The calendar’s full across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph this week. Take a peek at what’s on.
Free events
All You Can Eat BBQ Event – Come hungry for this free all-day feast at Kitchener City Hall, Kitchener, ON on September 20, 2026 from 10 AM–9 PM.
Tannery Event Centre Open House – Exposed brick and soaring wooden beams set the scene at this free open house at Tannery Event Centre, Kitchener, ON on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 1–4 PM.
Pots & Porcelain – Connect with industry pros and explore Aeterna porcelain applications at this free event at 620 Colby Drive, Waterloo, ON on September 24, 2026 from 1–3 PM.
Devitt House’s Annual F’all Y’all Event is Practically Magic! – Celebrate 16 Union’s 125th year with prizes and fall decorating inspiration at this free event at 16 Union St E, Waterloo, ON on September 24, 2026 from 5:30–8:30 PM.
Queer Youth Art Club – Queer and trans youth can create and connect at this free monthly drop-in at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 3–5 PM.
Guelph Lake Artisan Market & Makers Festival – Thousands of shoppers can browse handmade goods and local eats at this free event at Guelph Lake Island Beach, Guelph, ON on September 25, 2026 from 10 AM–4 PM.
Oktoberfest in The Prostgarten – Bavarian dishes and live music from The Polka Maestre Band fill this free celebration at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON, running daily September 25–October 4, 2026 starting at 5 PM.
Fun for the family
How To Train Your Dragon Free Outdoor Screening – Grab pizza or snacks and settle in for this free movie night at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on September 22, 2026 from 7–9 PM, showing rain or shine.
Kitchener in Bloom End of Season Celebration – A season of growth wraps up with family-friendly activities at this free event at Victoria Park Pavilion, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 4:30–6:30 PM.
Royal City Brewing Oktoberfest 2026 – Three days of festivities kick off at Royal City Brewing, Guelph, ON starting September 25, 2026, tickets ranging CA$20.50-49.26, with a free Family Day closing out the weekend.
Oktoberfest Family Treasure Hunt – Kids can follow Onkel Hans’ treasure map for prizes at this free event at Fairview Park Mall, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 11 AM–2 PM.
King StrEATery Food Truck Festival
Fifteen-plus trucks and local vendors turn King Street East, Kitchener, ON into a full-day food destination on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 11 AM–7 PM. Free to attend, with live entertainment and games rounding out the afternoon. Tap in for all the tasty details!
Exciting and new
Guelph Fashion Week Show 2 – This second annual fashion week continues at Royal City Mission, Guelph, ON on September 20, 2026 from 6–8 PM, spotlighting local designers focused on sustainability, tickets CA$22.90-38.95.
Two In The Bush – A camping bachelorette party takes an unexpected turn in this world premiere at The Registry Theatre, Kitchener, ON on September 20, 2026 from 1:30–4 PM, tickets CA$27.96.
Pour with Ellie – Acrylic pour painting meets craft beer at Waterloo Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 6:30–9 PM, starting at CA$45, beginner-friendly and led by Ellie.
Euchre Night – New and experienced players alike can join this rotating card night at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced CA$10-12, first beer included.
Cambridge Fall Social Mixer – Good vibes and casual conversation fill Fiddle And Firkin, Cambridge, ON on September 24, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, for CA$17.31, with light snacks provided.
FEST2FALL Festival! – Two days of live music take over Dickson Park, Cambridge, ON on September 25 & 26, 2026, with country on Friday and rock headliners like The Glorious Sons on Saturday, starting at CA$6.55.
Kinetic Kosmos – The universe never stops moving, and neither does this all-night Kitchener, ON event on September 25, 2026, running 9 PM–4 AM, priced CA$22.90-38.95, address announced day-of.
KWSA Arts Festival at the Gaukel Block – Artists Alley comes alive with live creation and hands-on workshops at 44 Gaukel St, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1–5 PM, free admission.
Be Gay, Do Crafts: A Queer Crafternoon – It’s the last Saturday of the month again, which means pride-themed crafts and community-building return to Kwartzlab, Kitchener, ON on September 26, 2026 from 2–4 PM, free to drop in and create.
Cake Affair – Cake lovers like me can sample a variety of homemade treats at Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 4–6 PM, priced at CA$6.66 per person.
Date nights
Speed Dating – Singles ages 32-47 can spark genuine connections at ABE ERB, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 1–3 PM, priced CA$17.31-43.93.
Bee Gaea’s Drag Adoption Show – Three years in the making, this drag family adoption show fills AOK Craft Beer + Arcade, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 6–9:30 PM, priced CA$15-20.
Paint Nite at Denny’s Restaurant Guelph – Teens, parents, and grandparents alike can create a lakeside autumn scene at Denny’s Restaurant Guelph, Guelph, ON this Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$47.08.
Country Takeover 17+ – Students from across Waterloo hit the dance floor for this high-energy country night at Prohibition Warehouse, Waterloo, ON on September 22, 2026 from 10 PM–2 AM, tickets at CA$6.61-33.21.
Paint Nite: Fall Cottage Gate With Pumpkins – Cambridge’s original paint night returns to EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 6:30–9:30 PM, priced at CA$45, no experience needed.
The Name Game Trivia at Four Fathers Brewing – Every answer is a name at this unique free to play trivia night at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM.
Kikoff to Homecoming 17+ – A night of music and good vibes launches Homecoming season at Crown Bar & Social, Waterloo, ON this Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 9 PM–2 AM, priced CA$6.62-33.21.
