City to host second annual Canada Day celebration at Riverside Park
Event returns with a full day of family-friendly fun following a successful first year
The City of Cambridge will host its second Canada Day celebrations at Riverside Park on Wednesday, July 1, featuring a full day of activities from a morning fishing derby to an evening fireworks display.
“Last year’s strong turnout for Canada Day showed how meaningful this event is to our community,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We’re pleased to build on that success and return for a second year with another full day of activities to bring people together and create lasting memories. Volunteers are the key to our success. They are people who live in our community, care, and show up with passion.”
The City acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Celebrate Canada funding program, which provided a $38,000 contribution toward Canada Day programming and family-oriented activities. The City also gratefully acknowledges Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Farm League Presents and Vardhan Law Office for their significant sponsorship support.
Fishing Derby | 8 a.m.
Bring your own fishing gear and take part in the fishing derby. No registration required.
Canada Day Parade | 11 a.m.
The parade will begin on King Street at Bishop Street and travel down King Street ending at Eagle Street. Arrive early to grab a good spot along the route.
Main Activities | 12 – 9:30 p.m.
- Live entertainment on the main stage and beer garden
- Zipline ride
- Interactive entertainment experiences
- Inflatables including obstacle courses and interactive sports games
Kids Zone | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Face painting
- Hands‑on activities and creative play with Lego
- Live reptile show
- Children’s entertainment
A marketplace of vendors, food trucks, community activations, seating areas, and shaded rest zones are available throughout the day.
Fireworks | 9:45 p.m. (or dusk)
The celebration concludes with a fireworks display, weather permitting. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early.
To support safety and accessibility, vehicles will not be permitted inside Riverside Park. There will be no on-street drop-offs inside the main park entrance off King Street. Accessible parking will be available near the front of the park for those with a valid permit and a free shuttle service will run from 12:30 p.m.- 11 p.m. from the following locations:
- Beverly Street Parking Lot - 15 Beverly Street, Cambridge
- Cambridge Centre Mall - 355 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
- Conestoga College Reuter Drive - 25 Reuter Drive, Cambridge
With large crowds expected, residents are encouraged to walk, bike, use public transit, or carpool where possible.
On‑site security, first aid, and emergency services will be available to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Outside alcohol is not permitted; only those individuals who are 19+ may purchase and consume from the approved on-site vendor. Free water stations will be provided, and visitors are encouraged to stay hydrated and bring refillable water bottles. Full event details and updates are available at cambridge.ca/CanadaDay.
