Back to SearchEarlier today, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and members of Kitchener City Council together with staff and community event partners, revealed an exciting lineup of events taking place this summer and beyond. From family-friendly events to upbeat music festivals, Kitchener is the place to be this events season.
"I’m thrilled to kick off another exciting events season in Kitchener – you can expect the return of some community favourites, but I'm also excited to check out some of our new events and impressive event headliners," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Our events bring us together, connect us as a community, create lasting memories and welcome visitors to Kitchener. From vibrant cultural festivals to mouthwatering food events, upbeat music festivals, and family-friendly events – Downtown Kitchener is where you’ll want to be this summer.”
The 2023 events season will feature many exciting new events. We're introducing a refreshing way to beat the summer heat. Bring your whole family and your bathing suits to cool off in the Carl Zehr Square splash pad and enjoy A Splash of Summer. Each week, local favourite Erick Traplin will be hosting an evening of entertainment.
The City of Kitchener is also introducing its newest placemaking space, Gaukel Block. Gaukel Block is DTK’s newest event space that's set to be a hub of creativity, community, and connection this season. The Gaukel Block has an amazing lineup of events this season: don't miss the I AM Kitchener: Indigenous Art Market on May 27 and 28, Afrovibes on June 3, and Downtown Kitchener Latin Heat every Wednesday in June, July, and August. Join us DTK for vibrant celebrations of Indigenous art, pan-African culture, and sizzling salsa and bachata dance. Also, coming to the Gaukel Block, don’t miss the official Neighbours Day After Party on June 17. Bring your lawn chair and help wrap up a day of community celebrations with a number of live performances by local musicians, including a performance by Juno-nominated and local performer Alysha Brilla, various vendors, and more.
If you’re a music lover, don’t miss the Wayback Festival, July 22, featuring the legendary, Kim Mitchell and the dynamic Sass Jordan in partnership with Canada’s Teen Jam.
Join us Downtown Kitchener for Canada Day, July 1, for an amazing lineup of talented country music artists, including Grammy nominated and 2022 Country Music Association of Ontario Songwriter of the Year; Steven Lee Olsen, 2021 Canadian Country Music Association Rising Star Award Winner; Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling and a fireworks finale.
This year, the Kitchener Market is hosting a mid-week market and music at the market series, every Wednesday in July and August. The mid-week market is perfect for grabbing your weekly grocery haul, while the evening music at the market is your go to for entertainment while enjoying dinner and drinks.
Rev your engines on July 7 for the return of Cruising on King, your must-see classic car show. Check out the coolest classic cars as they cruise down King Street.
"Events season in Kitchener is fantastic! We have so many great city-run and community-run events,” said Ward 8 Councillor, Margaret Johnston. “A special shout-out to the remarkable staff, community volunteers, and organizations who help make these events happen. These events help us celebrate our great community and showcase local markers, artisans, and talent including artists and performers on stage.”
Residents and visitors can look forward to a wide range of events throughout the season, including those planned at community centres, the Kitchener Market, on Gaukel Block, in Downtown Kitchener, and opportunities to enjoy good times at the city's golf courses, parks, trails, pools, and splash pads.
Kitchener, Let’s Go and celebrate summer with music, food, and good times!
For a full list of upcoming city and community run events in Kitchener, visit kitchenerevents.ca
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Events and festivals
Neighbours Day
Saturday, June 17, 2023
1 to 6 p.m.
A celebration of all the wonderful neighbourhoods in our community with over 100 front yard concerts.
Neighbours Day After PartySaturday June 17, 2023, Gaukel Block
6 to 10 p.m.
Bring your lawn chair and help wrap up a day of community celebrations with a number of live performances by local musicians, including a performance by Juno-nominated and local performer Alysha Brilla, various vendors, and more.
Gaukel Block Launch Party
Saturday June 17, 2023
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The official celebratory launch of DTK’s newest placemaking space. Vendors, music, food, buskers, and host of the Neighbors Day afterparty.
Canada Day
Saturday, July 1, 2023, Downtown Kitchener
6 to 11 p.m.
Celebrate Canada Day in style with an amazing lineup of country music artists including Steven Lee Olsen, Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling and a fireworks finale!
Cruising on King Street
Friday, July 7, 2023, King Street
6 to 10 p.m.
The city will host the always popular classic car show, Cruising on King, on July 7. Get ready to rev your engines and cruise down King Street to witness some of the coolest classic cars in Kitchener!
Wayback Festival
Saturday, July 22, 2023, Downtown Kitchener
12 to 3 p.m.
Canada’s Teen Jam takes the stage in a youth talent showcase with the winner to be announced live!
6 to 11 p.m.
Enjoy some of the best Canadian rock music ever featuring Kim Mitchell and the dynamic Sass Jordan.
A Splash of Summer
Thursday in July and August, Carl Zehr Square and Kiwanis Park
6 to 8 p.m.
Bring the whole family and your bathing suits to enjoy a Splash of Summer in the splash pad in Carl Zehr Square every Thursday in July and August. Look out for details on a new children's performer each week.
Kitchener Blues Festival
August 10 to 13, Downtown Kitchener and Victoria Park
12/noon to 11 p.m.
Attend the annual classic Blues Festival to enjoy incredible talent, killer tunes and great times.
KW - Multicultural Festival
June 24 and 25, Victoria Park
12/noon to 8 p.m.
Enjoy food, fun, music and dance.
Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
July 14 to 16, Victoria Park
12/noon to 10 p.m.
Enjoy barbequed ribs and chicken and Ontario craft-brewed beer, live entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone.
Rockin’ it at Rockway
Wednesday in August, Rockway Centre
6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy music, food and drinks on the patio every Wednesday night.
I AM Kitchener: Indigenous Art Market
May 27 and 28, Gaukel Block
Kicking off the Gaukel Block season with more than 50 Indigenous vendors and artists.
Afrovibes
June 3, Gaukel Block
A pan-African celebration with fashion, food, and music.
DTK Latin Heat
Every Wednesday from June 14 to August 30, Carl Zehr Square
7 to 9 p.m.
Get ready to unleash your talent at DTK Latin heat, a salsa and bachata dance social hosted by TenC.
Kidspark - City of Kitchener
Sunday, August 20
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement at Kitchener's Kidspark on August 20. It’s a perfect event for children who want to spend a day outside learning through play.
Mid-week and music at the Market, Kitchener Market
Wednesday in July and August
2 to 9 p.m.
Kitchener Market is hosting a mid-week market and music at the market series, every Wednesday in July and August. The mid-week market will allow you to grab your weekly necessities, while the evening music at the market will have you entertained while enjoying dinner and drinks!
For a full list of upcoming city and community run events in Kitchener, visit kitchenerevents.ca
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For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communication
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
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