Classy Comedy – Wit and storytelling take centre stage at The Underwing, Cambridge, ON on September 23, 2026 from 8–9:30 PM, tickets CA$14.87-28.25, comedy that skips the shock value.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM – Comedy returns to the Walper Hotel at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on September 23, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, for just CA$6.66, in the König Walper hotel’s lower level.
Mike Rita Returns to KITCHENER! – This award-winning comedian blends Portuguese heritage with sharp storytelling at The Registry Theatre, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7 PM, priced at CA$45.20.
90s Nostalgia Trivia Night – This relaunched trivia series debuts with a 90s theme at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced CA$10-12, one drink included.
Musical Bingo – Epic 90s vs 00s Battle! – Grunge-era hits face off against 00s bangers at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, doors at 6 PM, free to attend.
Girl Night x Pink Chicken! All-Women Comedy Show – An interactive crowd segment and all-female lineup fill Whoopsie Daisy Drinks, Kitchener, ON on September 24, 2026 from 8–10 PM, for CA$17.31, hosted by Lindsay and Renee.
80’s Music Bingo For Cats! – Doors open at 6 PM for this feline fundraiser at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on September 25, 2026, bingo starting at 7 PM, tickets CA$17.31, with a side raffle too.
Creative Mixer – Fellow creatives can mingle and share ideas at KW Creative Cafe, Kitchener, ON this Friday, September 25, 2026 from 6–10 PM, priced at CA$15.41.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Speed Dating – Skip the swiping and meet face-to-face at The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery, Guelph, ON this Friday, September 25, 2026 from 7–9 PM, for ages 38-55, priced at CA$45.
Rusty Nail Comedy – Keesha Brownie headlines a high-energy night of stand-up at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON this Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
Paint & Sip: Friday Nights – Grab a canvas and sip something you love at this relaxed weekly gathering at Williams Fresh Café, Guelph, ON this Friday, September 25, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
Homecoming Darty 19+ – This sold-out-every-year daytime party takes over Kentucky Bourbon & BBQ, Waterloo, ON on September 26, 2026 from 1–5 PM, tickets CA$6.62-22.57, valid till 3 PM.
Spice Girls Drag Tribute & 90s/00s Dance Party! – One night only, this tribute to the best-selling girl group of all time takes over Sonic Hall, Guelph, ON this Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at CA$28.25.
Drink-182 and Expendable Youth – Canada’s top Blink-182 tribute act headlines Dallas Night Club, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 9 PM, priced at CA$14.11.
Biggest Y2K Throwback Party in KW – Dress in pure Y2K style for this nostalgic dance party at Alba Lounge, Kitchener, ON on September 26, 2026 at 9 PM, tickets CA$15-20, 19+.
Rusty Nail Saturday – Relatable, real stories fuel this stand-up set at Mortys Pub, Waterloo, ON on September 26, 2026 from 8–10 PM, for CA$22.63, with headliner Jesse Singh.
The Mennonite History of Kitchener-Waterloo
Horse-drawn buggies and roadside produce stands are everyday sights in Kitchener-Waterloo, home to a thriving Mennonite community since the early 1800s. This guide explores their history, traditions, and lasting influence on the region. Check out the full article to learn more.
Live music
Stephen Stanley and Jennifer Foster Live – Lowest of the Low’s Stephen Stanley shares the bill with folk-pop artist Jennifer Foster at Silence, Guelph, ON on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 8–11 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
Harry Manx – LIVE ON STAGE – A truly one-of-a-kind sound takes over Playhouse Cinema, Waterloo, ON this Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, blending slide guitar, banjo, and 20-stringed instrumentation.
Jeru The Damaja Live in Waterloo – Known for underground classics like “Come Clean,” this Brooklyn MC headlines Room 47, Waterloo, ON on September 24, 2026 at 8 PM, tickets starting at CA$35.02, 19+.
Kalan Live at Maxwells – Half a million followers and counting, this viral sensation takes the Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON stage on September 25, 2026, doors 7 PM, tickets CA$20.
Other notable events
Waterloo Terry Fox Run – This community fundraiser run takes over Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON this Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 8:45 AM–1 PM, donation-based participation.
Cambridge Terry Fox Run – Loops of 2.5, 5, and 10 km wind through Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON on September 20, 2026, registration at 11 AM, all in support of cancer research.
lululemon X Backroads Sunday Run Series – Sweat it out then sip specialty drinks at this free après-run gathering at BackRoads Brews + Shoes, Kitchener, ON on September 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM, raffle prizes included.
Rick “The Temp” Campanelli: Tempted – From national TV star to memoirist, Rick Campanelli shares his story at Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON this Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7 PM, free entry.
Goals Beyond Borders – Soccer meets community impact at Woodside Park, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$25, with all proceeds going to humanitarian relief.
2026 BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour – CREVASSE Program – This never-before-seen-in-Waterloo lineup dives into narrative-driven adventure films at Princess Original Cinema, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 7–9 PM.
Outside the Lines: Creativity in the House! – Snow cones and giant games join hands-on art stations at Stewart Avenue Public School, Cambridge, ON on September 23, 2026 from 5–8 PM, no cost to attend.
Documentary Screening – “Unhoused, Unheard and Unbroken” – A short film and discussion on homelessness in later life takes place at Princess Twin Cinemas, Waterloo, ON this Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7:30–9 PM, free to attend.
One Final Song for Which Craft – Drag and Karaoke Night – A bittersweet farewell to a Guelph arts hub unfolds at Three Pieces, Guelph, ON this Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 7–9 PM, donation-based entry.