Jam-packed Canada Day in Waterloo Region
Posted Jun 30, 2025 04:01:35 PM.
Last Updated Jul 1, 2025 08:32:06 AM.
There really is no bad choice when it comes to deciding where to spend your Canada Day in Waterloo Region.
All three cities and four townships are hosting events to celebrate the nation’s 158th birthday.
Kitchener
Kitchener’s Canada Day in DTK promises to be a massive party with family-friendly games and events in Carl Zehr Square.
Steve Roth, Manager of Special Events at the city, said new this year is the Canada Play kid’s zone.
“Right behind city hall at St. Louis school, the old St. Jerome’s high school, we’re doing a whole family zone,” he said. “It starts at noon. We’re starting about five or six hours earlier than we have in the past. It will be an opportunity for the whole family to come out and everything is free.”
Roth also mentioned there will be a ceremony swearing in 20 new Canadian citizens inside city hall at 1 p.m.
The live music kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with Rebekah Stevens. Other acts include: Tragically Hip tribute Grace 2, Terra Lightfoot and headliner Sloan hits the stage at 9 p.m.
The evening culminates with what the city is calling a “dazzling pyrotechnics display” at 10:30 p.m.
Roth is expecting a large crowd. He said there were an estimated 30,000 in attendance last year. He expects to top that this year.
Cambridge
The City of Cambridge is hosting its annual Canada Day in the Park, at Riverside Park.
For the early risers, registration for the annual fishing derby begins at 7:45 a.m.
A parade will make its way down King Street in Preston. It departs the corner of King Street and Bishop Street, ending at Eagle Street.
Opening ceremonies will happen at 1 p.m. and visitors can enjoy a midway, live music, games and food trucks.
The city if offering shuttle buses leaving from three locations around Cambridge.
Fireworks begin at dusk.
Waterloo
The City of Waterloo’s community picnic begins at 4 p.m. on the west side of Waterloo Park, near the bandshell.
Local musicians will be performing. Food trucks will be on site, and the city has promised giant family-friendly games for the kids.
The evening will wrap up with a 100-piece LED drone show, instead of fireworks, which begins at 10 p.m.
Wilmot Township
The day begins bright and early with an Indigenous sunrise ceremony at 7 a.m. in Norm Hill Park in New Hamburg. Live music, the kids’ zone and the vendors market begin at 1 p.m. The New Hamburg Optimist Club will be holding a barbecue, and other food trucks will also be on site.
Firework begin at dusk.
Woolwich Township
You’re invited to a free family swim at the Woolwich Memorial Centre starting at 10:30 a.m.
Outside festivities begin at noon with live music, an antique car show, face painting, kids corner and more.
Wellesley Township
The Hawkesville Canada Day festival takes place at the Community Center in New Hamburg. It begins at 7:30 p.m. with backyard games, a free movie, barbeque and fireworks that kick-off at 10 p.m.
Admission is by donation and goes to cover the costs of the event.
North Dumfries Township
Bring the family to Cowan Park in Ayr. The festivities begin at 6 p.m.
There will be live music, inflatables and face painting for the kids and backyard games for the whole family.
Fireworks will light up the sky at 9:45 p.m.
