Cold outside? Warm up with crafts, skating, live music, comedy, and quirky workshops across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & Guelph this week!
Free Events
2SLGBTQ+ Free Community Skate – Glide into a welcoming winter activity on January 4, 2026, 2-4PM at Don McLaren Arena, Kitchener, ON. This inclusive community skate invites everyone to enjoy music, movement, and connection on the ice. Skate rentals available. Free to join and celebrate together.
Free Country Swing Class – Step onto the dance floor at Remix Swing, 92 King Street S, Waterloo, ON, on January 5, 2026, 8-9PM. Learn the basics of country swing in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for beginners or partners. No charge to attend; bring your dancing shoes!
Tuesday Night Trivia at Kelseys – Bring your brainpower to Kelseys, 525 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, ON, on January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. Team up, laugh, and compete in a relaxed trivia night filled with fun challenges. Great for friends and coworkers. Entry is free, just cover your own food and drinks.
Science on Tap: Very Remote Work – Physics in the Arctic – Expand your mind at Royal City Brewing & Beer Hall, Guelph, ON, on January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of engaging science talks, questions, and drinks. Perfect for curious minds.
KW Wedding Expo Winter 2026 – Plan your dream day on January 11, 2026, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON. Meet local vendors, explore ideas, and gather inspiration for your wedding. A relaxed, fun atmosphere to discover every detail. Pre-book for free!
Fun for the family
Wintery Crafternoons – Celebrate the cozy winter season on January 4, 2026, from 11 AM–4 PM at Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener, ON. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly craft projects and explore the historic house at its coziest. Admission includes all activities, just CA$10 per person.
A Distiller’s Tale: The Art and Legacy of the Seagram Distillery – Discover local history on January 6, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM at City of Waterloo Museum, Waterloo, ON. Explore the fascinating story of the Seagram Distillery through artifacts and stories.
Music at Noon: Diar Band – Take a midday break on January 9, 2026, from 12 PM–1 PM at Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, Waterloo, ON. Enjoy a live performance by the Laurier’s talented students in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Admission is free for all attendees.
New Year Beginners Bird Walk at Huron Natural Area – Start the year outdoors on January 10, 2026, from 9:30 AM at Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Dr, Kitchener, ON. Learn birdwatching basics and explore winter wildlife with an expert guide. Walks are free, just bring your binoculars!
Outdoor Winter Adventures in Guelph You’ll Love
Guelph becomes a winter wonderland with fun outdoor snowy activities that bring the season to life. From ice skating at Market Square’s festive outdoor rink to winter biking through Arboretum trails and tobogganing at Centennial Park, there’s something for every adventurer. Don’t miss Riverside Park’s magical Festival of Lights or snowy walks in Royal City Park to warm up your heart. Check this guide to plan your perfect winter outing in Guelph.
Exciting and new
Leathercrafting Cardholder Workshop – Mark your calendars for January 4, 2026, 1–3 PM at Metro Restaurant, Kitchener, ON! Learn hands-on leathercrafting and create your very own cardholder. Perfect for beginners and crafty hearts alike. Materials included. Tickets start at CA $55.
The Remembering Body: Somatic Movement – Take a moment for yourself on January 5, 2026, 6 PM at 1018 Orrs Lake Road, Cambridge, ON. This gentle, trauma-informed class blends intuitive movement, guided breath, and awareness to release tension and reconnect with your body. A calming experience for CA$18.
Plaster Painting: Moody Winter Mountain Workshop – Unleash your creativity on January 6, 2026, 7–9 PM at Ernie’s Roadhouse, 7 Queen Street West, Cambridge, ON. Learn textured plaster painting techniques and build layered mountain landscapes in earthy tones. All supplies provided for a hands-on evening of art at CA$67.70.
Lunchtime Meditation – Pause your day on January 6, 2026, 12:15–12:45 PM at Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 143 Wyndham Street North, #Suite 203, Guelph, ON. These drop-in sessions offer guided meditation to develop calm, patience, and inner peace. Perfect for a midday reset!
January Small Biz Networking Lunch – Connect over food and conversation on January 8, 2026, 12 PM–2 PM at Little Mushroom, 131 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, ON. Share ideas, network with local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a relaxed lunch atmosphere. Seats are limited — CA$28.25 includes lunch and networking.
