Trooper to headline Kitchener’s Wayback Festival Saturday

A crowd at Wayback Festival. (City of Kitchener)

By Christine Clark

Posted Jul 23, 2026 08:02:37 AM.

Last Updated Jul 23, 2026 11:46:18 AM.

The biggest hits of the 1980’s take over downtown Kitchener this Friday and Saturday evenings.

Wayback Festival is once again being held in Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square on July 24 and 25.

Just a few weeks ago, the City of Kitchener announced Loverboy would no longer be performing at the popular festival due to health-related issues.

Trooper is still set to headline the event Saturday night.

Only Journey, Early Elton, Born in the Eighties, and The Wayback Collective featuring local musicians are all set to hit the stage as originally planned.

Rain or shine the event runs Friday from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m., and Saturday from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. A playlist of the featured songs can be found on the city’s website.

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