What’s Happening in Kitchener–Waterloo: August 22–28, 2025
The final full week of August is brimming with culture, curious experiences, and big‑hearted street shows. Here’s a round‑up that feels like your personal invite to explore KW and beyond.
Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival – August 21–24
🕒 Thursday–Sunday, August 21–24 | Performances daily from around 11 AM, with a Grand Finale Sunday at 4 PM
📍 Uptown Waterloo – Public Square (75 King St S), Regina St & City Hall lot
It’s busker magic time! The Busker Carnival takes over Uptown Waterloo with circle acts, fire shows, comedy, and quirky street theatre everywhere you look. Catch performers like Sam Malcolm, Heromacro, Plaf!, and The Pink Show rotating through stages—plus a fun Touch-a-Truck zone on Saturday and Sunday mornings for the littles (and young-at-heart)
Kiesza Live Concert – August 22
🕢 Friday, August 22 | Doors open 7:30 PM
📍 Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, 35 University Ave E, Kitchener
If you're in the mood for some energetic pop‑dance beats, Kiesza is in town performing live—a ticketed event, sure, but a treat if you're craving a night out beyond the street festival buzz .
Castle Kilbride “Fabulous Fridays” Tour – August 22
🕙 Friday, August 22 | Two tours: 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM (approx 45 min)
📍 Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Rd W, Baden
Step into history with the “Shhh… we don’t talk about Scharstein” guided tour, a deep dive into the trompe-l'oeil work of painter Henry Scharstein. Tickets are $8/adult, $5/child, or $20/family if bought in advance
Timber in Time: A Cabin’s Journey Through Generations – August 22
🕐 Friday, August 22 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Waterloo Park, Young St W, Waterloo
Head to Waterloo Park for this heritage storytelling day where cabins tell stories of generations past. Think rustic charm, interactive displays, and a peaceful vibe perfect for a relaxed Friday afternoon .
Men’s Breathwork Circle – August 22
🕖 Friday, August 22 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Village of St. Jacobs (just NW of KW)
For a quieter, more mindful evening, check out this breathwork workshop and sharing circle in the scenic St. Jacobs area. Not your usual festival fare, but great if you're looking for something reflective and deeply human. Tickets required
Ongoing Free Pop‑Up Fun – All Week
🕘 Daily through August 28 | Various times
📍 Downtown Kitchener & Waterloo
The fall of summer still means pop‑up magic: yoga classes, music jams, roller skating, dance sessions, and more surprise happenings across downtown. It’s free, it’s casual, and it keeps downtown buzzing right into the end of August
Kitchener Market Saturdays – August 23
🕘 Saturday, August 23 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 300 King St E, Kitchener
You know it—the Kitchener Market is open, lively, and full of local flavours. Whether you're grabbing fresh pastries or chatting with longtime vendors, it's always a KW classic way to start your weekend
How to Spend This Week:
Friday, August 22: Start at Castle Kilbride or Waterloo Park before diving into the electric Busker Carnival or choosing the mellow breathwork event in St. Jacobs.
Saturday & Sunday: Return for more busker magic, wander the Kitchener Market, and soak up the street art and free pop-ups.
Rest of the week: Let spontaneous events guide your fun—just walk, peek, and enjoy KW’s friendly vibes.