July 1 community picnic
Find information on what Waterloo is doing for July 1, 2023.
On this page
- About the July 1st Community Picnic
- All Day Programming
- Main Stage Schedule
- What to know ahead of time
- What to bring with you
- Directions and Parking Information
About the July 1st Community Picnic
Spend the afternoon in Waterloo Park with local artists, food trucks and giant games at the July 1 Community Picnic. Event runs 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the West side of Waterloo Park located near the Bandshell.
Find out more about Canada Day and how we celebrate our community in an inclusive way that is mindful of Canada's history on our Indigenous Reconciliation web page.
All Day Programming
Art Market
- Runs from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M
- Shop at over 20 different local artist's booths!
- If you intend to purchase from the art market, all vendors accept cash with some accepting credit and debit at their own discretion.
Community Organization Fair:
- Runs from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
- Meet some of the amazing community organizations in Waterloo and find out how to get involved.
Main Stage Schedule
The main stage, located in front of the Bandshell in Waterloo Park, will be programmed with local talent for the festival. Please note, times may be subject to change.
4:00 P.M. : Transstar |
Transstar builds bold beats and sings twisted pop. |
5:00 P.M. : Mandippal |
Coming from a family of well-respected musicians and writers (like Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh), |
6:00 P.M. : Sam Nabi |
Sam Nabi makes hip-hop lush with wordplay and imagery that speaks straight to the soul. Spanning themes of rekindled love, eco-anxiety, and loss of trust in relationships, Sam will present his new collection of work with a jazzier, bouncier sound. His forthcoming album, “Help Yourself”, will be released in late 2023. Sam will perform with special guest DJ Edan It Again, known internationally for his live-onstage beatmaking and finger drumming. |
7:30: P.M. : Fat Scheid and the Merry Melodies |
Fat Scheid and the Merry Melodies is a KW folk band armed for your punk rock delight! Celebrating everything queer, punk and totally ridiculous, they are coming your way with a fist-full of attitude! Strap in for a wild ride! |
8:30 P.M. : SHEBAD |
Vibrant and alive, SHEBAD is a Guelph based music and art project playing in many realms including |
9:30 P.M. : Elaquent |
Elaquent is a prolific hip hop beatmaker. |
10:00 P.M. : LED Drone Show accompanied by Elaquent |
The drone show will light up the sky above the bandshell. This is viewable from a 360 degree viewing around the area. |
What to know
- The event is free to attend for everyone
- The event begins at 4:00 P.M. and ends after the drone show at 10:15 P.M.
- Parking is NOT available on site, but options have been provided in the section below.
- First Aid Services and Security are on site. If you have an emergency, please find someone at the booths located beside the stage.
- Personal fireworks are NOT allowed at this event
What to bring
- Reusable water bottles
- Picnic blankets or camping chairs to sit on
- Weather-appropriate clothing (examples include comfortable shoes, sun hats, layers, etc)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Snacks and beverages (alcohol is NOT permitted in the park)
- If you intend to purchase from food trucks or artists, all vendors accept cash with some accepting credit and debit.
How to get here and parking info