January 22nd, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

Today is apparently 'National Polka Dot' day.

I'm not sure who makes these random days up - maybe polka dot sweater or polka dot wallpaper companies?!

I'll investigate and get back to you...

In today's email:

• a ton of fun, local events
• Carlos
• a special winter festival
• why bees have 'bouncers'
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Thursday, January 22nd

​Candle Making Workshop | Ernie's Roadhouse, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "Each participant will be provided with all the tools necessary to create two 8oz scented candles & a 6-pack of tea lights."

​A Quintessential Evening of Love, Song & Winter | Huether Hotel, Waterloo | 7pm | "An intimate concert of close-harmony singing, storytelling, and seasonal reflection, presented by Waterloo’s own The Quintessentials"

​Darts Night | TWB Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "Partners rotate after each game of '501'. All levels are welcome."

Music Bingo:

• ​Big Shiny Tunes | Scran & Dram Scottish Public House, New Hamburg | 7pm
• ​Back to the 80's | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 7pm
• ​Taylor Swift | The Rabbid Fox, Kitchener | 8pm

Friday, January 23rd

​Burns Night | Four Fathers Brewing, Cambridge | 6pm | "Join us for a spectacular evening honouring the legendary Scottish bard, Robbie Burns, with a night of live music, fine food, and traditional festivity!"

​Shannon Regan Young-Eun Lee Tribute Concert | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 6pm | "With performances by friends, loved ones, and Shannon’s favourite bands. Celebrating Shannon’s life through music, including her original music, their favourite songs, and the music of HouseCat."

​An Evening of Music with Greg Wyard | Langdon Hall, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "Join us for a Beatles themed performance by Greg Wyard, accompanied by a three-course menu."

​Loud Library Reading Series | Whoopsie Daisy Drinks, Kitchener | 7pm | "A literary reading series featuring writers from Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond! Tonight's event features four different writers - Amy Neufeld, Emma McKenna, Ellie Anglin & Sarah Thompson."

​Songs & Stories | Emmanuel United Church, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "Critically acclaimed songwriters Julian Taylor and Logan Staats have joined forces to tour across Canada and bring you an incredible night of songs and stories. Presented in an acoustic format, each night promises musical surprises and heartfelt storytelling."

​Music Bingo: British Invasion | Rural Roots Brewery, Elmira | 7:30pm | "Get ready for a British-themed Music Bingo night with the awesome Philip & Ally!"

​Heathers the Musical | Theatre Auditorium, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "A high-energy, dark comedy musical based on the 1989 cult classic film."

​Tia Brazda | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "One of Canada’s most recognizable voices in jazz, Tia's jazz-pop gems and retro style have established her as a unique presence on the scene"

​Friday Live Music | The Galt Club, Cambridge | 8pm | "Tonight's event features Stephen Hodder"

​Live Band: First World Problems | Pop's & Ruby's Tap and Grill | 9pm | "This local, alternative & rock band from Stratford will blow your mind!"

Saturday, January 24th

​Seed Giveaway & Knowledge Exchange | Cafe Clementina, Waterloo | 9:30am | "The KWC Wildflower Seed Library will be giving away seeds for native flowers and plants. If you're new to winter sowing, we will be giving demos and answering questions!"

​Family Literacy Day: Stay & Play | All Cambridge Public Library locations | 10am | "Free event! Drop by for scavenger hunts, games and lots of foodie fun! Take home an activity booklet and borrow some recipe books. All ages are welcome."

​Learn Macramé: Make Your Own Knotted Earrings | Yoni Mudra Art Gallery, Kitchener | 10am | "Using fine cord, learn 5 knots that form the how to create knotted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other forms of jewelry and clothing with Neetika Kapoor."

​'Expressions 51: Forging A New Path' Exhibition Opening | 101 Queen St N, Kitchener | 1pm | "For over 50 years, Expressions has showcased artwork by students across the Waterloo Region. This year, young artists will reflect on intergenerational connectedness as a force for building sustainable futures."

​DJ Night | Counterpoint Brewing, Kitchener | 5pm | "Beats & Beers with DJ Uwe & DJ Jace"

​ZED: Canada's Premier Tribute to Led Zeppelin | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "From 'Whole Lotta Love' to 'Stairway to Heaven', ZED captures every note, nuance, and raw power of the world’s greatest rock band."

​Abbamania with Night Fever | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "The show consists of studio musicians, live symphony strings and a horn section plus an incredible front 4 that recreates Abba... live in concert. Also on the show: tribute artists to the Bee Gees & Cher."

​Noam Lemish | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Over the course of two decades of intensive musical study and creation he’s always sought to expand the scope of his exploration."

Sunday, January 25th

​Sunday Grind | Yoni Mudra Art Gallery, Kitchener | 11am | "A fresh new music series designed to bring people together over great coffee, local talent, and vibrant community vibes. This Sunday features DJ Havz & Mili."

​2026 Wedding Open House | Langdon Hall, Cambridge | 12pm | "We warmly invite you and your loved ones to join our expert wedding team and talented local vendors for an unforgettable day."

​Family Fundays! | Homer Watson House & Gallery, Kitchener | 1pm | "In this drop-in program, we will explore painting, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, and more. Learn new skills and explore your creativity as a family. There will be a new activity each month. Free of charge."

​Cold & Cozy Needle Felting Class | The Flying Squirrel, Waterloo | 1pm | "Join Spencer of all Trades and Stabby Gilmore in this beginner friendly needle felting workshop where you'll be making snowmen and cozy mugs."

​Heart Coaster Quilting Workshop | Metro Restaurant, Kitchener | 1pm | "Join us for a cozy afternoon of creativity as we explore the art of hand sewing and quilting—perfect for anyone who loves crafts, hearts, and a little self-expression!"

