Autumn’s creeping into KWCG’s calendar this week. Here are the best things to do in KWCG before it fully sets in.
Free events
Punk Rock Flea Market – This fall edition of the market brings community support groups and local beer vendors to Kitchener Market, Kitchener, ON on September 13, 2026 from 12–5 PM, no admission cost.
Preston Music Festival – Nine acts including Echo Valley and Avalon Stone fill Central Park, Cambridge, ON on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12–9 PM, free to attend, with a beer garden by Wave Maker.
Climate Fest – Sustainability meets celebration at Gaukel Block, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 1–7 PM, with hands-on workshops and community partnerships on full display, no cost to attend.
Free Trial Class At Grand River Karate – A fun introduction to karate awaits at Mary Allan Park, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:30–10:30 AM, free admission, indoor backup if it rains.
Fun for the family
Dash & Splash – Bring the whole family, human and canine, to Kiwanis Park, Kitchener, ON this Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 10 AM–4 PM, priced at CA$20.
Cambridge Fall Fair 2026 – This is the last day! Carnival rides, live music, and food vendors fill Dickson Park, Cambridge, ON on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12–10 PM, priced at CA$16.83.
Pokémon Pottery Workshop – Underglaze and sculptural detail transform simple clay forms into Pokémon creations at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON this Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6–8:30 PM, priced at CA$37.61.
Cambridge Cruise Fest – Family fun and great music take over Forbes Park, Cambridge, ON on September 19, 2026 from 11 AM–4 PM, no admission cost, car registration opening at 10:30 AM.
The 29th Annual Royal Medieval Faire – Magic and imagination take over Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON on September 19, 2026 from 11 AM–6 PM, with family admission from CA$20 for up to four people.
Lumen Festival – Interactive light and art installations transform Uptown Waterloo, ON on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 6–11 PM, free and family-friendly.
Teddy Bear Picnic with Grandchildren – Grandparents and little ones can enjoy this cozy picnic at Ted Wake Centre, Cambridge, ON on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 12–2 PM, priced CA$5-10.
King StrEATery Food Truck Festival
Fifteen-plus trucks and local vendors turn King Street East, Kitchener, ON into a full-day food destination on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 11 AM–7 PM. Free to attend, with live entertainment and games rounding out the afternoon. Tap in for all the tasty details!
Exciting and new
Galaxy – Kitchener Psychic & Crystal Fair – Wrapping up its weekend run at DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, Kitchener, ON, this fair brings some of Canada’s top psychics and mediums together this Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 11 AM–6 PM, CA$13.54.
Public Swim – W.G. Johnson Centre, Cambridge, ON opens its doors for public swim this Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 2–4 PM.
Oktoberfest Golf Experience – Golfers can enjoy a Stanley Thompson-designed course and full Oktoberfest festivities at Galt Country Club, Cambridge, ON on September 14, 2026, at 11 AM with a designated driver program included.
Cardio Dance Party – Easy-to-follow moves and feel-good energy fill Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener, ON from 6:30–7:30 PM on September 15, 2026, no experience needed.
Paint & Sip with Crock A Doodle – This popular pottery-and-drinks night returns to TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on September 15, 2026 from 7–9 PM, for CA$36, patio seating weather permitting.
Harvest Moon Market – Spooky season arrives early at Gaukel Block, Kitchener, ON on September 19, 2026 from 2–8 PM, with tarot, crystals, and treats from local vendors.
Craftoberfest – THEMUSEUM x TWB – Seven local breweries and a Beatles tribute band take over THEMUSEUM, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 6–11 PM, priced at CA$10.
GC SportsFest – Newcomers and returning members alike can bond over team games at W.E. Hamilton Park, Guelph, ON on September 19, 2026 from 10 AM–4:30 PM, no cost to join, prizes for the winning team.
Date nights
YK Osiris Live At Crown Bar & Social – Fans can meet and see YK Osiris perform in an intimate setting at Crown Bar & Social, Waterloo, ON on Sunday, September 13, 2026, doors at 10 PM, priced at CA$11.93.
Teenage Bottlerocket – Ahead of their new album Ready to Roll, this punk act headlines Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON on September 15, 2026, music starting at 8 PM, tickets CA$30.
Emmy Awards Trivia Night at Four Fathers Brewing – TV lovers can test their knowledge of award-winning shows at Four Fathers Brewing Co., Cambridge, ON on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 7–8:30 PM, free to play.
Rusty Nail Comedyfest ’26 – Sharp wit and festival energy kick off at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on September 16, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, tickets CA$22.63, featuring Bebenek alongside Landry.
