It’s Father’s Day weekend, it’s the summer solstice and it’s National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday. Plus there are so many events happening in this area, it’s hard to keep the list to just five. Nostalgia of Cambridge Walking Tours will have a walking tour of Galt’s architectural past on Friday night. Tickets are required. The Guelph Food Bank’s annual pop-up garage sale is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their location at 95 Crimea St. You can still watch FIFA World Cup 2026 action at the Kitchener Market and Gaslight District in Cambridge with other fans. Sunset Sessions are back in downtown Kitchener. The free Friday evening concert in Vogelsang Green begins at 7:30 p.m. and you won’t know which artist is performing until they step up to the microphone. The Summer Solstice Witches Market is happening Saturday starting at 3 p.m. at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club. On Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s Go Skateboarding Day in uptown Waterloo. Local shops are collaborating for an evening where people can take a lesson, talk to vendors, talk to other enthusiasts and do some skateboarding. Junctionfest is on this weekend at Fixed Gear Brewing in Guelph. This event includes a garage sale and vintage and artisan market on Saturday afternoon then a car show on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kitchener Panthers are in London Friday night, then host the Barrie Baycats Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jack Couch Park. The Guelph Royals are in Hamilton Friday night, then host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Hastings Stadium before hitting the road for a Sunday game in Welland against the Jackfish.
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival
Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Victoria Park, Kitchener Music, dancing, performances and oh so much food. This annual event celebrates the uniqueness of cultures that make up the community. There will also be booths and vendors in the marketplace. New this year is a festival youth hangout space with crafts, contests, playlists, games and workshops. Bring your appetite to the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival because there is always something delicious to try. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)National Indigenous Peoples Day
Sunday Various events There are several events locally to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day is on Sunday, but there are events Saturday including a market, water ceremony and drumming circle for children. On Sunday there’s the opening of a new fire space and celebrations in Guelph.Juneteenth Festival
Friday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Heritage Hall, 83 Essex St., Guelph Juneteenth commemorates the end of enslavement in the U.S., but organizers of this event say it’s marked locally to celebrate freedom and shared community. The festival starts Friday night with an opening ceremony. There will be the premiere of a new augmented reality game called The Quilt Awakens. On Saturday there’s a Music Speaks! Gospel music workshop in the morning, then a block party in the afternoon. The block party will include the Joy in the City Community Choir, African and Caribbean food vendors, a youth talent showcase, an artisan craft market, a drumming circle, DJ, and family‑friendly activities. In the evening, there’s a Freedom Vibes dance and karaoke jam. Several of the events are free or by donation. People are asked to register ahead of time. There’s also a bus tour on Sunday as part of the festival but it is sold out. LISTEN | Denise Francis of Guelph’s Black Heritage Society: The Morning Edition – K-W4:42Guelph Black Heritage Society holds 1st annual Juneteenth Festival The first annual Juneteenth Festival is happening in Guelph this weekend. Denise Francis, program coordinator for the Guelph Black Heritage Society, talks more about what’s planned for their Essex Street location.Kitchener Comic Arts Festival
Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gaukel Block, Kitchener There will be all things comic books and graphic novels at this festival, plus vendors, a scavenger hunt and special guests including Rafia Iqbal of The Boys.Art on the Street
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Guelph Don’t be afraid of the construction in the core. This open air art market will feature artists and makers with a variety of items from paintings to pottery, jewelry to toys and so much more. There will also be artists doing work in their spaces and activities for children, live art activations and the Guelph Mural Festival. It’s a great spot to grab a unique teacher’s gift, treat yourself or it’s just free to walk around and see all the creativity on display. Because of the construction, the market will run on both Quebec Street and Cork Street. (Apologies for listing this event last week, I was just so excited. It’s one of my favourite events.)
Art on the Street in Guelph will be on two streets this year due to downtown construction: Quebec Street and Cork Street. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)
Cambridge Celebration of the Arts
Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cambridge City Hall This event will showcase local artists in visual, literary and performing arts. There are performances outside, a literary stage inside and an art gallery on the main floor of city hall. There will also be vendors, exhibits, food, crafts and giant games.Kitchener Neighbour’s Day
Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Various locations There will be street and porch parties all across the city featuring local musicians and family friendly events. The idea is to get people out of their homes and out onto the street to meet their neighbours and celebrate the community.Dundee Artisan Festival
Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Dundee Community Park This festival will include local makers, food vendors, a kids zone, a live yoga class and live music in an open air setting.Love Your Bike Festival
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. St. Andrew’s Church, 161 Norfolk St., Guelph This annual festival celebrates cycling in the Royal City. It includes a wrench off competition, free professional mechanical check-ups and treats. There is a bike show, are group rides, including one with a story time with the Guelph Guild of Storytellers. The rides finish at The Wooly Pub where there’s a barbecue.Waterloo Salsa Bachata Festival
Friday 1:30 p.m. to late, Saturday11:30 a.m. to late Underdog Dance Corp., Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, Delta Hotel This festival offers lots of workshops for salsa enthusiasts (the dancing, not the food), shows and social events. Passes are available for the day or the whole weekend.K-W Comic Con
Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Expect people cosplaying as their favourite characters at this convention, which includes a number of workshops, panel discussions and an artist alley. Special guests including voice actors David Sobolov (One Piece, Transformers) and Sandy Fox (Betty Boop, Sailor Moon), director Roger Christian who designed the original lightsabre, Adam Corky who hosts the podcast Do You Watch Anime? and comic artists Payton Atkinson, Lue Nuwame and Scott Wojcik.Pride Ride
Friday at 7 p.m. Starting from Gaukel Block, downtown Kitchener The City of Kitchener will mark Bike Month and Pride Month by hosting its fourth annual Pride Ride. It’s a casual and fun ride and people are encouraged to decorate their bikes. Whew! If you made it this far, thanks for reading and have an amazing weekend.Source link
