Festival Fun
July has arrived, bringing sunshine and sweltering heat along with it. Days are hot and humid and nights are warm and calm. Waterloo region is a fantastic place to be in the summer, with so much to do and see. One of the best parts of summer in the region is its wide variety of festivals and events, with virtually every weekend having something to do. Let’s look at some of these exciting events and what they entail!
For music lovers, KW has plenty of amazing music-filled festivals running this summer. For those looking to experience music from various cultures and genres, check out the Kultrun World Music Festival running July 12-14 in Waterloo Park. Artists from around the globe will be showing off their tunes and is a perfect family-friendly event. For those more inclined to Jazz, check out the Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival running July 19-21. This 3-day music-filled event is full of activities and food trucks and a great spot for a summer date. Don’t forget also to check out the TD Kitchener Blues Festival August 8-11 and Riverfest Elora August 16-18!
For those looking for some good eats, check out the regions not one, not two, but THREE Rib Festivals. The Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show running from July 19-21 in Victoria Park is a classic, with ribs and beer a plenty. For our friends in Guelph, Ribs Rhythm & Rotary Ribfest running from August 23-25 is a great family-friendly event full of music, good eats, and activities for all ages. Waterloo Rib & Beer Festival on August 23-25 for those in Waterloo is a similar event, with no shortage of great BBQ, good tunes, and family fun. For those with more of a sweet tooth, venture over to the For the Love of Buttertart Festival Elmira on July 27, with some of the nation's best butter tarts being celebrated.
Perhaps the most anticipated event, a yearly staple in the region, check out the Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival running August 22-25. With an incredible variety of performers, good eats, and vendors in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, this event is a must-see. Check out their website for a full list of vendors and performers as well as a schedule for all that is going on.