A person in casual clothing performs break dancing on an outdoor stage in Waterloo Public Square, with people sitting on red chairs watching in the background.
An individual is drawing caricatures at an outdoor event with several people observing around.

Open Streets

Celebrate the livable cities movement with music, art, games and community in a car-free space.

  • → Saturday, June 13
  • → noon to 6 p.m.
  • → Waterloo Public Square and Willis Way
  • → Free and family-friendly

Getting here and parking

Best ways to get here:

Get directions to Waterloo Public Square


Check the weather before you go

Open Streets 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.


What's happening

A person breakdancing on an outdoor stage, bending down with one leg raised and an audience of people energetically observing.

Live music and dance battles

Watch local artists and the talented KW Breakers crew light up the stage in Waterloo Public Square:

  • 12:15 p.m. – Waterloo Warriors Band
  • 1 p.m. – Break dance battles
  • 3 p.m. – Halftime show by Shark the SOB and Shua James
  • 4 p.m. – Break dance battles
People browsing vendors booths on a city street under a blue sky.

Art market

Discover handmade goods and one-of-a-kind finds from local artists, crafters, and makers on Willis Way.

  • Featured artists: Beauty of Botany, Cailyn Creative, Crooked Rootz, Crochet Cove, DraInk, Flâneur Floral Studio, Ginseng Designs, Emily Tragedy, Forest Greetings, Maryna Badzym, Mightycat Scents, Oui! Baguettes, Red Oak Ceramics, Studio Syd, The CroChic Shop, Yellow-Dog Studios - Laura Johnston
An artist sketches a person's portrait on a canvas at an outdoor event.

Interactive art activities

Stop by on Willis Way to get the perfect keepsake from the day.

  • Caricature drawings by local artist Havilah Farenhorst
  • Glitter tattoos by actOUT!

Community chalk art

Join in on a colourful mandala chalk art activity in Waterloo Public Square. Add your creativity and help build a beautiful community masterpiece.

Giant games

Have fun with giant games and hands-on art activities. More details coming soon.

Live DJ sets

Head over to Willis Way and groove to live music by DJ $ensi Bø¥.

2:20 to 4:30 p.m.

Circus and stilt performances

Be amazed by Free Flow Visual Artistry, bringing dazzling circus acts, stilt walking, bubbles and more throughout the afternoon.

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Flamenco performance

Feel the rhythm with a live performance by local flamenco duo CalúJules. Stay around for a fun intro lesson and learn some basic steps and clapping!


What to bring

Pack these items to enjoy the event:

  • hat and sunscreen
  • reusable water bottle – water fountain available
  • cash – some vendors may not accept card payments 

Apply to be a vendor

Applications to participate in the Open Streets art market are now closed.

Learn more on the Artist and maker resources page.


Sponsorship

Open Streets draws thousands of attendees to uptown Waterloo each year. 

Contact festivals@waterloo.ca to learn more and get our sponsorship guide.

 

 

Get the latest arts and culture news

Follow Create Waterloo on Instagram, Facebook and X, or subscribe to the What's Happening Waterloo newsletter.

Language