Culture days
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Date: September 25 to 27
Join the City of Kitchener for a vibrant weekend celebrating music, art, and creativity across downtown.
Friday: Music Under the Stars
Kick off the weekend with powerhouse country duo Amanda & James, known for their shimmering harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, glittery boots, and undeniable onstage chemistry. Their high‑energy yet intimate outdoor performance highlights the duo’s rise alongside other exciting talents shaping Kitchener’s local music scene.
Saturday: Pop‑Up Performances Around the City
Saturday morning brings a series of surprising and delightful pop‑up concerts:
- Enjoy a playful homage to The Beatles’ legendary rooftop concert, adding a touch of psychedelia to your Kitchener Market shopping experience.
- Let the City Hall rotunda fill with the sounds of opera and orchestral music in a stunning architectural setting.
Sunday: Arts Hub Open House & Street‑Level Creativity
On Sunday, head to 44 Gaukel for an open house featuring studio tours and opportunities to meet artists from a wide range of disciplines inside downtown Kitchener’s creative hub. Outside, Gaukel Block comes alive with:
- Live mural painting
- A showcase of emerging musicians
Visitors can also pick up free copies of the Beasting booklet by creating their own monster mashups with friends.
Additional Ontario Culture Days events before and after the weekend include:
- Q&As and walk‑and‑talks with visual artists
- A screening of Rock This Town, celebrating Kitchener’s rich musical legacy
- The unveiling of a special new public art installation by 2025 Kitchener artist‑in‑residence Tara Cooper
Ontario Culture Days is a not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to celebrating the artists and cultural groups that enrich communities across the province.
The Ontario Culture Days Festival is a free, province‑wide celebration of arts, culture, and heritage held each fall. Working with organizers from all artistic disciplines, the festival invites people of all ages to take part in creative experiences throughout Ontario.
The next Ontario Culture Days Festival runs September 18 to October 4, 2026.
Culture Days lives at the local level. From small hamlets to large cities, we support community organizers through resources, networking, and promotion—strengthening the cultural sector and showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Ontario’s arts and culture.
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