What’s Happening in Kitchener-Waterloo: August 1–7, 2025
Your week of food, fun, and local flair is ready to roll!
If you’re wondering what to do in Kitchener-Waterloo during the first week of August, you’re in luck—this region knows how to summer. Whether you’re craving ribs and live music, want to browse a local night market, or are just looking for something fun (and often free) to do with the family, KW’s got you covered.
Here’s a peek at what’s happening from August 1st to 7th, 2025!
Uptown Waterloo Night Market – August 1
🕖 Thursday, August 1 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Waterloo Public Library Parking Lot, 35 Albert St, Waterloo
Kick off the month at the Uptown Night Market—a summer Thursday tradition that brings together some of the region’s best local vendors, food trucks, and live music. Grab a cold drink, snack your way through the stalls, and enjoy the summer night vibes under twinkling lights. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends or wander with your family.
Waterloo Rib & Beer Fest – August 1 to 3
🕛 Friday to Sunday, August 1–3 | Times vary by day
📍 Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Dr, Waterloo
This one’s a finger-lickin’ favourite! The Rib & Beer Fest rolls into Waterloo for the long weekend, and it’s bringing the goods—mouthwatering ribs from top pitmasters, a wide selection of craft beer, a vendor market, a kids’ fun zone, and live music to keep the party going all weekend. Bring your stretchy pants and prepare to feast.
Kitchener Summer Pop-Ups – All Week Long
🕘 Daily throughout the week | Various times
📍 Downtown Kitchener (locations vary)
The City of Kitchener is turning up the fun with their free summer pop-ups happening all over downtown. Think roller skating rinks, yoga in the park, family-friendly concerts, and even outdoor movie nights. The best part? You can just stumble across them while exploring downtown! Check the City of Kitchener events page for full details.
Thursday Market at The Hangout – August 7
🕘 Thursday, August 7 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 The Hangout at 2365 Ottawa St S, Kitchener
This charming little Thursday morning market is a hidden gem. Stop by The Hangout to shop for local produce, fresh-baked goodies, handcrafted gifts, and more. It’s the kind of spot where the vendors remember your name and you always leave with something delicious (and maybe a few more plants than you meant to).
“A Distiller’s Tale” Exhibit – Starting August 7
🕙 Thursday, August 7 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener
History buffs and curious minds, this one’s for you. “A Distiller’s Tale” is a new exhibit at the Waterloo Region Museum exploring the legacy of the Seagram Distillery—one of the most iconic names in Canadian spirits. Learn about the people, the process, and the impact this local distillery had on the region (and beyond). Admission is free!
Bonus Tip: Saturday Morning at the Kitchener Market – August 3
🕘 Saturday, August 3 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 300 King St E, Kitchener
It wouldn’t be a KW weekend without a visit to the Kitchener Market. Grab a coffee, chat with local farmers, fill your tote with fresh produce, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of one of Ontario’s oldest markets. Pro tip: head upstairs for breakfast—those breakfast wraps and smoothies are worth the early wake-up.
Plan Your Perfect Week in KW
Whether you're a lifelong local or just visiting, this week is packed with good eats, cool drinks, local talent, and lots of reasons to get outside and explore. You don’t need a big itinerary—just pick a few of these events, grab your sunnies, and enjoy what KW has to offer!
Have a fave local event I missed? Let me know—I’m always up for discovering something new!