Explore fun and free events

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

Check out city events

Discover Waterloo’s Public Art 

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

Discover Waterloo's Public Art

Grow Your Creative Career

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

Artist and maker resources

Create Waterloo

Check out these free, family-friendly events and programs

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

Lumen
Two people smile at camera, wearing vampire teeth and clothes at evening event outdoors.

Waterloo 
Vampire
Hangout
A child skates with two adults on an outdoor rink at night, smiling as snow falls.

New Year's
Eve
Celebration
A pair of white figure skates hang above an outdoor rink lit with warm lights.

Skate Night
Date Night
An artist carves a large ice sculpture outdoors in the snow.

Winterloo 
January 23
An individual is drawing caricatures on paper at an outdoor event.

Artist
open calls
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 picnic table painted bright pink with the words “get creative” and playful illustrations.

Picnic Table Program
A mural on a brick wall showing a person sitting cross-legged, surrounded by bright leaves, flowers and birds.

National
Indigenous
Peoples Day
A street banner with colourful artwork hangs from a pole on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.

Waterloo Park 
Art Walk
A collage of women in science, technology, medicine and innovation with colourful icons and graphic overlays.

Iron Willed: Women in STEM exhibit
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.
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Contact us

festivals@waterloo.ca
519-747-8706

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