Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: July 26 to 28 | CBC News (2024)

Kate Bueckert · CBC News

· Posted: Jul 26, 2024 8:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: July 26

Lots of sun is in the forecast this weekend and that's a good thingbecause there's a lot to do.

The Way Cool Vintage Market will take place Saturday between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Gaukel Block in downtown Kitchener and will include a number of vintage dealers plus a photo opportunity in a giant horseshoe.

Rhythm and Blues Cambridge is hosting an Emancipation Day celebration on Sunday in Soper Park in Cambridge. The event will include live entertainment, spoken word, food and market vendors and activities for the family.

Sunday the Roos Island Music Series continues in Kitchener's Victoria Park with a performance by Ayesha Ahad at 2 p.m.

A Repair Caféwill be hosted by the Guelph Tool Library at the Old Quebec Street Shoppes in downtown Guelph Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Things are beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Rockwood, where businesses are hosting Christmas in July events, including live music, a Christmas Eve themed farmers' market, decorations, book signings and a visit by Santa Claus.

The Kitchener Panthers are on the road to Barrie Saturday afternoon, but will host the Welland Jackfish Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jack Couch Park.

The Guelph Royals host the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hastings Stadium before heading to Fergie Jenkins Field in Chatham on Sunday to take the Barnstormers on again. The Royals are back home Tuesday night to take on the Barrie Baycats.

If you're driving this weekend, here are some local prices:

K-W Veg Fest

Saturday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Waterloo Town Square

This pop-up festival will include different plant-based food items that people can buy and sample including sweet and savoury treats.

There will also be free samples, face painting, raffle prizes and booths by local groups including Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, the Community Garden Network, and the newly formed Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative.

• K-W Veg Fest website

Wayback Festival

Friday 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Carl Zehr Square in front of city hall in downtown Kitchener

This free musical festival highlights classics. On Friday night, hear tribute bands for Foreigner and Bon Jovi.

On Saturday, there is live music all afternoon, with Spoons set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and Canadian icon Tom Cochrane at 9 p.m.

There are often games, food trucks, and deals at downtown Kitchener restaurants and bars.

• City of Kitchener event page

Summer BIPOC Market

Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Guelph Farmers' Market

The Kween Company and Feminist Markets are putting on this event with curated vendors that celebrate BIPOC artists, entrepreneurs and community members.

If you can't make this event, mark Aug. 11 in your calendar because a second market will be held on that day.

• Facebook event page

Tri-City Roller Derby Home Opener

Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Moses Springer Arena, Waterloo

Take in some early season roller derby action as the two under-18 squads, Tri-City Junior Roller Derby, compete at 5 p.m. followed by a bout where the Tri-City Lightning take on the Queen City Sirens from Buffalo, N.Y., at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance or at the door.

• Facebook event page

For the Love of Butter Tarts Festival

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira

This is just the sweetest event where people can eat their fill of this Canadian treat.

There will also be crafts, including butter tart themed items like candles, and a competition to see who has the best butter tarts.

Tickets are cash at the door.

• Explore Waterloo Region event page

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