Kitchener Takes the Stage launches Kitchener LIVE and celebrates Canada’s Emerging Music City
The City of Kitchener celebrated local talent, launched a new digital destination for arts and entertainment, and advanced its vision of becoming Canada's Emerging Music City during the inaugural Kitchener Takes the Stage event on July 16 at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts.
Announced by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic during his 2025 State of the City Address, Kitchener Takes the Stage brought together residents, artists, music industry supporters, and community leaders for an evening that showcased the strength and depth of Kitchener's music community.
The event featured performances from three Kitchener-based acts: I, The Mountain, Living Room for Small, and Matt Weidinger and Friends, creating a memorable evening that highlighted the depth of talent being cultivated within the city.
A key milestone of the evening was the official public launch of Kitchener LIVE (KitchenerLIVE.ca), the City's new destination marketing brand and digital platform designed to help residents and visitors discover arts, entertainment and live events across Kitchener.
Kitchener LIVE serves as a one-stop source for event discovery and ticket purchasing across City-owned venues and event spaces, including Centre In The Square, The Registry Theatre, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, and The Aud. The platform was developed to increase visibility for local arts and entertainment while making it easier for audiences to connect with Kitchener's creative community.
The event also recognized the leadership of Kitchener City Council, whose commitment to arts and entertainment helped establish the City's Arts & Entertainment Division and create new opportunities to support the local creative sector. During the evening, members of Council were presented with commemorative gold records acknowledging their vision and contributions toward building a stronger arts, entertainment and music ecosystem.
Kitchener Takes the Stage reflects the City's ongoing commitment to investing in arts and entertainment as drivers of economic development, cultural vitality, and community building. Through initiatives such as Kitchener LIVE, City-led programming and partnerships with local venues and artists, Kitchener continues to strengthen its position as a destination for live music, arts and creative experiences.
Residents and visitors can explore upcoming concerts, events and performances at KitchenerLIVE.ca.
For more information:
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener