Fun Weekend Activities in Waterloo Region

And just like that, it’s a new year.

Welcome to the first weekend of 2026. It’s a pretty quiet one in the area with not too many events lined up.

The Kitchener Rangers will have a home game Friday night. They’re facing off against the Barrie Colts, and let’s hope the lights stay on for the entire game this time (there was a power outage during Monday night’s match, which looked cool but isn’t great for the players).

The Guelph Storm will take on the Brantford Bulldogs Friday night at the Sleeman Centre, and then on Sunday afternoon, the Peterborough Petes will visit for another game.

The K-W Titans basketball team will also play host to the Montreal Toundra Sunday afternoon at The Aud.

Curling Ontario Men’s and Women’s Championships

Sunday

Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira

The 2026 Ontario Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships are happening in Elmira, meaning some of the best curlers from across Ontario will be competing here.

This is your chance to catch some exciting curling action without traveling far. You can buy tickets for individual days or for the whole tournament, which goes until Jan. 11.

Kitchener’s New Year’s levee

Sunday 11 a. m. to 4 p. m.

Kitchener’s city hall

This family-friendly event features music, skating, entertainment plus it gives you an opportunity to chat with the mayor and councillors about neighborhood issues or concerns you might have while living in Kitchener.

Levees have been around since the 1600s as a way for policymakers and councillors to connect more easily with those they represent.

Fun fact: The first recorded levée in Canada took place on Jan. 1, 1646 at Château St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, who was Governor of New France (now known as Québec). This info comes from Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor’s website.

Free community skate

Saturday 3:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m.</P

Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre</P

You’re invited to come out for a free community ice skate Saturday afternoon!</P

This event is being organized by several community associations including Uptown Waterloo Neighbourhood Association, Mary Allen Neighbourhood Association, and Mac Gregor Albert Community Association; so if you’re curious about what they do, feel free to ask one of their volunteers!</P

Holiday toys and games drop-in

Saturday and Sunday 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.</P

Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St., Guelph</P

The museum is bringing out puzzles, crafts, toys, and games from their collection for everyone to explore as part of your paid admission!</P

Winter Math Olympics

Saturday 1 p. m. to 3 p. m.</P

Waterloo Public Library, John M. Harper branch</P

The Winter Olympics are coming up in February so the library is hosting some math-themed fun! There’ll be games and challenges at various stations throughout the library suitable for all ages and skill levels.</P

This is a drop-in event-no registration needed! The library encourages everyone to “bring your team spirit and get ready for some friendly competition.”</P

Bonus: Bucket List 2026

<P Saturday -3 p. m.-to-4-p. m.<br< Water loo Public Library , Mc Cormick branch<br< This event welcomes folks in their twenties-and-thirties-to-come together-for-some-warm-tea-and-think-about-their-goals-for-this-year.<br< There’ll-be-markers , pens , poster board , and-other-fun-supplies-to-help-you-create-your-vision-boards-for-the-year-ahead.<br< Don’t forget that registration-is-required.

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