Wayback Festival runs Friday, July 24 through Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Carl Zehr Square and King Street, right in front of Kitchener City Hall. It's a free, two-night outdoor concert, rain or shine, built around classic rock tributes and live bands, with Canadian rock legends Trooper closing out the weekend Saturday night.
That's the short version. Here's the full schedule, who's actually playing, where to park, and one part of the lineup that's only happening this one time.
When is Wayback Festival and what are the hours?
- Friday, July 24: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 25: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
It runs rain or shine, so there's no separate rain date to plan around. Dress for the weather and go.
Where is it, and is there parking?
Wayback Festival takes place at Carl Zehr Square and King Street, in front of Kitchener City Hall, in the heart of downtown.
Getting there without driving:
- The ION light rail stops at Kitchener City Hall and Victoria Park, both a short walk away. Central Station (GO/regional) is also close by.
- GRT bus routes 7, 8, 20, and iXpress 204 all stop within walking distance of City Hall.
Getting there by car:
- Paid parking is available at the City Hall parking garage and other downtown Kitchener garages and lots.
- If you're heading down for Friday's show, park free at a city-owned surface lot after 5 p.m. Saturday parking runs at regular hourly rates.
- Pay at garage and lot kiosks, or through the Passport Parking app.
By bike: the City's BikeCheck service offers secure bike parking both nights at King Street and Water Street, and there's also secure bike parking inside the City Hall garage.
Who's playing? Full lineup and set times
Friday, July 24: Tribute to Classic Rock
- 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Only Journey
- 9:00 - 10:30 p.m., Early Elton
Saturday, July 25: Your Favourites, Live
- 5:30 - 6:45 p.m., Born in the Eighties
- 7:15 - 8:30 p.m., The Wayback Collective
- 9:00 - 10:30 p.m., Trooper
What should I know about each act?
Only Journey brings the soaring vocals and stadium-sized anthems of Journey back to life, "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Any Way You Want It" included.
Early Elton covers the flamboyant, hit-packed 70s era of Elton John, think "Bennie and the Jets," "Rocket Man," and "Your Song."
Born In The Eighties is a Hamilton-based party band that's been playing festivals and weddings since 2011, mixing 80s dance hits with 90s pop, rap, and R&B, keytar included.
The Wayback Collective is the one to build your Saturday around. It's a one-night-only lineup of Kitchener-born musicians, Steve Strongman, Rob Szabo, and Danny Michel, joined throughout the set by special guests, performing the 80s and 90s rock anthems that shaped the city. This exact lineup won't happen again after this weekend.
Trooper closes out the festival Saturday night. This isn't a tribute act, it's the actual band behind "Raise a Little Hell" and "We're Here for a Good Time," still touring decades in.
Is it free? Do I need tickets?
Yes, it's completely free and no ticket is required. Just show up. It runs rain or shine.
Is there food and drinks?
There's a licensed bar area on site, plus food trucks:
- Berlin '95
- Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream
- Pressed! Sandwich
- The Wild Boar
- Wing Monster
If you'd rather sit down, several downtown Kitchener patios are also within walking distance of the square.
Can I bring the kids?
There's no age restriction listed for the event, it's a free outdoor concert in a public downtown square. Saturday's earlier start (5 p.m., with the first act at 5:30) makes it the easier night for younger kids. Friday's lineup starts at 7 p.m. and runs later, so it suits families with older kids or an early dinner already out of the way.
What should an actual weekend plan look like?
If you're only catching one night, Saturday is the one to build around. It starts earlier, runs longer, and closes with an actual touring band instead of a tribute act, plus The Wayback Collective's one-time-only set in between.
If you're coming from outside downtown, plan for regular parking rates on Saturday (the free window only applies Thursday and Friday after 5 p.m.), or take the ION in and skip parking altogether.
Quick answers
When is Wayback Festival 2026? Friday, July 24 (7 to 10:30 p.m.) and Saturday, July 25 (5 to 11 p.m.), 2026.
Where is Wayback Festival held? Carl Zehr Square and King Street, in front of Kitchener City Hall.
Is Wayback Festival free? Yes, free admission, no tickets required, rain or shine.
Who is headlining Wayback Festival? Trooper closes the festival Saturday, July 25, from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
Is there parking at Wayback Festival? Yes. Paid parking is available at the City Hall garage and other downtown lots, with free surface lot parking after 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The ION and several GRT bus routes also stop within walking distance.
Can I bring kids to Wayback Festival? There's no listed age restriction. Saturday's earlier 5 p.m. start is the more manageable window for younger kids.
Two free nights, five acts, and a hometown lineup that won't happen twice. If you only plan one thing this weekend, make it Saturday night downtown.
George Dmitrovic
