Have you ever wanted to try meditation but don’t know where to start? Learning how to do meditation can help relieve stress and anxiety while improving overall happiness. Join the Kitchener Waterloo Mantra Meditation & Kirtan Tuesday evenings at Trillium Lutheran Church – 22 Willow St. Waterloo at 7:00PM. All are welcome, no experience required and sessions are totally free.
Head to Waterloo Public Square Ice Rink 75 King St. S, Waterloo every Wednesday in January and February from 6:00PM – 8:00PM for Skate Night Date Night presented by the City of Waterloo. Bring a friend or maybe your sweetheart to help keep you warm while you skate along to tunes by DJ King Kadeem. You can also try warming up with some hot apple cider from the Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters. Each week will feature a different playlist theme, so bring your skates, dress warm and get ready to have some fun!
Do you identify as autistic or neuro-divergent? Join the A-Team! The A-Team is a group that welcomes all neuro-divergent adults to meet once a month and share stories, learn from each other and support each other. Members are empowered to deepen their awareness and understanding of their life experiences and to express and contribute their gifts and strengths to their families and communities. Join them at their next meeting, Thursday, January 16 by registering at the link below.
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Grand River Recreation Complex
Looking for fun ways to get Out and About in Waterloo Region? Beyond your neighborhood association, there are tons of exciting activities and events to explore!
Did you know… You can dial 211.
211 is a helpline for community and social service information that will help you find support near you. It’s free, 24/7, confidential and can accommodate more than 150 languages. Whether you need help finding support for finances, housing, food, mental health, or health care. 211 is a free information service that will let you know where you can get whatever you need in your area.
This Week
Mindfulness Meditation 4 Week Course
Monday, January 6, 13, 20 & 27
2:00PM – 3:30PM
FREE – Registration Required
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present. To pay attention to what is happening to the mind, body, and surrounding, while cultivating our sense of curiosity and self-compassion.
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=109399
Health & Headaches
Tuesday, January 7
6:30PM – 7:30PM
FREE – Registration Required
WPL Main Library – 35 Albert St. Waterloo
The holiday season can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. We’ll discuss the science behind tension headaches, learn about natural remedies from around the world to soothe headaches, and explore ways to reduce stress in general. Participants will also have the opportunity to make their own roll-on essential oil blends to see if aromatherapy is helpful to them.
https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12077532
Drag Bingo at AOK
Tuesday, January 7
8:00PM – 10:30PM
FREE
165 King St. W Unit B03, Kitchener
Join Sasha Tease and her special guest for an evening of Bingo and Drag! The event is 19+, free to join and no registration is needed. Play for bragging rights and for a selection of prizes donated from local businesses. Bring some tip money for the performers and a winning spirit, and it is sure to be a fantastic night.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/drag-bingo-at-aok-tickets-741596504107?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Cambridge Psychic & Crystal Fair
Friday, January 10 to Sunday January 12
Various Times
$10 Admission
1500 Dunbar Rd. Cambridge
Psychics, Mediums, Palm readings, Numerology, Astrology, Tarot card readings, Intuitive healers, Crystal vendors, And more.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cambridge-psychic-crystal-fair-tickets-1074874110399?aff=erelexpmlt
Stitch Social
Saturday, January 11
2:00PM – 4:00PM
FREE
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
Join our vibrant knitting and crochet group, where needles click and yarns intertwine! Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a beginner, everyone is welcome.
