City of Kitchener Announces In-Person Events are Returning in 2022

It was announced today that many events are planned for this year at various locations in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.  Many familiar festivities and getting set to happen soon along with some new ones too!

Here is a list provided by the City of Kitchener

 

Events and festivals 

King StrEATery Food Truck Festival & Our World Festival of Music 

Sunday, June 12 

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region for the largest food truck festival of the year with more than a dozen food trucks, craft beer garden, live music,

 and entertainment.  

Neighbours Night 

Friday, June 17, Victoria Park 

Kick off the summer with the city’s first major outdoor event since 2019. Bring your lawn chairs to Victoria Park, reconnect with neighbours from across our community

 and enjoy a free concert headlined by national recording artists Virginia to Vegas and Delaney Jane with special guest Reve. More details to come.  

Neighbours Day

Saturday, June 18 

Residents are invited to join us for a neighbourhood porch party! From porches to driveways, front lawns to boulevards, local musicians will lend their unique talents

 by staging pop-up concerts in neighbourhoods all over Kitchener.  

Summer Lights Festival 

Saturday, June 18 

Ignite the night by celebrating the best of art, tech, dance, music and creative experiences in Downtown Kitchener. More details about the region’s most popular nighttime festival will be announced in the coming months. 

KW Multicultural Festival

 June 25-26, Victoria Park 

An opportunity for the community to share food, fun, music, and dance. Featuring community groups, ethnic associations, artisans, and both professional and amateur

 performers from our community. Applications will open soon. 

Canada Day 

Friday, July 1, Downtown Kitchener 

Join us for the annual Canada Day celebration on July 1 in downtown Kitchener with activities for the whole family and a huge concert into the evening to cap off the night. 

Cruising on King 

Friday, July 9, Downtown Kitchener 

The biggest street party of the year is back with classic cars lining King Street surrounded by live entertainment and bustling patios. 

 

Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show 

July 15-17, Victoria Park 

Celebrate the best summer has to offer! Enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, an incredible selection of Ontario craft-brewed beer, plus live entertainment,

 and a Kids Fun Zone, all in the open atmosphere of Victoria Park. 

Wayback Festival 

Saturday, July 23 

Kitchener’s annual classic-rock weekend returns under a new name. This year’s concert will be headlined by legendary Canadian rockers. Stay tuned for artist announcements.  

 

TD Kitchener Blues Festival 

August 4-7, Downtown Kitchener 

The largest true blues festival in Canada returns with four days of outstanding international blues acts and local talent.

Kidspark

 

Sunday, August 21, Victoria Park 

It’s fun. It’s free. It’s amazing.  Kids of all ages are invited to the annual festival in Victoria Park, bringing together music, learning, food, and fun. 

K-W Oktoberfest 

September 23 – October 15 

Canada’s largest Bavarian Festival is back this year, better than ever! Onkel Hans and Tante Frieda are excited to see you don your Tracht, raise a stein, polka around, and enjoy delicious Bavarian cuisine from German Clubs and local restaurant partners. 

KW Greek Festival 

Eat, drink, dance, Opa! 2022 festival date and details to be announced. 

 

Local sports 

Kitchener Rangers 

The Rangers are welcoming fans back in full capacity at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. There are only two home games left at the Aud this season where you can cheer on the Rangers as they make a late season playoff push.  

KW Titans 

Opening their National Basketball League of Canada season with a new coach in February, the Titans are happy to welcome fans back in full capacity at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Single and group tickets are on sale now. 

Kitchener Panthers 

The Intercounty Baseball League season is almost here! The Panthers’ opening day is on Friday, May 20 in London and they return to Jack Couch Park for their home opener on Monday, May 23. Single and season tickets are on sale now. 

City facilitates and downtown patios 

Kitchener Market 

Full capacity and special events have returned to the Kitchener Market! Visit the Market events calendar to see what is planned, like the

DTK Maple Sugar Shack on April 2. The Saturday farmers’ market will have vendors moving outdoors soon. Look for live music, movies, artisan markets, cooking and DIY classes all spring and summer. 

