July 1 community picnic

Find information on what Waterloo is doing for July 1, 2023.

On this page

  1. About the July 1st Community Picnic
  2. All Day Programming
  3. Main Stage Schedule
  4. What to know ahead of time
  5. What to bring with you
  6. 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),
Mandippal has made a lasting impression in Ontario’s singer/songwriter scene for two decades
performing with notable acts like Scott Helman, Virginia To Vegas, Tim Hicks, Jully Black, Fred Penner,
Alysha Brilla, Hannah Georgas, Said The Whale, Justin Nozuka, Sarah Slean, and many others. He
has been featured on CBC Radio One (Fresh Air, Metro Morning, Here and Now, In The Key Of C), The
Record (Kitchener-Waterloo), along with showcases at CBC’s Sounds Of The Season, Burlington
Sound Of Music Festival, NXNE Music & Film Festival, Canadian Music Week, and COCA’s Regional
& National Conferences. He was also one of the 14 recipients of Kitchener’s Create & Connect grant
in 2022. With help from Good Company Productions, he highlighted Artists of Colour in Ontario in three video interviews who are making impacts in the music industry: Alysha Brilla (2x Juno Nominee), Anshuman “AM” Sharma (Cash Money Records), and Alexander Saint (JP Saxe).
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
Future Soul. Grounded by jazz-influenced melodies, danceable basslines and a transcendent voice, the
music is immediately compelling and curious. Their sound as described by CBC’s Laila Biali “Music
that exists in a sonic world of its own”. Their debut EP, "show us it's real", has been featured on NPR’s
KCRW, CBC Radio, and three Spotify Curated playlists. Completely independent, their music is
recorded and produced at home. Most of the visual art, and all of the merch is done by the band. Love
is their message, music is their answer. Open yourself, absorb, enjoy.
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

Please note, the entrance to the West Side of Waterloo Park (off of Westmount Rd.) will be closed to vehicles for the event. Attendees are encouraged to find other methods of transportation or park in one of the nearby lots.
Need help finding parking? Check our parking map.