Kick off your week with exciting events and fresh experiences across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph. There’s something for everyone to look forward to.
Exciting and new
OFFICIAL WATERLOO BOLLYWOOD SUMMER PARTY – Celebrate Bollywood style on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 PM–2:30 AM at Phil’s Grandson’s Place, Waterloo. This wear all-white party features DJ Titan, live acts, and vibrant club vibes. Tickets: CA$14.82–CA$34.94.
Hillside Festival 2025 – Celebrate music, art, and community from July 18–20, 2025, at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Rd, Guelph. Enjoy three days of performances by local and international artists in a stunning outdoor setting. Tickets: Senior/Youth Weekend – CA$155.82, Tier 3 Weekend – CA$272.21, Friday – CA$97.62, Saturday/Sunday – CA$144.18.
2025 Cambridge Scottish Festival – Experience Scottish heritage at its finest from July 18 at 6:00 PM to July 19 at 7:00 PM at Churchill Park, 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge. Enjoy a Friday night Celtic Sip & Shop with 30+ vendors and live music, then return Saturday for pipe bands and more. Tickets: Friday and Saturday – Adult CA$25.00, Youth/Senior CA$20.00, Kids Free; Weekend Pass – Adult CA$40.00, Senior CA$35.00, Youth CA$38.61.
Lady Gaga Drag Brunch at 1881 – Celebrate all things Gaga on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM (doors at 12:30 PM) at Western Hotel Burgers & Steaks, 72 Macdonell Street, Guelph. This promises fierce drag performances, iconic Gaga hits, and glitter-filled fun. Tickets: General Admission – CA$19.66; Group of 2 – CA$31.72; Table of 4 – CA$61.84; Table of 6 – CA$85.96; Small Booth (up to 4) – CA$49.79; Large Booth (up to 6) – CA$61.84.
Indigenous Night – A Pop-Up Dinner Experience – Enjoy a culturally rich dining experience on July 18, 2025, from 6:30–9:00 PM at 12 Queen Street East, Cambridge. Hosted by Chef Destiny, this event features an Indigenous menu using local, seasonal ingredients and includes storytelling with every dish. Tickets: CA$110.29.
Antiquing in the Tri-Cities – Vintage Finds and Local Charm
If you love the thrill of the hunt, the Tri-Cities are full of inviting spots where you can browse, discover and take home a piece of the past. From mid-century furniture to classic vinyl and quirky collectibles, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge offer antique stores with real character and plenty of stories. Whether you’re decorating a space or just enjoy a slow afternoon stroll through curated treasures, this guide has you covered. Find all the best places to go antiquing here.
Fun for the family
Preston Food Crawl – Savor a delicious evening on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM in Preston Towne Centre, Cambridge, ON. Your CA$22.63 ticket gets you 20 tasting tickets to sample bites from 15+ local food stops, plus live music in Central Park, pet-friendly treats, and a lively community vibe. Tickets: One Ticket Pack – CA$22.63.
Kooky Kitchener Amazing Race & Tour – Join the fun on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM starting at Matter of Taste Coffee Roaster, 115 King Street West, Kitchener. This scavenger hunt takes you through the city with clue-solving, wacky challenges, and unexpected discoveries—perfect for groups, birthdays, or adventurous locals. Tickets: Admission – CA$20.00.
Summer Camp July 14th–18th 2025 – Keep kids moving and creating with a full week of dancing, games, crafts, and indoor/outdoor fun at Shake It Off Studio in Guelph from July 14–18, 2025, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Perfect for an active summer break! Tickets: Summer Camp Week – CA$213.27.
3rd Annual Chips and Giggles Golf Event in support of KidsAbility – Tee off for a cause at Badlands Golf Company, 41 Ira Needles Boulevard, Waterloo on July 16, 2025, during this fun-filled charity golf event. Teams of six will enjoy golf, food, and good laughs—all to benefit local children and youth with disabilities. Tickets: Team Registration (10 AM, 1 PM, or 4 PM start) – CA$640.34.
Bright Starts Family Fun Fair 2025 – Bring the whole family to UW Lot X, 200 Columbia St W, Waterloo on July 17, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 PM for an evening of summer fun! Enjoy amusement rides, face painting, and live entertainment. Tickets: General Admission – CA$50.00 per family; Raffle Tickets (20 per strip) – CA$10.00; Medium Pizza (Cheese, Pepperoni, or Vegetarian) – CA$15.00 each.
Breweries in Cambridge – Cheers to Local Flavor
Cambridge might surprise you with its lively and creative craft beer scene. Beyond the historic charm of the city, you’ll find breweries that champion bold flavors, small-batch methods, and welcoming taprooms that feel like a second home. Whether you’re into citrusy IPAs, rich stouts, or seasonal brews with a twist, there’s plenty to explore — and taste. Get to know the best breweries Cambridge has to offer here.
Date nights
Guelph Poetry Slam – Experience the power of spoken word on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 8:30–11:00 PM at Which Craft, 91 Wyndham St N, Guelph. This monthly event features an open mic, guest poet, and a high-energy slam competition with a $100 prize. Tickets: Audience – CA$17.31, Slam Poet Sign-up – CA$11.98, Open Mic Sign-up – CA$11.98.
Indie Comedy Night – Upstairs at The Albion – Catch a hilarious stand-up showcase on July 17, 2025, at 8:30 PM at The Albion in Downtown Guelph. Presented by Shocked & Appealed Productions, the night features top local comics and surprise guests. Tickets: CA$6.73–CA$12.06.
The Summer Music Series at Langdon Hall – Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music by Greg Wyard on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 7:30–9:30 PM at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge. Set in the scenic Summer House, the night features themed tunes, curated bites, and garden views. Tickets: General Admission – CA$84.40.
Backyard Theatre: We Lived, Felt Dawn, Saw Sunset Glow – Experience an intimate solo concert by Mike Ford on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 8:00–9:30 PM at McCrae House, 108 Water Street, Guelph. This powerful performance marks the 80th Anniversary of Liberation in Europe. Tickets: General Admission – CA$27.96.
Open Mic Comedy Night at the Albion Hotel – Laugh it up every Wednesday at 8:00 PM upstairs at The Albion in Downtown Guelph, where both new and seasoned comedians take the stage. Sign-ups begin at 8:00 with the show around 8:30 PM. Tickets: Pay what you can.