Explore fall fun across Waterloo Region this weekend! From Diwali and pumpkin parades to soup festivals and Halloween events, there’s something for everyone.
Kate’s Top Weekend Picks: Fun Fall Events Across Waterloo
A Weekend Full of Fall Fun
As October turns to November, the Waterloo region is buzzing with seasonal festivities. From Halloween celebrations and World Series watch parties to Diwali and local markets, residents have plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend.
Halloween and Baseball Share the Spotlight
Friday night brings double excitement: Halloween trick-or-treating and Game 6 of the World Series, where the Toronto Blue Jays continue to thrill Canadian fans. Several local watch parties are planned across Kitchener and Waterloo. Families are reminded to watch for children out collecting candy.
Community Health and Culture on Saturday
On Saturday, families can attend a free child health fair hosted by the YMCA of Three Rivers and Early Years Child Care Navigators at the Williamsburg Community Centre in Kitchener. The event features developmental screenings for children under six, health resources, and drop-in access.
Meanwhile, Nith Valley Ecoboosters host a Repair Café in New Hamburg (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) to help residents fix household items, while RIM Park in Waterloo transforms into a festive marketplace for the Very Merry Market (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), featuring local artisans and early holiday shopping.
Soups, Strolls, and Local Sports
At McDougall Cottage in Cambridge, visitors can join a Soup and Stroll event Saturday, blending warm Scotch Broth soup with a guided tour of Galt’s architecture. Registration is required.
Also Saturday, the Kitchener Rangers host the Sudbury Wolves before heading to Brampton Sunday, while the Guelph Storm face the Sarnia Sting at home at 2 p.m.
Sunday Celebrations: Diwali and Soup for a Cause
Sunday afternoon brings cultural celebration with the Huron Cultural Diwali Event at Breslau Community Centre (12:30–4 p.m.), showcasing music, food, and traditional festivities.
For food lovers, Sensational Elora’s Soup Off and Empty Bowls fundraiser offers soup tastings from local chefs to support the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Honouring Traditions: Día de los Muertos
Downtown Kitchener hosts a vibrant Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Festivities begin at the Kitchener Market, followed by a colourful parade down King Street to City Hall. The event features live music, ofrendas (altars), traditional food, and performances celebrating life and remembrance.
Pumpkin Parades Light the Night
Post-Halloween, pumpkin parades will illuminate local parks Saturday evening.
- Rockway Gardens Pumpkin Parade (Kitchener, 6–8 p.m.)
- Downtown Cambridge Pumpkin Walk (6–9 p.m.)
- Fiddlesticks Community Centre Pumpkin Walk (6:30 p.m.)
- Art Gallery of Guelph Pumpkin Display (12–8 p.m.)
- Pumpkin Promenade at Tytler School, part of the Haunted Halls event ($2 admission).
Each event collects pumpkins for composting and local farms — a sustainable way to end spooky season.
Time Change Reminder
As festivities wind down, remember to set clocks back one hour early Sunday morning as daylight saving time ends.
