Seniors Month 2026

Every year, Seniors Month is recognized across Ontario from June 1 to 30. In celebration, we host many free events for older adults (55+) in Kitchener in collaboration with community partners.


Seniors Get Moving

The 2026 theme, Let’s Get Moving, highlights programs and initiatives that promote wellness, social engagement and education for older adults.

As we grow older, it’s important for our physical, mental, and emotional health to stay active, engaged and socially connected. Taking steps to incorporate this into daily life supports personal well-being, safety, and quality of life.

Open the accordions below for a listing of free or low-cost events and opportunities during Seniors Month.

MACKS recruitment

June 1 to July 10

The Mayor’s Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS) is seeking residents ages 55+ to join their volunteer committee this September.

MACKS meets monthly (Sept.-June) with the Kitchener Mayor and staff to share ideas on how to make Kitchener an age-friendly community where residents can live well and age well.

Application deadline July 10, 2026.

Visit: kitchener.ca/MACKS for details and to apply, or call Carolyn at 519-783-8612.

Senior of the Year

The 2026 Senior of the Year award will be presented at a special, invitation-only event with the 13 nominees and their families on Wednesday, June 10.

Visit kitchener.ca/SOTY to learn more.

Rockway Centre

June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Offered in partnership with the Elder Abuse Prevention Council. 

Drop in and bring your questions, pick up some resources and enjoy a light snack.   

Have questions, call Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507.

Rockway Centre

June 18 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Join Fay Martin as she shares her memoir Dementia Widow: Love, Death, and Survival, chronicling a 25-year journey of love, caregiving, loss, and resilience. Her heartfelt talk offers honesty, insight, and hope for those touched by dementia.

Registration is required.

To register, call Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507 or online on ActiveNet.

Rockway Centre

June 24 from 10 a.m. to 12.m.

This free workshop is for older adults wishing to become comfortable with bus services in Waterloo Region.

A bus ride and training session with GRT travel trainers are included. This session does not include a ride on the ION.

Registration is required. 

To register, call Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507 or online on ActiveNet.

Rockway Centre patio

June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Join us for live music on the patio featuring Kevin Coates and The Interesting People 

Patio seating is limited - Bring a lawn chair and snacks! Music Happens Rain or Shine!

A $5 donation is suggested to help support program costs.

For more information, visit kitchener.ca/Rockway or call 519-741-2507

Rockway Centre

June 25 at 2 p.m.  

Join Rockway for a screening of The Green Bench, a Schlegel Villages documentary that shares the lived experience of older adult residents.

Registration is required.

To register, call Rockway Centre at 519-741-2507 or online on ActiveNet.

 


Senior of the Year Awards

The provincial Senior of the Year Award gives us the opportunity to honour an outstanding citizen over the age of 65 who has enriched the social, cultural, or civic life of our community.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Senior of the Year award nominees! An awards night will be held on June 10 (by invitation).

Visit our Senior of the Year page to learn more about this year's award recipient and nominees.

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.