Community centres 

City community centres are hosting fun and activities throughout the spring and summer. Look for neighbourhood events near you 

Outdoor patios 

Restaurant patios have become a permanent fixture across our community. The City anticipates as many as 75 expanded patios to continue across Kitchener. 25 of these patios will be in Downtown Kitchener thanks to the Downtown Kitchener BIA’s Patio Program featuring a custom-designed patio experience.

 

Arts and culture 

KW Art Gallery: Expressions 

February 19 – May 15, 2022 

Every year, Expressions showcases student art from across Waterloo Region and highlights the perspectives and experiences of young artists in our community. This year,

 students were encouraged to see celestial movement as a symbol of change and reflect on how they have moved, adapted and grown over the past year. 

THEMUSEUM: UNZIPPED 

Extended until April 18, 2022 

UNZIPPED is the first international exhibition devoted to the world-famous rock band, The Rolling Stones. 

For more info please visit https://www.kitchener.ca/en/news/welcome-back-kitchener-city-coming-back-to-life-with-in-person-events-festivals-and-sports.aspx

The City of Kitchener Brings a New Version of The Safety Dance for 2021

When we heard the words “The Safety Dance” it conjured up memories of Men Without Hats and their 80s hit Safety Dance.

 

Now in 2021, The City of Kitchener has a new Safety Dance to help citizens remember all the precautions they should be taking during the pandemic. It includes reminders to wash your hand, wear your mask, stay 6 feet apart and shelter at home. The Safety Dance Challenge is up and running and by posting your version, you have a chance to win prizes too!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Kitchener (@cityofkitchener)

 

 

Even Mayor Berry is getting in on the action.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Kitchener (@cityofkitchener)

 

“As the pandemic wears on, it’s important that we keep public health safety measures top of mind,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Our safety dance challenge is a fun, lighthearted way to get up, move, and challenge friends and family to do the same. I’d encourage everyone – families with kids, teens, adults, and seniors to all take the challenge.”

 

The Safety Dance Challenge Info

The Kitchener Safety Dance Challenge:

·         Visit www.instagram.com/cityofkitchener for the safety dance soundtrack and choreography.

·         Learn the moves, record the dance on your own or with some friends and family.

·         Post the Instagram reel to your Instagram story with hashtag #KitchenerSafetyDance, tagging @cityofkitchener and challenge at least two friends to do the same.

  

With prizes up for grabs, Kitchener residents are encouraged to be creative with their safety dance challenge entry. The grand prize winner will win a Campfire Evening Getaway prize pack. This prize pack includes a free reservation at the Stanley Park community centre fire pit on an evening of your choice as well as a $75 grocery store gift card to buy all of your favourite campfire snacks. Five random entry winners will also each win a $45 gift card to a local restaurant or bake shop. 

 

All month long, the City will be featuring safety dance contest entries on the City’s Instagram story.

One entry per person. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2021.

 

We want to see your #KitchenerSafetyDance videos too! Post the link to your video in the comments and we will make sure to LIKE it!

 

Christkindl Market, Kitchener’s Other German Festival – Media Coverage

Many of you are very familiar with the annual Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest German Festival, but did you know we have a second German Festival that happens during the Christmas season?

This year the Christkindl Market, known as Canada’s Original Festival of German Christmas, makes its return for the 21^st year at Kitchener Ontario’s City Hall from December 7 to 10, 2017

We were invited to this year’s Christkindl Market Media Event and learned quite a bit about the origin of the festival and what can be expected at this year’s event.

Christkindl Market Orgins

Communities in Germany have been celebrating the Christmas season for over 700 years with Christmas Markets.  In 1996 the tradition was brought to Canada and has been celebrated at Kitchener’s City Hall ever since.  Each year over 40,000 visitors attend the annual Christkindl Market to enjoy food, drink, shopping and entertainment all with a German twist (or should we say pretzel twist, as you can get those there too).

