Consider this your permission slip to get out and explore Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & Guelph this week. It’s a good one.
Free events
Art Market – Handmade goods from local artists, crafters, and makers fill this free event at Waterloo Public Square, Waterloo, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 5–9 PM, with live music setting the mood.
Improv Circus! – Shock, awe, and hilarity fill Silence Sounds, Guelph, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, for free, as improv groups bring a one-of-a-kind show to life.
Wayback Festival – Free live music takes over Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener, ON July 24–25, 2026, with classic rock tributes Friday from 7–10:30 PM and Canadian icons Trooper and Loverboy Saturday from 4–11 PM.
Waycool Vintage Market – Browse the coolest vintage finds at no cost at Gaukel Block, Kitchener, ON on July 25, 2026 from 2–8 PM, a companion event to the Wayback Festival.
Fun for the family
Adopt-a-Cow – Kids can pick a plush mini cow, craft friendship bracelets, and snap a photo with the Chick-fil-A Cow at this free event at Chick-fil-A Kitchener, Kitchener, ON on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4–6 PM.
Kids Summer Workshops – Kids ages 5+ can paint and bedazzle their own Adventure Tote for CA$16.95 at 15 Surrey St W #3, Guelph, ON on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11 AM.
Stanley Park Summer Market – Handmade jewelry, sweet treats, and children’s activities come together at no cost at Stanley Park Community Centre, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5–8 PM, part of a weekly summer series.
Madagascar – A Musical Adventure – Beloved zoo characters escape New York’s Central Park in this CA$20.15 musical at Star Performance Academy, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 1:30 PM.
Cambridge, ON’s Top Brunch Restaurants
Lazy weekend mornings call for a proper brunch spot, and Cambridge has plenty to choose from. This guide rounds up 12 standout restaurants serving everything from Benedicts to bottomless mimosas. Check out the full list to plan your next brunch date.
Exciting and new
Wire Wrapped Necklace & Earrings Workshop – Semi-precious stones and craft wire come together for CA$45.20 at 15 Surrey St W #3, Guelph, ON on July 21, 2026 from 6–7:30 PM, open to adults and kids 12+.
Summertime Cream Tea at McDougall Cottage – A lighter take on afternoon tea costs CA$19.42 at McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 11 AM–2 PM, complete with bottomless tea and time to explore the newest exhibit.
Stretch, Sip, & Sparkle – Guests can craft a bracelet, meditate, and unwind through yoga at Badlands Golf, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 6:30–9:30 PM for CA$35, followed by a social hour with Modo.
Reframed: Frame Design Workshop – Beginner-friendly craft techniques and community connection come together at Art Gallery of Guelph, Guelph, ON on July 24, 2026 from 5:30–7:30 PM, for CA$15, open to ages 16+.
Preston Food Crawl – 2026 – Local flavour and live music fill Preston Towne Centre, Cambridge, ON on July 24, 2026 from 4–8 PM, for CA$22.63, with 20 tasting tickets to sample stops across the crawl.
Tea by the Grand at McDougall Cottage – Good conversation and a lingering tea service unfold at McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 11 AM–12:30 PM, priced at CA$37.47. Space is limited.
Nights of Fashion: Butterfly Euphoria – Runway-worthy looks and glam-pop energy take over The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery, Guelph, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 6–10 PM, with entry by donation.
Women’s Movie Match & Mixer – Film Trivia – Film buffs and new friends come together at Fresh Ground Cafe, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2–4 PM, priced at CA$11, supporting Practical Magic KW’s community mission.
Date nights
Paint Night at The Pickle Barrel! – This relaxed, no-experience-needed painting evening takes place at The Pickle Barrel, Waterloo, ON on July 21, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, for CA$35, with 10% off food orders for attendees.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM – Comedy returns to the Walper Hotel at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, priced at CA$6.66, featuring a rotating PRO AM lineup.
Trivia Night – General Knowledge – Teams of up to six put their knowledge to the test at Thirteen Food & Beverage, Cambridge, ON on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 7–9 PM, with free participation and prizes from local craft breweries.
