What’s On in Kitchener–Waterloo Region: August 15–21, 2025
Looking for ways to enjoy the third week of August? Whether you're up for a day trip, curious about classic cars, or want to catch art + history locally, this week has something for every pace.
Riverfest Elora – Aug 15–17
🕑 Friday–Sunday, August 15–17 | all day (headliners at evening times)
📍 Bissell Park, 127 E Mill St, Elora
Head about 30 minutes west to Elora for Riverfest—an annual, ticketed music festival with chart-topping Canadian and international acts, plus local bands on secondary stages. Expect beach vibes along the river, tasty food vendors, and a real summer party atmosphere. Tickets range from ~$85 to $185 depending on the package To Do Canada.
Moparfest – Aug 16–17
🕚 Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (approx)
📍 251 Jacob St, New Hamburg
For car lovers, Moparfest is Canada’s largest all‑Mopar show—over 1,500 classic and modern Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. Look forward to vintage beauties, swap meets, vendor displays, and family-friendly attractions. Around $20 entry—ideal for a road‑trip Sunday
Continue Local Cool: “A Distiller’s Tale” Exhibit
🕙 Daily through August 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Waterloo Region Museum, 550 King St N, Waterloo
If you haven’t yet, take a spin through the Seagram Distillery’s legacy at this free, hands-on exhibit. It runs mid-August too—great for a weekday adventure steeped in local history and stories of spirits, workforces, and regional transformation.
Free Downtown KW Pop‑Ups – All Week
🕘 Various times daily
📍 Downtown Kitchener & Waterloo
Once again, downtown is alive with free community pop-ups—think yoga in the square, roller skating, pop-up bands, dance classes, movies in the park, and more. It's the energy of walkable KW on full display. Keep an eye on the city’s summer events page for daily schedules!
🎯 Weekend Inspiration: Build Your Adventure
Spend Friday → Sunday in Elora for festival beats and river views. On Saturday or Sunday, swing by New Hamburg for Moparfest nostalgia. If you stay in KW mid-week, the distillery exhibit and downtown pop‑ups keep you surprisingly entertained with minimal planning.