What to do in Waterloo Region this weekend

It’s set to be a jam-packed weekend in Waterloo Region with some major annual events bringing out crowds.

This however, comes at a time when air quality is at an all-time low, with warnings of heavy smoke set to continue through to at least Friday and Saturday.

Before heading out to any event, be sure to check on the latest cancellations, closures and advisories.

Environment Canada officials advise if you are going outside, do so for a limited time, and wear a mask.

“A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.”

As of Friday morning, the following events remain scheduled.

In Kitchener, Friday marks the start of the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show. This is the 23rd year for the event which takes over Victoria Park one weekend each summer.

The event boasts exclusively local and Ontario-based vendors, with live entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone.

It’s all free, with organizers only asking for donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Last year over $10,000 and 435 lbs of food was raised.

Since 2008, a total of $122,061 and 18,544 lbs of food have been collected for those in need in the community.

Staying in Kitchener, and also downtown, AfroVibes: The Festival takes over Carl Zehr Square on Saturday afternoon/evening.

Thousands gather for the free event each year to celebrate African culture, art, music and community.

Events for the main festival day, part of AfroVibes Week, get underway at 2 p.m.

Also running this Friday-Sunday is the Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival. It’s a free event featuring urban jazz, funk, R & B, big band and traditional jazz performances.

Friday kicks off the festival with performances by Jessica Lalonde, the Paul Fehderau Quintet, Take Five Plays Desmond (Featuring Tim Moher), Tim Louis and Four80East.

The full schedule can be found here.

And great news for local vendors and farmers, the City of Kitchener announced the Kitchener Market would be open for a limited outdoor experience on Saturday.

Over to Cambridge, a viewing party for this weekend’s World Cup final is still underway in the Gaslight District. The full schedule and updates on whether or not the event will be moved indoors can be found here.

Of note in Cambridge, the Cambridge Scottish Festival will not be running this weekend.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 18 was cancelled just last week due to what festival organizers said was a lack of volunteers.

The festival was set to mark its 50th anniversary this year. Organizers said they hope to be back for 2027.

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