Upcoming Events

​Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour | The Aud, Kitchener | Thu, Jan. 29th at 7pm | "From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans will feel the history, the joy, and the fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver."

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Thursday, January 22nd (8am—3pm) | Saturday, January 24th (7am—3:30pm)

​Kitchener | Saturday, January 24th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, January 24th (7am—1pm)​

* none of these events are sponsored. that will always be made obvious if so.

LOCAL NEWS

Kitchener Invites Residents to Name the City’s Snowplow Fleet. The City of Kitchener has launched a public contest to name its winter maintenance vehicles. Creative entries like "Hippoplowtamus" and "Lederplowsen" are already sparking local enthusiasm, adding a touch of personality to the city's essential winter services. The vote is now open! [Read More]​​

‘Be You’ Mental Health Week Promotes Regional Wellness. Local institutions are hosting a series of workshops this week focused on destigmatising mental health and providing residents with accessible self-care resources and peer support networks.[Find Out More]​

Vision One Million Scorecard Shows Infrastructure Progress. A new report from regional business leaders highlights that Waterloo Region is "On Track" with major transportation and employment goals as it prepares for future growth. [Info]​

University of Waterloo Launches Global Futures Innovation Initiative. Defying convention to address humanity's pressing challenges, University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel unveiled the Global Futures framework aligning the university's academic and research strengths across five interconnected areas - society, health, environment, technology, and economy - featuring groundbreaking work including the world's first open-source quantum computer, climate and AI policy research, and collaborative housing affordability solutions with Habitat for Humanity across Waterloo Region and Canada. [More Info + Video]​

COMEDY

Friday, January 23rd

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Juliana Rodrigues

Saturday, January 24th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Juliana Rodrigues

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy | Kingpin Bowlounge, Kitchener (Bingemans) | 8pm | Headliners: Ryan Williams, Etay Kuperman & Jesse Singh​

WEATHER

🌧️ Thu, Jan. 22nd | HIGH -7° | NIGHT -15° | 90% POP | 4cm ❄️

🌧️ Fri, Jan. 23rd | HIGH -15° | NIGHT -23° | 40% POP | 1-3cm ❄️

⛅️ Sat, Jan. 24th | HIGH -14° | NIGHT -19° | 30% POP

🌧️ Sun, Jan. 25th | HIGH -12° | NIGHT -19° | 70% POP | 5-10cm ❄️

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

6th Overall | 2nd in Western Conference

• 1/21: Kitchener beat Windsor 3-2 in OT. #24 Jack Pridham got the first star again with the winning goal | [Watch Highlights|​​
• Next Home Game: Fri, Jan. 23rd | Owen Sound at Kitchener | 7pm | [Buy Tickets]​
• Also on this weekend: Sat, Jan. 24th | Kitchener at Erie | 7pm

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

2nd Overall

• 1/18: KW won 104-97 against the Lake Erie Jackals. #3 James Towns led the way for the Titans with 26 points
• Next Game: Sat, Jan. 24th | KW Titans at Windsor Express | 4pm
• Next Home Game: Sun, Jan 25th | Windsor Express at KW Titans | 3pm | "Superhero game in support of the Children's Miracle Network" | [Buy Tickets]

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

​Winterloo | Sat, Jan. 24th from 12-5pm | Throughout Uptown Waterloo

"Break away from the winter blues at the city's annual cold weather festival"

There's a TON going on at the event:

• Live ice carving showcase
• Outdoor ice skating
• Live DJ music
• Local food trucks
• Giant games & snow activities
• Maple taffy station
• Snow dogs & sled rides
• Dog fashion show
• Art displays
• Crafts & exhibits

A dog fashion show, maple taffy and sled rides?! Count me in...

You can find more info, directions, parking options, etc. at the link here.

And you can also check out the Winterloo 2026 Google Map to see where everything's located.

* a big thank you to GRB reader Randy who recommended i feature this here today!

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Carlos!

Carlos is a 5 year old, male mixed breed that weighs 17lbs... and first came to the shelter on Jan. 5th.

"A shy guy who takes a little time to feel safe, but once he does, he bonds deeply and loves fiercely. He's looking for a patient home where he can be guided at his own pace, learning that the world isn't as scary as it sometimes feels. This thoughtful little guy thrives with routine and gentle encouragement. He's happiest on walks where he can explore at his own speed, loves curling up in his crate to relax, and enjoys quiet play with toys (small tennis balls are a big favourite!). Food is serious business for Carlos, he really enjoys his treats and meals!"

What a cute little dude! This is him sleeping 😅 😍

Tap here to learn more about Carlos.

And there are tons of dogs, cats and other animals that are looking for their forever homes. You can find the adopt page here.

* if you adopt a dog or any pet from these emails, reply and let me know! I'd love to send you a special gift to help get things started

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

Bees Have "Bouncers". If a honeybee gets "drunk" on fermented tree sap, the other bees in the colony (acting as bouncers) will actually block it from entering the hive until it sobers up to prevent it from disrupting the hive's productivity.

The World’s Shortest Commercial Flight. It takes place in Scotland between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray. The flight lasts only about 90 seconds (and can be as short as 47 seconds depending on the wind).

Penguins "Waddle" and "Raft". While a group of penguins on land is famously called a "waddle," when they are in the water together, they are referred to as a "raft."

THANK YOU!

Hope you have a great weekend & we'll see you Monday 🐝

ps. Thanks so much to everyone who gave feedback on the last newsletter. It's so appreciated, and really helpful to try and make this newsletter the best it can be... cheers!

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