King Street Unplugged
King Street in front of City Hall is transforming into a pedestrian block for a week, filled with free activities, live entertainment, games, workshops, music, and more. Wander, discover, support local businesses, and sit and stay awhile... and yes, it’s FREE to enjoy!
What's happening
Daily
Stay awhile and soak up the atmosphere with:
- picnic tables and hangout spaces
- games available throughout the day
- delicious food from local businesses
- a refreshing run through the splash pad – don’t forget your towel!
Come hang out, play, and enjoy the day!
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Kids’ Zone
Perfect for kids ages 0 – 109. Embrace your inner child with:
- games
- art cart (yes, adult colouring too!)
- community partners with rotating activities
2 p.m. – Cornhole Competition
A not-so-serious cornhole showdown on the block! Join us for a battle of beanbags, bragging rights, and prizes. Sign up starting at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday Funday (July 26)
- 2 p.m. – Show and Tell – Kids’ Edition: Let your kids take the stage for 5 minutes to shine and share whatever makes them uniquely talented.
- 3 p.m. – Bingo with host RJ Johnston. It’s free and there will be prizes!
- 4 to 7 p.m. - DJ Picnic featuring DJ Raeven. Grab a seat at a picnic table, bring your own décor, and soak in the vibes. Pick up something delicious from a local downtown Kitchener business and settle in for great music and community.
- 4:30 and 6 p.m. – Breakdancing performances by the KW Breakers
Retro Monday (July 27)
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Kitchener Public Library Kids’ Zone
- 4 – 9 p.m. – Retro Market: Find something unique from local artisan and vintage vendors and take in the retro vibes.
- 7 – 10 p.m. – Roller Skating with Retro Rollers, the finale! Lace up your skates for the final laps around Carl Zehr Square this summer.
Spotlight Tuesday (July 28)
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Live at Lunch (extended!) Take a midday break with live music and performances.
- 1 – 7 p.m. – Waterloo Region Small Business Centre Summer Company Showcase: Discover the next generation of innovators as young entrepreneurs from the Summer Company program showcase their business ideas, products and creativity.
- 4 – 7 p.m. – Family Splash Jam: A family-focused afternoon with rotating entertainers like balloon artists and glitter tattoos, live children’s musicians, and plenty of bubbles.
- 6 p.m. – Drew Ripley Big Balloon Show: Filled with handmade gorgeous illusions and comedy, you just know that the kids will burst with excitement! Pun intended!
Western Wednesday (July 29)
- 1 – 3 p.m. – Games with Ravenwood Tabletop: Explore your creative side with kid-friendly games .
- 5 p.m. – Put on your dancing shoes for a country swing lesson from Remix Swing
- 6 p.m. – Get ready to boot-scoot with a line dancing lesson from Remix Swing
- 7 p.m. – Live music with Jessie T
Love Local Thursday (July 30)
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Live at Lunch (extended!) Take a midday break with live music and performances.
- 2 – 8 p.m. – Kitchener Market Artisan Vendor Showcase: Explore a curated lineup of local artisan vendors and handcrafted goods.
- 4 p.m. – Games Competition: Compete in classic games like cornhole, Connect 4, and a scavenger hunt. Collect a scorecard for a chance to qualify for the final competition and win prizes!
Latin Friday (July 31)
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Break your own Geode with The Rockspace: Crack open your own geode with The Rockspace for just $5 and discover the crystal treasures inside.
- 5 p.m. – Loteria (aka Mexican Bingo): A fun and interactive game of chance using illustrated cards, hosted with humour and energy by local comedian and chef Eduardo Perez. No experience is required – everyone can play for a chance to win prizes!
- 6 p.m. – Dance performances by TenC Dance Co
- 7 p.m. – Free Latin Dance Lesson – come ready to move and have fun!
- 7:30 p.m. – DTK Latin Heat - Join a vibrant salsa dance social featuring lively Latin rhythms like salsa, bachata, and merengue. Dance the night away or just stay and enjoy the vibes!