 

While the video above has last year's dates, it gives you a good overview of what you can expect to see while you are there.

What You Need to Know About Christkindl Market

1.       While the Christkindl Market happens at the Kitchener City Hall, the celebrations begin in VICTORIA PARK

Victoria Park’s Clock Tower (near the bus station entrance to the park) is the starting point for the Candlelight Procession that begins at 5:45pm on Thursday December 2, 2017.  From there everyone will join a sing-a-long candlelight walk with Nativity Scene actors and animals to City Hall in time for the official opening ceremonies.

Depart from the clock tower in Victoria Park, proceed along Gaukel Street to Kitchener City Hall, Civic Square. Mary, Joseph and the donkey lead the candlelight procession to Kitchener's Carl Zehr Square where fanfares, church bells and trumpets welcome their arrival to the nativity.

2.       Free Entertainment

There will be an abundance of Free entertainment throughout the festival.  Everything from live bands, choirs and dancing on stage to indoor kids’ workshops, storytelling and puppet shows.  There will even be horse drawn carriage rides that will give you can take part in for free. PLEASE NOTE all of these events (and more) take place at various dates and times. Visit http://www.christkindl.ca/entertainment to see the full entertainment schedule.

3.       Shop Until You Drop

While there is a lot to see and do for Free at the Christkindl Market, we suggest you have cash on hand for shopping and food purchases.  You might get all your holiday shopping done at the festival and then you can skip the mall this year! Plus once the delectable delights hit your senses, you won’t want to resist having a treat or two while wondering the grounds.

4.       They Have Their Own Post Office. Bring Your Letters To Santa!

I had no idea that a post office gets set up at the Christkindl Market.

If your mail is going to friends and family, drop your stamped mail into our mailbox and our own Christkindl Postmaster, “Hannelore Maiterth,” will add Canada Post's official Christkindl Market postmarking "cancel." 

Hey kids, if your mail is addressed to Santa Claus - North Pole, it doesn't need a stamp! Simply address it to "Santa Claus at  Ho, Ho, Ho!"

Since 1997, Hannelore has postmarked over 25,000 envelopes and postcards! 

Philatelics and hobby postmark collectors, you'll be excited to know that our 2017 postmark features an all NEW postmarking in celebration of Canada 150!

I myself didn’t know what a “cancel” meant and had to look it up. So, to save you a step in figuring it out, it means that it has been postmarked!

 

5.       Bring Your Skates

Weather permitting the outdoor skating rink at Carl Zehr Square will be open so bring your skates and with the on stage music you will feel like you are at your own ice skating show.

6.       Don’t Forget to Take Pictures

The Christkindl, Angels, Knecht Ruprecht, Klaus the Organ Grinder and a live Nativity can be spotted throughout the festival grounds for wonderful photo opportunities and picture memories.  Also, there is huge Christmas Tree, the indoor crafters and outdoor food huts that are all “instagram worthy”

7.       Visit Off Peak Hours If You Are Able or Be Part of The Energetic Crowd If That Is More Your "Style"

The Christkindl Market can be very busy in the evenings and weekends so for those with little ones or accessibility issues, I suggest visiting the festival during the weekdays.  If you enjoy being part of an energetic group then arrive in the evenings or weekends to be part of the fun.
Because this event takes place both INDOORS and OUTDOORS we suggest dressing in layers. Think of it as "winter style" fashion.

Thursday, December 7, 2017	10 am – 9 pm (Official Opening, 6 pm)
Friday, December 8, 2017	10 am – 9 pm
Saturday, December 9, 2017	9 am – 9 pm
Sunday, December 10, 2017	10 am – 4 pm (Official Closing and Draw, 4 pm)

We think you will have a wonderful time at Kitchener’s other German Festival! Bring your family and friends to the Christkindl Market and start your own yearly tradition!

