KBF Dance Weekend: Aug 7-9

Every year in August the Kitchener Blues Festival plays amazing music all weekend at various free stages throughout downtown. We're inviting dancers from all over to join us for this great event and to dance to all the live music you can handle! Also, don't forget to add us on facebook...


There is still some room left at the dinner and dance in the park Saturday evening! Fill out the registration form below, or get in touch with Martin via email or in person.

Our printable copy of the weekend's information is up! Download it here and print your own copy (1 page, double-sided), or grab a hard copy from us when you arrive.

General Overview

The Kitchener Blues Festival is a free outdoor music weekend that attracts top blues musicians from all over North America. Our local dancers always go out to support the music and to dance. This year, we are reaching out to invite our fellow dancers from other cities to share in this great experience! As well as the great music, we've set up some dance events on Saturday to help fill out the weekend.

How the Weekend Works

There are 2 parts to this weekend: The outdoor concerts of course are free! We provide a listing of suggested bands, and group together to dance and enjoy the music. The Saturday group plans include 2 main events: Saturday dinner in the evening, and then a Saturday late-night after the festival headliners are done. We're also adding a social pre-party on Friday night to welcome anyone coming in early from out of town. Here is our tentative schedule for the weekend:

Friday August 7 Saturday August 8 Sunday August 9

Event Details

Download your printable summary of the weekend here.

Weekend Concerts (free) ~ There are amazing live bands playing outdoors all weekend. We've gathered together the best and most danceable from various stages to show to you.
Venue ~ Downtown Kitchener, King street from College down to Queen

Friday Performance (free) ~ The KWSDS has been invited again this year to perform for the festival so we'll be energizing the crowd and you're invited to come out and cheer!
Venue ~ Tent stage, King street at Queen

Friday Late-Night Pre-Party ($5 for food costs) ~ We're getting together the first night to unwind and welcome early visitors from out of town. Once the Friday night concerts are done we head back to one of our dancers' fine homes to eat, relax, socialize, and blues dance.
Venue ~ Martin's Place, 591-A Park street

Saturday Dinner ($14) ~ Taking a break from the bands, we head a few minutes down the street to scenic Victoria Park to enjoy a picnic dinner featuring some of our tasty local flavours. We'll take advantage of the park too with some games on the grass and of course dancing in the wooden gazebo as well.
Venue ~ Victoria Park gazebo, Courtland ave

Saturday Late-Night Dance ($20) ~ This is the main dance event of the weekend! We've been crashing the festival so far, now it's time for an official dancing event: a blues/lindy late-night dance hosted at one of our regular dance venues. Back on a real wood floor after being on the streets all day, and we've got the Jumpin' Jive Band playing for us. Snacks will be provided!
Venue ~ Impact Studios, 161 King street west

Cost and Registration

Registering is set up for 2 reasons: (1) it lets us plan ahead and coordinate for food, and (2) it lets you save a bit of money if you'll be coming to the events all weekend. Registration for weekend passes is now closed, but we still need to know if you're coming to dinner. Fill out the form below, or get in touch with Martin via email or in person.

Travel and Housing

The blues festival is located in downtown Kitchener-Waterloo, which is 1.5 hours west of Toronto, or 3 hours east of Detroit. The closest major airport is Pearson Airport near Toronto. Housing with dancers is available and will be provided first-come first-served.


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