Culture days

Thursday, September 24

The Doc That Rocks: Rock This Town Screening + Q&A with Filmmakers

• Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: City of Kitchener City Hall (Council Chambers) 

Friday, September 25

Music Under the Stars

• Time: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Location: Carl Zehr Square

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 showcases the duo's rise alongside other exciting talents from Kitchener's vibrant local music scene.

Joining the lineup is special guest and emerging country-music artist Chris Clark, best known for his authentic sound and engaging presence. With a mix of classic country roots and a modern edge, his storytelling and warm vocals add even more depth and energy to the night.

Saturday, September 26

Pop Up Performances Around Downtown

Enjoy a series of surprising and delightful performances throughout the city.

Beatles Rooftop Concert Tribute

• Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Yeti Cafe, 14 Eby Street North, Kitchener

A playful homage to The Beatles' legendary rooftop concert while exploring the Kitchener Market area.

Live In The Rotunda: Grand River Opera

• Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Location: City Hall Rotunda

Join Grand River Opera for a fun, interactive demonstration of the steps involved in learning operatic music, and how GRO soloists combine the many facets of pitch, rhythm, voice, language, acting and expression into their performances.

Live on Gaukel: Mandippal and Evan Redsky - Performance and Songwriting Session

• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Location: 44 Gaukel

Join acclaimed songwriters Mandippal and Evan Redsky for an afternoon of music at 44 Gaukel.

About Mandippal:
From playing guitar in his Kitchener high school music class, to selling out hometown venues, to showcasing at major festivals, Mandippal has certainly come a long way in his decade career as a musician, establishing himself as one of the hardest working artists in Ontario.

Coming from a family of well-respected musicians and writers (like Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh), Mandippal has been gaining a steady following, by focusing solely on his own blend of poetry and pop/rock. He has made a lasting impression in Ontario’s booming singer/songwriter scene, performing with notable acts like Scott Helman, Virginia To Vegas, Tim Hicks, Fred Penner, Hannah Georgas, Lindi Ortega, Repartee, Said The Whale, Justin Nozuka, Jully Black, Sarah Slean, and many others.

With over a decade of songwriting and performing under his belt, 200 shows played a year, 2000+ EPs sold in his last effort, and his latest release Ready To Stay, produced by Justin Abedin (Jacksoul, Justin Hines), Mandippal is recognized as a serious player. With the ability to capture an audience with his tone and humility, it’s only a matter of time before he wins you over as well.

About Evan Redsky:
On The Language of Fishermen (Victory Pool), punk-rocker / folk storyteller Evan Redsky embodies and relays an array of Indigenous stories and perspectives in order to better understand his own. This record sees Redsky reclaiming the music of his childhood—the country heroes playing on his grandma’s car radio, like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Blue Rodeo—to tell vulnerable stories of longing and resilience.

Growing up in the First Nations Reserve of Mississaugi First Nation in Blind River, Ontario, Redsky often hitchhiked to Toronto as a teenager, immersing himself in the city’s burgeoning punk and hardcore music scene. At 19 years old, Redsky started performing with punk outfit Single Mothers, going on to perform with the Juno-nominated group everywhere from local clubs to the Pitchfork Music Festival. Redsky has since become a stalwart of the Toronto music scene: he’s a member of the “Turtle Island Hardcore” band Indian Giver; performs with folk-rock duo Altemeda and singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Lewis; and plays bass with country ensemble Nicolette and the Nobodies.

Sunday, September 27

Live In The Rotunda: KW Symphony Brass Quintet

• Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Location: City Hall Rotunda

Experience the brilliance of brass with Live in the Rotunda: KW Symphony Brass Quintet at Kitchener City Hall. This dynamic ensemble from the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony brings together the bold, rich sounds of trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba in a performance that is both powerful and refined.

Arts Hub Open House & Street Level Creativity

• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Gaukel Block & 44 Gaukel

Explore downtown Kitchener's creative community during an open house at 44 Gaukel, featuring studio tours and opportunities to meet artists from a wide range of disciplines.

Activities at Gaukel Block:

• Live mural painting
• Showcase of emerging musicians
• Interactive monster mashup activity inspired by the Beasting booklet
• Free copies of the Beasting booklet available for participants