 For more information visit http://www.christkindl.ca

 Have you been the Christkindl Market or plan to go? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Grab Your Maple Syrup – ELF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL Is Headed For Centre In The Square – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes we did receive a complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.

We love ELF! It always puts a SMILE on our face!

via GIPHY

It might just have to do with his love of maple syrup (a favourite in the Waterloo Region too).

With all the Christmas references, the animated version of ELF, known as Buddy’s Magical Christmas added another layer of joy to the story of Buddy’s adventure.

 

Now you can take your family to see Buddy the Elf live on stage in ELF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL!

 

Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.

ELF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL is coming to Kitchener Ontario’s Centre In The Square on November 7 and 8, 2016.  We think this show will be a great way to kick off the holiday season! With the special ME+3 theatre ticket offer happening we know tickets will go fast!

 

Get Your Tickets Before They Are Gone

With only 2 dates available for this live musical production of ELF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL you will want to grab your tickets right now!

Head to http://centreinthesquare.com/event/elf-the-broadway-musical to secure your tickets before they are all gone!

 

Enter To Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us why you are excited to see ELF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL in the comments of this post and you might just win a family four pack of tickets to the NOVEMBER 7, 2016 performance!a Rafflecopter giveaway

Food Revolution KW Wants To Send You To The FARMERS DINNER @ #KitchenerMarket

Last month we gave you a preview of the FALL FUN HAPPENING AT THE KITCHENER MARKET and it was a very popular post!  We want to send off a reminder that many of the Kitchener Market events require you to pre-register so be sure to head to their SPECIAL EVENTS page and COOKING CLASSES page to get signed up!

We also want to ensure you don't miss the ANNUAL FARMERS DINNER that is happening Wednesday September 23, 2015 at 6:30pm. You find the registration info here http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=2292ddff-90b0-4340-a3c1-cd2dbf85a3c8

Plus there's a chance to enter to win dinner for two at the FARMERS DINNER at the end of this post!

What To Expect At The Farmers Dinner

Wondering what to expect at the Farmers Dinner? Well you never know exactly what to expect! Each year it's a different experience, but here's the description for this year's event!

CALLING ALL farmers, foodies, AND Friends! Everyone is invited to this special cooking class featuring Charles Quality Meats, Southern Pride Chicken and Wegner and Fekete Vegetable Gardens. This Dinner will connect you with the faces and people behind the products that you can buy at the Kitchener Market. Enjoy a farm-fresh meal created by local chefs, served family style   Being the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Ambassadors for Kitchener Waterloo, we love taking part in the events that happen at the Kitchener Market and we hope you'll join us!  Be sure to grab your Farmers Dinner tickets before they are gone!       Enter To Win   Enter the contest below for a chance for dinner for two at this year's FARMERS DINNER @ the Kitchener Market!  (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Years Levees In the Kitchener Waterloo Area

Happy New Year Everyone!

A New Year's Day Leeve Is Quite A Canadian Tradition

According to Wikipedia a Present Day Levee can be defined as.....

Today, levées are the receptions (usually, but not necessarily, on New Year's Day) held by the governor general, the lieutenant governors of the provinces, the military and others, to mark the start of another year and to provide an opportunity for the public to pay their respects.

Most levées may be attended by any citizen, including children.[3][4] Attending the lieutenant governor's levée is an annual ritual for some families.

Today the levée has evolved from the earlier, more boisterous party into a more sedate and informal one. It is an occasion to call upon representatives of the monarch, military and municipal governments and to exchange New Year's greetings and best wishes for the new year, to renew old acquaintances and to meet new friends. It is also an opportunity to reflect upon the events of the past year and to welcome the opportunities of the New Year.

