Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
(http://www.oktoberfest.ca). together with kitchener, waterloo hosts this bavarian festival, held annually in october. it is the largest in the world outside of munich, germany. the following two festhalle are located in waterloo: heidelberg haus located at the moses springer community centre, and ruedesheimer garten located at the waterloo memorial recreation complex, 101 father david bauer dr.. as well, there is a free oktoberfest luncheon at the waterloo memorial recreation complex the day before oktoberfest officially starts, family-friendly activities on king street in uptown waterloo on the first saturday of oktoberfest, and the oktoberfest parade which occurs on the thanksgiving monday passes through waterloo.
Laurel Creek Conservation Area
This conservation area, centred around a reservoir, offers camping, as well as a beach and other water activities. Trails are available for hiking as well as cross country skiing during the winter.
RIM Park
Waterloo's largest and most modern community centre and sports complex is host to many recreational youth and adult sports leagues and contains: -4 olympic size ice pads used for organized team activities as well as public free skates -1 large indoor turf field which can be divided into 3 fields for recreational soccer -2 NBA size Gymnasiums -700 person banquet hall -several meeting rooms -food services facility Most of the above facilities can be divided to serve a larger number of teams or groups. Several organizations use the facilities for trade shows and special events such as career fairs. The property is on 500 acres of land which includes the Grey Silo golf course and several trails and outdoor sports fields.
Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival
(http://www.uptownwaterloo...). held every year in july, waterloo funds a free jazz concert showing various styles and talent throughout jazz.
Waterloo Buskers' Carnival
(http://www.waterloo-buske...). held annually in august. celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2008.
Waterloo Central Railway
A tourist railway that runs a train consisting of historic passenger cars and a historic diesel between Waterloo and St. Jacobs on market days. Offers special runs during Oktoberfest.
Waterloo Public Square
(http://www.waterloo.ca/pu...). an open-air event and gathering space at the corner of king street n. and willis way in the heart of uptown. year round programs include festivals, markets, concerts, activities such as yoga, tai chi and ballroom dancing.
University of Waterloo
Established in the 1950's, uw is one of canada's youngest universities. it is well known for its co-operative education program and for fostering innovation. several spinoff companies are well-known, such as research in motion and open text. it was also the starting point of engineers without borders. visitors might be interested in the earth sciences museum in the ceit building, and the optometry museum in the optometry building. (http://www.uwaterloo.ca/)
Wilfrid Laurier University
75 university ave w corner of king and university. wlu is best known for its school of business and economics; its music, history, and kinesiology programs are also well-known. the school of music hosts at least one concert per week, admission to which is often free. (http://www.wlu.ca/)