February opens its doors with playful workshops, inspiring gatherings, and local charm. Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge are alive with experiences ready to kick off a vibrant week!
Free events
Black History Month Event – Celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 12–5 PM at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON. Enjoy engaging stories, inspiring conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, it’s completely free!
CFRU’s 46th Birthday Party! – Big milestone alert! CFRU turns 46 on Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10 AM–3 PM at Play With Clay & “the Clay Bar,” 42 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, ON. Come paint, sip, snack, and toast to community and creativity. Admission? Totally free!
Dancing Out Loud! – Step into a Sunday of rhythm on February 1, 2026, from 2–4 PM at the Visitor Information Centre, 10 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo. Explore Afro-Indigenous Latine dances like salsa and bachata in a friendly workshop and social. No experience needed, and it’s free to join.
Film Screening: Through A Lens Darkly – Experience thought-provoking films on February 4, 2026, 6–8 PM at Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office. The video wall brings arts and culture stories to life in a relaxed setting. Best of all, this screening is free for everyone.
Embracing Winter – Guided Nature Walk at Huron Natural Area – Find your winter flow on February 7, 2026, from 10 AM–11:30 AM. Gather at 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener, to explore nature’s seasonal secrets together. It’s a free lovely morning escape.
Families Gallery at Guelph Civic Museum – Discover a space for play and learning on February 7, 2026, from 9:30 AM–5 PM. Located at 52 Norfolk St, Guelph, this spot is perfect for curious little minds to explore local history. Admission is completely free for everyone.
Fun for the family
Stories Under the Winter Moon – Embrace the quiet season on February 1, 2026, from 2 PM–3:30 PM. This gathering at Cambridge Public Library, Queen’s Square, features traditional Haudenosaunee stories shared for generations. It is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Attendance is free.
Social Art at the Boathouse! – Unwind this Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at 57 Jubilee Dr, Kitchener. It is a relaxed evening where anyone can paint a masterpiece step-by-step while enjoying local food. The cost to participate is CA$40 per person.
Pick Your Play (Youth Drop-In) – Keep the kids active on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4 PM–5:30 PM. Located at 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, this program offers eight weeks of fun recreational activities for ages 8–12. The total one-time cost is just CA$10.
Moms in BusinessKWC – Coffee, Ice Cream and Connections – Network while the kids enjoy treats on February 5, 2026, 4 PM–7 PM. Head to The Nest Cafe & Creamery, 2057 Victoria Street North #1, Kitchener, to collaborate with like-minded local moms. Tickets are CA$16.54.
Laurier Student Composers Concert – Immerse yourself in local creativity on February 5, 2026, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM. This showcase at 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, features innovative new music from the next generation of composers. Admission for this performance is priced CA$0–32.
Claytime – Get your hands messy on February 7, 2026, from 2 PM–4:30 PM at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo. This beginner workshop lets anyone create functional, food-safe pottery to be fired in the kiln. Registration is CA$37.51.
Where to Eat in Kitchener‑Waterloo: Top Foodie Picks
Explore Kitchener‑Waterloo’s foodie scene with our guide to 8 standout restaurants, cafés, and eateries. Perfect for casual bites, special dinners, or culinary adventures with friends, these spots showcase the best flavours the region has to offer. Check the full guide to discover KW’s must-visit foodie destinations.
Exciting and new
Book Swap & Shop! – Celebrate the love of literacy on February 1, 2026, 4 PM–6 PM, at The Bishops Brew Cafe, 49 Queen Street East, Cambridge. This gathering is perfect for finding hidden gems and giving back to the community. Participation is free or you can donate.
Paws and Prints at the KW Humane Society – Explore the world of printmaking on February 2, 2026, 1 PM–3:30 PM. Head to Kitchener Waterloo Animal Centre Party Room, to roll ink and create unique designs in a relaxed, friendly setting. This artistic session is open for free.
Beginner-friendly Line Dance Class – Shake up your Wednesday on February 4, 2026, from 6 PM–6:50 PM. Located at 92 King Street South, Waterloo, this high-energy drop-in session is perfect for those wanting to learn new moves in a relaxed setting. Tickets are CA$28.25.
