Doors Open Waterloo Region returns September 19

Tuesday, 15 September 2026

News Releases

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo’s annual Doors Open returns Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Explore local destinations including noteworthy buildings, interesting businesses and heritage sites. Discover Waterloo Region's structures and stories during this day of exclusive access.

Now in its 24th year, Doors Open Waterloo Region is part of Doors Open Ontario. The province-wide event celebrates community heritage and architecture.

Doors Open Waterloo Region showcases 27 participating locations throughout the Region’s cities and townships, including: four churches, two world-class research facilities, six museums, one repurposed 1852 jail, an iconic Kitchener stone tower and a ghost village in Ayr.

Thirteen of the sites are buildings which have been adapted for reuse. These include churches converted into affordable housing and performing arts spaces, and offices transformed into jam halls for local musicians.

A handful of locations are celebrating milestones as part of their Doors Open festivities, including: Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower (100 years since completion of construction); the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) which is celebrating its 25th anniversary; and Holly's Neighbourhood Café & Bar which marks two years to the day since it was transformed from a heritage home into its current iteration by owners RFB Development.