All city events
The City of Waterloo has cancelled its in-person arts and culture events this summer, replacing some with online versions, in support of physical distancing guidelines. The City’s arts and culture team will be hosting special “pop-up” events, when permitted by public health guidelines.
Find information on all events hosted by the city. Stay updated by following the city events team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
Spring and Summer 2020
Online and Pop-Up Programming
| Trail Mix - Local Trails & Local Artists |
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Trail Mix is an auditory accompaniment for Waterloo trails.
Trail Mix #1 Forwell Trail (University Ave - Manulife/King Street): Google Map Link Featured artists: Eiyn Sof, Young Pilot, Rich Burnett, Elsa Jayne, JoJo Worthington, Christa Mercy, Blankie |
| Movies in the Park-ing Lot (July-September) |
| We know we're used to Movies in the Park, but let's try the Parking Lot this summer. It's a pop-up drive-in! This is a free event. Find out more information on our Facebook Event Page.
Movies:
Registration is required. To attend the screenings of Dolittle and/or American Graffiti you must register. Each registration enters into a lottery system. All entries will get an email the day after registration closes to say if they have won a spot or not for the upcoming film. If you’ve won a spot, we’ll share all the details you’ll need (location, arrival time, concessions, etc). Didn’t get a spot? Enter for another night! We’ll also keep a wait list in case someone has to cancel.The forms above ask for the license plate and make of the vehicle you will be using. This will be to confirm entry to the lot and to ensure all attendees can see the screen from their vehicle. If you ahve questions or accessibility concerns please contact festivals@waterloo.ca. |
| Virtual Art Market (Multiple dates April to August) |
| Art Market takes place on Final Fridays. Art Market features artists, crafters, and makers from Waterloo and surrounding area selling in the public square.
Due to the current public health concern, Create Waterloo has moved the Art Market online. Visit our virtual marketplace on Google Maps to shop the booths. Visit our Facebook page for more up to date event listings. Want to be vendor at a market?Apply today |
| "We Are Waterloo" Community Anthem - Artist in Residence project |
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Join the City of Waterloo's 2020 Artists in Residence, Richard Burrows and Christa Mercey as they invite the community to participate in an art project culminating in a community anthem for an original song, "We are Waterloo". Each week, new elements of the song (vocals, drums, guitar, ukulele, and more) will be added and taught through videos hosted on YouTube. Participants of every level are encouraged to follow along, create their own videos, and submit their creations. These will be assembled into a final version of the song which will premiere at the end of September as part of the City’s Culture Days programming. |
| National Indigenous Peoples Days (June 21) |
| Sunday, June 21, 2020 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. City of Waterloo has been marking the occasion annually for the past five years, and for the last three years we have partnered with artist Luke Swinson who has created and installed an original art piece on the surface of Waterloo Public Square. This artwork serves as a visual reminder of the territory and land on which our city was founded. ⠀ The artist, Luke Swinson has released his mural design and made a video discussing the significance of the design and his recognition of the day. You can watch Luke Swinson's video on the Create Waterloo YouTube page here. Due to the public nature of the mural installation, Arts & Culture postponed the installation of the planned mural in Waterloo Public Square until July 21, 2020 when safety protocols and procedures could be maintained. Watch a time lapse video of the mural installation on Create Waterloo's YouTube channel. |
| Canada Day (July 1) |
| This year, the City celebrated July 1st with a Community Artist Showcase video. The 30 minute video features musical performances by Elsa Jayne, Rufus John and 12 Mile Island, a poetry performance by Bashar Lulu Jabbour, and greetings from Mayor Jaworsky and city council. Visit our Canada Day page for more information. |
Spring and Summer 2020
Regular programming that may have been cancelled due to physical distancing measures.
| Author Afternoons |
| Join us at the Visitor and Heritage Information Centre every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for an afternoon celebrating the great authors, publishers, writers’ groups, and storytellers in our region. Cancelled due to physical distancing guidelines. |
| We-Dance-Days (Multiple dates May to August) |
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Each month new instructors will be teaching a new style of dance. This fun-filled evening will get you moving to a new beat.
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| Campfire (Multiple dates May to October) |
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Bring a blanket or your favourite hoodie and head uptown. Gather around the campfire with friends and neighbours for music, food, fire and more.
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| Final Fridays (Multiple dates May to August) |
| On the last Friday of the month (from May to August), everyone is invited to explore arts, culture and cuisine in the city's core. Cancelled due to physical distancing guidelines. |
| Duels (Multiple dates May to August) |
| Hosted alongside the Art Market, Duels features different artists battling head to head to showcase their talent. Cancelled due to physical distancing guidelines. |
| True North Waterloo Festival (June 2) |
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A festival featuring live music and more. In partnership with the True North Waterloo conference. Conference and Festival cancelled due to physical distancing guidelines. |
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Open Streets (June 20, August 15) |
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Open Streets celebrates the livable cities movement, and has taken many forms since its inception.
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Soap Opera in the Square (Multiple dates in July) |
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A four-part soap opera series featuring walk-on appearances by local celebrities. Originally planned for July 3, 10, 17, and 24. Cancelled due to physical distancing guidelines. |
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Movies in the Park (Multiple dates July to September) |
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Join us for another year of Movies in the Park with Princess Cinemas and the Beat Goes On. On four nights this summer we will turn the Waterloo Park bandshell into a giant movie theatre. Starting at dusk, Canada's largest outdoor movie projector screen will be showing Movies in the Park.
Movie titles to be announced. |
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Day of Play (July 26) |
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Day of Play is a family-friendly day of crafts, fun physical activities, treats, fun and fresh air. Featuring various local artists and performers and hosted on the Waterloo Park Promenade. Featured artists and activities to be announced. |
Fall 2020
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Lumen (September 26) |
| Lumen showcases light based new media, media art, and projection based installations - illuminating Waterloo through art and technology. Visit our Lumen page for more details. |
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Culture Days (September 25 to 27) |
| Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture and promotes interaction between artists and their community. Visit the Culture Days website for more information on events. |
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Amplify Culture Summit (October 28) |
| Amplify is a full day summit celebrating creativity and innovation in Waterloo. Visit our Amplify page for full details. |
Winter 2020/21
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New Years Eve (December 31) |
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Join us for a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in uptown Waterloo filled with music and fun activities. Ring in the New Year each year from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Waterloo Public Square. |
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Winterloo (Dates To Be Announced) |
| Winterloo takes place in January. Visit our Winterloo page for updates. |