Spooky season’s officially taken over the region. Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Guelph has no shortage of things to do this week.
Free events
Punk Rock Flea Market Guelph’s Halloween – This free Halloween edition brings live music and alternative vendors together at Guelph Farmers’ Market, Guelph, ON on October 18, 2026 from 11 AM–4 PM.
Applefest 2026 – Crisp apples, warm cider, and community connection fill Health Caring KW, Kitchener, ON on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 1:30–3 PM, free to attend, part of Community Health and Wellbeing Month.
Board Game Night – Gadgets out and board games are in at this café-wide game night at Midnight Run Cafe, Waterloo, ON on October 23, 2026 from 6–8 PM, no cover charge, just order a drink.
Luna Halloween Market | Night of the Vampire – Gothic glam and vampire vibes take over Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234, Guelph, ON on October 23-24, 2026, attend for free with scavenger hunts and photo ops.
Spells & Stardust | Downtown Kitchener Witches Festivals and Market – This two-day witchy market transforms indoor and outdoor spaces at 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener, ON on October 23-24, 2026, no cost to attend, come solo or bring your coven.
Raptors on The Big Screen – Catch the Raptors for free on Canada’s largest outdoor screen at The District Square, Cambridge, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7 PM.
Fun for the family
Kids Halloween Discovery Lab – Curious little hands can explore pumpkin hammering and spooky sensory play at Smartizen, Waterloo, ON on October 18, 2026 from 10 AM–4 PM, no cost to join, spaces limited.
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 Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 2 PM, priced CA$34-40.
LEGO® | Disney Stitch – Everyone’s favourite mischievous blue alien comes to life at this free LEGO building session at Staples Guelph Store 81, Guelph, ON on October 24, 2026 from 10 AM–12 PM, take-home set included.
Schneider Haus 7th Annual Halloween Kids Party – Spooktacular family fun awaits at Schneider Haus National Historic Site, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 AM–4 PM, priced at CA$9.88, suitable for kids 10 and under.
Kids’ Science Open House – A full day of discovery fills University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:30 AM–4:30 PM, free admission, hands-on activities throughout.
Rubik’s Cube Club – No experience needed to join this free cube-solving series at Vector Space, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 2–3 PM, cubes available for CA$10 if needed.
A Day Trip Guide to Guelph, ON
Founded in 1827 by John Galt, Guelph is a planned city with a royal nickname and a lively university scene. Stories behind the name, the landmarks, and the best green spaces await inside. Explore the full article to see why it makes a great day trip.
Exciting and new
KWLT Presents Waterloo – This story of friendship and two intertwined lives takes the stage at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, Waterloo, ON on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 2 PM, priced CA$22.63-27.96.
Rocky Horror Drag Brunch – Spotlight performances and a best costume prize fill Royal City Brewing Company, Guelph, ON on October 18, 2026, show at 12 PM, tickets starting at CA$16.95.
Sea Glass Class – Guests craft a shadow box and greeting card at Pickle Barrel Conestoga Mall, Waterloo, ON on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 6–8:30 PM, priced at CA$40.
World Cuisine – Nikkei – Culinary students carry the World Cuisine series forward with a Nikkei-inspired menu at Conestoga College, Waterloo, ON this Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$49.64.
Cut & Paste Club: Collage Night – Cut, combine, and reimagine paper media at this creative session at Art Gallery of Guelph, Guelph, ON on October 21, 2026 from 5:30–7:30 PM, for CA$20, no experience required.
Bloody Berlin Walking Tour – Villainous doctors and long-forgotten shootouts come to life on this after-dark walk departing Schneider Haus National Historic Site, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM, priced at CA$33.85, advance tickets required.
Halloween 3D Print Paint Party – Six spooky 3D-printed designs are ready for painting at Paper Marche, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 6–9 PM, priced at CA$33.28, all supplies included.