Summer Tote Bag Painting Workshop – Guests design their own tote bag to take home at Malt & Barley Public House, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$17.31, with food and drinks available to order separately.
Musical Bingo – Best Pop 2000-2020 – Chart-topping pop hits from the 2000s through 2020 fill EVO Kitchen and Bar, Cambridge, ON on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, free to play, with reservations recommended.
Girl Night Live Comedy – Toronto-based comedian and writer Bita Joudaki headlines Whoopsie Daisy Drinks, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 8–10 PM, priced at CA$17.31.
Tote Bag Painting Night – Custom, one-of-a-kind tote bags come to life during this guided session at JTM Cake Studio & Cafe, Cambridge, ON on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$39, no experience needed.
Music Bingo – Prizes, laughs, and pints come together at Wave Maker Craft Brewery & Taproom, Cambridge, ON on July 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM, free to join, with reservations strongly encouraged.
Ben & Tim Improvise until the Last Audience Member Leaves – No one sees the whole show by design at Visitor Information Centre, Waterloo, ON starting Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM, with admission priced between CA$12.19 and CA$33.59.
Pink Sober Club – Guelph – A Part of Guelph Drag Fest! – Doors open at 7 PM for this donation-based drag show at Three Pieces, Guelph, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026, show starting at 8 PM, supporting a local women’s crisis charity.
Van Goth Live in Guelph! – Canada’s Drag Race Season 6 winner Van Goth headlines a drag and dance party at The Albion, Guelph, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8 PM, tickets starting at CA$22.60.
Rusty Nail Comedy Featuring Bryan Hatt – Grab a seat early for a night of nonstop laughs at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON this Friday, July 24, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, priced at CA$17.31, with headliner Bryan Hatt.
Babes & Brews Speed Dating – Great brews and new connections await ages 35-48 at Royal City Brewing Company, Guelph, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$45.
Speed Friending for Men – Men ages 25-35 can meet new friends at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, priced at CA$25.
Pro Comedy at Wave Maker Craft Brewery – Cold beer and fresh laughs kick off a summer Saturday at Wave Maker Craft Brewery & Taproom, Cambridge, ON on July 25, 2026 from 8–9:30 PM, for CA$17.55, hosted by Taylor Featherstone and headlined by Mitch VK.
Classic | 90s-00s Throwback Night – Dress up for a nostalgic dance night at Tapestry Hall, Cambridge, ON on July 25, 2026 from 9–11:59 PM, for CA$13.53, complete with an onsite photographer to capture the memories.
Open Mic on the Patio at Four Fathers Brewing Co. – Musicians of all genres and skill levels can take the stage at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2–4 PM, hosted by Paul Langan, free to attend.
KW’s Top Spots for Food Lovers
Kitchener-Waterloo is packed with flavor, from bustling markets to beloved local institutions. This guide highlights eight standout spots for anyone who loves great food and good company. Explore the full guide to discover the region’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Live music
Cambridge Summer Live – Catch live entertainment at Forbes Park, Cambridge, ON this week: swing music from Rum Runners – Paul Mitchell on Sunday, July 19 at 7 PM, followed by the family-friendly Ultimutts Animal Actor Show on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 PM. Free to attend.
Live Music Friday’s in the Gaslight District Square – No cost, just good music at The Gaslight District, Cambridge, ON on July 24, 2026 from 6–8 PM, with a rain backup plan inside Foundry Tavern.
The Flying Dutchmen Live – Acoustic duo Ray & Martijn bring folk, pop, and rock favourites to life at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7 PM, pay what you can.
Other notable events
Pop Up Museum: Earth Science Museum – Learners of every level can explore science exhibits at City of Waterloo Museum, Waterloo, ON on July 24, 2026 from 12–3:45 PM, with no admission cost.
1st Annual Kitchener-Waterloo Book Expo – Book lovers can meet local writers and discover new reads at Albert McCormick Community Centre, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 10 AM–3 PM, free to attend.