February 26th, 2026

Good Afternoon, Waterloo Region!

This is the last newsletter of February - can't believe how fast 2026 has flown by so far.

It was half a year ago when the new garbage/green bins got dropped off - and here we are ready for the rollout!

Exciting times.

In today's email:

• 'coldest night of the year' fundraising event
• Crepe
• a ton of fun events across a bunch of different interests
• an interesting fact about nostrils
• & more

Let's dive in 👇

-Ross at Grand River Buzz

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Thursday, February 26th

​Educational Talk: Actions Speak Louder Than Words | KW Habilitation, Kitchener | 3:30pm | "Michael Jacques is an author, activist, man with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael will be speaking about the ways inclusion can help everyone and will share personal stories about how he has used his voice."

​Open Mic | Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office | 6pm | "Enjoy performances from local musicians while taking the opportunity to showcase your talent on stage. Participation is optional but highly encouraged."

​Indie Music Night | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 7pm | "Discover your next favourite artist at Indie Music Night, featuring an exciting lineup of rising indie talent from the region and beyond."

​Music Bingo: I Love The 90's | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 7pm

​Candle Making Workshop | St. Jacob's Farmers Market | 7:30pm | "Learn about the history of candle-making, and the differences between available waxes on the market & fragrances. You can choose from over 20 scents or custom-blend your signature scent. And you will pour two candles and select a label for your creation. "

​Soul of Motown | The Jazz Club, Waterloo | 8pm | "This electrifying live show brings to life the timeless sounds of legends that made the world move. From The Temptations and Marvin Gaye, to The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and many more, The Soul of Motown brings you back to a time where passion and harmony brought us together."

​Music Bingo: The 2000's | The Rabbid Fox, Kitchener | 8pm

Friday, February 27th

​Pottery, Pints & Prosecco | Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Waterloo | 6pm | "Each ticket includes all materials for a kiln-fired project, one drink, and full kiln firing service that takes place after your visit. Items are food safe, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe."

​James Campbell: Live | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacob's | 6pm | "An indie artist blending elements of jazz, blues, folk, and vintage sounds to create a unique and timeless musical experience."

​Burlesque & Variety Show | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "We’re back with another bold, cheeky, and wildly entertaining Burlesque & Variety Show — and this time, we’re doing things a little differently…"

​Songs & Stories | Counterpoint Brewing, Kitchener | 7pm | "This isn't just a show, it's a room full of shared moments. Brad and Tim blend stories and song in a way that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. They're personal, until you realize you can relate to many of them."

​Jesse Ryan & The Kaiso Street Collective | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A new ensemble made up of some of Toronto’s most exciting improvisers and composers, all of whom share deep musical and cultural ties to jazz and Afro-Caribbean traditions."

​K-Pop Club Night | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 8pm | "Join DJ SEOLYING and the world-famous K-Pop Club Night crew for an electrifying night celebrating the biggest hits in Korean pop music – built for the dance floor."

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

Saturday, February 28th

​Gabby's Dollhouse Live! | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 4pm | "In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a colour cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colours again to set things right."

​TWB & AOK Birthday Battle! | AOK Craft Beer & Arcade | 5pm | "Tap takeover. Bevvy battle. All the best people. You know the drill - come thirsty and ready to celebrate. Let the Birthday Battles begin"

​Muay Thai Event | Tapestry Hall, Cambridge | 6pm | "Prepare for an electrifying evening featuring live Muay Thai bouts, showcasing skilled fighters, intense matchups, and the heart of true striking culture. From walkouts to the final bell, every moment is designed to deliver high-level competition and unforgettable energy."

​Murder Mystery: The Time Lock Murders | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 6:30pm | "Long ago (but not so far away) a recently discovered time capsule was hidden away in the heart of Galt with instructions not to open it until 2026! Join us for the official opening celebration as we try to get some answers to a 100 old mystery - and possibly solve a murder or two!"

​New Friends Game Night | Counterpoint Brewing, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Come enjoy nostalgic games, delicious brews and meet new people at Counterpoint brewing - it's gonna be a blast! Our event is perfect if you are new to the area and looking for some new amigos or looking to venture out from your current crew!"

​Roberto Occhipinti Quartet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Diversity personified - Roberto's won awards and acclaim as a musician, composer and record producer. Throughout his career, the Toronto-born bassist has performed in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, Latin groups, rhythm & blues outfits and rock bands."

​Throwback Mash-up: 90's + 2000's Video Dance Party | Maxwell's Waterloo | 8:30pm | "Two iconic decades collide for one massive night of nostalgia at Maxwell’s. From 90s party anthems to early-2000s dance floor classics, Throwback Mash-Up delivers wall-to-wall throwbacks across multiple video screens and the loudest boombox in town."

Sunday, March 1st

​Wed Well Waterloo | Langdon Hall, Cambridge | 11am | "Forget the overwhelming sales pitches and cluttered pipe-and-drape stalls of the wedding shows you’re used to. Wed Well Waterloo is the place for modern Waterloo region couples to connect with the region’s top wedding talent in a creative and inspiring environment."

​Drag Bingo Brunch | Abe Erb, Waterloo | 12pm | "A hilarious drag bingo brunch with Crystal Quartz - glitz & glam prizes, big laughs, and brunch vibes."

