Youth Month 2026

Each year, National Youth Week takes place from May 1 to 7. In collaboration with community partners and organizations, we extended Youth Week into Youth Month from May 1 to 31, offering many free events and opportunities for youth in Kitchener.


Let's celebrate youth

For the entire month of May, we have planned many free events for youth in our community. Young people deserve to be celebrated for their significant contributions and ongoing dedication to our community. 

Huron Community Centre

All May

Youth are invited to write kindness messages, with each entry earning a chance to win a prize.

Victoria Hills Community Centre

All May

Nominate a youth for Youth of the Week and take part in weekly gift card draws.

Williamsburg Community Centre

Includes Guess‑A‑Jar, Plinko, Spin & Win activities.  

Bridgeport Community Centre

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

KO Yoga Foundation Youth Yoga is a fun, welcoming class designed for teens and older kids to move, breathe, and reset.

We blend energizing yoga flows, strength and balance drills, gentle stretching, and short guided mindfulness practices to help youth manage stress, build confidence, and feel more at home in their bodies.

No experience needed—just come as you are. Options are always offered so everyone can participate comfortably, and the vibe stays supportive, inclusive, and low-pressure.

Bridgeport Community Centre 

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Youth Week with a splash of colour! Join us for a fun and creative Watercolour Workshop designed especially for youth who want to explore watercolour painting in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or already love making art, this workshop will guide you through the basics of watercolour techniques.

All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed.

Bridgeport Community Centre

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Get moving, try something new, and celebrate Youth Week with our Free Multisport Workshop! This active, high-energy program gives youth the chance to explore a variety of fun sports in a supportive, no-pressure environment.

Participants will rotate through different sports, including soccer, basketball and pickleball.

Whether you’re already sports savvy or just curious to try something different, this workshop is all about staying active, having fun, and connecting with others.

Country Hills Community Centre

4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Put your skills to the test with fast-paced, fun Minute to Win It challenges!

Compete in quick games, cheer on friends, and win prizes.

Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a fun board games and pizza party!

Play a variety of games, enjoy pizza slices, and hang out with friends. 

Open to youth ages 12–17.

Downtown Community Centre

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Snacks provided (hot chocolate and pastries or summer treats).

Drop‑in board game stations.

Open to youth ages 14–24

Forest Heights Community Centre

Chandler Mowat Community Centre

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The court is set for a great matchup as Forest Heights Community Centre youth take on Chandler Mowat Community Centre youth for the second annual basketball tournament!

With local talent, intense competition, and unmatched team spirit, both squads will play for bragging rights. Who will rise to the occasion and claim victory? Don’t miss out! 

Register your team through ActiveNet and enjoy the snacks and the tournament

  

Youth Month Swim Pass

Youth (ages 12-24) can enjoy free single-visit swims throughout May at any City of Kitchener pool with a Youth Month Swim Pass. For more information, including registration, visit ActiveNet.


KYAC Youth Awards

Every year, the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) celebrates the talents and contributions of young people in our community. We want to promote a positive image of young people and generate awareness of the valuable contributions youth make in our community. Congratulations to all of this year’s Youth Award nominees in 13 award categories!

Visit our KYAC Youth Awards page to learn more about this year's award recipients.

 

Have any questions or ideas? Reach out to us at youth@kitchener.ca 

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.