Winter’s energy fills Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge January 25–31, 2026. Find hidden experiences, connect with locals, and let the city’s surprises spark curiosity, fun, and inspiration all week long.
Free events
SHEspars at Guelph MMA 2026 – Women and girls of every experience level are welcome at this community-focused Muay Thai and kickboxing event on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 1–3 PM. Hosted at Guelph MMA, 20 Cardigan Street, Guelph, it’s all about learning, support, and empowerment. No ticket required!
Pugs in Parkas – KWs Second Pug Grumble —This is your excuse to get outside on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 3–4 PM. Meet fellow pug lovers at 1909 Kossuth Road, Cambridge, ON, for a cheerful winter meetup filled with snorts, smiles, and community. It’s completely free.
Langdon Hall’s 2026 Wedding Open House – A lovely afternoon awaits on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 12–3 PM at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, ON. Chat with the wedding team, connect with vendors, and gather ideas at your own pace. Admission is free.
Open Mic – Looking for an easygoing evening out? Join the community on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 6–8 PM at the Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office, Cambridge, ON. Watch local performers or take the mic yourself in a supportive space. Best of all, it’s free.
Crystal Cruises | Private Small-Ship Luxury Cruise Presentation – Set sail on a world of luxury without leaving Guelph! Join Six Star Travel & Cruise on January 27, 2026, from 3–5 PM at Cutten Fields, 190 College Avenue East, Guelph. Discover Crystal Cruises’ six-star offerings in this exclusive presentation. See it yourself for free!
4Repair @uwsustainable – Bring your broken gadgets, clothes, or small items and give them new life! Join this hands-on repair session on January 28, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM at University of Waterloo, Engineering 7, Room 1401, Waterloo. Knowledgeable volunteers will assist you. Tickets are free.
Be Gay, Do Crafts: A Queer Crafternoon – Embrace your crafty side this January 31, 2026, 2–4 PM at Kwartzlab, 145 Bedford Road, 2nd Floor, Kitchener. Enjoy a drop-in queer crafternoon with seasonal projects, supplies, and good company. Perfect for all skill levels and completely free to join.
Fun for the family
You’ve Been Slimed! Workshop – Slime lovers unite on January 26, 2026, 6–7 PM at 15 Surrey Street West, #3, Guelph. Kids will craft Flubbery, Fluffy, or Butter Slime while exploring gooey textures and slime science. Bring your curiosity and a big smile! Entry is CA$31.59.
KWAG Stroller Tours – Strollers welcome on January 27, 2026, 10 AM–12 PM at KWAG, 101 Queen St N, Kitchener! Bring your babies and toddlers for an interactive guided tour through current exhibitions with caregiver-friendly conversation. Perfect for little art explorers, and entry is free for everyone.
Student Recital: Winds, Brass & Percussion – Experience the talent of Laurier music students on January 30, 2026, 12 PM at Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo! From winds to percussion, these solos highlight student artistry in a formal yet welcoming setting. A delightful, free afternoon of music for all.
Where to Eat in Guelph with Kids | Top 9 Family Spots
Guelph has plenty of options for families looking to enjoy a meal together. Our guide to the top 9 family restaurants highlights welcoming environments, varied menus, and dishes everyone will love. Perfect for birthdays, casual dinners, or weekend outings, these restaurants make family dining simple and enjoyable. Check the full list to plan your next family meal in Guelph.
Exciting and new
Culture Quarterly – Connect with local creatives on January 28, 2026, 5–7 PM at the Art Gallery of Guelph, 358 Gordon Street, Guelph! Join Guelph’s culture community for conversation, inspiration, and collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere. This event is free for everyone.
Style & Soothe Social – Escape the hustle on January 28, 2026, 6:30–8 PM at The Coterie Beauty Collective, 3 Paisley Street, Guelph. Relax with beauty tutorials, hand massages, wine, and charcuterie, and take home an essential oil blend. A perfect self-care evening for CA$20.
Winter Exhibitions Opening Reception at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery – This is your sign to discover the beauty of clay and glass art on January 29, 2026, 6–8 PM at 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo. The Winter 2026 exhibitions launch with an opening reception that’s open and free to all art lovers.