Paper Roses Valentine’s Day Cards at Staples Guelph Store 81 – Spend a whimsical evening on February 4, 2026, 5 PM–7 PM, at the local Staples in Guelph. Discover the joy of making paper roses and festive cards for your loved ones. Entry is free.
KW Journalling Club – February Meet-Up – Find your creative flow on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:15 PM–6:45 PM. The Princess Cafe at 46 King Street North, Waterloo, hosts this cozy social hangout for anyone into crafting and collaging. Admission is entirely free.
Collage Workshop! – Explore the art of paper and glue on February 5, 2026, 6 PM–8:30 PM. Head to The Hive – An Arts Collective, Guelph, for a facilitated workshop designed to spark your imagination in a beautiful studio setting. The registration fee is CA$12.19.
Friday Flicks Travel Show: Nova Scotia in June – Dreaming of the East Coast? On February 6, 2026, 1:30 PM–3 PM, visit the Community Pavilion, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo, to hear firsthand accounts of summer travels through Nova Scotia. It is a lovely community gathering. Entry is CA$2.25.
Local Goblin, Milhowse, Burnaby and Eternal Sky Live at the Union – Kick off your weekend on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 7:30 PM–11 PM. Go to The Union, 124 Sydney Street South, Kitchener, for a stacked lineup of local talent. Admission for the night is CA$10.
Lupercalia Market | Witchy & Queer Market – Explore a unique shopping experience on February 6, 2026, from 4 PM–9 PM. Visit Gaukel Creative Workspace – Midnight Raven Studios, Kitchener, for a space that welcomes lovers and loners alike. It is a wonderful community gathering for everyone. Admission is free.
Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on The Big Screen – Witness the global spectacle on February 6, 2026, from 2 PM–5 PM. Head to The Gaslight District, Cambridge, to watch the Milano-Cortina Games kick off with performances and pageantry. Catching the action is free.
Valentines Day Card Making Workshop – Looking for a sweet Friday night? On February 6, 2026, 7 PM–9 PM, JTM Cake Studio & Cafe, Cambridge, hosts a guided session to make two unique Valentine’s cards. A perfect evening costs CA$30.
Heated Rivalry Watch Party – Join the fun on February 6, 2026, at 6 PM, at Whoopsie Daisy Drinks, #Unit1 Kitchener. Enjoy an open bar and vibrant atmosphere at this LGBTQ+ affirming event where you can connect with others and give back. The event is free or you can donate.
Forest Heights Skate Social – Lace up your skates on February 7, 2026, from 1 PM–3 PM. The Forest Heights Community Centre in Kitchener is hosting a social event filled with music and winter activities for everyone in the community. There is no cost to attend.
Key Chain Workshop – Create a thoughtful Valentine’s gift on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1 PM–5 PM. Visit Cafe Clementina in Kitchener to decorate an adorable photo frame keychain with stickers and sequins. Each participant also gets a custom photo printed on the spot for CA$10.
Date nights
Paint Night at The Canadian Brewhouse – Discover your inner artist on February 2, 2026, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM, at The Canadian Brewhouse in Kitchener. This beginner-friendly workshop provides the perfect “date night” or “girls’ night” activity with all supplies included. Admission is CA$35.
Paint Night at The Pickle Barrel! – Spend your Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM, at The Pickle Barrel in Waterloo. This paint and sip event offers a relaxed atmosphere to unleash your inner artist while enjoying local hospitality. Tickets are CA$35.
A 2016 Trivia Throwback – Celebrate a decade of TWB on February 4, 2026, 7 PM–9:30 PM. Head to TWB Co-operative Brewing in Kitchener to test your memory of 2016’s biggest TV moments and chart-topping hits. It’s a perfect mid-week trip down memory lane for CA$12.
Skate Night Date Night – Glide into the evening on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6 PM–8 PM at Waterloo Public Square. Enjoy live beats by DJ King Kadeem and warm treats from Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters at this mid-week Waterloo favorite. Entrance is completely free.
Dry(Ish) Humour-Comedy Show – Looking for a thoughtful night of laughs? On February 5, 2026, 7 PM–9:30 PM, visit Boathouse DTK in Kitchener. This one‑of‑a‑kind show features Andrew Barr’s witty storytelling alongside crafted mocktails and delicious eats. Admission for this lively session is CA$31.59.
