Waterloo Region is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with major annual events that are sure to attract large crowds.
However, this happens to be during a time when air quality is quite poor, with alerts about heavy smoke expected to last at least through Friday and Saturday.
Before you head out to any of the events, make sure to check for the latest updates on cancellations, closures, and advisories.
Environment Canada officials recommend that if you’re going outside, limit your time outdoors 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, here’s what’s still on the agenda for this weekend.
Kitchener kicks off its Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show on Friday. This marks the 23rd year of the event taking over Victoria Park for one weekend each summer.
The city has stated that even though the event will go on as planned, there will be shaded areas, mist tents, free water refills, and an indoor space nearby at city hall to help everyone stay cool.
The Ribfest & Craft Beer Show features only local and Ontario-based vendors along with live entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone.
It’s all free! Organizers just ask for donations to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Last year they raised over $10,000 and collected 435 lbs of food. Since 2008, they’ve gathered a total of $122,061 and 18,544 lbs of food for those in need within our community.
Staying in Kitchener’s downtown area, Afro Vibes: The Festival will take place at Carl Zehr Square on Saturday afternoon/evening.
This free event attracts thousands every year who come together to celebrate African culture, art, music, and community spirit.
Main festival activities begin at 2 p. m. as part of Afro Vibes Week.
This Friday through Sunday also features the Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival. It’s another free event showcasing urban jazz, funk, R & B, big band sounds and traditional jazz performances.
The festival kicks off on Friday with artists like Jessica Lalonde, Paul Fehderau Quintet, Take Five Plays Desmond (Featuring Tim Moher), Tim Louis and Four80East hitting the stage.
You can find the full schedule here.
A great update for local vendors and farmers: The City of Kitchener announced that the Kitchener Market will be open this Saturday with limited outdoor experiences available!
If you’re heading over to Cambridge this weekend – there’s a viewing party happening in Gaslight District for this week’s World Cup final. You can check here for more information about scheduling or potential changes regarding moving indoors if needed.
It’s worth noting that unfortunately the Cambridge Scottish Festival won’t be happening this weekend as it was canceled just last week due to a shortage of volunteers.
The festival was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year but organizers hope they’ll return in 2027. Keep it Factual Add City News Kitchener as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
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The festival was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year but organizers hope they’ll return in 2027. Keep it Factual Add City News Kitchener as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
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