From adventures to relaxations, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph are buzzing with things to see and do this week. Dive in and enjoy the local vibe!
Exciting and new
2025 Guelph Ribfest – Magical Midway All Day Ride Pass – Enjoy unlimited midway fun at the 2025 Guelph Ribfest from Friday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM to Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich Street, Guelph. This advance all-day ride pass is valid for one day of your choice during the festival. Tickets: CA$28.25.
Merry Men Live – Experience a modern, queer, and comedic musical retelling of Robin Hood on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris Street, Guelph. This lively production features love in all its forms, catchy songs, archery, and sword fighting. Tickets: General Admission – CA$22.63, Unwaged – CA$15.00, Pay It Forward – CA$33.28.
Farm to Table Feast: A Celebration of Local Flavours – Enjoy a cozy pop-up dinner on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at 12 Queen Street East, Cambridge, hosted by Chef Destiny and FoodZen. This set-menu experience features ultra-local, seasonal ingredients and ethically sourced dishes that celebrate the region’s flavours. Tickets: General Seating – CA$88.54.
Caribana Ignite Kitchener: The Greatest Re-Whine – Join a vibrant carnival road march through the streets of Kitchener on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, starting at Carl Zehr Square, 200 King Street West, Kitchener. Masqueraders from any carnival are invited to bring their own costumes and celebrate with music, dancing, and Caribbean vibes. Tickets: Free.
ALL-IN-ONE Artist Open Mic – Experience a vibrant night of creativity on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at TWB Brewing, 300 Mill Street #1, Kitchener. Hosted by Yashika Vahi, this fast-paced open mic showcases 20 performers across music, poetry, comedy, storytelling, crafts, and more. Tickets: Audience – CA$20.50, Artist Performer – CA$10.92.
Free events
80s Trivia Night – Step back in time for a nostalgia-packed evening on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co., 125 Guelph Avenue, Cambridge. Hosted by Jordie, this free trivia night tests your knowledge of the 1980s’ music, movies, and pop culture while you enjoy great food and craft beer.
2nd Waterloo Backgammon Tournament – Join an evening of dinner, friendly competition, and community spirit at Shawky’s Bistro, 173 Roger Street, Waterloo, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This free tournament raises funds to support Palestinian children with cancer in Gaza and the West Bank.
Rainy Day Travel – 2025 Travel Expo – Explore destinations, discover new trends, and connect with fellow travel lovers at the Waterloo Rec Centre, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This free expo offers inspiration and ideas for travelers of all kinds.
As the Artists View It – Gallery Unveiling – Experience the unveiling of this new exhibition by the Southern Ontario Visual Artists on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge. Meet 13 talented artists, explore their unique perspectives, enjoy refreshments, and hear the stories behind their work.
A Kitchener Classic: The Timeless Charm of Charcoal Steak House
Charcoal Steak House is more than just a place to eat. It is a piece of Kitchener dining history. Known for its expertly grilled steaks, mouthwatering prime rib, and a menu that blends tradition with modern flair, this spot has been winning over locals and visitors for decades. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for everything from celebratory dinners to casual nights out where you still want something special. See why this legendary steakhouse continues to stand the test of time right here.
Fun for the family
Fairy Terrarium – Join this creative and fun workshop on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at EVO Kitchen & Bar, 31 Water Street South, Cambridge. Spend two creative hours crafting enchanting miniature worlds while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Tickets: General Admission – CA$54.99.
New Moon Hammock Sound Bath – Experience deep relaxation at the New Moon Hammock Sound Bath on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at The Attic Yoga, 37 King Street West, Kitchener. This one-hour guided sound healing session invites participants to rest in aerial hammocks while absorbing calming vibrations. Tickets: General Admission – CA$59.27.
Grand River Widows Sons Charity Ride – Join the Grand River Widows Sons Charity Ride on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, starting at the Cambridge Masonic Temple, 1 Groh Avenue, Cambridge. This scenic motorcycle ride winds through the Tri-City countryside. Tickets: Single Rider – CA$44.29, Passenger – CA$22.90.
Amazing Scavenger Hunt! – Guelph’s Downtown Treasure Hunt – Embark on a self-guided, app-led adventure with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM at 59 Carden Street, Guelph. Explore the city’s historic downtown as you solve clues, complete photo challenges, and uncover hidden gems in a fun experience for all ages. Tickets: CA$14.99 per player.
Wilfrid Laurier University Choral Composition Symposium – Attend this symposium on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo. This event invites composers of all levels to learn, collaborate, and explore new ideas. Tickets: General – CA$105.50, Ontario Choirs Member – CA$95.00, Laurier Student – Free.
Local Flavor, Elevated: Inside Borealis Grille & Bar
Borealis Grille & Bar proves that dining can be both delicious and sustainable. With a menu built on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, every plate supports regional farms while delighting your taste buds. The space combines rustic warmth with a polished, welcoming atmosphere which is definitely perfect for everything from a quick bite to a long, lingering dinner. From salads to hearty mains, each dish captures the essence of the region in fresh, unforgettable ways. Discover the full experience of Borealis Grille & Bar in this review.
Date nights
RIHANNA VS ARIANA GRANDE DRAG NIGHT! – Get ready for a pop diva showdown on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM at The Albion, 49 Norfolk Street, Guelph. Drag queens Kara Melle, Ultraviolet, and Loveita Diamond bring the biggest Rihanna and Ariana hits to life with fierce performances, dazzling looks, and non-stop energy. Tickets: Seated Admission – CA$25.57, Standing Admission – CA$13.54.
A SPICY August Improv Jam! – Join this spicy improv session on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at ArtsBuild Ontario, 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener. This two-hour, judgment-free improv session welcomes participants of all experience levels to jump in, try new scenes, and have fun. Tickets: Free.
Improv Workshop & Jam – Join a lively evening of improv on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Visitor Information Centre, 10 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo. Led by UWaterloo, this pay-what-you-can event combines a 90-minute improv class with a 30-minute comedy jam, open to all skill levels. Tickets: Pay What You Can (CA$20 suggested).
TELL YOUR TALE LITTLE BIRD Film Screening – Enjoy this screening on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Art Gallery of Guelph, 358 Gordon Street, Guelph. This 1993 documentary by Arab Loutfi shares the personal stories of seven Palestinian women resistance fighters, offering powerful narratives of struggle and resilience. Tickets: General Admission – CA$5.00.
Indie Comedy Night – Upstairs at The Albion – Enjoy a night of laughs on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM at The Albion, 49 Norfolk Street, Guelph. This show features Guelph’s top comics, rising stars, and special guests in an intimate historic venue. Tickets: CA$9.75.
Stillness Under the Stars: Honouring the Hush – Spend a serene evening under the night sky on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 1018 Orrs Lake Road, Cambridge. This peaceful gathering includes guided meditation, silent reflection, and a closing prompt to help you ground yourself and embrace nature’s stillness. Tickets: CA$17.31.