Mayor Berry Vrbanovic announces the launch of Kitchener LIVE at his 2025 State of the City Address

Kitchener, ON – Mayor Berry Vrbanovic delivered his 2025 State of the City address from the iconic Centre In The Square, celebrating the resilience and achievements of Kitchener’s local businesses, City Council, and staff, while highlighting progress on strategic priorities that continue to shape a stronger, more innovative and inclusive Kitchener.

This year’s theme, Support Local, was woven throughout the Mayor’s remarks, reinforcing the City’s commitment to empowering community-driven growth and innovation. “Through both good or challenging times, Kitchener and its residents have always shown their resilience in responding to the moment. It’s in our DNA! As we face global economic uncertainty, we draw strength from the foundations we’ve built and the power of community. We know from experience that we thrive best, when we support each other - by collaborating, supporting local, and lifting one another.”

Two key highlights of the address were the official launch of Kitchener LIVE and the announcement of Kitchener Takes the Stage.

Kitchener LIVE, will serve as the City’s new destination marketing brand designed to spotlight and elevate Kitchener’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene while Kitchener Takes the Stage will be a new annual initiative, hosted at the Centre in the Square, that will shine a light on the incredible performers and artists who call Kitchener home.

“Developed in collaboration with Centre in the Square and other City-owned venues, Kitchener LIVE will offer a unified platform for ticket-buyers, event producers, and community members alike,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “With shared ticketing and event calendars, Kitchener LIVE will bring together performances and special events at Centre in the Square, The Aud, the Registry Theatre, the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, and more.”

Whether you're looking to attend a show, book a space, or host your first event, Kitchener LIVE makes it easier than ever to connect with the City’s creative energy, empowering residents and local artists to engage, explore, and celebrate everything Kitchener has to offer.

As part of bringing this new initiative to life, beginning in Spring 2026, Kitchener Takes the Stage will be a new annual collaboration between Kitchener Live, the Centre in the Square and Kitchener’s Office of Mayor & Council that showcases local musicians, artists and entertainers for a one-of-a-kind celebration of the arts.

Alongside these announcements, the Mayor also shared that the City is currently in the design phase of a new 5,000 square foot co-working and incubation space at the Innovation Arena. Powered by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, this new space will build upon the successes of the SDG Idea Factory as well as those that UW Velocity has experienced since the opening of the Innovation Arena.

The Mayor's speech and a full recording of the State of the City event can be found on our website, by the end of day October 22, 2025.

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