Kick off the week with exciting plans and new adventures around Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph — there’s a little something for everyone to explore and enjoy!
Exciting and new
Canada Day in Downtown Kitchener – Celebrate Canada Day with free concerts, family-friendly fun, and fireworks on July 1, 2025, from 12:00–11:00 PM in Carl Zehr Square, Downtown Kitchener. Enjoy rides, games, local food trucks, and live performances.
The Legends Return! Live Show! – Catch an electrifying evening of live music on Saturday, July 5 from 6:00–9:30 PM at Which Craft, 91 Wyndham Street North #101, Guelph. This all-ages show features some of Ontario’s top singers and rappers for a high-energy night of genre-blending performances. Tickets: CA$11.98 (General Admission).
AFROBLOCK – Khaid Live – Experience a high-energy night of Afrobeat and dancehall with rising star Khaid, live in Kitchener. This 18+ event runs July 5, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM at The Hub, 125 King Street West, Kitchener, and celebrates African culture with music, fashion, and nonstop vibes. Tickets: Early Bird Admission (limited) – CA$27.96.
Chappell Roan Drag Brunch at The Cornerstone! – Join the party on Saturday, July 5 at 1:00 PM at The Cornerstone, 1 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, for a vibrant, themed drag brunch inspired by Chappell Roan. Hosted by local queens Anne Tique and Ultraviolet, enjoy dazzling performances, delicious food, and a fabulous atmosphere. Tickets: CA$19.56 (single), CA$37.61 (table of 2), CA$73.71 (table of 4).
House of Kameleon Presents: Kameleons for Kommunity! – Join Karma Kameleon and a dazzling lineup including Molly Kewl and Anita Valentine for a powerful drag show fundraiser supporting Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. July 4, 2025, 7:00–9:00 PM at Wellington Brewery, 950 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph. Tickets: Pay what you can.
Perfect Strangers! Live in Kitchener! w/ Lovers, LA Rent, Pretty – Catch Perfect Strangers on their Hertz! To The Kilowatt! Tour with supporting acts Lovers, LA Rent, and Pretty at this high-energy all-ages concert. July 5, 2025, 7:30–11:59 PM at The Union, 124 Sydney Street South, Kitchener, ON. Tickets: GA Standing – CA$17.31.
Ontario Escapes Worth Exploring – Muskoka
Muskoka shines in every season; whether it’s for summer boating, vibrant fall foliage, or quiet winter escapes. Muskoka, Ontario, is one of those places where nature and charm come together to create a perfect getaway. If you’re looking for a destination that offers stunning landscapes, cozy towns, and a range of activities throughout the year, Muskoka is the spot for you. Read more about Muskoka and my favorite spots, here.
Fun for the Family
Summer Art Camp Week 1: Sculpture Study – Spark your child’s creativity at this three-day camp for ages 7–13, where they’ll explore sculpture through hands-on clay projects and create two kiln-fired pieces. Held at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON. July 2–4, 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets: 3-Day Camp – CA$224.98.
Amazing Scavenger Hunt! – Guelph’s Downtown Treasure Hunt – Discover Guelph like never before with this self-guided, app-led adventure featuring puzzles, photo challenges, and trivia at landmarks like the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. June 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 59 Carden Street, Guelph, ON. Tickets: General Admission per player – CA$14.99.
Medicinal Plant Walk – Discover the healing power of nature on a guided outdoor walk through Monarch Woods with Registered Herbalist Julia Lebedeva. Held July 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at 228 Stoke Drive, Kitchener, this event introduces participants to local wild medicinal plants and their traditional uses. Tickets: General Admission – CA$22.63.
A Thrilling Scavenger Hunt! – The Kingdom of Kitchener – Embark on a self-guided adventure through downtown Kitchener, solving clues and completing photo challenges while discovering local landmarks. June 30, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 200 King Street West, Kitchener, ON. Tickets: General Admission per player – CA$12.99.
Abigail’s Tea House – A Small Town Gem
Not far off, Abigail’s Tea House offers a different kind of retreat. This cozy little spot serves up some of the best high tea I’ve had in a long time. Nestled in the quaint village of St. George, it serves delicate pastries and beautifully steeped teas. It’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a slower pace and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re planning a day trip or passing through, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Date nights
Art Fusion Night – Unwind with a night of creativity on Friday, July 4 from 7:00–9:30 PM at Williams Fresh Café, 492 Edinburgh Road South, Guelph. Enjoy a cozy evening painting on canvas, making charm bracelets, or creating rhinestone art. Tickets: CA$22.63 (Paint on Canvas), CA$27.96 (Rhinestone Art), CA$27.96 (Charm Bracelet Making).
Wine and Drag Night at Cox Creek Cellars in Elora! Starring Anne & Violet! – Enjoy dazzling drag, local wine, and wood-fired pizza at this outdoor event on July 4, 2025, 8:00–10:30 PM at Cox Creek Cellars Inc, 7687 Wellington 22, Guelph, ON. Tickets: General Admission – CA$25.57, Standing Admission – CA$19.56.
Sips n’ Sourdough – Learn the art of sourdough breadmaking in a fun, beginner-friendly workshop led by home baker Jennie. Enjoy kombucha, charcuterie, and fresh sourdough while mastering starter care and shaping basics. June 30, 2025, 6:00–8:00 PM at Seven Shores, 10 Regina Street North, Waterloo. Tickets: General Admission – CA$70.56.
Rusty Nail Pro Comic Fridays – Catch award-winning comedian Kyle Lucey live on July 4, 2025, from 7:30–10:00 PM at TWH Social, King Street West #I, Kitchener, ON. Hosted in the König Room (lower level), this show delivers sharp stand-up and big laughs. Doors open at 7 PM. Tickets: General Admission – CA$22.63.
Ashwyn Singh in Waterloo: Comedy Show + Afterparty – Don’t miss this one-night-only stand-up show with viral comedian Ashwyn Singh, featuring his all-new English set and a lively Desi afterparty with music and crowd interaction. June 29, 2025, 7:00 PM at The Jazz Room, 59 King Street North, Waterloo. Tickets: General Admission – CA$32.64, General Admission + Desi Afterparty – CA$43.22, Desi Afterparty – CA$22.06, VIP Front Row – CA$53.80.
Other notable events
Brantford Murder Mystery: Solve the Case! – Become a detective for the day in this interactive outdoor adventure using the Questo mobile app to explore Brantford, crack puzzles, and solve a fictional murder case. June 30, 2025, 4:00–5:30 PM at 136 Colborne Street, Brantford. Tickets: Single Ticket – CA$28.00, 2 for 1 Admission – CA$14.00, Family Ticket – CA$40.00.
SLUTPOP DRAGRAVE – Dive into a night of hyperpop, fierce drag, and nonstop dancing at this party featuring queens like Molly Kewl and DJs Bodywaltz. July 5, 2025, 10:00 PM–1:30 AM at Which Craft, 91 Wyndham Street North #101, Guelph. Tickets: Lemonade Sipper ($10) – CA$11.98, Ponyboys & Girls ($15) – CA$17.31, Certified Faceshopper ($20) – CA$22.63.
Our Climate Quest Gallery Grand Opening – Explore climate change in a fun, interactive way at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON on July 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the opening ceremony at 2:00 PM. Tickets: Adult – CA$15.94, Senior – CA$12.34, Family – CA$36.41, Child (4 and under) & Volunteers – Free.