Comedy, concerts, and clay workshops? Just another week of things to do and free events in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & Guelph.
Free events
Kultrun World Music Festival 2026 – The celebration continues on its final day at Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON on July 12, 2026 from 2–9 PM, with free live music, cultural performances, workshops, food vendors, a vibrant market, and family-friendly activities.
KW Journalling Club (Bonus July Meet-Up) – Bring your journal and enjoy a free evening of crafting, collaging, and creativity with fellow journal enthusiasts at Café Clementina, Kitchener, ON on July 13, 2026 from 5–8 PM.
Summer Roller Skate – Roll into a fun summer evening at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener, ON on July 13, 2026 from 7–10 PM, where this free outdoor skating event welcomes all skill levels. Roller skate rentals are available for $12.
Teen Studio: Coil Creations – Teens ages 14–18 can enjoy a free hands-on clay workshop at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON on July 14, 2026 from 6–8:30 PM, creating a unique coil-built bowl to be professionally glazed and fired.
Salsa In The Square by The Underdog Dance Corp. – Dance the night away atWaterloo Public Square, Waterloo, ON on July 16, 2026 from 7–11 PM, where free salsa lessons, live performances, and music create an energetic evening for dancers of all experience levels.
Skill Fair – Discover new creative hobbies during this free Skill Fair at Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener, ON on July 18, 2026 from 10 AM–5 PM, with workshops, crafting sessions, and demonstrations throughout the day.
AfroVibes The Festival – Experience a vibrant celebration of African culture at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener, ON on July 18, 2026 from 2–9 PM, where this free festival fills the day with music, food, art, and community spirit.
Live DJ Saturdays in the Gaslight District Square – Spend your Saturday evening enjoying free live DJ entertainment at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on July 18, 2026 from 6–8 PM, with indoor entertainment available if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Latin Music On Queen – Downtown Galt, Cambridge, ON comes alive on July 18, 2026 from 6–10:30 PM with a free night of Latin music and dancing, welcoming everyone from first-timers to experienced dancers.
Midsummer Witches Market | A Magical Evening in Guelph – Browse over 40 vendors, intuitive readers, and mystical treasures during this free magical marketplace at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234, Guelph, ON on July 18, 2026 from 4–9 PM, with crystals, handmade goods, spiritual tools, and more to discover.
Fun for the family
Waterloo Rib & Beer Fest – Wrap up the festival weekend at RIM Park, Waterloo, ON on July 12, 2026 from 12–7 PM, with mouthwatering BBQ, live music, family activities, and plenty of summer fun. Admission is free, with a $3 entry fee for adults.
The LEGO Batman Movie – Catch a free outdoor screening of The LEGO Batman Movie at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on July 14, 2026 from 7–9 PM, and enjoy a family-friendly movie night with snacks, great food, and plenty of summer fun.
Kids Summer Workshops – Young creators can design and decorate a personalized wind chime during this hands-on workshop at 15 Surrey St W #3, Guelph, ON on July 14, 2026 at 11 AM. Admission is CA$16.95, making it a fun summer activity for kids ages 5+.
Kid Friendly Yoga – Stretch, play, and connect together at Sweet Pea Studio, Kitchener, ON on July 16, 2026 from 4:30–5:30 PM, where this parent-and-child yoga class welcomes beginners for a fun, mindful experience. Admission is CA$28.07.
Cambridge Scottish Festival – Experience a day of Scottish music, culture, competitions, and community at Churchill Park, Cambridge, ON on July 18, 2026 from 8 AM–8 PM. Admission is CA$22.63, with entertainment and activities for all ages.
Summer in the Park Market – Chalk art, tattoos, giveaways, and dozens of local vendors come together at Forbes Park, Cambridge, ON on July 18, 2026 from 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission for the whole family.
Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show – Now in its 23rd year, this Victoria Park, Kitchener, ON favourite returns July 17 and 18, 2026 from 12–10 PM with ribs, craft beer, live music, and a Kids Fun Zone. Free admission.
A Local’s Guide to Cambridge, Ontario
Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or a good meal, Cambridge, ON delivers on all fronts. This roundup highlights the destinations locals love most, from scenic parks to charming shops. Explore the full guide to map out your next outing.
Exciting and new
Boots & Besties Line Dancing: High Beginner – Dust off those boots at Fireside Haven Studio, Cambridge, ON on July 13, 2026 at 5:45 PM for an evolving, energetic class perfect for those ready to level up. Admission is CA$20.
Paint Nite: Grateful Gnome with Sunflowers – A masterpiece and good vibes await at EVO Kitchen and Bar, Cambridge, ON on July 14, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM. No experience required, just bring a sense of adventure. CA$45.
Gather at the Gallery: Jewelry Making (55+) – Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON welcomes the 55+ community for a hands-on jewelry workshop with glass beads and metal findings on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 2–4 PM. CA$23.17.