The Kitchener Waterloo Area continues this tradition with the City Of Kitchener Mayor's Leeve and the City Of Waterloo Mayor's Leeve. Elswhere The Region Of Waterloo The City Of Cambridge is holding a Mayor's Leeve as well as The Township Of Woolwich and later this month a Member Of Parliment and The City Of Guelph are holding leeves.
Here's A When And Where For New Year's Leeves In The Kitchener Waterloo Area

JANUARY 5, 2013

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Mayor's New Year's Levee

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

You're invited to the Mayor's New Year's Levee.
Join Mayor Doug Craig & members of Cambridge City Council for a free family-friendly entertainment, children's activities and a little holiday cheer as we celebrate the New Year!
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Bowman Room, Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St. http://www.cambridge.ca/news.php?eid=1850

JANUARY 6, 2013
CITY OF WATERLOO
Where: Mayor’s New Year’s Levee, Forbes Room at RIM Park
When: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thousands of local citizens and their families attend this fun event every year. There is music, entertainment, free food (while quantities last), free skating, clowns, face painting and more!
Once the website has been revealed, you will be able to check out the website on onsite laptops. You will also be encouraged to complete an online scavenger hunt from home and submit your discoveries to win a prize. Details about the scavenger hunt will be available at the levee and here as they become available.
Help us ring in the new year and our new website at Mayor Halloran’s New Year’s Levee!
http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=3300


CITY OF KITCHENER
Kitchener City Hall
Mayor's NewYear’s Levee, January 6, 2013.2-4 p.m.,
food,music and fun for the whole family. Start the afternoon off with a skate on our Civic Square rink, and then head inside for a warm drink and some entertainment.
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/resources/01_Kitchener_Winter2012.pdf

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH
On behalf of the Mayor and Council for the Township of Woolwich, folks are invited to the annual New Years Levee on Sunday January 6th at the Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder St S, Elmira, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Mayor & Council's Reception in the Community Centre, free skating 2:30pm-4:00pm, and free swimming - 10:00am-3:00pm. For more information on the New Year's Levee, contact Devin Petteplace at 519-669-6021 or email dpetteplace@woolwich.ca
http://www.woolwich.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?corpId=7n5lA5HVerzeguNZmT89jbUe9AeQuAleQuAl&newsId=tAYl4xOnF62FYiZL8pphhQeQuAleQuAl

JANUARY 12, 2013

KITCHENER CENTRE MPP
Member of Parliment Stephen Woodword will be holding a New Year's Leeve
Come celebrate the New Year!
January 12, 2013
1:30-3:30PM
Stanley Park Community Centre
505 Franklin St N
http://www.stephenwoodworth.ca/calendar.aspx?pID=906


CITY OF GUELPH
the second annual Mayor’s New Year’s Levee
This free public event will be held at City Hall on Saturday, January 12 from 1 to 4p.m. It will feature children’s entertainment and activities, crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, and skating on our outdoor rink in front of City Hall. All are welcome, so bring your family, bring your friends, bring your skates, and help us celebrate the start of a new year in our beautiful city!
http://www.guelph.ca/cityhall.cfm?subCatID=2163&smocid=2736

If you know of another ** FREE ** New Year's Leeve please leave it in the comments of this post

Other Events Happening January 2013

Jan 5th
Skate N Shake
7-10pm Waterloo Public Square
https://www.facebook.com/events/209092229226802/


Twelfth Night: An Ancient Midwinter Celebration. Saturday January 5th at 8:00pm. British (UK) Club, 35 International Drive, Cambridge. Featuring festive treats, live music and entertainment. Tickets are $15 dollars and available at Cambridge City Hall, Cambridge Centre for the Arts, Best of British, British Club, Grand River Books, and Nature's Vibe. For more information visit www.millracefolksociety.com

Jan 8th
Kids Hop at The Kitchener Market

Every Tuesday from 11am - noon
January 8th: Erick Traplin

Jan 16th
Grade 10 Family Night

6:30pm
Location: Theatre of the Arts
Modern Languages
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
Summary: It's never to early to think about university. Grade 10 students and their parents are invited to learn about the university application process and how to finance a post-secondary education. Current university students will offer tips about picking a university program.
Phone number: 519-888-4567 x37145

Jan 18th
10am UofW Humanities Theatre
KW Glee PA DAY performance
Cost $10 contact 519-888-4908 for tickets
http://www.lehmo.net/FH/KWG/VI/Art/PA%20Day%20Show%20Poster%202.jpg
Look forwar to our KW GLEE contest happening soon!

