Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: July 11 to 13
Lots of music this weekend, plus classic cars and a giant garage sale
It's going to be a warm weekend with sun, clouds and the possibility of some rain.
If you happen to find yourself in Kitchener's Victoria Park this weekend, you will see giant inflatables set up for a 5K Foam Fest run. Registration is required to take part.
Enjoy a free Sunday Funday party at The Gaslight District in Cambridge with a free screening of Moana, there will be a performance of the Beautiful Wahinis hula show, plus music from Bruno Nesci with The Dreamers Band.
There's Opera in the Park Sunday at 7 p.m. with the Grand River Opera and Waterloo Concert Band performing in Waterloo Town Square (so more park-esque). Bring a lawn chair and grab a bite to eat or something to drink from a nearby restaurant and enjoy the evening of music.
On Sunday, the group Palestine Solidarity K-W will hold an event at Kitchener's city hall with interactive exhibits, educational areas, food, performances and children's activities. The event begins at 1 p.m.
If you don't mind a little drive, head to the town of St. Mary's for their Stonetown Heritage Festival. It celebrates the cultures, stories and history that helped to shape the town and the weekend includes tours, family-friendly activities, live music, an art and vendors market and more.
The Kitchener Panthers are on the road for two of their three weekend games. The team is in London Friday night, Welland on Saturday evening and on Sunday evening will host the Barrie Baycats at Jack Couch Park.
The Guelph Royals will host the Brantford Red Sox on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hastings Stadium.
If you need to drive, here are some local gas prices:
Kultrún World Music Festival
Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Waterloo Park
This free outdoor festival at the bandshell in Waterloo Park features musicians from all over the globe including Antonio Monasterio from Chile, De Mar y Río from Colombia, Gonia from South Korea, Tarek Refugee in the sea from Toronto and Syria and so many more.
There are also lots of interactive activities like dance and music workshops, a drum circle, a puppet parade, a community art project and making music with found objects. There are also vendors, an area with vibrating chairs that allow you to feel the music, a food area and Sniffscape from K-W Dog Friendly.
Cruising on King
Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
King Street, downtown Kitchener
This free annual event will see classic and unique cars line King Street between Water Street and Frederick Street.
Take a walk to see the cars, enjoy live music featuring classic songs from The Beach Boys, Elvis and Johnny Cash, plus grab a bit to eat and drink from the food trucks and the licensed bar area.
WATCH | Check out the highlights from when Cruising on King took over downtown Kitchener in 2024:
Momma's Cookout & Music Festival
Saturday 1 p.m. to late
Gaukel Block, downtown Kitchener
The organizers of this free and family-friendly festival want everyone to experience the traditions of Black culture through music, food, and community engagement.
Performances including Juno winner and hip hop artist Saukrates, Juno winner and reggae artist Kirk Diamond, and Sewa, dubbed the afrobeat queen from Nigeria.
The day also includes a gospel hour, lots of food options and other activities like arts and crafts for kids.
WATCH | From CBC Music, watch Saukrates live at the Block Party:
Cambridge Scottish Festival Tartan Taster Community Day
Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Street E., Cambridge
With the Cambridge Scottish Festival a week away, organizers want to give people a free sample of what they can expect with a free community event in downtown Galt.
There will be exhibits, dancing and live music and booths to learn more about the festival's history and meet the volunteers who run it.
The Great Downtown Guelph Garage Sale
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Guelph
People will be parked in downtown spots with their trunks open to sell their items as part of this event, while downtown businesses will set up tables outside to create an outdoor marketplace feel.
There will also be street performers, live entertainment, a part of downtown will be pedestrian only and don't be surprised if you spot Mayor Cam Guthrie searching for deals (he's notorious for his love of garage sales).
Bonus: Neighbourhood Garden Party
Saturday 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Williamsburg Community Garden and Doon Pioneer Park Community Garden, Kitchener
All summer, the city will be hosting garden parties at their community gardens. The local councillor will be on hand to chat, there will be lemonade and cookies and people can learn more about the community garden project and connect with neighbours.
There will also be family-friendly gardening activities. The Williamsburg event is at 12 p.m., the Doon Pioneer Park event starts at 3 p.m.
This event will move around the city each week, so look for the one near you or plan to visit a garden outside your area.
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