Cultural events happening over the summer in Waterloo Region

From music and theatre to new gallery exhibits, the Waterloo Region’s cultural events are heating up 

WATERLOO REGION, Ont. – Summertime in the Waterloo Region is when the cultural side of the area comes out to play.

Known for its technology and agriculture, the Waterloo Region is quickly becoming known for its more artistic side, which includes the Sun Life Financial Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, The Drayton Theatre, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery’s new exhibits, and much more.

“The Waterloo Region has a tremendous amount of talented artists of all types and during the summer there are events happening that will show off everything that the Region has to offer at all of the Region’s cultural landmarks,” said Tracey Desjardins, General Manager, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

On June 10th be sure to celebrate Kitchener’s 100th anniversary with the Kitchener 100th Kick Off event at Civic Square/King Street, followed later by the World's Longest Picnic Attempt in Downtown Kitchener on July 15th.

For Canada Day, The Trews will be rocking the Kitchener City Hall on July 1st for the annual Canada Day celebrations, followed by fireworks and more, all for free.

Celebrating its 20^th year, the Sun Life Financial Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival will be welcoming musicians from around the world to this free three day music festival. From July 20^th to 22^nd, this year’s Festival will feature Holly Cole, Alexis Baro, Manteca, and many more.

The TD Kitchener Blues Festival will keep the music going for the largest free blues festival in Canada. Over 60 concerts will run from August 9^th to 12^th, transforming the city of Kitchener into a musical landscape.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery will be showcasing two new exhibits that run until July 8th at the downtown Kitchener space. Emotional Blackmail displays how contemporary artists explore the fluid state of emotions, while the Milutin Gubash: Situational Comedy exhibit examines Gubash's search to uncover and understand his origins through a form of narrative storytelling. Admission to the Gallery is free.

Also not to be missed on any cultural exploration to the Waterloo Region is a visit to the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. The Gallery hosts critically-acclaimed exhibitions that challenge ideas and perceptions of the definitions of art, craft and design. The Gallery puts an emphasis on Canadian artists, with exhibitions that also support artists from around the world.

THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener is featuring several new exhibits this summer including ADD COLOUR, a Yoko Ono Exhibition. The exhibit showcases 10 installations of Instruction Works personally selected by Yoko Ono.  

“There is no shortage of curated art to experience at all of the galleries and museums in the Waterloo Region,” said Desjardins, “In addition to art on display, there are also living monuments to art like the Doon Heritage Village and Castle Kilbride.”

The Doon Heritage Village, located at the Waterloo Regional Museum, is a historic, living village set in 1914 that features historic buildings, interpreters, farm animals and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. While visiting the Doon Heritage Village, be sure to stop in to the Waterloo Regional Museum to learn a little about the area with its focus on local history exhibits.

As far as historical buildings go, Castle Kilbride stands as a pristine testament to Victorian-era living. Built in 1877, the home is considered a local landmark because of its ornate style. Castle Kilbride’s original owner, James Livingston, was a Mason who obtained the 33rd degree and was a charter member for the Wilmot Lodge No. 318. Interestingly enough, his home contains a vast array of secret Masonic imagery which is the focus of Castle Kilbride’s newest exhibit, The Mysterious Masons & Maccabees, running until Dec. 30^th.  

For fans of the living arts, both the Drayton Theatre and the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse have a wide selection of plays and productions happening through the summer. From The Sound of Music to Annie, the theatres offer a family friendly experience to delight everyone.

For more information on the Waterloo Region, visit ExploreWaterlooRegion.com.