Kitchener’s summer events season is packed with fun for all ages

Every year, warmer days and sunny skies are accompanied by the sounds of live music, the buzz of summer festivals and the fun of weekend celebrations across the city. The City of Kitchener’s 2025 summer events season has even more fun in store for all ages, including events our community looks forward to every year plus some brand-new activities.

“Every year, Kitchener comes alive in the summer months as residents of all ages come together to celebrate with the entire community at our many incredible activities, events and festivals,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This year, more than ever, we’ve seen the power of people coming together and celebrating the strength of our efforts to #SupportLocal! The people of Kitchener are the heartbeat of our community, making our city vibrant and energetic, and we love bringing that to life in a season of events that has something for everyone to enjoy. I can’t wait to see my fellow Kitchener residents at this year’s celebrations, as we all get our to enjoy the weather and share everything that’s in store! There truly is something for everyone!”

The season kicks off on July 1, with an all-day Canada Day celebration that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Starting at noon at St. Louis school across from City Hall, this year’s celebration kicks off with the brand-new Canada Play kids’ zone featuring free rides, games, and music the whole family can enjoy along with food trucks serving up local flavours. The main celebration will fill Carl Zehr Square with music from 4 to 11 p.m. with a free concert featuring Juno award-winning Sloan, Terra Lightfoot, a Tragically Hip tribute by Grace 2 and local country musician Rebekah Stevens. We will also come together to celebrate some of our community’s new Canadians with our brand-new citizenship ceremony. A dazzling pyrotechnic show will close out the evening, lighting up the skies with light, colour and sound.

Cruising on King, returns on July 11 with over half a kilometre of vintage cars lining King Street from Frederick Street to Water Street. It’s more than just car show: Carl Zehr Square will also have free entertainment and live music all evening long from Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Roy Orbison tribute bands.

For classic rock lovers, Wayback Festival returns with two days of music you won’t want to miss. This year’s festival opens with a tribute to classic rock on Friday, July 25 featuring hits from Kiss and AC/DC. On Saturday, July 26, the main stage will be the most rockin’ spot in Kitchener with music from the legendary group Big Wreck, Default and Conor Gains.

On August 17, KidsPark brings a full day of outdoor fun to Victoria Park. The whole family will enjoy kid-friendly live entertainers, games, sports, crafts, mighty machines, animal friends and more.

Explore one of the fastest growing sports in North America at our second annual Downtown Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival on August 26. Carl Zehr Square will transform into Pickleball headquarters with a tournament, street play, vendors, beer garden, live music, food trucks and more.

The season closes out on September 6 with Kitchener’s newest outdoor music festival, Endless Summer. Squeeze every last drop of summer with a day full of free live music. Juno Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee Feist will bring her iconic sound to the Endless Summer stage. You won’t be able to help singing along to hits like Limit to Your Love and 1,2,3,4 from one of Canada’s most well-known indie pop artists. Toronto-based U.S. Girls and Basia Bulat will round out the festival lineup, with experimental pop and folk hits that may just become your new favourites!

Our summer season also includes events held by our wonderful community partners. With celebrations of culture, music and more, you won’t want to miss these incredible celebrations:

There is something to do every week throughout the summer with free drop-in events throughout the city. Enjoy roller skating, live music, dancing and yoga in spaces throughout Downtown Kitchner; live music, movies and the Saturday farmers’ market at the Kitchener Market; nature wellness programs in parks and natural areas; and a variety of events in your neighbourhood at our community centres. The Downtown Kitchener website and community events calendar are your sources for everything happening in our city this season.

Whether your summer bucket list includes live music shows, open-air festivals with friends, days out with family or simply the opportunity to gather with your community in your own neighbourhood, Kitchener has something for you. Explore the full season of fun at KitchenerEvents.ca.

For more information:

Krystin Scheels
Communications and Marketing Associate
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca