The City of Kitchener is gearing up for the ultimate neighbourhood celebration with the Gaukel Block Launch Party, Neighbours Day and the Neighbours Day After Party, all taking place on Saturday, June 17. Experience free family fun and live music all day, wherever you go!

“There's something magical about seeing our community come together and neighbours connecting,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Neighbours Day continues to be the ultimate neighbourhood party on porches and streets across the city, and we’ll wrap up a day of live music and family fun at the Neighbours Day After Party in the all-new Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener.”

The celebration starts with the Gaukel Block Launch Party from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., to officially open Downtown Kitchener’s newest placemaking space. The launch party will feature a street market with over 20 artisans and food vendors, busker Drew Ripley, a roaming band, DJ, face painting, cotton candy, and more! Join Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and special guests for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening remarks at 11:45 a.m. at the new Gaukel Block (on Gaukel between Charles and Joseph Streets).

In the afternoon, residents are invited to celebrate all the incredible neighbourhoods in our community with more than 100 front-yard concerts and street parties that make up Neighbours Day from 1 to 5 p.m. Local musicians will showcase their talents at pop-up concerts in neighbourhoods across our city. From porches to driveways, front lawns to boulevards, residents can revel in the free, live entertainment, all in the spirit of fostering neighbourhood connections and celebrating the importance of community.

The excitement continues with the unforgettable Neighbours Day After Party from 6 to 10 p.m. at the new Gaukel Block as the sun sets on Neighbours Day. This lively event will offer performances by four incredible local artists, SmackJive (6 p.m.), Clarissa Diokno (7 p.m.), Ben Rollo (8 p.m.) and three-time Juno-nominated performer, Alysha Brilla (9 p.m.). Bring the whole family and don’t forget to bring your lawn chair.

For a complete list of upcoming events in the Gaukel Block, visit www.downtownkitchener.ca/events.

For details about activities and entertainment happening in your neighbourhood, visit the Neighbours Day online map for concert locations at kitchener.ca/neighboursday.

To learn more about Neighbours Day After Party, visit kitchener.ca/afterparty.

- 30 -

For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communication 
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca