Wayback Festival

Entertainment and activities

Step back in time and turn up the classics—Wayback Festival 2026 brings two unforgettable days of iconic rock, fan-favourite tributes and legendary Canadian artists to downtown Kitchener. From nostalgic throwbacks to chart-topping hits, this year’s lineup celebrates the music that defined generations—perfect for singing along with friends, family and fellow fans.

Friday, July 25: Tribute to Classic Rock

Kick off the weekend with a high-energy night dedicated to the sounds that shaped rock history. Featuring incredible tribute performances, Friday night captures the spirit of some of music’s most beloved eras—right here in Kitchener.

• Relive the unforgettable hits of the 1980s with Born in the Eighties, a dynamic tribute act that celebrates one of music’s most iconic decades.
• Faithfully recreating the arena-rock sound of one of the most influential bands of all time, Only Journey Tribute Band delivers soaring vocals, electrifying guitar solos and all the anthems fans know and love.
• Early Elton Tribute Band celebrates the dazzling early years of Elton John with piano-driven hits, flamboyant style and timeless melodies that capture the magic of Elton’s rise to global stardom.

Saturday, July 26: Your Favourites, Live

Saturday night brings powerhouse performances from two iconic Canadian bands, celebrating homegrown talent that has left an enduring mark on the country’s music scene—and continues to resonate with fans right here in Kitchener.

Trooper

A staple of Canadian rock since the 1970s, Trooper has become synonymous with timeless anthems and feel-good energy. Hailing from British Columbia, the band has earned a place in Canada’s musical history with hits like “Raise a Little Hell” and “We’re Here for a Good Time.” Their cross-country tours have long connected communities from coast to coast, and their return to Southwestern Ontario brings a true piece of Canadian rock heritage to the Wayback Festival stage.

Loverboy

Closing out the festival is legendary Canadian headliner Loverboy. Known for their signature red leather pants and chart-topping hits like “Working for the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose,” the Calgary-founded band helped define the sound of 1980s rock. With a career that has earned multi-platinum success and devoted fans across Canada—including right here in Kitchener—Loverboy’s high-energy performance promises an unforgettable finale to the weekend.

Press play and go Wayback

Parking and transit

However you get downtown, there are options available:

• transit
• vehicle and bike parking
• plan your route
• bus parking and drop-off

Transit

Hop off the ION at either the Kitchener City Hall or Victoria Park station for a quick walk. Central Station is a short walk away, as well.

GRT routes 7, 8, 20 and iXpress 204 stop within walking distance of City Hall and Carl Zehr Square.

Vehicle and bike parking

Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage, as well as other City of Kitchener parking garages or lots around Downtown Kitchener. Visit our parking locations page to find somewhere to park.

If you're visiting after 5 p.m. on Thursday or Friday, park for free at a city-owned surface lot. On Saturday and Sunday, park for free in the City Hall parking garage. Visit our hourly parking page to find parking costs outside of those times.

Secure bike parking is available in the City Hall parking garage.

You can pay for parking in surface lots through the Passport Parking app. Download the app, available both on iOS & Android. You can also pay for parking at the kiosks in parking garages and surface lots.

Plan your route

Check road closures on your route before coming downtown.

Bus parking and drop-off

Bus drop-off will be in front of the Duke Street entrance to City Hall, between College and Young Streets.

Busses can park in the Bramm Street Yards parking lot (55 Bramm Street). Please send us an email to let us know when you plan to arrive.