Stab Nite at Ink Den! – An hour of tattoo practice followed by guided needle felting makes for a one-of-a-kind class at Ink Den, Waterloo, ON on July 16, 2026 from 6–8 PM.
Hot Summer Nights – Beat the heat and learn fire safety at Grange Road Park, Guelph, ON on July 16, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, as Guelph Fire crews bring trucks, gear, and a hose-down for all ages.
Open House & BBQ Social at Vogue Residences – Explore the property and picture the lifestyle at 155 King St N, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 2–4 PM, with good food and summer vibes. No cost to attend.
FNMI Potluck – A shared meal and community discussion take place at Diyode Community Workshop, Guelph, ON on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 3–5 PM, with feast bundles and potluck dishes welcome — free to attend.
Date nights
Movie Trivia – Teams of up to 6 can test their movie knowledge Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON. Free to play.
Jack’s Tuesday Night Trivia – Solo players and teams alike can test their knowledge at Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill, Kitchener, ON starting at 7:30 PM on July 14, 2026. No cost to participate.
Dog Mic: Stand Up Comedy – Amateur comedians take the stage on July 14, 2026 at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON from 8–10 PM, with open sign-ups for anyone wanting to try stand-up for free.
Dance it off Tuesday’s! Afrovibes – On July 14, 2026 from 7–10 PM at Waterloo Public Square, Waterloo, ON comes alive with Afro dance styles for all abilities. Free and family-friendly.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM Night – Comedy returns to the Walper Hotel at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, featuring pro, semi-pro, and amateur talent. Admission costs CA$5.
Lavender Fizz Comedy Open Mic – Doors open at 6:30 PM for this welcoming open mic atTWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 7–9 PM, with 5-minute sets for all who sign up. Pay what you can.
AfroVibes Comedy Night – Sharp wit and high-energy performances fill The Jazz Room, Waterloo, ON on July 16, 2026 from 7–10 PM, celebrating comedy rooted in culture as part of AfroVibes Festival Week. CA$16.95 to attend.
Summer Nights Speed Dating (Ages 32-45) – Ditch the apps for the night at ABE ERB, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, where singles ages 32-45 meet face-to-face. Admission runs from CA$31.59 to CA$43.63.
Speed Friending for Women – Making new friends as an adult is hard, this event makes it easy at TWB Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, for women ages 25-35. CA$25 to attend.
Mid-Summer Clarity: Dinner & Tarrot – Curiosity meets a great meal at Ernie’s Roadhouse, Cambridge, ON on July 17, 2026 from 6–8:30 PM, where a tarot reading comes paired with any entrée off the menu. Priced at CA$45.
Rusty Nail Comedy Featuring George Westerholm – A rotating lineup of Canada’s rising and established comedians hits the stage at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on July 17, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, headlined by George Westerholm. Tickets cost CA$17.31.
Beach Day Eats Worth Packing
A great beach day starts with the right snacks in your cooler. This guide covers refreshing, easy-to-pack foods that keep everyone fueled and hydrated under the sun. Check out the full list before your next trip to the shore.
Live music
FROTAE at Silence – Sound becomes physically felt at Silence, Guelph, ON on July 12, 2026 from 1–5 PM, as this five-person saxophone ensemble moves between playground energy and sacred ceremony. Tickets cost CA$22.63.
Music at the Square – An evening of open-air entertainment awaits at Waterloo Public Square, Waterloo, ON on July 12, 2026 from 7–8 PM, featuring live music from the Waterloo Concert Band. No admission cost.
Cambridge Summer Live – Free outdoor concerts return to Cambridge all summer, with performances at Central Park Preston on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7 PM and at City Hall’s Civic Square on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM featuring the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.
Live Music Friday’s in the Gaslight District Square – No cost, just good music at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on July 17, 2026 from 6–8 PM, with a rain backup plan inside Foundry Tavern.
Sunset Sessions – Bring a lawn chair and discover something new at Vogelsang Green, Kitchener, ON on July 17, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, one of ten free concerts hosted by the Downtown Kitchener BIA this summer.
Patio Music Series: Ben Rollo – Great beer and live music come together at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, featuring nationally-played artist Ben Rollo. Admission is pay what you can.
Other notable events
5th Annual KW Palestine Festival – Ounadikom – Free kids’ activities, vendors, and cultural performances fill Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 1–9 PM, honoring Palestinian heritage and resilience.
Timbers in Time: A Cabin’s Journey Through Generations – Discover how a one-room schoolhouse became a beloved Waterloo Park icon at this free event on July 16, 2026 from 1–4 PM, located at 50 Young St W, Waterloo, ON.
Through The Registrar’s Eyes – Intimate knowledge meets 70 years of art history at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON on July 16, 2026 from 7–8 PM, guided by Registrar Jennifer Bullock. No admission cost.
Nostalgia of Cambridge Walking Tours: Hespeler’s Architectural Past – Generations of local history come alive on a guided walk through Hespeler, starting at Hespeler Heritage Centre, Cambridge, ON on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 6 PM. Admission is CA$18.26.