Waterloo Public Square

Opened in 2009, Waterloo Public Square is a place for people to gather in the heart of the city. It can accommodate large and small events year-round. City-run events take place there throughout the year.

The Waterloo Public Square outdoor rink is officially open for the winter season! 

Getting here

Find the Square at 75 King Street South.

There are bus stops and a northbound light rail station within the square. Check Grand River Transit's website for schedules. Check our parking page for nearby parking locations. Parking is generally free for two hours during weekdays and unlimited on evenings and weekends.

Skating rink (Now open)

The square features an outdoor skating rink during cold weather months. Check our outdoor rinks page to check opening hours and rink rules.

Find shade in the Square

Our city's history inspired the new permanent shade structures at Waterloo Public Square. The large leaf-like structures provide shade through wood slats mounted on steel posts. Learn more about the shade structure project. 

We also put up a giant umbrella during the summer.

Water fountains

Check out our new display fountain near the entrance to the shops. It has a water wall, a series of cascading pools and lights up at night. We shut the water off for the winter.

We also have an accessible drinking water fountain available from May to October. Take a drink, fill up your water bottle and make sure your pets stay hydrated, too.

Rentals

Waterloo Public Square is available for rent for events of all sizes. It has a maximum capacity of 2,500 and has these amenities:

  • hydro access (15amp, 50amp and 200amp service)
  • rental equipment such as tents, tables and chairs
  • built-in garbage/recycling receptacles
  • large and small vehicle access for deliveries and mobile stages
  • 19,000 sq.ft of usable, flat concrete surface
  • lighting - the square is illuminated by 22 lights, which turn on automatically at dusk
  • multiple raised platforms that can function as a stage
  • drinking water fountain (available May to October)
  • non-potable water access

Download a site plan of the square (PDF) and find rental fees below.

Visit our Plan an event page to find everything you need to organize your event.

Waterloo Public Square rental fees

Important information about rental fees:

  • fees are based on single day events — we will price multiple day or reoccurring events on an individual basis
  • we will price events with over 1,000 participants on an individual basis
  • food vending spaces are subject to a Waterloo Region Public Health Permit

Vendor spaces Fee
Event length: 1 to 2 hours $38.00
Event length: 3 to 5 hours $97.00
Event length: 6+ hours $195.00
Square rental – not-for-profit  Fee
Upper terrace – 4 hours $91.00
Seat step amphitheatre – 4 hours $176.00
Main courtyard – 6 hours $267.00
Full square – 8 hours $296.00
Full square – additional hour $91.00
Square rental – commercial  Fee
Upper terrace – 4 hours $117.00
Seat step amphitheatre – 4 hours $296.00
Main courtyard – 6 hours $533.00
Full square – 8 hours $591.00
Full square – additional hour $235.00


Important information about equipment fees:

  • we charge only what it costs us for equipment and staff time, which is either $35 per hour or the rental fee, whichever is higher
  • we offer a 50% discount on equipment fees for not-for-profit groups
Equipment Fees – per day Fee
Pop-up tents – 10 by 10 feet $77.00
Portable speaker unit $59.00
Tables – 2.5 by 6 feet $5.00
Chairs (50) $29.00
Event package – includes 10 tents, 10 tables and portable speaker $591.00

Review all event-related fees (PDF).

For event bookings or questions, contact festivals@waterloo.ca.