Summer has officially arrived – and in Waterloo Region, that means live music, patio season, and scenic trails are calling your name! Whether you’re looking to dance downtown, sip something cool under the sun, or escape into nature, we’ve rounded up the very best ways to spend your July.
Local Events
Kultrún World Music Festival
📍 Waterloo Park, Waterloo | 🗓 July 11–13 | 💸 Free
A vibrant weekend of global sounds and celebration in the heart of Waterloo.
Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival
📍 Waterloo City Centre Lot | 🗓 July 18–20 | 💸 Free
Three days of incredible jazz performances – bring a chair and enjoy the vibe!
Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
📍 Victoria Park, Kitchener | 🗓 July 18–20 | 💸 Free
Come hungry! Enjoy saucy ribs, cold beer, live music, and a family fun zone.
Afrovibes The Festival
📍 Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener | 🗓 July 19 | 💸 Free (RSVP Recommended)
A one-day celebration of African culture, music, fashion, and food.
For the Love of Buttertart Festival
📍 Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira | 🗓 July 26 | 💸 $6
Technically just outside Waterloo Region – but worth the short drive for Ontario’s best butter tarts!
Ongoing Attractions & Venues
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
Open Thursdays and Saturdays (plus Tuesdays in summer) – a great destination for fresh produce, crafts, and local food.
Doon Heritage Village / Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
A living-history experience depicting life circa 1914; the museum grounds and heritage village are reopening this season.
Brubacher House Historic Museum
Seasonal guided tours at this 1850s Mennonite farmhouse; also hosts artistic workshops and events.
Movies in the Park
Outdoor films start around sundown throughout June–August in Waterloo Park. Bring a blanket and relax under the stars.
Dance It Off Tuesdays
Weekly dance nights (K‑Pop, Swing, Chinese Square, West Coast Swing) from 7–10 PM in Waterloo Public Square through August.
Art Market in Waterloo Public Square
Thursdays, 5–9 PM (live music 7–9 PM): browse local crafts and art vendors through August.
Campfire Music Nights
Select Wednesdays, 6–8 PM: enjoy live local music around a campfire setting in Waterloo Square.
☀️ Patio Season Is On
Winter has finally let go, and patios across the region are open and buzzing. Think colourful umbrellas, crafted cocktails, and locally inspired menus.
Some of our local faves:
- Bodega Rose (Waterloo): Chic cocktails like the White Lotus and Rosé French 75 — with weekend specials based on local events.
- Boathouse DTK (Kitchener): Enjoy drinks and barbecue on their Victoria Park patio, overlooking Roos Island.
- The Blackshop (Cambridge): Social Hour sliders and sushi cubes, plus their “Moment of Zen” cocktail — yes, please!
- Republik Asian Eatery & Bar (Kitchener): Ambience and a wide-variety of Asian food combines with a large drink menu.
- Willibald (Ayr): This farm-to-table spot features unique seasonal cocktails like Rhubarb Rhubarb and house-crafted dishes.
- Bhima’s Warung (Waterloo): Cozy restaurant and bar featuring Indonesian, Vietnamese & Thai dishes, plus garden tables.
✨ Pro tip: Check restaurants’ socials for live music nights and themed pop-ups!
🥾 Trails to Explore This Summer
Need a nature break? Waterloo Region is home to some beautiful trails — perfect for walking, hiking, or just escaping into some fresh air.
Top picks for July:
Bechtel Park Trail (Waterloo): 3.2 km loop through peaceful woods — a quick, easy nature fix.
Iron Horse Trail (Kitchener-Waterloo): 5.5 km of paved path with historic charm and city views.
Laurel Creek Conservation Trails (Waterloo): Beach + forest = the ultimate local adventure.
West Side Trails (Waterloo): 12 km of hills, rare plants, and birdwatching.
Walter Bean Trail (Multiple Access Points): Follow the Grand River for as long as your legs will carry you!
Shade’s Mills Conservation Area (Cambridge): A hidden gem for hiking, paddling, or fishing right in the city.
🌞 Outdoor Pools to Beat the Heat in Waterloo Region
When the sun is shining, there’s no better way to cool off than with a splash in one of Waterloo Region’s outdoor pools. Whether you’re looking for waterslides, splash pads, or a simple lane swim, there’s something for every age and comfort level.
Here are some top family-friendly outdoor pool options:
Moses Springer Outdoor Pool (Waterloo): A local favourite! This 50-metre pool features two waterslides, accessible ramps, shaded picnic areas, and swim programs all summer long.
Harry Class Outdoor Pool (Kitchener): Heated and recently renovated, this pool is a hidden gem known for its clean facilities and relaxed vibe.
Idlewood Outdoor Pool (Kitchener): A great spot for casual swims with a small slide and plenty of space for the whole family.
Kiwanis Park Pool (Kitchener): A shallow-entry pool with spray features, perfect for little ones and family-friendly fun.
Wilson Outdoor Pool (Kitchener): Includes a large shallow end and is located next to a splash pad—making it ideal for young swimmers.
Laurel Creek Conservation Area (Waterloo): Want something more natural? Cool off with a swim in the creek, then enjoy hiking trails and picnic spots for the full summer day-out experience.
🍨 Local Ice Cream Spots to Check Out in Waterloo Region
Four All Ice Cream (Waterloo & Kitchener): Handcrafted in small batches with locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. Their seasonal flavours, vegan options, and nostalgic creations make this a go-to for every kind of ice cream lover.
Sweet Caroline’s Ice Cream & Treats (Breslau): Serving over 50 Kawartha Dairy flavours, plus gluten-free and lactose-free options. Try their affogato for an ice cream and espresso combo that’s hard to beat!
Udderly Ridiculous (Bright): A short drive from KW, this farm-based gem offers gourmet goat-milk ice cream in unique flavours like Vanilla Bean Lavender and Wine & Dark Chocolate. Bonus: visit the goats while you’re there!
Sweet Scoops (Elmira & Kitchener): With 100+ flavours (32 available at a time), including vegan coconut milk varieties, Sweet Scoops is beloved for its creamy texture, fun options, and handmade waffle cones.
Indulge Ice Cream (Cambridge): Housed in a charming caboose, Indulge serves Shaw’s Dairy ice cream, milkshakes, and fresh waffle cones with a side of nostalgia.
Get Social With Us
Have a favorite spring activity or event we missed? Tag us at @builtbyactiva on Instagram or Facebook, and we might feature your recommendation!
