Explore fun and free events

From summer festivals to winter traditions — discover what’s happening in Waterloo.

Check out city events

Grow Your Creative Career

Access funding and artist opportunities to help bring your creative vision to life.

Artist and maker resources

Discover Waterloo’s Public Art 

Experience our diverse collection — where stories, culture and creativity meet.

Discover Waterloo's Public Art

Create Waterloo

Check out these free, family-friendly events and programs

Group of people browsing outdoor vendor booths on a city street on sunny day.

Art
Market
A group of people joyfully dancing outdoors at a festival, surrounded by colourful lights.

Dance
It Off 
Tuesdays
A large crowd of people sitting on grass and chairs to watch an outdoor movie screening at dusk on a large inflatable screen, surrounded by trees.

Movies
in the
Park
Two-Spirit Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride flag with colourful lights on a black background.

Beats in the Square
Child waving from inside a construction vehicle with an operator, alongside icons showing heavy equipment, a smiling face, and a celebration symbol on a bright yellow background.

Service 
Centre 
Open House
A break dancer balances on their head with legs in the air at an outdoor event with people seated in casual chairs observing.

Open
Streets
Musicians and singers perform under stage lights at an outdoor concert, with a crowd watching.

July 1 
Community 
Picnic
A collage of women in science, technology, medicine and innovation with colourful icons and graphic overlays.

Iron Willed: Women in STEM exhibit
A person and a child are looking at a large outdoor game board of Guess Who on a sunny say in Waterloo Park with other people in the background.

Day of
Play
A picnic table painted bright pink with the words “get creative” and playful illustrations.

Picnic Table Program
A street banner with colourful artwork hangs from a pole on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.

Waterloo Park 
Art Walk
A Trail Mix sign with a QR code stands beside a walking trail, inviting people to scan and listen to local music.

Trail Mix
A vibrant nighttime scene at Lumen with a crowd gathering around illuminated art installations in Waterloo Public Square.

Lumen
An large origami-style sculpture is displayed beside a field of wildflowers under a blue sky.

Public
Art
Two people swing high in the air on an amusement ride against a blue sky.

All city events

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Explore arts and creative industries in Waterloo

Learn how the city supports artists and creative work in our community. 

Public Art

Explore our Public Art Map and learn more about temporary and community art programs.

Artist and maker resources

Apply for open calls, join the artist roster and find workshops.

Apply for an Arts Grant

Get arts funding for your organization. Check who can apply and when applications are due.

Artists in Neighbourhoods

Get funding for collaborative art projects with artists and neighbours.

Film in Waterloo

Get help with film and TV production – connect with city staff and apply for a permit.

Museum and cultural heritage

Visit the City of Waterloo Museum and learn about Waterloo’s cultural heritage.

Visitor Information Centre

Open May to October in uptown Waterloo, the centre offers maps, guides and local tips.

Advertising and sponsorship

Promote your business through city advertising or sponsorships.
Singer performing on stage under pink lights during an outdoor event.

Join the Artist Roster

Get updates on upcoming artist calls, professional development opportunities and more.

Join the Artist Roster

Community events

View all events

Visit the City of Waterloo Museum

Our city museum is a heritage portal where visitors connect with Waterloo's past, building shared experiences and enhancing culture.

Hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturdays in July and August

Admission is always free.
City of Waterloo logo

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festivals@waterloo.ca
519-747-8706

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