K-Pop Beginner Drop-In Class – Shake off the week on January 8, 2026, 6:30 PM–7:30 PM at The Underdog Dance Corp., 71 King Street North Unit C, Waterloo, ON. Learn a new song each week at a fun, beginner-friendly pace with River leading the class. Just CA$25 per drop-in session.
Blue Rodeo Live in Concert – Celebrate a night of Canadian roots rock on January 9, 2026, 8 PM at Centre In The Square, 101 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON. Experience Blue Rodeo’s signature blend of folk, country, and rock that has earned 12 JUNO Awards.
Discover Cambridge, Ontario This Winter
Cambridge, Ontario is a charming winter destination where history, culture, and scenic parks come alive even in the colder months. Wander snowy riverfront trails, explore indoor attractions, or lace up for ice skating at local arenas. With cozy cafés and heritage sites to enjoy, there’s plenty to keep you inspired this winter season. Check this guide to plan your Cambridge winter trip.
Date nights
Paint Nite Brand Creative Events – Tap into your creative side on January 6, 2026, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at E.V.O. Kitchen, 31 Water Street South, Cambridge, ON. Elle C. will guide you step-by-step to create your own canvas masterpiece. Enjoy drinks, laughter, and a relaxed night out. Tickets are CA$47.08.
Waterloo’s Official 17+ Frost Fest 2026 – Get ready for a night of music, energy, and fun on January 7, 2026, 9:30 PM–2 AM at The Prohibition Warehouse, 56 King Street North, Waterloo, ON. Meet new friends, dance, and soak in the vibes of this unforgettable frost fest. Entry is CA$6.62.
Rusty Nail Comedy PRO AM – Laugh the night away on January 7, 2026, 7:30 PM–10:30 PM at TWH Social, King Street West #I, Kitchener, ON. Enjoy a mix of professional and emerging comedians in downtown Kitchener for an evening of fun and wit. Tickets start at CA$6.66.
Dry Jan Cocktail Event – Ring in the new year on January 7, 2026, 6 PM–8 PM at 48 Ontario Street North, Kitchener, ON. Explore zero-proof cocktails, learn mocktail secrets from Rob Miller, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. A fun, social evening with zero hangover for CA$59.27 per person.
Open Mic Comedy Night at the Albion – Guelph – Mark your calendars for January 7, 2026, 8 PM at The Albion, 49 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON. Laugh along as local and out-of-town comics take the stage or try your first stand-up set! A fun night for all.
Paint Night at Bobby O’Brien’s – Kitchener – On January 7, 2026, 6:30–8:30 PM, head to Bobby O’Brien’s, 125 King Street West, Kitchener, ON for a relaxing evening of painting and sipping. Create a personal masterpiece with step-by-step guidance and enjoy the cozy vibes. Admission is CA$35.
Canada’s Drag Race S6 Viewing Party – Join the excitement on January 8, 2026, 8 PM at Three Pieces, 52 Carden Street, Guelph, ON. Watch Season 6 with a special guest from the show, sip drinks, and cheer on your favorites. A dazzling night for CA$31.59 entry.
Musical Bingo – Best of 2010s – Get your groove on January 8, 2026, 7–9:30 PM at EVO Kitchen & Bar, 31 Water Street South, Cambridge, ON. Test your music knowledge with hits from the 2010s while enjoying bites and drinks.
Cambridge Psychic & Crystal Fair – Discover insights and treasures on January 9, 2026, 1 PM at Cambridge Newfoundland Club, 1500 Dunbar Road, Cambridge, ON. Psychics, tarot readings, crystal vendors, and more await in this mystical, welcoming event.
Rusty Nail Comedy Friday: Jeff Paul – Laugh out loud on January 9, 2026, 7:30–10 PM at TWH Social, King Street West #I, Kitchener, ON. Enjoy top Canadian comedians delivering a mix of pro and emerging talent in downtown Kitchener. Tickets start at $22.63.
That 70’s Rock Show – Travel back to the golden era of rock on January 10, 2026, 7:30–9:30 PM at Room 47, 47 King Street North, Waterloo, ON. Relive the hits, the disco, and the bell bottoms in this nostalgic musical experience. Tickets are $35.