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=150847
Learn to Crochet
Saturday, January 11
3:00PM – 4:00PM
FREE – Registration Required
WPL Main Library – 35 Albert St. Waterloo
Learn the basic stitches of crochet and make a small project in an interactive group setting. Each week will build on what was learned in the week before. This program will be running every other Saturday, which will give registrants plenty of time to practice stitches between lessons.
https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12413974
City of Kitchener Summer Hiring Expo
Saturday, January 11
10:00AM – 1:00PM
FREE
Kingsdale Community Centre – 72 Wilson Ave. Kitchener
Discover exciting job opportunities and meet with staff from Aquatics, Inclusion Services, Camps, Youth Drop-In, Parks and Cemeteries, and Human Resources. Explore and learn more about the many roles available for Summer 2025 and find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
Looking Ahead
Music At Noon: Reciprocity
Thursday, January 16
12:00PM – 1:00PM
FREE
Maureen Forrester Recital Hall – 75 University Ave. W Waterloo
Music is more than just a hobby or a pastime. It is a powerful force that improves physical, emotional, and cognitive health in countless, tangible ways. Enjoy the musical magic of Laurier faculty and guests at our Music at Noon Concert series! Whether you are a fan of classical, jazz, or contemporary music, you will find something to suit your taste in our diverse lineup of performers.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/music-at-noon-reciprocity-tickets-1000793017857?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Open Mic Night at Midnight Run
Wednesday, January 15
8:00PM
Pay what you can
Midnight Run Café – 84D King St. N, Waterloo
Come see seasoned and amateur comics test their funny – or take the plunge and try your first ever stand-up comedy set! Open Mic Comedy Night at Midnight Run Cafe – on the third Wednesday of every month. Sign up starts in-person at 8, and the show begins around 8:30. This is a pay what you can event. Please be advised the show is intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is strongly encouraged.
Indigenous Reading Group
Thursday, January 16
7:00PM – 8:00PM
FREE – Registration Required
WPL Main Library – 35 Albert St. Waterloo
Join us for an Indigenous Reading Circle where we’ll explore a variety of readings—short stories, essays, poetry, and more—by Indigenous writers.
https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12387598
Lee Valley Tools – Learn to Burn
Saturday, January 18
10:00AM – 12:00PM or 2:00PM – 4:00PM
$45
Lee Valley Tools – 625 Davenport Rd. Waterloo
Learn the basics of pyrography, from how to hold the pen to different shading techniques. All materials and supplies are included. You can bring your own stencils or designs to make the most of this workshop.
DIY Woven Bookmarks
Saturday, January 18
2:300PM – 3:30PM
FREE – Registration Required
WPL McCormick Branch – 500 Parkside Dr. Waterloo
Pause your reading in style with a vibrant bookmark you made yourself! Practice mindfulness and sip a warm beverage as you weave yarn between straws to make your durable and cozy creation. No previous weaving skills necessary, this is a beginner workshop.
https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12383876
Paint and Tape Art
Tuesday, January 21
6:45PM – 8:00PM
FREE – Registration Required
WPL Main Library – 35 Albert St. Waterloo
Using acrylic paint, washi tape of different sizes, and a canvas panel, create an abstract statement piece that is sure to be eye-catching! This program features a do-it-yourself art activity, a warm beverage, and plenty of space for connection through light-hearted conversation. Registration opens December 30 at 7:00PM.
https://calendar.wpl.ca/event/12383729
Music At Noon: Jerzy Kaplanek
Thursday, January 23
12:00PM – 1:00PM
FREE
Maureen Forrester Recital Hall – 75 University Ave. W Waterloo
Music is more than just a hobby or a pastime. It is a powerful force that improves physical, emotional, and cognitive health in countless, tangible ways. Enjoy the musical magic of Laurier faculty and guests at our Music at Noon Concert series! Whether you are a fan of classical, jazz, or contemporary music, you will find something to suit your taste in our diverse lineup of performers.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/music-at-noon-jerzy-kaplanek-tickets-1000793419057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The Almost Hip – Yer Favourites
Friday, January 24
7:30PM – 10:00PM
Admission $10 + tax & fees
Room 47 – 47 King St. N Waterloo
Come on down to Room 47 for a night of The Tragically Hip’s greatest hits while celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album “Yer Favourites”. The Almost Hip is the longest running The Tragically Hip tribute band in Canada. They will be celebrating this great album and this great band with a performance of songs from “Yer Favourites” and more.
