Fall’s hitting its stride, jacket weather and all. Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Guelph has no shortage of things to do.
Free events
Kidtoberfest – Pack up the little ones (or the kid at heart) for a free Oktoberfest magic at Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, Kitchener, ON on October 11–12, 2026 from 11 AM–5 PM.
Royal Irish / Exodus Adventure Travels Event – Dreaming of Ireland, Scotland, or beyond? Explore two travel companies at DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, Kitchener, ON on October 15, 2026 from 3–5 PM, free, with special promotions for guests.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Free Outdoor Screening – Fasten your garter belt for this cult classic screening at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on October 16, 2026 at 8 PM, part of a double feature evening, free admission.
Fall Pop-Up Market – Over 25 local makers fill this first-ever market at 132 Ahrens Street West, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11 AM–7 PM, free to attend, with live music and free tote bags.
CycleWR – October Fall Colours Ride to St. Jacobs – Riders of all abilities are free to pedal through fall foliage from Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building, Waterloo, ON to St. Jacobs on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10 AM–12:30 PM, free to join.
Spooky Self Portrait Free Workshop – Tim Burton-inspired self-portraits come to life at Premier School of the Arts, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11 AM–1:30 PM, free to attend, ages 4 to 99.
Vamps + Venom Market – Hauntingly good art, vintage gems, and odd little potions fill Gaukel Block, Kitchener, ON on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17, 2026 from 1–7 PM, free to attend, gothic attire encouraged.
Fun for the family
Thanksgiving Art Workshop For Kids – A fun, creative outlet for young painters awaits at 44 Gaukel St, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 3–4:30 PM, priced at CA$43.63.
Oktoberfest 2026 at Habsburg Haus – The Alpine Club hosts a festive night of Oktoberfest celebration at Alpine Club, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 6 PM–1 AM, priced CA$17.31-27.96, 19+.
“Muppet Treasure Island” Free Outdoor Screening – This beloved family classic kicks off a double feature evening at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on October 16, 2026 at 6 PM, free admission.
McDougall Cottage’s Fun-filled Fall Family Fiesta – Every child leaves with a treat at this fall-themed family day at McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on October 17, 2026 from 11 AM–3:30 PM, tickets CA$7.48-15.89.
Playful Fox Productions Presents: Winnie the Pooh – Celebrate 100 years of A.A. Milne’s beloved classic at Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2 PM, priced CA$31.59-43.63.
Hocus Pocus Halloween Slime Party – Little witches and goblins can enjoy magical slime fun at Mini Playtown, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 1–3 PM, priced CA$29.99-34.99, pre-registration required.
Inside Borealis Grille: A Local Favorite
Housed in a historic schoolhouse, Borealis Grille & Bar keeps things obsessively local with an Ontario-focused menu and Niagara wines. This review covers the food, service, and atmosphere from a recent dinner. Check out the full review before booking a table.
Exciting and new
Glasstime – Beginners can create a fused glass coaster or window hanging at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 2–4 PM, priced at CA$41.22, kiln-fired and food safe.
Thanksgiving Steam Excursion – A classic steam run-past highlights this heritage excursion departing Waterloo, ON on October 11, 2026, with two departure times, tickets CA$48.14.
Yin Yoga – Mondays get a reset with this slow, meditative practice led by Audrey at Remix Swing, Waterloo, ON on October 12, 2026 from 7:10–8 PM, starting at CA$35.20.
Improv Workshops at The Hive – Never tried improv? This is the room to start in, at The Hive, Guelph, ON on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 7–9 PM, free to attend.
World Cuisine – Middle Eastern – Culinary students serve up falafel, tabbouleh, and chicken tagine at Conestoga College, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$49.64.
A Ghostly Evening in Galt: “Dark Side of Galt” Walking Tour – Paranormal tales and ghostly inhabitants come to life on this free haunted walk departing Old Post Office, Cambridge, ON on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 6:30–7:30 PM, registration required.
Repair Café at Kwartzlab – Volunteers help fix broken household items, gadgets, and more at Kwartzlab Makerspace, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7 PM, free to attend.
Bloody Berlin Walking Tour – Lantern-lit tales of murder, grave robbing, and scandal wind through Schneider Haus National Historic Site, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM, priced at CA$33.85, ages 16+.
Tin Can Talks #1 | Kaluyahawi on Traditional Hand Poke Tattooing – Oneida tattoo artist Kaluyahawi shares traditional hand poke techniques at Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced CA$0-37.61, pay what feels right.
Rapid Chess Tournament – Five rounds of CFC-rated rapid chess unfold at Vector Space, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10 AM–4 PM, priced CA$20-32, with prizes for top players and best junior.
Paint & Bling – Painting meets sparkle at this creative afternoon at Café Clementina, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 4–6 PM, priced at CA$22.63, no experience needed.
Lee Valley Tools Waterloo Store – Turn an Acrylic Pen – Learn pen-turning fundamentals from a Customer Advisor at Lee Valley Tools, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with morning and afternoon sessions, priced at CA$50.
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration – One of Chinese culture’s most cherished holidays comes to life at Waterloo Public Library, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 1–4:30 PM, free for the whole community.
Date nights
One Love ‘Flags Edition’ – Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, & Afrobeats – Four DJs bring an island-inspired long weekend celebration to Room 47, Waterloo, ON on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 10:30 PM, priced CA$12.19-22.90.
The Almost Hip Celebrate Gord Downie – Kitchener’s own tribute band honours Gord Downie’s legacy at Dallas Night Club, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 7–11 PM, priced at CA$17.31.
Ben Albert Live in Waterloo – Fifteen million TikTok views and counting, this rising star headlines The Jazz Room, Waterloo, ON on October 11, 2026 from 6–7:30 PM, tickets CA$19.41-26.89.
