The University of Waterloo will welcome about 60,000 guests when it hosts Waterloo region’s largest Canada Day celebration on Friday. In addition to the live outdoor concert featuring Canadian rock legends Trooper as the headlining act, there will be more than 20 local food vendors, a refreshing beer garden, and an exceptional roster of free children’s activities.
Breakout artist Francesco Yates hits the OpenText Stage at 7 p.m., and Trooper follows soon afterwards.
“It is our pleasure to welcome our local community to campus every year for Canada Day,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “Our partners, neighbours, colleagues and friends are all warmly invited to join us for a great celebration of country and community.”
Families are free to take part in a variety of fun and interactive activities for all ages — from face painting and arts and crafts to inflatable obstacle courses. The TVOKids Stage will showcase award-winning children's musical duo, Splash’N Boots and beloved TVOKids host, Kara.
The event starts at 4 p.m. with children’s programming and on-field entertainment. Fireworks will light up the sky at approximately 10 p.m.
“The Canada Day celebrations at Columbia Lake bring together thousands of Waterloo residents and visitors each year. It’s a chance to appreciate how fortunate we are to live in such a diverse, dynamic city and country,” said Chris Lolas, president of Feds. “The Federation of Students is proud to have a key role in the festivities.”
All campus parking lots are open and free of charge on Canada Day. Accessible parking is available within the OpenText parking lot off of Frank Tompa Drive.
Columbia Street West from Westmount Road to Hagey Boulevard will be closed on July 1.
Please visit the University of Waterloo Canada Day Celebration website for more information. Social media followers can join in the community spirit on Twitter and Instagram using #UWCanadaDay and #UWCommunity.
