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. Main stage schedule
  4. What to know ahead of time
  5. What to bring with you
  6. Directions and parking information
  7. Get involved
  8. 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.

All day programming

Art Market

  • Runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Shop at 20 different local artist's booths
  • If you intend to purchase 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

Food Trucks

  • Runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Enjoy a variety of foods from different local food trucks
  • There will also be a water truck station for attendees to refill their reusable water bottles

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. Please note, times may be subject to change. Performance schedule to be announced.

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.

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?

Volunteer Opportunities: Applications will open in 2025.

Food Trucks: Applications will open in 2025.

Community Organizations: Applications will open in 2025.

Art Market vendors: Applications will open in 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.