July 1 Community Picnic
Join us for live performances, local artists, food trucks and an LED drone show at our annual July 1 community picnic.
- → Wednesday, July 1
- → 4 to 10 p.m.
- → Waterloo Park, Hilltop Picnic Area
- → Free and family-friendly
Getting here and parking
Best ways to get to Waterloo Park:
- walk, bike or roll
- take public transit – check Grand River Transit for routes and schedules
- use nearby parking lots – check our parking map
There is NO parking available at the event, and the Westmount Road park entrance will be closed to public vehicles on July 1.
Get directions to Waterloo Park
Check the weather before you go
The July 1 Community Picnic is weather dependent. If there is rain or severe weather, the event will be cancelled.
For updates, check this page or follow Create Waterloo on Instagram or Facebook.
Main stage performances
Enjoy live music and performances from talented local artists throughout the afternoon.
Stay tuned for the full schedule and artist lineup.
Food trucks
Treat yourself to a variety of tasty eats and refreshing drinks from local food trucks.
Featured vendors: BeaverTails, Berlin 95, Cafe du Monde Crêperie, Fo Cheezy, Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters, Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream, Kono Pizza, Pablas Street Food of India, Philly and Wings, The Lord of the Tacos
Giant games
Head to the lower soccer field with friends and family to play a variety of life-sized outdoor games by Spiniko— perfect for all ages.
- Featured games: Buzz Wall, Chess, Connect 4, Cornhole, Dunk Tank, Hockey, Tic-Tac-Toe, Volley Pong, 8 Ball Pool
Caricature drawings
Take home a fun keepsake with a free caricature drawing by local artist, Aoe Girard!
4 to 9 p.m.
Art market
Discover unique pieces and handmade goods from local artists and support the creative talent from your community.
Featured artists: Arcasian, Azuki Arts, Barb Thomas Pottery, Corkum Cove Collection, Daisy and Pinecone Collection, DREY Natural & Evolution, KW Roving Bookstore, Olena Chorna Fine Arts, Papercrafti, Lover of the Light! Gifts From Around the World!, Rock My Soul, ROLA, SamArtisan, Thundersnow Clay & Cards, Too Old Too Cold Oddities, Unbroken Bunny, Vintage Acorn, Witch Hazel Art, W.studio, Yuli Jewelry Designs
4 to 9 p.m.
Community fair
Connect with local non-profits from across the Waterloo Region and learn more about what’s happening in your community and how to get involved.
Featured groups coming soon.
10 p.m.
Drone show
Look up and watch an LED drone light up the sky for a one-of-a-kind performance by North Star Drone Shows.
What to bring
Pack these items to enjoy the event:
- reusable water bottles – water refill station available
- picnic blankets or camping chairs
- snacks and beverages – no alcohol
- sunscreen and bug spray
- cash – some vendors also accept debit and credit
- flashlight – help guide your way at the end of the night
Remember:
- NO fireworks
- NO alcohol
- NO personal drones – if public drones are operated during the drone show at 10 p.m., the show will be cancelled
How to get involved
Watch for opportunities to be a part of next year's event.
Applications will reopen in 2026 for:
- art market vendors - closed March 26
- community organizations - closed April 23
- event helpers - applications are currently open on our volunteer page.
Sponsorship
The July 1 Community Picnic draws over 20,000 attendees. Contact festivals@waterloo.ca for our sponsorship guide.
Funded by the Government of Canada. Financé par le gouvernement du Canada.
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