Gryphon Piano Trio and Nordic Voices – Experience a blend of piano and vocal magic on January 29, 2026, 7:30–9:30 PM at Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo. Enjoy Dvořák, Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak, and global folk-inspired pieces. Tickets range CA$11–32.
Gather at the Gallery: Workshop with Behnaz Fatemi – This week, our 55+ community gets a special treat! Join on January 29, 2026, 2–4 PM at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, to explore creativity, meet artists, and preview exhibitions. Tickets are CA$13.54.
Ginger Goat Presents: The Hot Wings Challenge – If you love wings with serious heat, mark January 29, 2026, 7:30–10 PM at 57 Jubilee Drive, Kitchener, this Hot Ones–inspired tasting brings bold sauces, great vibes, and unforgettable reactions. Expect the burn and the fun for CA$43.93.
KWLT Presents The Prince, By Abigail Thorn – Theatre gets playful and political on Friday, January 30, 2026, 8–10 PM. Hosted at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre on Princess Street East in Waterloo, this inventive show mixes Shakespeare with original verse to explore identity and roles in today’s world. Seating starts at CA$11.98 and tops out at CA$27.96.
Bon Jovi Forever LIVE at EVO – Relive the soundtrack of rock radio on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 8:30–11:30 PM at EVO Kitchen & Bar, 31 Water Street South, Cambridge, this live tribute brings the hits back to life. Admission comes in at CA$17.31.
The Brush Off: 13th Edition – An evening where brushes move fast and ideas come alive. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 7 PM until midnight, artists face off in a live painting competition at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener. This fundraiser offers ticket options between free and CA$25.
Date nights
EVO Drag Brunch w/ Miss Moço – Turn your Sunday brunch into a full-on celebration with Miss Moço’s iconic drag energy lighting up EVO. The show runs January 25, 2026, from noon to 2 PM at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge. Admission is CA$23.17.
Cambridge Ontario (Foundry Tavern) – Monday nights get competitive at Foundry Tavern, 64 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge with trivia that mixes brainpower and music knowledge. Six rounds, prizes for top teams, and plenty of fun kick off at 7 PM on January 26, 2026. Free entry.
Weekly Trivia Night at Whale & Ale Pub – Kitchener – Grab your crew or come solo and settle in for a fun, feel-good trivia night at the Whale & Ale, 1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener. With six rounds including music trivia, it’s an easygoing way to spend your Wednesday, January 28, 2026, evening. Free entry, kicks off at 7 PM.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM night – Shake off the winter blues on January 28, 2026, from 7:30 PM–10 PM at TWH Social, Kitchener. Located on King Street West, this show features a rotating lineup of hilarious comedians ready to entertain. Join the crowd for a cool CA$6.66 per person.
Champs for Charity Comedy Fundraiser: Presented by Rusty Nail Comedy – Ready for some laughs that give back? Join us Thursday, January 29, 2026, at The Walper Hotel, Kitchener, from 7 PM–10 PM. Featuring the hilarious Rob Bebenek, it’s a perfect mid-week escape for a wonderful charity. Tickets are priced at CA$33.28.
Tango’s Trivia at the Taproom: Twilight Edition! – Gather your coven for a dangerously fun night on January 29, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 9 PM. Head over to Wellington Brewery on Woodlawn Road West in Guelph to test your immortal knowledge. You can join this battle for bragging rights for just CA$11.98.
Frost Bite @ Rare Nightclub – Waterloo’s coolest venue is calling your name this January 29, 2026. From 10 PM until 3 AM, head to 24 King Street North for a high-energy, all-ages celebration at RARE Nightclub. It’s the perfect way to spend your Thursday night for just CA$22.63.
Line Dancing Night with Urban Cowboy at Four Fathers – Dust off those boots for a high-energy Friday at 125 Guelph Avenue, Cambridge. On January 30, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM, enjoy guided lessons followed by open dancing. It’s the ultimate beginner-friendly country night for a cool CA$19.56.
