Region’s weekend events still expected to take place despite air quality
Posted Jul 18, 2026 11:01:39 AM.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2026 11:10:18 AM.
As the northwestern Ontario forest fires continue to blanket the region with smoke, most public events in Waterloo region are still expected to take place.
Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
The highly anticipated Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show has not announced any cancellations as of Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at Victoria Park, outdoors, and will run from noon until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and again from noon to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. You can track updates or cancellations for Ribfest on their website.
Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival
Organizers of the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival posted a statement to their website Saturday morning, stating that the festival still plans to continue as scheduled, but that organizers would be monitoring the air conditions with the support of local public health officials.
The free festival celebrates all genres of jazz, with performances taking place from 10:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The event continues with another slate of performances on Sunday, with performances beginning at 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The event and its performances will take place at 100 Regina St South in Kitchener. Those interested can stay tuned for further updates on their website.
Kitchener Market World Cup Watch Party
No announcements have been made by Downtown Kitchener BIA regarding Saturday’s World Cup watch party at the Kitchener Market. An outdoor watch party earlier in the week was cancelled due to smoke warnings, with the party unable to move indoors due to the fire inside Kitchener Market last Sunday. Saturday afternoon will see the highly-awaited third-place match between England and France at 5:00 p.m. Then, the World Cup will come to a close with the finals match between Spain and Argentina at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Keep an eye out for updates on downtown Kitchener’s Facebook page.
The Kitchener Market itself will be open outdoors on Saturday and Sunday. Most of the usual vendors market regulars have come to expect can still be found outside the market building in the Breezeway.
Cambridge Gaslight District World Cup Watch Party
Cambridge’s Gaslight District confirmed via Instagram on Saturday morning that their watch party will be going ahead for Saturday consolation game action between France and England. City News Kitchener will provide further updates to Cambridge’s watch party status prior to the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. Organizers at the Gaslight District remind attendees to arrive early to guarantee a space at the Saturday watch party, as “increased screening popularity” has at times led to limited admittance into the public square throughout the tournament. Stay tuned for further updates on the Gaslight District’s Instagram.
Kitchener’s AfroVibes Festival
Kitchener’s AfroVibes Festival, a celebration of African culture, has not announced any cancellations or postponements due to the weather conditions. The event, which will feature live musical performances, food, art and various community activities will still go ahead as planned. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. on Saturday which will see the festival’s conclusion. Free tickets and more details can be found on the AfroVibes Festival’s website.
