Lumen
Explore this year's festival on the official Lumen website
Experience an exciting night where light, art and technology transform Uptown Waterloo with interactive installations and performances by local and international artists.
- → September 19, 2026
- → 6 to 11 p.m.
- → Uptown Waterloo
- → free and family-friendly
Getting here and parking
Lumen installations will spread across Uptown Waterloo, from Silver Lake to Waterloo City Hall. Explore the full festival using the Lumen Google Map.
Best ways to get here:
- walk, bike or roll
- take public transit – check Grand River Transit for routes and schedules
- use nearby parking lots – check our uptown parking map
There will be NO parking available at Waterloo Public Library (main branch) or Visitor Information Centre.
Check the weather
Immersive installations
Discover 30+ immersive installations, experiences and live performances by local, national and international artists.
Live DJ beats
Keep the night going with live beats from some of the region’s best local DJs.
Featuring: DJ King Kadeem and DJ Nitemare
Food truck hub
Good food, refreshing drinks and local flavour await! Stop by the Visitor Information Centre to enjoy a variety of local food trucks.
Featuring: Dosa on Wheels, Fo’Cheezy, Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters, Los Rolling Tacos, Mega Cone Creamery, Pabla’s Street Food of India, Siggi’s, The Serial Griller, The Wild Boar, Wing Monster & Poutinerie
What to know
Information booths
Need information, directions or help during the festival? Stop by one of the information booths located throughout the festival grounds, where our staff and volunteers are happy to help.
Don't forget to grab a Lumen brochure to help navigate the festival, discover installations and plan your night!
Accessibility
We’re proud to support an inclusive and accessible experience for the Deaf community.
An ASL interpreter will be available and stationed at the Visitor Information Centre to provide assistance throughout the festival.
First aid and security
If you have an emergency or need assistance, visit the First Aid and Security booth beside the Visitor Information Centre.
Security staff and festival volunteers will also be circulating throughout the festival grounds and are available to help with questions, concerns or emergencies.
Find a washroom
Find nearby washrooms:
- Uptown Loo
- City Hall - use the outside entrance on Regina Street South
- Visitor Information Centre
- Waterloo Public Library (main library) - portable washrooms in the lower lot
- Waterloo Park East
How to get involved
Watch for opportunities to be a part of this year's festival!
Applications will open in 2026 for:
- event helpers - applications are currently open on our volunteer page
- food trucks – applications closed July 28
- artists – applications closed March 26
Sponsorship
Lumen draws over 40,000 attendees each year to explore uptown Waterloo. By sponsoring Lumen, your company will enjoy a set of perks such as brand exposure, event advertising, and the opportunity to connect directly with a diverse range of target audiences.
Contact festivals@waterloo.ca for more information and our sponsorship guide.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
University of Waterloo, Uptown Waterloo BIA, Centre for International Governance Innovation, Mattamy Homes, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Toronto, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
We gratefully acknowledge this year's venue sponsors: Button Factory Arts, Waterloo Public Library, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery.
Photography notice
Photos and videos may be taken during this event and used by the City of Waterloo in print and digital communications, including the city's website, social media channels and promotional materials.
By attending Lumen, you consent to the City of Waterloo using your image and voice in print and digital communications.
If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, please speak with city staff at the event or contact festivals@waterloo.ca.
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