Books & Audiobooks
Friday, September 19 to Sunday, October 12, 2025
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Millions of people attend thousands of free participatory arts and culture events across Canada both in-person and online.
Culture Days aims to:
- FOSTER appreciation and support of the artistic and cultural life that is lived, created and expressed across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas alike;
- PROMOTE direct interaction between creators and the public, as a key to increasing understanding and appreciation of art and culture; and
- AFFIRM that every citizen is the guardian of the cultural life of his, her or their community.
Browse our Culture Day Events below!
Our Culture Days Events
Outdoors
City of Waterloo's Beats in the Square
June 5th: 06:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Registration required
About the Event
Beats in the Square is a free community celebration highlighting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and Indigenous history, culture, and identity through music, dance, performances, and connection.
Special Events
Poems of Ice and Witness: Book Launch
June 9th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Event
Join us for an evening of eco‑poetry exploring our connection to the natural world, featuring the launch of two new books by local authors and storytellers.
Outdoors
Uptown BIA Night Market
July 2nd: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the library for another year. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.
Special Events
Artists at Work
July 4th: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Everyone Welcome
Drop-in
About the Event
Experience creativity up close as local artists bring their work to life right in the library Program Room. Drop in to watch artists as they create in real time using a variety of styles and materials, and take the opportunity to chat with them about their process, inspiration, and techniques.
Outdoors
Uptown BIA Night Market
July 9th: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the library for another year. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.
Writing
Open Mic Poetry Night
July 14th: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Program
Join us in a welcoming, judgment-free space for another special evening of poetry and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or sharing your work for the very first time, this is your chance to present original writing in a supportive atmosphere. Prefer to simply listen and soak in the words? That’s perfectly fine too, everyone is welcome.
Special Events
Summer Night Social: Drummin' Up Ubuntu
July 14th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
Ubuntu is an African philosophy that expresses our humanity and interconnectedness. Drumming is an activity that brings people, groups or communities together. When these two are meshed, what we get is a musical gathering depicting our link to one another. Everyone is immediately connected through the making of music and drumming.
Outdoors
Uptown BIA Night Market
July 16th: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the library for another year. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.
Outdoors
Uptown BIA Night Market
July 23rd: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the library for another year. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.
Outdoors
Uptown BIA Night Market
July 30th: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Families
Drop-in
About the Event
The Uptown Waterloo BIA's popular Night Market is back at the library for another year. Taste local treats, browse local vendors, enjoy entertainment from musicians and performers, and take part in fun pop-up programming.