City hosting Canada Day celebrations at Riverside Park

Posted on Monday June 09, 2025

Bigger than ever festival features games, parade, music, rides, and a fireworks finale for all ages


Residents and visitors are invited to experience the largest Canada Day celebration in Waterloo Region on Tuesday, July 1 at Riverside Park. For the first time, the City is officially leading and hosting the event, continuing a favourite community tradition packed with activities and entertainment for all ages.

“The City is grateful for the many years of service and tremendous work of the Cambridge Celebrates Canada Day Committee who led this event in the past,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Canada Day is a time to come together and celebrate everything we love about this country. It’s a day to wear our red and white and mark Canada’s birthday with family, friends, and neighbours.”

Here’s what residents can look forward to throughout the day:

Fishing Derby | 8 a.m.
The day kicks off with a fishing derby at Riverside Park. Residents should plan to bring their own fishing gear to try their luck at catching fish. No registration needed – just cast a line and enjoy the morning.

Canada Day Parade | 11 a.m.
Watch the Canada Day Parade along King Street. The parade will begin at Bishop Street and travel along King Street ending at Eagle Street. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find a good viewing spot. View a map of the parade route.

Main Event Activities | 12 – 9:30 p.m.
Following the parade, festivities will continue at Riverside Park with a full lineup of activities, including:

  • Opening ceremony and live entertainment on the main stage presented by Farm League 
  • Zip-Line ride across Riverside Park
  • Axe Throwing
  • Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • Dunk Tank
  • Children's Area organized by the Melissa Francis Team at REMAX from 12p.m.-6p.m. 
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Farm League Brewing beer garden (19+ only)
  • Marketplace vendors
  • Midway
  • Food trucks and so much more!

Fireworks | 9:45 p.m. (or dusk)
The celebrations conclude with a dazzling fireworks display, weather permitting. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to secure a spot.

To keep everyone safe, vehicles are not permitted inside Riverside Park grounds on Canada Day and there is no on-street drop off permitted inside the main entrance off King Street. Accessible parking is available at the front of the main park entrance for those with a valid permit.

With large crowds expected, active transportation such as Grand River Transit, biking or carpooling is recommended. The City is also pleased to offer free shuttle service from 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. from multiple nearby locations to make it easier for residents to access the park. Shuttle Bus Locations: Cambridge Centre Mall - Rear Lot, south end, Fountain Street Soccer Complex lot, Com-Dev Soccer Park. A free acccessible shuttle with be running from the Fountain Street Soccer Complex lot.

Stay hydrated throughout the day with our free Quench Buggy on site and bring a refillable water bottle.

For more details on event activities and a schedule, visit cambridge.ca/CanadaDay.