Come hang out at the Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener every Thursday in January. Enjoy popcorn with friends while sitting back watching a new movie each week. January 2 – Big Eyes, January 9 – Thelma, January 16 – A Perfect Day, January 23 – Jumanji Next Level, January 30 – Ali & Ava. Please note that these movies are all intended for an adult audience. Come on out and chill with us this January!
Are you looking to get hired? Have an interview coming up that you’re nervous about? Join in the Get Hired! Interview Skills Workshop Monday, January 20 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM. Learn how to make a good impression on your next job interview. Find out what to do before the interview, general interview tips, and how to predict what the interviewer will ask. This is a virtual program so you will need a computer and internet to join in. If you don’t have those at home, talk to your local library staff and they can help you get set up. This workshop is totally free and registration starts today, December 30th so sign up right away!
Looking to try something new this new year? Come join the Waterloo Regional Boxing Academy at Activa Sportplex – 135 Lennox Lewis Way, Kitchener. Boxing training provides some of the best all over body conditioning you can get, no matter what your age or level of ability. It’s a great way of improving stamina and boosting the cardiovascular system while improving core strength and balance. For $40/month you can join the recreational boxing class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:30PM – 9:00PM.
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Bridgeport Community Centre
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Stanley Park Community Centre
Click here – Activity search | Active Kitchener – to see what’s happening at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre Swimplex
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… If you’re missing the warm days of summer and are ready for some fun out of the cold, you don’t need to travel to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Warm up to the beauty just inside the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. In this beautiful oasis you can see around 40 species of butterflies along with many types of birds and insects. Enjoy exploring amongst the beautiful plants and waterfalls during your visit. General admission costs $20.50 and they accept Access2Entertainment card as well.
This Week
2SLGBTQ+ Free Community Skate
Monday, December 30
6:00PM – 8:00PM
FREE
Don McLaren Arena – 61 Green St. Kitchener
Join Spectrum Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space on the ice for a free 2SLGBTQ+ Community Skate, presented by Clean & Tidy! Change rooms open at 5:30PM.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2slgbtq-free-community-skate-tickets-1076966980229?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Eat Well, Spend Less
Monday, December 30
1:30PM – 3:30PM
FREE – Registration Required
Health Caring KW – 44 Francis St. S, Kitchener
Learn to eat healthy and prepare delicious meals on budget. This interactive, peer-led cooking program uses the Canada Food Guide, smart shopping tips, and meal planning techniques to save money and explore new ways of cooking.
https://healthcaringkw.org/events/event.cfm?ww_event_eventID=2E25DB7A-8209-429E-B063-10B51A5420C6
Noon Year 2025
Tuesday, December 31
10:00AM – 1:00PM
$20.99
TheMuseum – 10 King St. W Kitchener
Want to celebrate the new year, but know you won’t make it to midnight? Join us for our annual Noon Year celebration! We’ll have music, balloons, and a “champagne” toast – everything you could wish for at a proper New Years Party!
https://themuseum.ca/events/noon-year-2025/
New Year’s Eve Party
Tuesday, December 31
3:00PM – 7:00PM
FREE
Hespeler Arena – 640 Ellis Road
Come ring in the New Year with the City of Cambridge with an evening packed with free activities for all ages on and off the ice. Festivities will include ice skating, a Turbo Max inflatable obstacle course, live entertainment with Team T & J, Pete &Anna Music, games and more. The arena concession stand will be open with snacks for purchase.
https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/new-year-s-eve-party.aspx
New Year’s Eve | A Family Friendly Celebration
Tuesday, December 31
6:00PM – 9:00PM
FREE
Waterloo Square – 75 King St. S, Waterloo
Join revelers at Waterloo Public Square this New Year’s Eve for a family-friendly celebration! Enjoy outdoor ice skating, art activities, warm drinks and more – all to the musical stylings of a local DJ.
Kitchener’s New Year’s Night of Legends
Tuesday, December 31
7:00PM – 12:00AM
FREE
Carl Zehr Square – 200 King St. W, Kitchener
The evening kicks off with a pre-New Year’s show featuring tributes to Pink, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, and Blondie, leading up to an early family countdown for a festive start. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Get set to ring in 2025 with one of Canada’s top Abba tribute bands! As we head toward midnight, join us for a “Dancing Queen” moment and say “Thank You for the Music” as we welcome a brand-new year with legendary style. Grab a cup of free hot chocolate, lace up your skates for a lap around our outdoor rink and get ready to count down to the new year!
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/new-years-eve.aspx
Retro Rewind New Year’s Video Dance Party
Tuesday, December 31
9:00PM – 1:00AM
$39.50
Maxwell’s – 35 University Ave. E Unit 2, Waterloo
Presented by Maxwell’s & 91.5 The Beat. 4 Screens, Games, Party Favours and the biggest party hits of the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Hosted by Joey Castillo, music by Thunderstorm Productions. This is a 19+ licensed event, costumes are encouraged!
https://maxwellswaterloo.com/event/retro-rewind-new-years-eve-video-dance-party/
New Year’s Day Cold Dip
Wednesday, January 1
9:00AM – 10:00AM
FREE – Registration required
Kolb Park – 230 Centennial Court, Kitchener
New Years Day we will be meeting at Kolb Park for breathwork and a cold dip! Rain, sleet, snow or shine! Bring warm clothes, bathing suit, towel (optional: water shoes)
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thecircleofbreath/1358722
Winter Ice and Lights
November 18 – January 1
5:00PM – 11:00PM
FREE
Central Park – 615 King Street East, Cambridge
Explore Cambridge’s Central Park as it transforms into a winter wonderland with stunning light displays! Take a self-guided walk with friends, family, or solo, and don’t forget to snap photos and share with #cbridgewinterfest.
https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/winter-ice-and-lights.aspx#
Lord of the Rings Screening Series
Thursday, January 2 & Friday January 3 & Saturday January 4
Various Times
FREE
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
Join us for a 3-day Lord of the Rings movie marathon in honour of J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday! Get in the spirit with LOTR Meme Bingo and get a LOTR themed temporary tattoo with the Prinker Temporary Tattoo Printer.
https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=Lord+of+the+Rings+Screening
Gift of Lights
November 22 – January 4
5:00PM – 9:00PM
$34.95 (8 passengers or less)
Bingemans – 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. Kitchener
Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season. Bask in the beauty and wonderment of Gift of Lights; a drive through experience, featuring a breathtaking 40 foot twinkly LED tree, over 300 animated and static light displays and light tunnels.
New Year’s Levee
Sunday, January 5
1:30PM – 4:00PM
Kitchener City Hall – 200 King St. W, Kitchener
Celebrate the new year with the mayor, city council members and your neighbours at our free carnival-themed celebration under the big top of City Hall! Plan for an afternoon full of fun with this year’s New Year’s Levee activities. Games, prizes, live music, magic, face painting, balloon twisting, light refreshments and more.
New Year’s Levee – City of Kitchener
Free Skating
Various Dates
Various Times
FREE
Various Locations
Click the link below to see when and where you can go skating indoors for free. Click on “Free Holiday Community Skating near the top of the page. Lace up your skates and get out there to a rink near you for some fun on the ice.
https://www.theaud.ca/en/events-tickets/public-skating.aspx
Looking Ahead
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 regrestaion 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
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
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
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.
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]**
