Caribana Ignite

We’re partnering with Caribana Arts Groups to present Caribana Ignite. The summer’s newest street party will showcase the true essence of carnival and the vibrancy of the Caribbean.

On this page:

1. About Caribana Ignite
2. Day one: Friday, August 22
3. Day two: Saturday, August 23
4. Join the revellers
5. Parking and transit
6. Local accommodations
7. Our partners

About Caribana Ignite

Caribana Ignite will feature a stunning street theatre presentation and street party that showcases the true essence of carnival, the hottest up-and-coming carnival designers and the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean, all in one celebration.

• day one: Friday, August 22, 6 to 10 p.m., learn more
• day two: Saturday, August 23, noon to 6 p.m., learn more
• location: Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener
• cost: free

With a shift away from the traditional parade, Caribana Ignite will take on a street performance and street party format that will give you a front-row seat on the carnival runway. Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener will be transformed into Carnival Village, where you can enjoy the diversity of Caribbean culture and arts.

More Caribana Ignite events

Events are happening all month long to help celebrate Caribana Ignite, from fitness classes and markets to after-parties that will keep the celebration going. Visit the Caribana Ignite website to learn more about everything Caribana Arts Group has planned to celebrate the festival this summer.

Day one: Friday, August 22

This family-friendly opening event will kick off our weekend of celebration! This jam-packed evening will feature the Caribbean's sights, sounds and flavours, as well as music, dancing, food and more.

• time: 6 to 10 p.m.
• location: Carl Zehr Square

Day two: Saturday, August 23

Meet us on the road to experience the vibrancy and energy of carnival with this spectacular street parade! Revellers will travel along King Street showcasing stunning costumes, energetic dance, and live music with steel drums, soca and reggae. The party will continue at Carl Zehr Square a vibrant cultural celebration that will include food trucks, vendors and music, along with a kids' zone on Gaukel Street.

• time: noon - 6 p.m.
• location: Carl Zehr Square and King Street

Parking and transit

However you get downtown, there are options available:

• transit
• vehicle and bike parking
• plan your route

Transit

Hop off the ION at either the Kitchener City Hall or Victoria Park station for a quick walk. Central Station is a short walk away, as well.

These GRT bus routes stop nearby:

• route 7
• route 8
• route 20
• iXpress 204

Vehicle and bike parking

Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage, as well as other City of Kitchener parking lots around Downtown Kitchener. Visit our parking locations page to find somewhere to park.

While there is no dedicated bike parking within the festival grounds, there is secure bike parking in the City Hall parking garage and bike racks throughout downtown Kitchener where you can park your bike if you ride it to the festival. Visit our bike parking page for more information about bike parking in Kitchener and to find a location to park your bike.

You can pay for parking in surface lots through the Passport Parking app. Download the app, available both on iOS & Android.

Plan your route

Check road closures on your route before coming downtown.

Local accommodations

Coming from out of town? Visit the Explore Waterloo Region website to find local accommodations.

Our partners

We're thankful for the support of our partner, Caribana Arts Group, in running this exciting event