Junk Journalling Night – No right way to do this, just cut, layer, and make it yours at JTM Cake Studio & Cafe, Cambridge, ON on October 23, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, for CA$13.56.
“The Dark Side of Galt” Evening Walking Tours at McDougall Cottage – Dress warm and maybe bring a flashlight for this tour into Galt’s darkest history, departing McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, priced at CA$31.45.
Halloween After Hours – Here’s one for the teens! Tarot cards, monster movies, and hot cider under the stars at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced at CA$11.93.
Dirty, Spooky Bingo! – This is not your average bingo night: raunchy cards, X-rated prizes, and zero chill at Fireside Haven Studio, Cambridge, ON on October 23, 2026 at 8 PM, priced at CA$25.
Claytime – Turn a lump of clay into your new favourite mug at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1:30–4 PM, priced at CA$37.61, no experience necessary.
Stay Local Events-Thrift & Gather – One stamp card, a city full of thrift stores, and a dinner waiting at the end: this social lands at Mr. Mikes SteakhouseCasual, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 AM–8 PM, priced at CA$12.19.
Halloween Patterns on the Riso! – From scissors to Riso press, watch your own spooky pattern come to life at 26 Douglas St Unit D, Guelph, ON on October 24, 2026 from 1–4 PM, priced at CA$40, 20 prints included.
Taste of Africa with Chef Sue – A chef-curated journey through Africa’s regional dishes awaits at Glencairn Church, Kitchener, ON on October 24, 2026 from 6–9 PM, priced at CA$50, perfect for anyone who loves exploring new cuisines as much as we do.
Date nights
Drag Lab: Halloween Spooktackular – The scariest, gayest night of the year lands at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 6–9:30 PM, priced at CA$17.31, hosted by Sasha Tease.
Paint Nite at Denny’s Restaurant Guelph – Grab the crew and claim your canvas for a spooky Halloween masterpiece at Denny’s Restaurant Guelph, Guelph, ON on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$47.08.
Dog Mic: Stand Up Comedy – Think you’ve got jokes? This is your chance to find out at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON every Tuesday at 8 PM, including October 20, 2026, free to attend, 19+.
Improv Workshops at The Hive – Scenework, laughter, and a growing community of creatives fill The Hive, Guelph, ON on October 20, 2026 from 7–9 PM, free admission or pay what you want to support.
Speed Dating (Ages 32-47) – Skip the apps and meet face-to-face at Hop House, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$17.31, designed for ages 32-47.
Euchre Night at TWB – Solo or with a crew, everyone’s welcome at this weekly card night at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON this Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced CA$10-12.
Name that Tune! Trivia Night at Four Fathers – A few seconds of melody and a whole lot of pressure: this music trivia night hits Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON on October 21, 2026 from 7–9 PM, free admission.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM Night – Downtown Kitchener’s cheapest, funniest night out continues to TWH Social, Kitchener, ON this Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, priced from CA$3.99-6.66.
Musical Bingo – I Love The 90s Vol 3 – If you know the words, you know this night is for you at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON this Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, reservations recommended.
Misdirection – Comedy Magic & Mind-Reading – Perfect for a date night, this bold blend of mind reading and comedy takes over Boathouse DTK, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 9–11 PM, priced at CA$27.96.
Halloween Drag Night at TheMuseum Kitchener! – Kara Melle and Ultraviolet host a spooky-themed drag show at THEMUSEUM, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026, doors at 7:30 PM, priced at CA$28.25.
Pink Sober Club – Halloween Edition! – After a sold-out debut, this substance-free drag show returns with a Halloween twist at Indulgence Studio, Waterloo, ON on Friday, October 23, 2026, doors at 7 PM, entry by donation.
Don’t Ghost Me Speed Dating (Ages 26-36) – Halloween candy and a complimentary drink set the mood at The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery, Guelph, ON this Friday, October 23, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$47.13.
