that anyone can join.

Whether you walk, dance, sing, or simply attend, you are welcome here. The parade is an open invitation to people of all faiths, cultures, and walks of life to come together in a shared spirit of unity, compassion, and peace.

Celebrations continue for the next few hours at Waterloo Park (Hilltop Picnic Shelter), featuring:

Live Kirtan & Mantra Bathing — immerse yourself in soothing, meditative sound vibrations that calm the mind and uplift the spirit, regardless of your spiritual background

Live Cultural Performances — music and dance representing our beautifully diverse community

Free Vegetarian Feast (Prasad) — a sacred tradition of giving, open to absolutely everyone, no strings attached

A message of peace and promoting yoga— because in a world that needs more kindness, festivals like this remind us of what we share.

Come as you are.