Caribbean carnival and belly rubbin’ good BBQ: A jam-packed weekend of events in Waterloo Region

If you haven’t made any plans for this weekend yet and you’re looking for something to do, you’re in luck.

From food to festivals, there’s plenty happening around Waterloo Region.

Starting in Kitchener, you can celebrate vibrant Caribbean culture on Friday and Saturday at Caribana Ignite, a free street party bringing the feeling of a carnival right here to Waterloo Region.

Caribana Ignite is fun for the whole family ????????‍????‍????‍???? Enjoy a vibrant parade, then dive into the kids’ zone on Gaukel Block with family-friendly activities, a DJ, tasty food, and more!

Don’t miss the excitement on Aug. 23 & 24???????? Get updates here: https://t.co/3Z5ydUZHY1 pic.twitter.com/SnBCM0OWwQ

— City of Kitchener (@CityKitchener) August 18, 2024

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday at Carl Zehr square in downtown Kitchener, with a glow party as soon as the sun sets, and more events on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

In Waterloo, a talented lineup of internationally renowned street performers will take to the streets for the Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival.

The performances began on Thursday and continue until Sunday at three locations around Waterloo: Waterloo Public Square, Regina St., and the City Hall parking lot.

Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for! Join us as we kick off our 36th year at Opening Ceremonies with Spandy Andy. Spandy Andy looks forward to inflating your mood! Sponsored by The City of Waterloo. #wbuskers pic.twitter.com/IAnA4wq5Ux

— Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival (@WaterlooBuskers) August 22, 2024

Acts like the Fire Ninja, the Mighty Quinn, and Barbie are all performing on Friday and that party continues all weekend long with the wrap-up on Sunday at 5 p.m.

If all that partying has made you hungry or thirsty, you can head over to RIM Park for the Waterloo Rib and Beer Fest for some finger lickin’ good BBQ starting Friday at 4 p.m.

The City of Waterloo welcomes the Waterloo Rib & Beer Fest to RIM Park, August 23-25.

Visitors to the facilities are encouraged to arrive early; and consider getting a ride, carpooling, biking or using public transit.

Event details: https://t.co/fPAKc1Pdnq pic.twitter.com/YfMgO5TvKP

— City of Waterloo (@citywaterloo) August 21, 2024

If your stomachs rumbling but you’re in Guelph all weekend, Guelph RibFest is also taking place at Riverside Park beginning on Friday at 4 p.m.

The events could affect your weekend drive, including a number of road closures in downtown Kitchener.

The closures begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, including on King St. West from Water St. to Ontario St., College St. from Bell Ln. to King St., Young St. from Duke St. to King St., and more.