City of Kitchener’s guide to a safe and fun Canada Day 2026
Canada Day is Wednesday, July 1 and there are lots of activities to enjoy across the city. Some City of Kitchener facilities and programs may be impacted by the holiday, so check the facility hours below as you plan your celebration.
Things to do
- Free Canada Day celebration from noon to 11 p.m. in Carl Zehr Square featuring:
- Canada Play kids’ zone at St. Louis Adult Learning Centre across from City Hall
- Live concert starting at 2 p.m. featuring Steve Strongman, Glass Tiger and other local and Canadian artists
- Food trucks and licensed bar area
- Pyrotechnic display to close out the evening
- Swimming in outdoor pools: find locations, fees and hours on our pools page
- Kitchener Panthers vs. Guelph Royals: 2:05 – 4:05 p.m. at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
What's open
- Kitchener City Hall: 9 a.m. - midnight (no in-person services available)
- Kitchener Market Food Hall: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Individual vendor hours may differ.
- All outdoor pools: find locations, fees and hours on our pools page
What's closed
- All community centres
- Activa Sportsplex indoor walking track
- All community arenas
- All indoor pools
Fireworks safety
- Fireworks are only allowed to be set off on private property on Wednesday, July 1 from 9 to 11 p.m.
- Fireworks must be set off over 10 metres away from any building or structure, and by people aged 18 or over.
- Fireworks are not allowed to be set off in public spaces, including parks, roadways, schoolyards and more.
- Setting off fireworks outside of the permitted areas and times could result in a minimum fine of $1,500.
- Learn more about setting fireworks off safely at Kitchener.ca/Fireworks.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.