2018 UpTown Waterloo Great Oktoberfest Barrel Race

Browse through a wide selection of handmade goods created by artists, crafters, and makers while listening to live local music.

2026 Dates: May 29, July 24, August 14
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. with live music from 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Waterloo Public Square (75 King St S)

Additional Art Markets will be held at Open Streets on June 13 and the July 1st Community Picnic.

Tip: If you intend to purchase from the market, please bring cash as some vendors may not accept card payments.

Enjoy a refreshing drink while getting creative in our studio! Each ticket includes all materials for a kiln-fired project, one drink, and full kiln firing service that takes place after your visit. Items are foodsafe, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe.

Drink options include: craft beer, prosecco, or a soft drink. NEW soft drink options: the existing favourites Canada Dry & CocaCola remain with the additions of assorted Bubbly & assorted Crush options. To learn more, click here.

Cost: $64.08

Senseless Sensibilities presents Last Fridays at Emmanuel United! Monthly concerts of noise and experimental music dedicated to sharing Ontario’s greatest and strangest artists

The last Friday of every month in 2026 I will be presenting a concert of noise and experimental music at Emmanuel United Church in Waterloo, ON. All shows will be $15/PWYC.

Expect to hear: harsh noise, industrial percussion, free improvisation, free jazz, ecstatic joy, overwhelming dread, glitching laptops, chaos punk, buzzing motors, folksongs, pop songs, sustained drones, blissful ambience, large waves of feedback, immaculate beauty, harsh noise and more

Organ: 7PM, Noise: 8PM
$15/PWYC
Emmanuel United Church, 22 Bridgeport W, Waterloo

Back for its 2nd year, this unique experience combine the greatest magicians from around the globe along with professional comedians, actors and improv specialists chosen as tour guides to help you navigate the streets of Uptown Waterloo.

A walking tour designed with indoor and outdoor surprises. Throughout the two hours your comedy guide will bring you to secret venues where magicians await to wow with incredible sleight of hand magic. If you handle a few flights of stairs, strolling 6 blocks, comedy and magic combined, then come prepared for the fun and craziness of this year’s Magic & Shenanigans Festival.

Cost: $50. To learn more, click here.

Bookfest features dozens of authors from Waterloo Region, with books for all ages and across all genres, including poetry and non-fiction. There will be sales, signings and readings. Come see what the local literary community has to offer! To learn more, click here.