What to do.

Tuesday, August 25

Kitchener Public Library has a free screening of Eddington at 6:30 pm at the Central Library.

Stockyards Brewing has BREWS & BRAINS - Trivia night with Emma from 7 to 9 pm.

Catch Johanna Daze live at the Roos Island Music Series at 7 pm.

Wednesday, August 26

Rusty Nail Comedy has its PRO AM night for only $5 at TWH Social. Doors at 7:30, comedy at 8 pm.

KPL Forest Heights Library has Drop-in Bike Repair with Red Raccoon Bike Rescue from 6 to 8 pm.

It's time for another patio edition of Hops & High Notes with Grand River Opera at TWB Brewing! Enjoy a captivating evening of opera and musical theatre favourites performed by incredible local talent in a laid-back setting. Entry is pay-what-you-can, with proceeds supporting GRO’s next production.

Come grab a drink, eat one of the city’s best smash burgers , meet some great people, check out some incredible bikes, and help kick off the The Long Haul Collective's Bike Night at Arabella Park Beer Bar from 6 to 9 pm.

Thursday, August 27

World-class street performers take over Uptown Waterloo for the 38th annual Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival running from Thursday to Sunday. Watch jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, fire acts, and comedians from around the globe across more than 50 scheduled performances, plus food trucks, midway rides, and an Artist Alley. Admission works busker-style: watch the show, then pay what you can when performers pass the hat. 

There's a special Thursday night Rusty Nail Comedy show with headliner Chris Robinson at TWH Social at 8 pm.

The Margins Club has a Quiet Reading Night at Midnight Run Cafe from 6 to 8 pm.

Didn't get tickets to Melissa Auf der Maur's book event at KPL? No worries, you can still join the special edition of Lit & Wit Trivia — 90s Rock and Alternative Music Trivia at 6 pm.

The Uptown BIA Night Market is back the Waterloo Public Library's Main Library from 7 to 10 pm.

Jolene hosts Classic Rock Music Bingo at The Rabbid Fox starting at 8 pm.

Friday, August 28

Black Zeus headlines Rusty Nail Comedy on Friday and Saturday at TWH Social. Both shows start at 8 pm.

The DTK BIA x Good Co. Productions bring you another secret show at Volgelsang Green with Sunset Sessions at 7 pm.

Short Finger Brewing has Live in a Dive with Cam in the Van and special guest Ella. It's a summer staple on the SFBC patio featuring violin, Disney and Green Day Covers and Cam getting funny, awkward, and sweaty.

TWB's Patio Music Series presents Funk 'n Circumstance from 7 to 9:30 pm. Their name says it all! FnC's repertoire consists primarily of instrumental covers with some Jazz, Funk, and R&B, as well as instrumental takes on pop/rock classics, and some downright quirky choices that have you grooving the night away.

Saturday, August 29

Back at Short Finger Brewing on Saturday, it's the Community Clean-Up. Join Rob to help clean up the neighbourhood. Meet at Short Finger and go out around the area and picking up garbage to help make the hood look good. Come back after for a beer. 12 to 1 pm.

Waterloo Public Library and The ADHD + Spectrum Centre present ADHD Strategies for Success from 1-2:30 pm. Explore self‑regulation and how it can support everyday skills like time management, organization, and focus. 

Sam Soga is playing live at TWB Brewing from 2 to 4 pm. Soga is a dynamic Contemporary R&B vocalist and seasoned live performer based in Cambridge.

The Mennonite Central Committee invites you to Bucket of Thanks, a family-friendly open house where giving back is the main event. Pack a relief kit that will be shipped overseas, taste a sample of meat prepared in the cannery, and pick up some canned meat in support of MCC’s relief work. 10-2 at 65 Heritage Dr. in New Hamburg.

Whether you are a lifelong railfan, a modeller, or a curious newcomer, the Waterloo Railway Exposition is for you. Explore incredible model displays by regional prototype modellers, meet railway preservation groups, tour the Waterloo Central Railway restoration shop, attend informative clinics, visit open house layouts, and experience the thrill of riding behind historic steam locomotive No. 9. August 29-30 at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs.

The Boathouse transforms into Into The Void, a late-night haven for the dark and the dance-driven from 11–2 am with a soundtrack of goth, post-punk, dark wave, industrial, EBM, and metal—deep cuts, heavy rhythms, and shadow-soaked energy designed to keep you moving. $10 cash at the door. 19+

Sunday, August 30

Brooks, the River Rats Run Club, and your favourite locally owned running shop, Runners' Choice Waterloo, are heading to Four Fathers Brewing for Sunday Shakeout, a community afternoon designed for every pace! Whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking for a social walk and a chat, we want to see you there! Demo and pop-up shop at 2, social run + walk at 3, post run social starts at 4:30.

The Boathouse is proud to present beat machine master and world travelled performer Fresh Kils accompanied by Jonathan Deppisch on sax, and Nicholas Mustapha on keys. The Fresh Kils Trio brings a completely fresh take on improvised live/electronic performance. Joined by Mike Gatto and the DJs from A Crate Night Out, this will be a Sunday afternoon built on beats and vibes. 4pm - 8pm.

Monday, August 31

The Princess Twin has a screening of The Dog Stars at 1, 3:45, 6:30, and 9:10.

Ways to get involved.

The Hockey Helps the Homeless Game Changer 50/50 is underway!

Ticket buyers across Ontario can enter for a chance to win a guaranteed minimum payout of $10,000 awarded to one winner in the Grand Prize Draw on October 31st.

Early Bird Draw 1 ($2,000 cash): September 1st, 2026 @ 8:00PM EST
Early Bird Draw 2 ($1,000 cash): October 1st, 2026 @ 8:00PM EST

Want to get involved with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest? Join as a volunteer! Oktoberfest volunteers are an important part of what makes events happen. Whether you’re helping at the Willkommen Platz, Thanksgiving Day Parade or another event throughout the year, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

What to read.

Kitchener Market will reopen in September with a ‘modified’ format (Jennifer K Baker, CTV Kitchener)

More than just jerk chicken and rum. Jasmine Mangalaseril explores Jamaican food in Waterloo Region (CBC KW)