What’s On in Kitchener‑Waterloo: August 8–14, 2025
Let’s dive into the perfect week of local fun: music, markets, museums, and festivals that’ll make those sunny KW days shine.
Kitchener Blues Festival – Friday to Sunday, August 8–10
📍 Various stages downtown Kitchener | All-day shows (12:00 AM–11:59 PM on Aug 8)
🎶 Free live music festival across downtown, with performing stages scattered throughout city streets and squares.
This annual, FREE blues extravaganza brings top-notch live talent right to the heart of KW—Friday through Sunday. You’ll catch soulful performances, emerging artists, and plenty of instruments punctuating the sidewalks. Perfect for a Friday night stroll or dancing into Saturday and Sunday.
Cambridge Ribfest & Craft Beer Show – Friday, August 8
🕛 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Riverside Park, 49 King St W, Cambridge
Just up the road in Cambridge, this one-day foodie blast brings together mouthwatering ribs and a craft beer showcase. Hosted at Riverside Park, it’s a relaxed vibe, great eats, cold sips, and live entertainment to make a perfect Friday afternoon into evening.
Mighty Kin Live Music Jam – Friday, August 8
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | TWB Co‑operative Brewing, 300 Mill St, Unit 1, Kitchener
Irish‑Canadian folk melodies meet indie pop at this “pay-what-you-can” performance with Mighty Kin at a local brewery. Bring your pals, grab a craft pint, and soak up the warm vibes—no cover, just good music and community spirit.
Castle Kilbride Art & History Day – Friday, August 8
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Rd W, Baden
Slide over to Baden to enjoy two enriching events at Castle Kilbride:
Central Ontario Art Association’s Juried Art Show – featuring curated artworks from regional talent
Fabulous Fridays guided tours, including “Tea and Tour” & the “Handcrafted History from A to Z” experience
Tickets are $9.50 for adults (family packages available, kids rates too). It’s arty, historic, and picture-perfect.
A Distiller’s Tale Exhibit – Friday, August 8
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Waterloo Region Museum, 550 King St N, Waterloo
Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Seagram Distillery at this FREE, family-friendly exhibit. Hands-on displays, storytelling, and regional whisky roots come alive at the museum. A unique afternoon outing—no cost, big payoff.
Pop‑Up Summer Fun – All Week
🕘 Various times – daily | Downtown Kitchener
Downtown Kitchener stays lively all week with free pop-up events running—from outdoor yoga, roller skating, live music concerts, dance jams, to movies in the park and Saturday market strolls. Perfect to explore on-the-fly, no plan needed.
Saturday Bonus: Timber in Time at Waterloo Park – August 9
🕚 Saturday, August 9 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Waterloo Park, Young St W, Waterloo
This heritage outdoor program, Timber in Time, highlights cabin heritage storytelling through generations. It’s free, family-friendly, and takes place right in Waterloo Park. A peaceful, educational way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
🎯 Week at a Glance
Friday is stacked—eat, sip, listen, explore both KW and Cambridge. Drama meets art at Castle Kilbride, while downtown’s streets hum with free tunes and thumping rhythms. For families, there’s educational heritage meets park play. Extracurricular pop-up fun keeps the energy high all week.