Kitchener
By Matt Hutcheson
Posted Jun 30, 2026 03:15:30 PM.
Last Updated Jun 30, 2026 03:42:55 PM.
It’s going to be a hot and steamy Canada Day around Waterloo Region, but with so much to do, you won’t have time to think about the sizzling temperature.
The City of Kitchener is hosting perhaps the largest celebration in Carl Zehr Square. Three stages have been set up around the downtown and will feature local artists performing all day.
The music begins with Sydney Jones at 2 p.m., followed by Christian Miles at 3 p.m. and Cheap Shirt at 4 p.m.
The main stage will feature a performance by These Eyes: Music of the Guess Who. Kitchener bluesman Steve Strongman then hits the stage.
Steve Roth, Manager, Special Events, City of Kitchener, told 570 NewsRadio you won’t want to miss the headliner.
“Don’t forget me when I’m gone, Glass Tiger, who is celebrating 40 years of their number one hit album, The Thin Red Line,” boasted Roth. “So, we’re happy to help celebrate Canada Day, happy to help celebrate their album and happy to welcome Glass Tiger to the stage.”
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Along with the music, food trucks will be plying their wares as well as the local eateries around the downtown core.
When it comes to the little ones, a late-night concert may not be in the books; that’s why the very popular kids’ zone will be back this year, said Roth.
“Canada Play takes place right across the street from Carl Zehr Square at St. Louis school, the old St. Jerome’s. From noon to 7 p.m., it’s an absolutely free activity area for families and kids. Free rides, free games, free activities, free entertainment. Last year was just amazing.”
Canada Plays opens at noon.
Roth said if you plan to watch the concerts, make sure to stick around after the music.
“The moment that everyone waits for is our pyrotechnics fireworks shows which closes out the night around 10:30 p.m. Likely one of the biggest fireworks shows in the Region and it’s the perfect way to end a perfect festival.”
The City of Waterloo has plans of its own. The city is hosting a Community Picnic in Waterloo Park.
It begins at 4 p.m. with live music and performances by local artists all afternoon. There will be food trucks on site. Giant games and activities to keep you and the kids busy.
You can check out the artist pop-ups and art market.
Like last year, Waterloo is foregoing the fireworks in favour of an LED drone show.
That’s expected to begin at 10 p.m.
Just a note, the city says there will be no on-site parking at Waterloo Park. Visitors are encouraged to take public transport or bike.
The City of Cambridge is continuing its tradition of hosting Canada Day in Riverside Park.
The annual kids’ fishing derby gets the day going at 7:45 a.m. A Canada Day parade will leave the corner of King and Bishop at 11 a.m., ending at King and Eagle.
The festivities in Riverside Park begin at noon with live music, food trucks, games and activities.
The day concludes with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. or dusk.
Wilmot Township is inviting the community to Norm Hill Park, behind the New Hamburg Arena, for Canada Day.
A 7 a.m. Indigenous sunrise ceremony starts the day. Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m.
There will be a kid’s zone, vendors market, live music and food all day.
Fireworks in the evening begin at dusk.
The Township of Woolwich will celebrate Canada Day at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira.
What better way to start a hot and steamy Canada Day than a free community swim beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The party begins at noon. With an antique car show, live music, Kid’s corner and more.
The Township of North Dumfries is hosting its Canada Day celebrations in Cowan Park in Ayr. It’s an evening event, starting at 6 p.m. with live music, family games and activities, food trucks and more.
Fireworks wrap-up the evening at Dusk.
The Township has no official Canada Day celebrations planned.
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