Pinch Presents: SHOW & TELL-Open Mic – Visit the Visitor Information Centre in Waterloo on February 5, 2026, from 7 PM–8:30 PM. This diverse showcase features everything from drag and comedy to rants and lectures. Tickets range from CA$6.85 to CA$17.55 for this delightful night.
Darts Night @ TWB – Aim for a bullseye on February 5, 2026, 7 PM–9:30 PM, at TWB Co-operative Brewing, 300 Mill St, Unit 1, Kitchener. This social event pairs a chill atmosphere with the satisfying thwack of darts hitting the board. Participation costs just CA$10–12.
Brass Butterflies Valentine’s Cabaret 2026 – Ignite the romance on February 6, 2026, 7:30 PM, at 35 University Avenue East, Waterloo. Maxwell’s Concerts and Events hosts this dazzling cabaret featuring local performers in a high-energy, Valentine’s-themed atmosphere. Entry ranges from CA$37.61 to CA$43.63.
Next Stop Comedy at The Mule Cambridge! – Ditch the screen for live laughs on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 8 PM-9:30 PM. The Mule Cambridge, 60 Main Street, #UNIT 101, hosts a night of clever storytelling and witty punchlines from experienced touring pros. Participation is CA$27.86.
Paint Night at a Turkish Cafe – Why not add a splash of color to your Friday? Visit Cafe Galata at 18 Wilson Street, Guelph, on February 6, 2026, 7 PM–8 PM. This intimate session offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind and get creative. Entry is CA$17.31.
Paint & Sip: Friday Nights at Williams Fresh Cafe – Trade your typical Friday for a paintbrush on February 6, 2026, at Williams Fresh Cafe, 492 Edinburgh Road South, Guelph. From 7 PM–10 PM, you can enjoy a social painting session in a comfortable, local café environment. Tickets are CA$22.63.
Valentine’s Vixens: A Drag Show – Ready to see Ontario’s hottest queens? On February 7, 2026, 6:30 PM–9 PM, visit the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum at 10 Huron Road, Kitchener. It is a vibrant celebration of love featuring crafts, snacks, and incredible performances. Entry is CA$19.56.
Align Ladies | KW | Galentine’s – Speed Dating for Besties! – Spark a new friendship on Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6 PM–8 PM, at Crushed Almond Bakery Cafe, 269 Frederick Street, Kitchener. This Galentine’s event features a unique “speed dating” format designed specifically for besties-to-be. The cost to participate is CA$35.
Top Ways Adults Can Enjoy Guelph
Guelph isn’t just for families. Adults have plenty of ways to explore and enjoy the city. Try scenic outdoor trails, local breweries, art exhibitions, and other experiences designed for grown-ups. Read this guide to discover the best activities for adults in Guelph and plan your next day out.
Other notable events
Market Square Lighting-Eating Disorders Awareness Week – Look up at the night sky on February 1, 2026, from 7 PM–11:30 PM, as Market Square at 1 Carden Street, Guelph, glows with awareness.
We Belong Bus Visit to Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre – Want to help your community thrive? On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 3 PM–5 PM, stop by 116 Rouse Avenue, Cambridge. It is a wonderful chance to connect over hot chocolate and contribute to a local mural. Tickets are CA$20.
The Margins Club-Quiet Reading Night + Antiquarian Book Browse – Craving a literary retreat? On February 5, 2026, 6 PM–8 PM, visit Midnight Run Cafe in Waterloo. Enjoy a peaceful hour of reading followed by a unique look at rare, antiquarian books. Entry is free.
Guelph Women’s Municipal Campaign School 2026 – Is a seat at the table calling your name? Mark February 7, 2026, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM, for an inspiring day at 1 Carden Street, Guelph. Connect with experts and learn what it takes to represent your city. Tickets are CA$25.
The Loonie Tunes Live at the Falls Road Irish Pub! – Why stay home when you can sing along? Join the crowd at Falls Road Irish Pub, 296 Victoria St N, Kitchener, on February 7, 2026, 8 PM–11 PM. This free event promises all your favorite throwback tracks in a classic pub environment.