Megan’s Top 5

We love building cool things together here in Waterloo Region. That’s what we do here. For us, working, playing, helping, giving and celebrating are all part of the ethos. Maybe we need a word for it, but you can experience it all at the True North Festival.

“One of the best parts about working on the True North Festival is seeing the activities come alive,” said Megan Gallinger, the Festival Lead at Communitech. “The level of excitement different groups have when it comes to showcasing their storefronts, exhibiting their art or getting in front of an audience to demonstrate their talents is infectious.”

For True North attendees, it’s like having a savvy local guide to show you all the hidden gems in a new town. For Waterloo Region’s locals, it’s a way to rediscover the community you thought you knew, and show our international guests what makes this place so extraordinary: You!

“The True North Festival is a great chance for people who live here to experience all that the region has to offer and for those who have never been here or who don’t come here often to learn about what a great place this can be to live, work and play.” added Gallinger.

We have two headline events this year. On Wednesday, June 19, head to Uptown Waterloo for Campfire where you can gather around the campfire with friends and neighbours for music, food, fire and more. Featuring musical performances by: Great Lake Swimmers, Safe As Houses and Bird City. On Thursday, June 20 join us for the DTK Music Festival in Downtown Kitchener for a free concert headlined by Canadian DJ Frank Walker with special guests Crown Lands and DJ Leanne Rhymes.

There are over 50 awesome events to check out during the True North Festival. Don’t know where to start? Here are Megan’s top five to check out while you’re here.

1. True North Kickoff Party at Starlight Social Club – June 19
   Kick off True North with top-notch DJs and performers and try out a signature True North cocktail.
2. DTK Patio Crawl – June 20
   Grab your friends, choose your adventure and discover your new favourite summer patio at the DTK Patio Crawl. Pick up a passport from any of the participating patios to collect stickers along the way for your chance to win one of two $500 Downtown Dollars prize packs, plus plenty of prizes from participating businesses.
3. True North Launch Party at CIGI – June 19
   The Founder Institute Launch Party showcases Waterloo’s newest pre-seed startups launching in Canada’s hottest tech ecosystem during the city’s top innovation festival – True North 2019. Join founders, investors and VIP’s as we hear rocket-fast startup pitches then cocktails and an exclusive concert in the modern lobby of The Centre for International Governance Innovation.
4. Lokal Lounge – Official Lounge of True North – June 18-20
   The Lokal Lounge is a smart space designed to inspire creative thinking that shifts from a daytime working and gathering space where creative ideas flourish, to a buzzing lounge in the evening. Located on the second floor of The Walper Hotel, The Lokal is open to guests and the surrounding community, with free nightly entertainment during True North.
5. True North Wrap Up Party at District Nightclub – June 20
   Want to Dance? Wrap up the True North Festival in style at District Nightclub in Downtown Kitchener. Connect and network in one of Kitchener’s hottest nightlife venues. The ATB DJs will dispense a dope soundtrack for an epic evening.

Those are just five of over 50 events to experience during True North, June 18-20 in Waterloo Region. Which ones are on your list?