Musical Bingo – Throwback 00’s Volume 2 – This week’s theme dives back into the 2000s at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, call ahead to reserve your table.
Kitchener Waterloo Summer Nights Speed Dating – Real connection beats swiping any day at ABE ERB, Kitchener, ON on September 17, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, a structured speed dating night for ages 32-45. CA$35 to attend.
Night #2 of Rusty Nail Comedyfest 2026 – A four-comedian lineup featuring Letterkenny’s Jeff McEnery takes the stage at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on September 17, 2026 from 7:30–10 PM, tickets CA$33.28.
Friday Night Speed Dating – Sparks might fly at this speed dating night for ages 28-40 at Royal City Brewing Company, Guelph, ON this Friday, September 18, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced CA$46.06-47.13.
UK Calling Canada’s Alternative 80’s Show – Sold-out New Wave anthems from The Cure to Simple Minds hit Room 47, Waterloo, ON on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 8–11:59 PM, priced at CA$31.59.
K-Pop Club Night – DJ Seolying spins songs from famous K-Pop groups at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 9 PM–1 AM, priced at CA$24.
Chaos on the Dance Floor! Dance with Jane & Chandra of The Sage Stage! – High-vibe playlists and no-stress energy fill Red Chevron Club, Guelph, ON on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 7–11 PM, priced at CA$11.98.
Feels – Singalongs and deep-cut RnB soundtrack this patio party at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON on September 19, 2026 from 3–7 PM, with full indoor and outdoor access.
Speed Dating Beyond Small Talk | Tantra Speed Date – Guided connection exercises replace small talk at this speed dating experience at Midtown Yoga, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 5:30–8:30 PM, starting at CA$45.
Mom’s Gone Mild – Grab your crew for this sing-along dance party at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON this Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 6–10 PM, priced at CA$20.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Speed Dating – Skip the swiping and meet face-to-face at TWB Brewing, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 7–9 PM, for ages 35-48, priced at CA$45.
Comedy Night at EVO Kitchen and Bar! – An evening of aching cheeks and good times awaits at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON this Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8–10:30 PM, priced at CA$31.59.
Guelph’s Top Spots for Family Dining
Guelph’s family dining scene spans comfy cafes, global flavors, and dependable food favorites. This roundup highlights nine local spots known for pleasing picky eaters and parents alike. Explore the full guide to find your family’s new go-to restaurant.
Live music
Zoltar Live at the Boathouse! – Mid-90s hip-hop grooves meet arena-rock solos at The Boathouse DTK, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 7–9 PM, blending genres with unapologetic energy.
A Jazz Celebration Of The Beatles | Glenn Paul Trio – Beatles classics get reimagined through jazz improvisation at Farm League Brewing, Cambridge, ON on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced at CA$25.57.
Jazz in the wLoo – The Aidan Pierotti Jazz Quartet opens for Robert Santos & His All Stars at The Jazz Room, Waterloo, ON on September 19, 2026 from 7–10 PM, tickets CA$17.55.
The Flying Dutchmen Live – This acoustic duo takes the stage at Falls Road, Kitchener, ON on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8–11 PM.
Other notable events
Guelph Wedding Expo Fall 2026 – Couples can cross items off their planning list at Frank Hasenfratz Centre For Excellence, Guelph, ON this Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 11 AM–3 PM, free entry, VIP tickets from CA$30.
Hunger No More 2026 – Tasty bites and live entertainment fill Tiny Home Takeout, Kitchener, ON on September 13, 2026 from 1–4 PM, no admission cost, celebrating community connection.
Open Book: A Human Library and Community Experience – A book swap, community table, and human library sessions come together at KWFamous Creative Café, Kitchener, ON on September 13, 2026 from 3:30–6:30 PM, tickets CA$0-38.61.
KW Journalling Club – Bonus September Meet-Up – Journal lovers gather to create and connect at Flying Squirrel Fine Yarns and Notions, Waterloo, ON on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 5:30–8 PM, free with a minimum purchase.
Together For Nature – Indigenous land protectors, youth leaders, and singer Susan Aglukark share their stories at St. Matthews Centre, Kitchener, ON on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced at CA$30.
Take Back the Night – This advocacy event brings the community together at Gaukel Block, Kitchener, ON on September 17, 2026 from 6–9 PM, with activities and a march through downtown.
CAPA Coast-to-Coast Photo Walk – This casual community photo walk kicks off at Waterloo Park, Waterloo, ON on September 19, 2026 from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, free of charge, open to beginners and pros alike.