Puzzle, Book and Game Exchange
Saturday, January 25
10:00AM – 2:00PM
FREE
Stanley Park Library – 175 Indian Rd, Kitchener
Upcycle your gently used books, games and puzzles to make room for new ones at our community exchange. Puzzles, books and games can be dropped off at the Grand River Stanley Park branch ahead of time from Saturday, January 18th to Saturday, January 25th.
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=150397
Winterloo
Saturday, January 25
12:00PM – 5:00PM
FREE
Waterloo Park – Central Promenade & Waterloo Square – 75 King St. S, Waterloo
Watch award-winning ice carvers, bring your own skates for outdoor ice skating, enjoy music by our on-site DJ, play the giant games with friends and family, and warm up with hot drinks and treats from local food trucks.
https://www.todocanada.ca/city/kitchener/event/winterloo-jan/
QueenKPL Social
Saturday, January 25
2:00PM – 4:00PM
FREE
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
Come connect with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for a casual social drop-in. Play a game, chat about your latest queer read or just hang out!
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=149834
Be Gay Do Crafts: Queer Crafternoon
Saturday January 25, February 22, March 22
2:00PM – 4:00PM
Kwartzlab – 145 Bedford Road, Kitchener
Join us for a casual afternoon of 2SLGBTQ+ pride-themed crafts and community-building! We will have supplies and seasonal craft ideas prepared that you can drop in and create, or bring your own project to work on in queer company. This is a drop-in event, come and stay as long as you’d like.
Winter’s A Drag
Wednesday, January 22
7:00PM – 10:30PM
FREE
The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts – 88 Dalhousie St. Brantford
Laurier’s Winter’s a Drag, a celebration of talent, creativity and self-expression, is back again for the fourth year! This free event features fun giveaways, a photo booth, meet and greet with the artists, and a drag show spotlighting five talented performers including Miss Xtacy Love, Manny Dingo, Lucy Flawless, Eboni La’Belle and Destiny Doll.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/winters-a-drag-tickets-1111951219029?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
SWAY’s Ramadan Market
Saturday, February 8
12:00PM – 9:00PM
FREE
Bingemans Marshall Hall – 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. Kitchener
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as SWAY proudly presents the third annual Ramadan Market 2025! Embrace the spirit of Ramadan in a celebration that promises to be unique, vibrant, and filled with cultural richness. From traditional clothing to delectable treats, this market is a treasure trove of cultural delights. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
Ongoing Groups
Buddy Choir at Our Studio
Mondays
6:30PM – 8:00PM
FREE
Our Studio – 109 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener
Home | Our Studio (ourstudiokw.com)
Tech Help Series
Mondays
6:00PM – 7:00PM
FREE – Registration Required
Country Hills Library – 1500 Block Line Rd, Kitchener
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/series?si=112599
Jack Astor’s Trivia
Tuesdays
7:30PM – 9:00PM
FREE
Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill – 2960 Kingsway Drive #15A Kitchener
Jack’s Tuesday Night Trivia (Kitchener) (free) Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Crescendo Choir
Wednesdays
10:00AM – 11:00AM
FREE
Glencairn Church – 725 Erinbrook Dr, Kitchener
https://teachers.wrdsb.ca/crescendo/
Open Space at Fairview Mall Food Court
Thursdays
1:00PM – 3:00PM
FREE
Fairview Mall – 2960 Kingsway Dr. Kitchener
Events Archive – (eafwr.on.ca)
Game On! Scrabble
Thursdays
6:30PM – 8:30PM
FREE
Forest Heights Library – 251 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=93397
Line Dancing Lessons
Thursdays
7:00PM – 9:00PM
FREE
Ouroboros Sports Lounge – 101 Hazelglen Dr. Kitchener
https://www.facebook.com/share/18aw3wBjZW/
**If you would like your event or activity featured in our What’s Happening In Your Neighbourhood post, please reach out to us at [email protected]**
