How to Find Outdoor Art and Dining in Waterloo

Combine a visit to Waterloo Region with art and great local food for a daytrip the whole family will enjoy

By  Doug Wallace

Posted: June 28, 2021 02:40 PM ET

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Explore Waterloo Region invites Ontario’s weekend wanderers to head out on the 2021 Art Fresco Table Trail, a self-tour of 50 picnic tables hand-painted by local artisans. These wooden works of art can be found throughout the Region at restaurants, cafes, breweries and pubs, as well as bakeries and markets.

Championing community, inclusivity and creativity, talented artists and local eateries will help road-trippers make picnic-table pitstops more memorable—and well-worth sharing on social media to help stir up a crowd and spread the word to other hungry explorers.

The Art Fresco Table Trail offers a free digital passport so diners can check in at participating locations for a chance to win weekly prizes and to be entered into a draw for a Grand Prize Playcation package valued at more than $1,000. Visitors can get the passport at artfresco.ca.

Bringing the community together

Part of the #WRUnited Campaign, this innovative public art project launched in July 2020 as a way to help support the hospitality and arts communities, which have been impacted by pandemic-related restrictions.

Local artists were asked to submit design concepts that celebrated things that make Waterloo Region unique. The 38 chosen artists then created their works on 50 picnic tables while maintaining social distancing at the Lot 42 event space.

The selection committee consisted of Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Executive Director and Curator Denis Longchamps, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Executive Director Shirley Madill, and visual artist Susan Coolen. The picnic tables were provided by Ontario wood furniture manufacturers St. Clements Trim, and paint and supplies came courtesy of Beauti-Tone Paint and the Home Hardware head office in St. Jacobs, Ont.

Put yourself on this map

If your weekend-away plans get you out on the road this summer, make this project part of the itinerary to see how many restaurants on the trail you and your family can visit.

Download the Art Fresco Trail passport now and start sharing your outdoor dining and art experience with friends and followers. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #ArtFrescoTrail and #ArtFrescoDining. Happy trails!