Looking for fun and free things to do in Waterloo this June? The Open Streets Festival is returning to Uptown Waterloo on Saturday, June 14, 2025, transforming public space into a vibrant celebration of art, music, community, and culture.
From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Waterloo Public Square and Willis Way will be closed to cars and open to people, full of performances, games, local artists, and hands-on fun for the whole family. Whether you're a longtime local or visiting Kitchener-Waterloo for the weekend, Open Streets is one of the top summer events in Ontario you won’t want to miss.
📍 Things to Do at Waterloo Public Square
This central hub will feature high-energy performances, cool treats, and interactive art:
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🕺 Live Dance Performances from the KW Breakers will ignite the crowd with electrifying breakdancing and hip hop energy.
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🍋 Children’s LemonAID Stand by the FACS Foundation, grab a refreshing lemonade and support child welfare in the region.
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🎨 Paint-A-Rock Party hosted by Button Factory Arts, unleash your creativity on canvas-sized stones!
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🎲 Giant Games & Family Activities will keep kids laughing and exploring all afternoon.
Perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking for interactive summer fun in Waterloo.
🎧 Attractions & Art at Willis Way
Just around the corner, Willis Way will be buzzing with sound, creativity, and connection:
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🎶 Live Music by Radio Waterloo / CKMS 102.7 FM and local DJs setting the afternoon rhythm.
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🌀 Ball Run Factory, a whimsical kinetic art installation by local artist Agnes Makes, perfect for kids and curious adults alike.
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✍️ Live Caricatures by local illustrator Aoe Girard, take home a custom-drawn portrait souvenir.
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🛍️ Art Market Featuring 20+ Local Vendors, including:
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Studio 648 Pottery, Trevor Clare Art, Lunar Lids, Papercrafti, Connie’s Artistic Pottery, Witch Hazel Art, and many more.
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Browse handcrafted goods, pottery, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and printmaking by Waterloo Region’s most creative minds.
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🧶 Featured Programming & Performance Schedule
✨ Noon to 5:00 p.m.
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Join the World Wide Knit in Public Day celebration with the KW Knitters Guild and Flying Squirrel Knit Co..
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Participate in the Knitting Circle and meet local fiber artists and hobbyists.
🥋 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Kung Fu Demonstration by Waterloo Kung Fu Academy: dynamic martial arts to close out the day with a powerful performance.
🚗 How to Get There & Plan Your Visit
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Public Transit: Take the ION Light Rail to Waterloo Public Square station, you’ll land right in the heart of the festival.
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Parking: Free weekend parking available at City of Waterloo Parkade (Uptown) and Waterloo City Hall garage.
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Visiting from Out of Town?
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Nearby hotel options include Delta Hotels Waterloo, The Walper Hotel, and Inn of Waterloo.
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📸 Capture & Share Your Experience
Don't forget to:
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Follow @citywaterloo for live updates.
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Use the hashtag #OpenStreetsWaterloo to share your photos, videos, and festival moments.
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Tag vendors and performers to support local artists.
🔑 Why Attend the Open Streets Festival in Waterloo?
This festival is part of the livable cities movement, an initiative to turn public spaces into people-friendly environments that inspire connection, creativity, and sustainability. Whether you're interested in family-friendly activities, local music and artists, or just want to experience Waterloo summer events, Open Streets offers something for everyone.
Come see why it’s one of the top-rated free festivals in Kitchener-Waterloo!