Leo Full Moon Ecstatic Dance Party & Cacao Ceremony – Join an incredible community at the Conrad Centre in Kitchener for a night of intentional celebration. This January 30, 2026, at 7 PM, experience the transformative energy of the Leo full moon through dance and cacao. Join the circle for CA$28.25.
The Almost Hip at The Red Chevron – Looking for a nostalgic Friday vibe? Visit the Red Chevron Club at 34 Elizabeth Street, Guelph, this January 30, 2026, between 8 PM and 11 PM. Sing along to your favorite Hip classics with a legendary tribute band for just CA$17.55 per person.
Rusty Nail Comedy Friday TWH Social: Andy Noble – Start your weekend with a dose of honest, laid-back humor at TWH Social. On Friday, January 30, 2026, from 7:30 PM–10 PM, Winnipeg’s own Andy Noble takes the stage at 1 King Street West, Kitchener. Grab your seat for just CA$22.63.
Frozen In Time – Dust off your bell-bottoms for an epic 70s dance party on Saturday, January 31, 2026. From 6:30 PM–9 PM, Hepcat Swing Dance Studio on Erb Street East transforms into a retro wonderland. Join the line dancing community for the distinct fee of CA$17.31.
Kyle Rich Host & Performance @ Rare – From 9 PM–2 AM on January 31, 2026, Rare Nightclub & Events Centre at 24 King Street North, Waterloo turns up the volume. Kyle Rich hosts and performs for a late-night crowd ready to dance. Secure your spot for CA$38.95.
Kitchener Restaurant Guide: Borealis Grille & Bar Review
Borealis Grille and Bar combines local Ontario ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and a warm, welcoming environment in the heart of Kitchener. Perfect for a casual date night, family meal, or dinner with friends, every dish showcases fresh flavours. Check out the full review to see why Borealis Grille and Bar is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Other notable events
Tri-Cities Film and Photography Gear Swap – Clear out that overstuffed camera bag or hunt for hidden gems at Princess Cafe, 46 King Street North, Waterloo on January 26, 2026, 7–9 PM. Meet local photographers and trade gear in a fun, relaxed setting. Tickets are free to attend.
Coffee BEAN: Marketing Q&A Over Coffee – Sip, chat, and learn on January 27, 2026, 11 AM–12:30 PM at Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, 138 Main Street, Cambridge. This casual drop-in offers advice on social media, SEO, and more. Come for the coffee, stay for the insights! All free of charge.
Thermal Batteries in Practice: Hands-On Sunamp Training – Learn by doing on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3–4:30 PM at Eden Energy Equipment, 600-945A Southgate Drive, Guelph. Tom Sottile from Sunamp will guide you through hands-on thermal battery training in a live lab environment. Entry is free.
The Hidden Effects of Urban Life on City Dwelling Squirrels – On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7–8:30 PM, head to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126, Cambridge, for an insightful presentation on urban versus natural squirrels. Explore how human-provided food affects their seasonal cycles. This event is free to attend.
Market Square Lighting – Thursday, January 29, 2026, is National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. 7–11:30 PM at Market Square, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, the square will be lit in memory and action. Join the community to honor victims and promote understanding.
January Local Social – Friday, January 30, 2026, 4–5:30 PM at Thrive HIV Prevention & Support, 1770 King Street East, #Unit 5, Kitchener, is your chance to connect with local youth (12–29). Craft, share hopes for 2026, and discuss sexual health in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Free entry.
SWOOP – Community Willow Weaving Workshop – Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1–4 PM at Bridgeport Community Centre, 20 Tyson Drive, Kitchener! Spend a cozy afternoon helping Agnes and Michelle craft willow swallows for a public art project. Creativity and community are welcome. Admission is free.
ICA Republic Day Celebration 2026 – This Saturday, January 31, 2026, 3–6:30 PM at Glencairn Church, 725 Erinbrook Drive, Kitchener, the India Canada Association invites you to a lively Republic Day celebration. Experience dance, music, and culture, all while supporting a local community event. Tickets cost CA$10–25.