Dog Mic: Stand Up Comedy – Amateur comedians take the stage every Tuesday at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON at 8 PM, with open sign-ups for anyone wanting to try stand-up. No cost involved, 19+ only.
Emoji Trivia Night at Four Fathers Brewing Co. – This emoji-only twist on trivia challenges players at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON this Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM, free to play.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM – Comedy returns to the Walper Hotel at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on October 14, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, tickets CA$3.99-6.66, in the König Walper hotel’s lower level.
Improv Comedy at Silence – Fans of Whose Line Is It Anyway will love this night of improv at Silence Sounds, Guelph, ON on October 15, 2026, show starting at 8 PM sharp, tickets CA$11.98.
Musical Bingo – Back to the 80s Vol 3 – Craft cocktails and top 80s bands set the scene at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 15, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, second-floor access via stairs only.
2026 Royal LePage Crown Realty Euchre Rama – Cards for a cause: this beloved night returns to Grand Valley Golf, Cambridge, ON on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 6:30–11 PM, starting at CA$30.
Burlesque and Variety Show – Grab dinner, then grab a seat for this cheeky lineup at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 16, 2026, show at 8 PM, tickets CA$11.98-22.63.
Freshly Squeezed Standup Comedy – Jwalit Bharwani – One of Canada’s fastest-rising comedians brings a full, road-tested hour to Red Brick Cafe, Guelph, ON on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM, priced at CA$17.31.
Dan Duvall: Live in Guelph – Fresh off being named a 2025 JFL New Face, this Victoria-based comedian runs his full hour at The Albion, Guelph, ON on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9–10:30 PM, priced CA$20.50-25.83.
Rusty Nail Comedy Club Fridays & Saturdays: CJ Bishop – Fresh off a Kill Tony appearance, CJ Bishop takes the stage at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on October 16–17, 2026, showtime 8 PM, tickets at CA$22.63.
Ladies Night: Country Remix Party – Line dancing meets remixed country anthems at Fireside Haven Studio, Cambridge, ON this Friday, October 16, 2026 from 8–11:59 PM, priced at CA$19.56, ladies only.
HallowQueens – WOW superstars Marina Tucker and Simone Williams headline this women’s wrestling event at Red Papaya Thai and Grill, Guelph, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 8–10 PM, priced CA$19.56-31.59, costume contest included.
One Big Gay Disco: Grand River Special Vol. II – A queer Halloween celebration takes over EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 17, 2026 from 9 PM–2 AM, tickets CA$17.55.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy on Tour – Grab a bite before the laughs start at Kingpin Bowling Lounge, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 17, 2026, doors 7 PM, priced at CA$15.
Guelph Activities for Adults Worth Trying
Looking for fun without the kids? Guelph has art galleries, scenic cycling trails, and lively festivals ready for your next day or night out. Nine ideas for adults, including creative classes and community meetups are waiting. Explore the full guide to find your next favorite activity.
Live music
The Acoustic Stories Tour Kitchener – Heather is Growing and Joshua Pascua – A curated night of storytelling through song lands at 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 6:30–9:30 PM, priced at CA$17.31.
Jacob Brodovsky, Dominique Adams & Greg Smith – This unique musical pairing takes over Tabu Nightclub, Guelph, ON this Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 8–11:30 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
The Grapes of Wrath | Acoustic Duo Show – Stripped back and personal, Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper revisit their legacy at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026, doors at 7 PM, priced at CA$35.
Average James (No Harm Done) – A brand-new album gets its live debut at Tabu Nightclub, Guelph, ON on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 8–11:30 PM, priced at CA$17.55.
The Jailbirds ‘Where Is The Rock’ Tour – Award-winning rock band The Jailbirds bring their new single to life at Tabu Nightclub, Guelph, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026, doors at 7:30 PM, priced at CA$22.90.
The Divines Live in Concert – Sweet harmonies meet legendary hits as The Divines take the stage at THEMUSEUM, Kitchener, ON on October 17, 2026 from 6:30–10 PM, for CA$35.
Wing Night (The Band) – With over 130 songs in their arsenal, Toronto’s top hip-hop and R&B cover band packs Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026, doors at 7:30 PM, priced at CA$30, 19+.
Other notable events
Chris Banks and Tanis MacDonald: Poetry of Survival and Joy – Award-winning poets share their latest collections at Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 7–8 PM, free admission, book signing to follow.
CrowdWork w/ Emme Kay Kennedy | Comedy & Public Speaking Workshop – Stage fright meets confidence-building at this hands-on workshop at Visitor Information Centre, Waterloo, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced at CA$49.64.
Guided Gallery Tours – Three fall exhibitions come to life with an Artist Guide at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6–7 PM, free to attend.
COS Minor Presents Princess Whatsername – A fairytale mashup unfolds as a girl with no memory meets Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and more at The Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge, ON on Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17, 2026, priced at CA$28.25.
Seniors Adapted Céilí – This fully accessible dance gathering for ages 55+ takes place at Church of the Good Shepherd, Kitchener, ON on October 16, 2026 from 2:30–4 PM, no dance experience needed and pay what you can.
The Guelph Poetry Slam – Emotions run wild at this third-Saturday tradition at The Round Table, Guelph, ON this Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7 PM, priced CA$11.98-17.31.
Henry’s Kitchener – Introduction to Photography – Turn “it’s complicated” into “I’ve got this” with camera settings at this free workshop at Henry’s Camera, Kitchener, ON on October 17, 2026 from 1–2 PM.
Creativity & Inspiration Workshop – Stuck in a creative rut? This hands-on session at The Hive – An Arts Collective, Guelph, ON on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM might be the nudge you need, priced at CA$15.