Hello, and welcome to Summerloo 2026 edition! I am this term’s Editor-in-Chief of the Iron Warrior and I am so excited for the term ahead! Summer means great things: ice cream, sun, outdoor sports, gardening, ice cream, flowers, picnics… Did I say ice cream? Summerloo is an environment I have yet to experience. This term is my first summer term, and I will say I am jealous of the Stream 4 kids who get to experience summer term more than once. It is so much nicer being outside, being with friends and having the sun out past 4 PM. In this article, I want to highlight some amazing events and activities that will be happening in Waterloo this term. Also, I’ve added places that would be nice to visit in the warm weather, both on campus and off-campus. So strap in for this curated list, and get ready for a term of fun!
OFF-CAMPUS
- Waterloo Art Market [1]
This art market features handmade goods and local art. It’s hosted in the Waterloo Public Square and runs from 5 PM – 9 PM on July 24 and August 14. Who doesn’t love an outdoor arts market in the summer?
2. St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market [2]
Although this famous Waterloo destination is open year-round, the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market is a sight to be seen in the summer! Strolling through stalls of fresh fruits, veggies and homemade goodies is bound to make any heart flutter with joy!
3. Movies in the Park [1]
Movies in the Park combines the two best things ever: movies and parks. This event is being run multiple times throughout the summer in the Hilltop Picnic Area. The dates are as follows: June 11, 18, 25 and July 9, 16, 23 and August 6, 13, 20. The movies will be announced closer to the dates so stay tuned! This event is in support of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region so don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item!
ON-CAMPUS
Now that we’ve looked at some off-campus events, here’s a list of places on campus doing special events/features for the summer!
4. EV3 Cafe introduces new Summer Menu Items
Ahh, the EV3 Cafe: beautiful, green and delicious! This term they have introduced four flavours of dirty sodas: Strawberry Cream Splash, The Pomegranate Paradox, The Waterloo Spritz, and The Waterloo Wave! They are featured from June 1 to June 30th. Check them out!
5. EngSoc’s Ice Cream Sales [3]
These ice cream sales are happening in the PSE Foyer from 12pm to 2 pm, on June 11, and July 2. Ice cream makes all the heat go away so go and grab some this term!
6. WUSA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Watch Party [4]
And of course, I can’t forget the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup hosted right here in Canada. The Canadian men’s national team is competing on the world stage again after 40 years, so come out and cheer! WUSA is hosting two watch parties for the term, June 12 from 3 – 5 PM in the SLC Great Hall and June 24 from 3 – 5 PM also in the SLC Great Hall.
7. Engineering Day [5]
I saved the best for last: Waterloo Engineers get ready to be PURPLE!! Yearly, Waterloo Engineering students, staff and faculty come together to celebrate engineering at the University of Waterloo. In the past, this vibrant event included: purpling, BBQ, purple Kool-Aid stations, yummy treats, Dunk Your Prof. Tanks, inflatable games, photo booths and endless fun! You can buy a white shirt from Novelties to Engineering Day for around 10 bucks for the annual purple powder throw. The Iron Warrior will be hosting an EngDay photo contest so don’t forget to snap some great pictures and capture the fun!
The summer is the best time to be outside, so make sure to balance your time between studying and enjoying the sun. This list is not comprehensive; there are many events happening on campus and off-campus that students can enjoy. There are also outdoor sports and intramurals happening all term. If you’ve never tried playing sports before, this is your chance to get outside, touch grass and enjoy being active. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen!
Have fun, Summerloo!!
References
[1] “City events,” City of Waterloo, https://www.waterloo.ca/arts-culture-and-events/city-events/ (accessed May 31, 2026).
[2] “2026 events,” St.JacobsMarket, https://www.stjacobsmarket.com/events (accessed May 31, 2026).
[3] “Calendar – Waterloo Engineering Society,” Waterloo Engineering Society -, https://www.engsoc.uwaterloo.ca/events/calendar/ (accessed May 31, 2026).
[4] “Events from May 8 – May 14,” Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, https://wusa.ca/events/photo/ (accessed May 31, 2026).
[5] “Engineering day 2025: Engineering: University of Waterloo,” Engineering | University of Waterloo, https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/events/engineering-day-2025 (accessed May 31, 2026).
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