July 1 community picnic

Find information on what Waterloo is doing for July 1, 2025.

On this page

  1. About the July 1 Community Picnic
  2. All day programming
  3. Scheduled programming
  4. Main stage schedule
  5. What to know
  6. What to bring
  7. Directions and parking
  8. Get involved
  9. Sponsorship

About the July 1 Community Picnic

Spend the afternoon in Waterloo Park with local artists, food trucks and giant games at the July 1 Community Picnic. The event runs 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the West side of Waterloo Park, near the Bandshell.

Find out more about Canada Day and how we celebrate our community in an inclusive way that is mindful of Canada's history on our Indigenous Reconciliation web page.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

All day programming

Main Stage

  • Watch live performances by local musicians on the big outdoor stage

Food Trucks

  • Enjoy a variety of foods from different local food trucks including: Pablas Street Food of India, BeaverTails, Berlin 95, Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters, Donkey Kone, Fo' Cheezy, Cafe du Monde Crêperie, Kono Pizza, The Lord of the Tacos
  • There will also be a water truck station for attendees to refill their reusable water bottles

Giant Games

  • Have fun with various outdoor family-friendly giant games, provided by Spiniko

Scheduled programming 

Art Market

  • Runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Shop at local artist's booths: Christopher He Ceramics, The Art of Ken Daley, Jane Ann McLachlan Books and Book Accessories, beauty cat co., Arcasian, KW Writers Roving Bookstore, Mountain Woodwork Canada, Nessie in the Shade Art and Illustration, Liminal Record, Barb Thomas Pottery, Trevor Clare Art, Studio 648 Pottery, Rola, DREY Natural and Evolution, K&K Stickers and Prints, Thundersnow Clay and Cards, and Design House of Maya
  • Get a caricature portrait drawn by Havilah Jane Art
  • Get a henna tattoo by KRIVAA Henna Tattoo
  • If you intend to purchase an item or service from the art market, all vendors accept cash with some accepting credit and debit at their own discretion

Community Organization Fair

  • Runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Meet some of the amazing community organizations in Waterloo and find out how to get involved
  • Participating groups: ActOUT!, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Homer Watson House & Gallery, Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener Area (CAFKA), Focus on Nature, Inter Arts Matrix, Neruda Arts, MAP Lab, Student Art Innovation Lab (SAIL), Sikh Student Association, and Waterloo Terry Fox Run

Drone Show

  • Begins at 10 p.m.
  • View a 100 piece LED drone show that will light up the sky above the Waterloo Park bandshell
  • Created by North Star Drone Shows

Main stage schedule

The main stage, located in front of the Bandshell on the West side of Waterloo Park, will be programmed with local talent and emceed by local artist, Sam Nabi. Please note, times may be subject to change.

Stage Lineup 

  • 4:00 p.m. – Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy
  • 4:20 p.m. – Undercover
  • 5:10 p.m. – Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy
  • 5:45 p.m. – Sam Nabi
  • 7:00 p.m. – Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes
  • 7:50 p.m. – Waterloo Warriors Band
  • 8:45 p.m. – Xperience Muzic
  • 10:00 p.m. – Bodywaltz (drone show)

What to know

  • The event is free to attend for everyone.
  • The event begins at 4 p.m. and will end when the drone show is finished, around 10:15 p.m.
  • Parking is NOT available on site, but options have been provided in the section below.
  • First Aid Services and Security are on site — if you have an emergency, please find someone at the booths located beside the stage.
  • Personal fireworks are NOT allowed at this event.
  • The use of personal drones are NOT permitted at this event. Please note, if public drones are being operated during the drone show at 10 p.m., the show will be unable to proceed. 

What to bring

  • Reusable water bottles
  • Picnic blankets or camping chairs to sit on
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (examples include comfortable shoes, sun hats, layers, etc)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Snacks and beverages (alcohol is NOT permitted in the park)
  • If you intend to purchase from food trucks or artists, all vendors accept cash with some accepting credit and debit.

How to get here and parking info

  • This event is hosted at on the west side of Waterloo Park at the bandshell. The closest address to find using Google Maps would be 100 Westmount Rd, N, Waterloo, ON.
  • Please note, the entrance to the West Side of Waterloo Park (off of Westmount Rd.) will be closed all day to vehicles for the event. Attendees are encouraged to find other methods of transportation or park in one of the nearby lots.
  • Need help finding parking? Check our parking map.

Want to get involved?

Art Market vendors: Closed April 17, 2025

Food Trucks: Closed May 30, 2025

Community Organizations: Closed May 30, 2025

Volunteer Opportunities: Closed June 9, 2025

Sponsorship

Is your business interested in supporting the July 1 Community Picnic? This great community event hosts over 20,000 attendees. We have many opportunities for your business to be highlighted including in-person activation zones. Please contact festivals@waterloo.ca for our Sponsorship Guide and more information.

Last updated on June 30, 2025

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