EVO Kitchen & Bar Presents: Naughty Trivia – Dirty questions and questionable answers pack the room once again at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 23, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, teams of 2-6 welcome.
Rusty Nail Comedy Friday & Saturday TWH Social Featuring Ian Sirota – Two Gemini nominations, one unforgettable set: Ian Sirota takes the stage at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON this weekend, October 23–24, 2026, priced at CA$22.63.
Stand Up Comedy with Patrick Haye – The last show got sold out, so grab tickets fast for this one-night-only set at Royal City Brewing & Beer Hall, Guelph, ON on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 8–10 PM, priced CA$33.59-38.95.
Roller Cosplay Night – Lace up your skates (or just watch in awe) at this cosplay-meets-roller-rink mashup at Retro Rollers Rink, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 7–11 PM, priced CA$8.75-17.50.
Dallas Gets CRUSHED Again! – Rock anthems and dance-floor hits return for another round at McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on Saturday, October 24, 2026, doors at 8 PM, priced at CA$9.31.
Inside La Lola: KW’s Spanish Tapas Bar
Locally owned and tucked away from busy King Street, La Lola brings an authentic Spanish tapas bar experience to Kitchener after a move from Cambridge. An honest look at the meal and the final bill is waiting inside. Explore the full write-up to see if it’s your next date night.
Live music
The Buena Vista Orchestra – The sound that made Buena Vista Social Club a global phenomenon returns live at Centre In The Square, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 8–10 PM, free to attend.
Stone Rock – Turn Back the Clock – Toronto’s top glam rock tribute act turns back the clock at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON this Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 7:30 PM, and priced at CA$15.
Industry Skill’s Ensemble’s Fall Concert – This student showcase jumps from folk to funk without missing a beat at MacKinnon Building, Guelph, ON on October 21, 2026 from 8–9:30 PM, tickets from CA$9.31-17.31.
The Garth Brooks Tribute – Les Smith sounds so much like Garth Brooks that audiences genuinely forget they’re watching a tribute act at Room 47, Waterloo, ON on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 7 PM, priced at CA$35.
Jailbird with The Pinkies – Catch Jailbird and The Pinkies live at Red Brick Cafe, Guelph, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 7–11 PM, priced at CA$17.55.
Cello-Centricity!: Raphael Weinroth-Browne – Empyrean – Originally commissioned for contemporary dance, this spiritual, sublime cello work takes the stage at Silence, Guelph, ON this Saturday, October 24, 2026, pay what you can starting at CA$17.31.
Reuben and the Dark 2026 Canada Tour with Purse Candy – Fresh off supporting Mumford and Sons and Vance Joy, this acclaimed band hits Room 47, Waterloo, ON on October 24, 2026 at 6 PM, tickets CA$25.
The Flying Dutchmen Live – The weekend starts right at Duke of Wellington, Waterloo, ON with The Flying Dutchmen taking the stage this Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 8–11 PM.
Other notable events
Women’s Heart 2 Heart Gathering – No networking, no selling, just real talk among women who get it at 32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph, ON this Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 1–3 PM, priced at CA$10.
Quiet Reading Night – Love books but dread the book club small talk? This one’s built for you at Midnight Run Cafe, Waterloo, ON on October 20, 2026 from 6–8 PM, no cost to join.
Hot Topics In Philanthropy: Waterloo Region – After a successful Guelph debut, this curated discussion night lands at The Lancaster Smokehouse, Kitchener, ON on October 21, 2026 from 5–7 PM, tickets CA$20-25.
Garden Visits: Closing Celebrations + Publication Launch – What started as summer garden gatherings is now a book, launching at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 6–8 PM, free to attend.
Penny & Pound Theatre Presents: Head In The Game – Performed in honour of Brain Cancer Awareness Day, this story of friendship and soul-searching takes the stage at Preston Commons Studio Theatre, Cambridge, ON on October 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM, tickets CA$25.