Waterloo Public Square

Come skate in the Square— rink is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Waterloo Public Square is a popular outdoor gathering place in uptown. It hosts community and city-run events year-round and is available to rent.

On this page:

  1. Getting here
  2. Skating rink – open
  3. Find shade in the square
  4. Water fountains
  5. Rent the square
  6. Report an issue

Getting here and parking

Find the square at 75 King Street South:

  • take the ION LRT to Waterloo Public Square – check Grand River Transit for routes, times and fees
  • park in nearby uptown lots – free for 2 hours on weekdays, unlimited on evenings and weekends

Skate at the uptown rink

The square features an outdoor skating rink during cold weather months. 

  • open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter season (weather permitting)
  • no sticks or pucks — this rink is not designed for hockey
  • no skate rentals on site
  • you can borrow skates from the Eastside Branch of Waterloo Public Library at RIM Park

Check our outdoor rinks page to find rinks at local parks.

Find shade in the square

Our city's history inspired the new permanent shade structures. The large leaf-like structures provide shade through wood slats mounted on steel posts. 

We also put up a giant umbrella during the summer.

Water fountains

Check out our display fountain near the entrance to the shops. It has a water wall, a series of cascading pools and lights up at night. We shut the water off for the winter.

We also have an accessible drinking water fountain available from May to October. Take a drink, fill up your water bottle and make sure your pets stay hydrated, too.

Rent the square

Waterloo Public Square is available for rent for events of all sizes. It has a maximum capacity of 2,500. Visit the Plan an event page to find everything you need to organize your event.

For event bookings or questions, contact festivals@waterloo.ca. 

Download a site plan of the square (PDF).

Waterloo Public Square has a maximum capacity of 2,500 and has these amenities:

  • hydro access (15amp, 50amp and 200amp service)
  • rental equipment such as tents, tables and chairs
  • built-in garbage/recycling receptacles
  • large and small vehicle access for deliveries and mobile stages
  • 19,000 square feet of usable, flat concrete surface
  • lighting - the square is illuminated by 22 lights, which turn on automatically at dusk
  • multiple raised platforms that can function as a stage
  • drinking water fountain – available May to October
  • non-potable water access

Important information about rental fees:

  • fees are based on single day events – we will price multiple day or reoccurring events on an individual basis
  • we will price events with over 1,000 participants on an individual basis
  • food vending spaces are subject to a Waterloo Region Public Health Permit
Vendor spaces rental fees
Vendor spaces Fee
Event length: 1 to 2 hours $38.00
Event length: 3 to 5 hours $97.00
Event length: 6+ hours $195.00
Square rental – not-for-profit rental fees
Square rental – not-for-profit  Fee
Upper terrace – 4 hours $91.00
Seat step amphitheatre – 4 hours $176.00
Main courtyard – 6 hours $267.00
Full square – 8 hours $296.00
Full square – additional hour $91.00
Square rental – commercial rental fees
Square rental – commercial  Fee
Upper terrace – 4 hours $117.00
Seat step amphitheatre – 4 hours $296.00
Main courtyard – 6 hours $533.00
Full square – 8 hours $591.00
Full square – additional hour $235.00

Important information about equipment fees:

  • we charge only what it costs us for equipment and staff time, which is either $35 per hour or the rental fee, whichever is higher
  • we offer a 50% discount on equipment fees for not-for-profit groups
Equipment Fees – per day rental fees
Vendor spaces Fee
Pop-up tents – 10 by 10 feet $77.00
Portable speaker unit $59.00
Tables – 2.5 by 6 feet $5.00
Chairs (50) $29.00
Event package – includes 10 tents, 10 tables and portable speaker $591.00

Review all event-related fees (PDF).

Report an issue

If you notice a problem in the square, such as damage, litter or maintenance needs, please let us know.

Use our Report an Issue form to submit details online.