FAQs
What is the Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival?
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It is a 3-day music festival that features both local and internationally renowned jazz artists, local vendors, and businesses to create an unforgettable weekend each year.
The Jazz Festival runs rain or shine! We will only cancel if there is additional adverse weather. Stay tuned on social media if you’re unsure!
Do I need tickets to attend the Festival?
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No! No tickets are required. The festival has FREE entry ! You may choose to buy wares from our vendors, merchandise from the artists or festival, participate in the silent auction or make a donation.
What should I bring to the Festival?
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You don’t need to bring anything to enjoy the festival however here are some things to think about!
Seat - We have folding chairs, but you are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
Sun protection - there is limited shade available, so please bring plenty of sun protection
Water - stay hydrated! Our licensed vendor will have drink options for purchase.
Weather protection - We run rain or shine. Make sure to check the weather and be prepared.
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Is the Festival Accessible?
We are dedicated to making everyone's experience comfortable. Our pathways and entrances are accessible and we welcome service dogs within the festival grounds. Accessible parking is available at the Regina St. lot. If there is anything else we can do to assist with making your visit more comfortable, please contact us or visit the administration and merchandise booth on the left side of the stage for assistance, or find one of our volunteers!
Can I drink alcohol or smoke at the Festival?
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The festival is licensed. Only alcoholic drinks purchased at the festival may be consumed on premises. Please exit festival grounds to smoke or vape.
Where can I park for the Festival?
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Uptown Parkade is available for short and long term parking options for a fee. Other parking areas are free evenings and weekends.
Check out all the parking options on: The Uptown Waterloo BIA's webiste.
The Regina Lot is available for accessible parking. Our parking volunteers will provide access to those who need it!
How do I get to the Festival?
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We are in the City Centre Parking lot - 100 Regina St. S. Pedestrian access is available off Spur line trail or via Willis Way. There is no pedestrian access on William St.
By Public Transit
GRT routes 7, 8, and 3 or
LRT #301 to Conestoga Waterloo Public Square Station
LRT #301 to Fairway Willis Way Station
Plan your trip using the GRT Trip Planner!
By Bike
The festival is right along the Spur line trail from Kitchener and on the bike lane routes through Waterloo!
By Car
If driving, the best way to access the festival grounds is via Regina Street. Regina also gives you access to numerous parking lots including FREE parking at the UpTown Parkade off Regina St Friday at 6 pm through Sunday at 6 pm. Compliments of UpTown Waterloo Businesses.
From Region of Waterloo International Airport
Turn right off of the Airport grounds and travel north on Fountain Street North.
Turn left onto Victoria Street (HWY 7).
Turn left onto Bruce Street.
Turn right onto HWY 85 NORTH exit.
Take the Bridgeport Street exit, travel WEST on Bridgeport Street (a right turn from the off-ramp)
(Bridgeport Street becomes one-way only).
Continue to the intersection of Bridgeport Road East and Regina Street North.
To reach the Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival, turn left on to Regina Street, passing through the intersection of Erb and Regina (traffic lights).
There is parking to your left in the Station Lot and parking to your right accessed from Willis Way. The festival takes place in the Waterloo City Centre parking lot, across from Willis Way.
Total travel time: 19 minutes, 15 kms (approximate).
From Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto (YYZ)
Travel on HWY 401 WEST from Pearson International Airport.
Take the HWY 8 WEST exit 278 into KITCHENER.
Take the HWY 7 exit toward GUELPH/HWY 85/WATERLOO.
Take the Bridgeport Street exit, travel WEST on Bridgeport Street (a right turn from the off-ramp)
(Bridgeport Street becomes one-way only).
Continue to the intersection of Bridgeport Road East and Regina Street North.
To reach the Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival, turn left on to Regina Street, passing through the intersection of Erb and Regina (traffic lights).
There is parking to your left in the Station Lot and parking to your right accessed from Willis Way. The festival takes place in the Waterloo City Centre parking lot, across from Willis Way.
Total travel time: 45min, 76 kms (approximate).
From Detroit/Windsor, USA/Canada Border
Travel on HWY 401 EAST from DETROIT/WINDSOR.
Take the HWY 8 WEST exit 278 into KITCHENER/WATERLOO.
Turn right (NORTH) when exiting the off-ramp (Note: when exiting HWY 401, you will temporarily leave the multi-lane highway).
Continue on HWY 8. Exit onto HWY 8/KITCHENER (rejoining the multi-lane highway).
Take the HWY 7 exit toward GUELPH/HWY 85/WATERLOO.
Take the Bridgeport Street exit, travel WEST on Bridgeport Street (a right turn from the off-ramp)
(Bridgeport Street becomes one-way only)
Continue to the intersection of Bridgeport Road East and Regina Street North.
To reach the Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival, turn left on to Regina Street, passing through the intersection of Erb and Regina (traffic lights).
There is parking to your left in the Station Lot and parking to your right accessed from Willis Way. The festival takes place in the Waterloo City Centre parking lot, across from Willis Way.
Total travel time: 3 hrs, 15 min, 293 kms (approximate).