Gaukel Block

Downtown Kitchener’s newest (and dare we say coolest) gathering place, the Gaukel Block, launched May 2023 with a vision to support programming as varied and vibrant as our DTK community. It is ideal for creative collaborators who are rich with ideas! Gaukel Block is the connecting artery between Victoria Park and Carl Zehr Square, now with inviting places to stop along the way. Gather, shop, take in the art, enjoy the vibe, or kick back in DTK’s living room.

Check out the Calendar for Gaukel Block events and more!

Interested in getting involved in Gaukel Block? Email Downtown@kitchener.ca

A wandering brass band plays for a crowd

Some friends smile at the camera while sitting on the Gaukel Block swing seats.

A customer makes a purchase at a market vendor.

Two friends' hug while shopping at a vendor stall.

Wide shot of an event at Gaukel, facing City Hall.

COMING UP

Kitchener 2051 Block Party - October 5 | 12PM

We are asking – how can the changes unfolding in our community over the next 25 years benefit everyone?

Join us for an exciting Block Party in Downtown Kitchener on the Gaukel Block (beside 44 Gaukel) from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. It will be a fun fall day with neighbours joining interactive activities for all ages, along with free food and entertainment. It's also a chance to give input to shape our new Official Plan, Kitchener 2051. We look forward to sharing more details about the event as we get closer to the date!

The Block Party kicks off an extensive community conversation. An online survey will also launch the same day as the event. If you can’t attend, the online survey will be available from Oct. 5 until the end of the month.

Gaukel Block | DTK
12pm - 6pm

DOGtoberfest - October 12 & 13

Dog Friendly KW is excited to bring you DOGtoberfest, presented by Nutram, and sponsored by Global Pet Foods, as part of the 2024 KW Oktoberfest Festival.

11am to 6pm

Gaukel Block | DTK

4th Annual Howloween Pooch Party - Oct 26 | 12PM

It's happening! Join us for our 4th Annual Howloween Pooch Party on the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener.This event is FREE. More details to come at a later date!

3rd Annual Paw-liday Festival - Nov 30 | 10AM

We're bringing back the Dog Friendly KW Paw-liday Festival, presented by Pet Valu to Downtown Kitchener, a hyper-local festive holiday market with all kinds of activities and entertainment for you, your dog, and your family!

KrampusKindl - Dec 6-8

My Pet Skeleton present's THE UGLY BROTHER to Kitcheners famous CHRISKINDL MARKET... WELCOME TO KRAMPUSKINDL ~ A counterculture Art Market!This Year My Pet Skeleton presents the LARGEST KrampusKINDL ONE-OF-A-KIND ART MARKET to date!

PAST

WITCH + WELLNESS HARVEST FEST - August 16 | 4PM

You're favorite Witch festival is back for Harvest Fest (and this time we have some brand-new surprises!) Come one come all for a night of magic, mystery and abundance. Witch + Wellness is celebrating the harvest season with Harvest Fest.

Gaukel Block | DTK
4pm - 10pm

WAYCOOL VINTAGE MARKET - July 27 | 2PM

Giddy up, cowboy! DTK's newest vintage market is back!
Shop a curated selection from the coolest vintage dealers around, plus enjoy a drink at The Yeti bar and take the perfect fit pic in a giant horseshoe!

Gaukel Block | DTK
2pm-8pm

THE ERAS TOUR: RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP - July 20 | 11AM

It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour have taken the world by storm in the last year. Dog Friendly KW loves to jump on emerging trends, so this one is for you Swifties! We are excited to be hosting our annual summer block party on Gaukel in Downtown Kitchener in celebration of another year of Dog Friendly KW - 4 years!!

This event focuses on responsible dog ownership through the “eras” of a dog’s life. Expect many elements that encourage education and engagement related to responsible dog ownership for puppies, adolescents, adult dogs, and senior dogs.

MOMMA'S COOKOUT & MUSIC FESTIVAL - July 13th | 1PM

The Cookout brings together the sounds and flavors of African & Caribbean; culture, family fun, activities, home cooking and music. Momma's Cookout & Music Festival where the food nourishes your body, the music fuels your soul and the people are at the heart of it all.

INDIGENOUS ART MARKET - June 29 & 30

Come celebrate our next Indigenous Art Market at the end of June!

When: Sat June 29th AND Sun June 30th from 11-4 PM
Where: Outside @ 44 Gaukel, Kitchener ON

What better way to celebrate Indigenous History Month than coming out and buying beautiful work from over 60 Indigenous vendors? We will have a mix of beadwork, jewelry, prints, paintings, apparel, books, candles, stickers and more!

We are halfway through our 5th year of IAmKitchener and always love our start of summer markets. Sunshine, nice weather and good vibes all around

AFROVIBES FESTIVAL - June 8, 2024 | 2PM

Step into a vibrant celebration of African culture and heritage at the Afrovibes Festival! This annual event is more than just a festival; it's a cultural extravaganza that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the richness and diversity of African traditions. Join us for a dynamic day filled with music, art, food, and community as we showcase the best of African talent and creativity.