Start your week with something new as local events, eats, and experiences light up Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph. From food finds to events, there’s always something worth checking out for everyone!
Exciting and new
EDKW Presents: Ecstatic Dance in the Park ~ Featuring Auroboros – Join a vibrant evening of open-air movement and music on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at Waterloo Park, 50 Young Street West, Waterloo. This conscious dance event features a sound bath, guided warm-ups, flow arts, and live painting. Ticket: General Admission – CA$22.63.
Young Folk Music Festival – Celebrate emerging musical talent at the Young Folk Music Festival on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich Street, Guelph. This all-day outdoor event features live performances by up-and-coming artists from the Kitchener/Waterloo Region. Tickets: General Admission – CA$11.98.
The Flying Dutchmen – A night of live music happening on August 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM at The Galt Club, Cambridge, ON. Enjoy a lively performance by The Flying Dutchmen in a cozy, welcoming venue. Perfect for a relaxed Friday night with great tunes and good company. Tickets: Free.
PERREOLANDIA – AWO (KW’s Biggest Latin Long Weekend Party) – A high-energy celebration of Latin beats happening on August 3, 2025, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM at Empire Nightclub, 56 King Street North #Unit 3, Waterloo, ON. Tickets: Early Bird – CA$17.31, 2 for 1 Special – CA$22.63, Single Ticket (Avoid Lineup) – CA$22.63.
Birthday Show / 1 Year of SRSLY – A high-energy local music bash happening on August 9, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at 124 Sydney Street South, Kitchener, ON, celebrates the one-year anniversary of SRSLY Productions with live sets by The Northern, Killing Cosmos, Dead Roots, I See Aura, and a surprise secret performance. Tickets: General Admission – CA$15.00.
Cambridge Experiences for Grown-Ups
Looking to enjoy Cambridge from a more grown-up perspective? Whether you’re in the mood for wine tasting, local art, riverside trails, or something with a little more adrenaline like axe throwing or escape rooms, this city has you covered. It’s perfect for a relaxed solo day or an easygoing date night with a twist. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Cambridge for adults in this curated list.
Fun for the family
Growing and Using Herbs – Discover the basics of herb gardening on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener. This hands-on workshop includes herbal tea tastings, practical plant tips, a seedling activity, and a take-home tray. Pre-registration required. Ticket: General Admission – CA$31.59.
Summer Art Camp Week 6: Sculpture Study – From August 5–8, 2025, kids aged 7–13 can dive into the world of ceramic and glass art at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo. This 4-day hands-on camp includes sculpting activities, kiln-fired clay projects, outdoor fun, and a Friday pop-up art show. Registration: CA$299.53.
Summer Sport Camp – A dynamic athletic program happening on August 5–16, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Ontario Muslim Academy, 82 Beverly Street, Cambridge, ON, is designed for boys aged 8–15 to engage in basketball, soccer, track & field, and team-building activities. This weekday camp promotes fitness, friendship, and fun for young athletes. Tickets: General Admission – CA$242.19.
Hands-On Beginner Photography Workshop – A fun and interactive session happening on August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, 64 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON. This workshop is perfect for beginners of all ages. Tickets: Single Registration – CA$297.00.
Kooky Kitchener Amazing Race & Tour – An interactive scavenger hunt happening on August 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM starting from Matter of Taste Coffee Roaster, 115 King Street West, Kitchener, ON. Teams will solve clever clues and complete playful tasks. Ideal for families, tourists, birthdays, or team-building fun. Tickets: Admission – CA$20.00.
Exploring the Mennonite Heritage of Kitchener-Waterloo
The Mennonites have been a vital part of Kitchener-Waterloo’s identity for generations. Their traditions remain visible today in daily life — from the quiet rhythm of horse-drawn buggies on the road to the abundance of fresh produce at local farmers’ markets. But there’s so much more to learn beyond the surface. If you’ve ever been curious about how this community lives, works, and contributes to the region, this article offers an insightful look into the living Mennonite tradition right here in KW.
Date nights
Desi Stand Up Comedy Show – Enjoy an evening of sharp wit and cultural laughs at the Desi Stand Up Comedy Show on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, 9 Princess Street East, Waterloo. Featuring South Asian comedians, this show brings big energy. Tickets: General Admission – CA$20.00, 2 for 1 Admission – CA$10.00, Front Row – CA$30.00.
Summer Cookout – The Rooftop Experience – This is a high-energy rooftop day party brings together Dancehall, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Soca, and R&B, plus food, games, and non-stop vibes. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 3–9 PM at 165 King Street West. Grab your friends and celebrate summer! Tickets: Second Wave Regular – CA$33.28, Squad Discount (4 friends) – CA$26.62 each.
Rusty Nail Pro Saturdays: Foad HP – A night of sharp stand-up comedy happening on August 9, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at TWH Social, King Street West, Kitchener, ON. This intimate evening promises top-tier laughs and vibrant energy in the Konig Room. Tickets: General Admission – CA$22.63.
IMPROV GAMES w/ Hayley Kellett | Single Session Workshop – A playful class happening on August 5, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Visitor Information Centre, 10 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, ON. This workshop dives into classic short-form improv games. Tickets: General Admission – CA$38.61.
Sketch Comedy Writing | Workshop Series – A fun course for aspiring comedy writers happening Thursdays from August 7–28, 2025, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at 165 King Street West, Kitchener, ON. This series covers everything from idea generation to full script development. Tickets: Sketch Comedy Series – CA$155.76.
Free events
Stitch Social – Kitchener – A free, creative gathering happening on August 9, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener. This monthly meet-up welcomes knitters and crocheters of all levels to bring their projects, share skills, and enjoy a warm, social atmosphere in the library’s Reading Lounge.
KW GameDev – A casual and collaborative meetup happening on August 8, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at 165 King Street West, Kitchener, this event invites local game developers to present their projects or ideas in a 3-minute format, followed by relaxed networking at a nearby pub or rooftop. It’s a great space to connect, get feedback, and share creative energy.
Disney/Pixar Movies Trivia Night – A fun-filled challenge for Disney and Pixar fans happening on August 5, 2025, from 7:00–9:00 PM at Four Fathers Brewing Co., 125 Guelph Avenue, Cambridge. Teams of up to six can test their movie knowledge—from Toy Story to Encanto—while enjoying great food, themed vibes, and award-winning craft beer. Prizes are up for grabs!
Kirtan Experience & Vedic Wisdom – A peaceful evening of kirtan meditation and spiritual insight happening on August 5, 2025, from 6:30–9:00 PM at 80 Schneider Avenue, Kitchener. This event blends music, mantra, and mindfulness in a serene setting near Victoria Park.
KITCHENER Canadian Brewhouse Tuesday Night Trivia! – A lively weekly trivia night happening August 5, 2025, from 7:00–9:30 PM at The Canadian Brewhouse, 2960 Kingsway Drive #Unit P004, Kitchener. This free-to-play event features general knowledge rounds, music trivia, mini-games, prizes, and tacos—with purchase. Tickets: Free.