Event venues in Kitchener-Waterloo

This page lists venues in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Many entertainers, caterers and rental companies in the directory travel across the GTA and nearby regions, so check each profile's service area.

Planning an event in Kitchener-Waterloo

• Alcohol: a licensed venue covers the bar. Anywhere else (a hall, a park, an office) needs a Special Occasion Permit from AGCO. Timing: at least 10 days ahead for an indoor private event and 30 days for other indoor events; outdoor events also need 30 days' written notice to the municipality, police, fire and public health (60 days for 5,000 people or more). The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19.
• Sales tax: 13% HST on food, drinks and services. The budget calculator applies it when Kitchener-Waterloo is selected.
• Capacity: the occupant load posted in the room is the legal maximum. Check your layout with the capacity calculator.
• Outdoor events: parks, tents and amplified sound need approval from the municipality; ask early, because noise exemptions and tent permits take weeks. Under the Ontario Building Code a tent, or group of tents, needs a building permit unless it covers 60 m² (about 646 sq ft) or less, is not attached to a building and sits more than 3 m from other structures. Tents over 225 m² need an engineered design. Municipal bylaws can add limits.
• Site visits: bring the 25-question venue tour checklist.