PD Day Charity Chess Tournament

Friday, January 18, 2013
9am – 5pm
Location: Blair Road Public School, 85 Sunset Boulevard, Cambridge, Ontario
(Scott Kuehl)
ekuehlc551@rogers.com
Summary: Chess Tournament for elementary school aged children. Proceeds to benefit classes for children with special needs in both Blair Road and Woodland Park Public School. Entry Fee: $10.00 At the door: $15 Medals for 1,2, 3 and participation prizes for everyone!
Cost: $10.00 at the door
Phone number: (519) 622 - 3874





Jan 20th
Paris Junction 2013 Model Train Show. Sunday January 20th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Paris Fairgrounds, 130 Silver Street, Paris. Admission is $4 dollars per person and children under 10 get in free. For more information call 519-455-1311.

Jan 26

KW Polar Plunge for Kidsability!
10am Waterloo Public Square http://kwpolar.com/
To donate visit http://kwpolar.com/2013-kw-polar-plunge-sponsorship-info/

PWA Wrestling
Alpine Club Kitchener
7pm
http://www.PWACanada.com/ for prices and details

Jan 26 & 27th
2nd Annual YMCA Pond Hockey Tournament
Saturday, January 26 – Sunday, January 27, 2013
Location: YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y
Summary: Join us for the second annual children's pond hockey tournament at YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y. Bring your whole family for a fun day of outdoor winter fun. Please visit our website for event information. www.kwycamps.com/en/outdoorcentre/pond_hockey.asp
 or call 519-699-4096

Additional Fun Stuff

Kids Hop at The Kitchener Market
Every Tuesdays from 11am - noon

Don't forget while you are at the Market to grab a tasty and healthy lunch for you and your little ones!
Tuedsays
January 8th: Erick Traplin
January 15: Magic with Ryan
January 22: Erick Traplin
January 29th: Magic with Ryan
February 5th Erick Traplin
February 12: Music with Tessa
February 19th: Erick Traplin
February 26th : Music with Tessa
http://kitchenermarket.ca/events.aspx?cid=70220


•Bertie's Place - infants to kids in Grade 1 can participate in a volunteer-run playgroup from September to April on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Albert McCormick Community Centre.  Cost: $2 per visit or $25 for a season pass. http://www.waterloo.ca/en/gettingactive/dropinprograms.asp


•Time Out - caregivers and kids aged newborn to six enjoy creative play, games and songs on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Manulife Financial Soccer and Sports Centre in Bechtel Park. Google Map. Cost: $5 per visit (one adult and up to four kids) or $45 for a 10-visit pass. http://www.waterloo.ca/en/gettingactive/dropinprograms.asp

You can also check out the KPL schedule http://kpl.org/programs/calendar/2013_01.html


The WPL schedule http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp

Cambridge Libraries schedule
http://www.cambridgelibraries.ca/calendar/date/2013-01/args/all/all/all?mini=calendar%2Fdate%2F2012-12%2Fargs%2Fall%2F%2A%2F%2A

ONE MORE DAY TO ENTER OUR TEXAS LONE STAR GRILL CONTEST!!!
http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.ca/2012/12/lone-star-texas-grill-cambridge-contest.html

Looking for the best TOBOGGAN HILLS in the Kitchener Waterloo area? We can help http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.ca/2012/12/best-places-to-toboggan-in-kitchener.html

Plus we'll be announcing another STUFF TO DO EVENT at the KITCHENER MARKET (remember how much fun we had at the Movember Kids KW one?) later this month!