15 Sep 2025

Hespeler Arena has the best rink fries.

TL;WR for September 16 through September 22 2025

What to do.

Tuesday, September 16

The Princess Twin has a screening of “Caught Stealing” at 9:10 pm.

KPL has a Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival screening of “A Dream Called Khushi”, winner of the 2024 Student Oscar (Bronze) and the 2025 Student Emmy. It follows Khushi, a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh, whose determined pursuit of education gained global attention after an Associated Press journalist shared her story.

The Scram and Dram has 90s trivia starting at 7 pm.

Wednesday, September 17

UW Music Noon Hour Concerts return with Vienna-based Cuore Piano Trio exploring the expressive breadth of the piano trio form through two contrasting masterworks: Joseph Haydn’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Hob XV:29 and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67. Noon at the Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.

Women Run Waterloo has a Women’s Social Run at 6 pm. Meet them over at the best running store in town, Runners’ Choice Waterloo.

Rusty Nail Comedy’s Pro/Am show is back at TWH Social—and it’s only $5!

Grab your bike and head to KPL central for KPL Green - Book & Bike: A Community Bike Ride and Discussion at 6 pm. This program is for adult cyclists of all ability levels.

Democracy in Action is a community-powered non-profit that shines a spotlight on the changemakers shaping a more informed, inclusive, and resilient democratic society. They’re having a launch event on September 17 at Kitchener Public Library from 5 to 7.

A new trivia League is starting in town at Bingemans Kingpin Bowlounge! Trivia on Tap is hosted Joey (@unclejoeyy) and runs for six weeks starting on Sept. 17. Free to join, six players max per team, and awesome weekly and league prizes!

Try your had at Scottish Country Dance with the folks from Scottish Country Dance in UpTown Waterloo. No experience or kilt needed. 7:30 to 9:30 pm at 22 Willow.

Thursday, September 18

Ernie Vicente is the headliner for a special Rusty Nail Comedy night at the Underwing inside the Gaslight District. Show starts at 8 pm.

Brian Stewart, one of Canada’s most trusted and decorated foreign correspondents, visits Kitchener Public Library to discuss his new memoir In conversation with CBC KW's Joe Pavia. 7 pm at Central Branch.

12th Annual Waterloo Region HHTH Tournament to support the homeless in the Region has its puck drop launch event this Thursday. Hot dogs, beans, chips and dessert will be served, with a cash bar onsite. A small silent auction and some presentations will happen during the event from 11:30 to 2 pm. KW Naval Association, 315 Weber St N, Waterloo.

Take Back The Night returns to Waterloo Region this year with community booths, speakers, a drag performer, a face painter, and the march. Hosted by SASCWR at the Gaukel Block in DTK.

Thursday Waterloo and AristoCanine have a Singles Pawty with dog-friendly karaoke from 7 to 10 pm. Singles only, $15 and they have a special 2-for-1 bring a friend deal.

The Princess Cinema is celebrating 40 years with a Block Party starting at 6 pm. They’ll have and indoor and outdoor screening plus snacks and drinks at Jane Bond..

Friday, September 19

KWAG invites you to celebrate the opening of its Fall Exhibition Cycle on September 19. Meet the artists of Auto-Biography: Vehicles of identity, community, and globalization and enjoy live music from a Special Guest DJ Charlie Star.

Your Kitchener Rangers are back for the 25/26 season with an exciting roster of some of the best young hockey talent in the OHL! On September 19, head to the Aud for their home opener against the visiting Brantford Bulldogs.

Pull on your boots, break out your denim and flannel, and get ready for an evening of country charm and lively fun at Harvest Hoedown 2025 on Friday, September 19, from 5:00–10:00 PM. With live music, great food, dancing, and local vendors, Harvest Hoedown 2025 is the perfect way to kick off the season.

Cambridge’s Dickinson Park comes alive with music, entertainment, and great friends at Fest2Fall. This year’s two-day festival features the Barenaked Ladies, Dwayne Gretzky, Sloan and more!

Chuck Byrn headlines Rusty Nail Comedy at TWH Social at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, September 20

The Kitchener Fire Department keeps fire safety a top priority as they host their annual open house on Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at Kitchener Fire headquarters, 270 Strasburg Rd. It’s a morning of family-friendly activities, including demonstrations, a climbing wall, food trucks, and more. This is a free event and non-perishable food donations will be accepted on behalf of Food4Kids Waterloo Region.

The Royal Medieval Faire is back in Waterloo Park from 11 to 6 pm. It’s a a day filled with knightly duels, archery, dancing, medieval craftsmen, royal feasts and whimsical performances that will transport you to a bygone era.

Head to Gibson Park in Elmira for the 3rd annual Multicultural Festival of Elmira on September 20, presented by Hearts Open for Everyone (HOPE). The festival celebrates and raises awareness of diversity and inclusion through performances, workshops, services, and vendors so everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

The Pinch Cabaret variety show is back from summer vacation! The 42nd edition of this legendary series features a surprising mix of comedy, music, analog projector art, storytelling, quantum physics, poetry & who knows what else!!! Sat September 20 - 8pm at Hepcat Swing Studio - 42 Erb St, Waterloo. Sliding scale tix $5-$30.

Nerdua Arts presents the All That Worldly Jazz Festival 2025 in St. Jacobs. It’s three days of music celebrating diverse cultural expressions of jazz.

Enjoy a guided tour of Castle Kilbride and its exhibit at Whimsical Weekends: Handmade Hobbies Edition. After the tour, participants will create a watercolour book to take home!

The Falls Road Pub welcomes headliner AJ Bate for a Rusty Nail Comedy night starting at 7:30 pm.

When was the last time you strolled around Cambridge looking for something to eat Let STROLL take the guess work out of your wandering by introducing you to 9 unique restaurants, gourmet food shops, hidden gems, sweet treats and eateries of Historic Galt in Downtown Cambridge! 2 to 5 pm.

Lumen is an immersive festival celebrating light, art and technology. Experience awe-inspiring installations as you explore the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Uptown Waterloo.

Party like it’s 1999 at Maxwell’s Concerts and Events with the Let’s Get Retro! 90’s Video Dance Party. All your favourite 90’s party hits will be on the playlist—it’s the best boom box in town!

The Lemon Bucket Orkestra plays The Hub KW. Doors at 7, music at 8.

Sunday, September 21

rare’s 16th annual walk, hike, and run fundraiser is your chance to help raise funds to protect environmentally sensitive lands in our community today and for the future. End the day with a celebratory BBQ at the rare ECO Centre.

The Union is hosting Breakdowns For Benefits, featuring Antenna Sierra, 027, Local Goblin, and Backbone. They’ll have a vendor market from 3 to 7 pm, and music from 8 to 11 pm.

Monday, September 22

The Princess Twin and the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics have a screening of “Particle Fever” at 6:30 pm, featuring a Q&A with physicist Savas Dimopoulos and Mark Levinson.

KPL Central Hills is hosting a Neighbourhood Tree Walk at 6:30 pm.

Come celebrate Hobbit Day with an ultimate test of your fan credentials. Friend of the newsletter Melodie is running a Tolkien trivia night at the Adventurer's Guild Cafe and Tavern in DTK on September 22.

Ways to get involved.

The 2025 KW Roper Romp is a fun, themed afternoon event inspired by Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company, bringing the community together on Saturday, September 20 from 1 to 5 pm for retro outfits, good vibes, and great food—all in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Tickets are $10. Your ticket earns you a third annual bracelet and a chance to win some prizes! Registration is from 12:30–1 p.m. inside Shops at Waterloo Town Square with a group photo to follow.