Registration is now open for Kitchener’s 3rd annual Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival

Get ready to hit the courts in Downtown Kitchener as the City of Kitchener’s Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival returns to Carl Zehr Square on Tuesday, August 25 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, Paddle Palooza offers friendly competition, learn to play courts, great prizes, and high-energy vibes all day long. 

The tournament, presented in partnership with Four Fathers Brewing and Four Fathers Pickleball, offers the following divisions, limited to six teams each: 

Registration is now open at Kitchener.ca/pickleball. The cost to register a team in the tournament is $50 per team with a limit of six teams per division. All other street play is free. Proceeds from the tournament will support the city’s Every Kid Counts program, helping to make camp an option for children and youth in Kitchener by providing inclusion support.  

Not quite ready for tournament play or just want to enjoy the game of pickleball? Paddle Palooza will celebrate all levels of pickleball skill and interest, ranging from curious to competitive. Join the free drop-in street play (3 courts), learn-to-play, and pick up some tips & tricks. Come out and give pickleball a try. Spectators are welcome and encouraged. Whether you're playing or just soaking up the vibes, there's something for everyone. Come for the tournament, stay for the fun, including drop-in games, family activities, vendor booths, food trucks, a beer garden and more.  

Pickleball is a hybrid paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and is experiencing a rapid rise in popularity across Canada, reaching over one million Canadians (Pickleball Canada, 2023). The City of Kitchener has also seen significant growth and interest in the sport in recent years at community centres and outdoor courts.