Despite being a relatively small city, there are a number of great events in Waterloo to keep residents entertained throughout the year. Nearby Cambridge and Kitchener also offer a selection of popular events.
These are some of the best annual events that take place in and around the city.
Annual events in Waterloo
Canada Day (July)
The first of July is a national celebration in Canada, and expats are sure to find plenty of events and things to do in the Tri-City area of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Downtown Kitchener offers an animated celebration with free live music, lots of food and drinks, as well as a fireworks display.
Blues Festival (August)
Held each year in Kitchener, this is the signature arts and music festival within the Waterloo region and one of the largest events of the summer in the area.
Doors Open Waterloo (September)
This is a free heritage and architecture tour of special and 'secret' places in the Waterloo region. It's held on the third Saturday in September each year.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (October)
This nine-day festival celebrating the traditional beer-based German Oktoberfest is dubbed as Canada's Greatest Bavarian Festival.