​Beaded Embroidery Workshop | Arabella Park Beer Bar, Kitchener | 1pm | "In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll design and stitch a beaded letter embroidery piece, using beads, sequins, thread, and fabric to build texture, shine, and personality into your initial (or any letter you choose)."

​Family Ceili (Irish Social Dance) | Kitchener City Hall Rotunda | 1pm | "We’ll dance to traditional Irish music at a slower, more comfortable pace, and use classic Irish steps with modifications so everyone can join in safely and confidently."

​Family Sunday: Dreamy Oil-Pastel Landscapes | 1pm | "Guided by our talented art instructors, families will explore new art techniques, play with materials, and create one-of-a-kind artworks together. All ages & free!"

​Shared Threads: Community, Belonging & Storytelling | Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo | 7pm | "Shared Threads explores the weaving of community through textile and image. Drawing inspiration from Celtic knotwork—an ancient visual language of continuity, connection, and interdependence—the works reflect how individual lives are bound together into something stronger and more enduring: community."

Farmers Markets

​St. Jacobs | Saturday, February 28th (7am—3:30pm)

​Kitchener | Saturday, February 28th (7am—2pm)

​Cambridge | Saturday, February 28th (7am—1pm)​

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

LOCAL NEWS

Featured this a few times, so I'm sure most people are aware - but with the switch coming up next week... linking some details below so everyone know's what's going on!

All the information, new collection days, FAQ's, etc. can be found here.

And if you're wondering what to do with your old bins, the Region made this post to help give some ideas.

What will you be doing with yours?

COMEDY

Friday, February 27th

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | Headliner: Sammy Farid

Saturday, February 28th

​Toronto Comedy All Stars | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | 5pm & 8:30pm (2 shows) | "Catch the hottest standups from Toronto’s world-class comedy scene for one night only, featuring comedians seen on Just For Laughs, Hulu, Crave, CBC & more!"

​Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 8pm | Headliner: Sammy Farid

​Rusty Nail Comedy | Morty's Pub, Waterloo | 8pm | Headliner: Patrick Haye

Sunday, March 1st

​Brunch with Dolly | The Walper Hotel, Kitchener | 11am | "Champs For Charity Blue Team Presents: Get ready for an unforgettable day all for a great cause. Come see one of Canada's best impersonators with proceeds going to Mac Kids. Brunch buffet, silent auction & raffle, cash bar & comedy."

WEATHER

🌤️ Thu, Feb. 26th | HIGH -5° | NIGHT -11° | 20% POP

🌤️ Fri, Feb. 27th | HIGH 6° | NIGHT -1° | 20% POP

⛅️ Sat, Feb. 28th | HIGH -1° | NIGHT -14° | 20% POP

🌨️ Sun, Mar. 1st | HIGH -10° | NIGHT -18° | 70% POP | 1-3cm ❄️

SPORTS

🥅 Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

2nd Overall | 1st in Western Conference

• 2/25: Kitchener beat Guelph 5-4 | #48 Christian Humphreys got the first star, with one goal and three assists | Watch Highlights​​
• Next Home Game: Fri, Feb. 27th | Brampton at Kitchener | 7pm | Tickets​​

🏀 KW Titans (BSL)

2nd Overall

• Next Home Game: Sun, Mar. 8th | Lake Erie Jackals at KW Titans | 3pm | Tickets

* what other sports would you like to see included here? reply to let me know what you'd find useful!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

​Coldest Night Of The Year​

"across the country, close to home. we walk feb. 28, 2026!"

The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly 2 or 5km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners.

Here are the communities in Waterloo Region participating this year:

• ​Cambridge (in support of Urban Hope Ministries)
• ​Elmira (in support of Woolwich Community Services)
• ​Kitchener (in support of Ray of Hope Community Centre)
• ​Waterloo (in support of Supportive Housing of Waterloo)
• ​Wilmot (in support of Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre)

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Crepe!

Crepe's a 2 month old, mixed breed male with a beautiful brindle coat. He first came to the shelter on February 18th. 13lbs now... but will keep growing!

"This dashing little guy brings a touch of Parisian panache wherever he goes. Crepe is full of energy, ready to explore, play, and sprinkle a little French-style mischief into your day. Zoomies? Oui, s'il vous plaît! Cuddles? Bien sûr... but only after he's had his daily dose of fun. With a swirl of sweetness and a dollop of curiosity, Crepe is equal parts lively adventurer and snuggly companion. He'll steal your heart with his playful antics - & bright puppy eyes that make every day feel a little more magnifique. If you're looking for a playful, charming, and utterly irresistible pup with a dash of French flair, Crepe is ready to be your little pastry prince."

Tap here to find out more.

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

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

If you were watching... what was your favourite Olympic moment from the 2026 games? 🥇

Hit reply to this message to let me know and I'll share some of the best responses next week!

RANDOM FACTS OF THE DAY

Your nostrils take turns breathing. This is called the "nasal cycle." At any given time, one nostril is doing about 75% of the work while the other remains mostly idle, switching every few hours.

Tug-of-war was once an Olympic sport. It was part of the Olympic schedule from 1900 to 1920. Great Britain leads the all-time medal count for the event.

Pluto hasn't completed a single orbit around the Sun since it was discovered. It was discovered in 1930 and won't finish its first full trip around the Sun until Monday, March 23, 2178.

THANK YOU!

Hope you're having the best day & we'll see you Monday 🐝

ps. I'd love your feedback. Whether it's something you like, or hate, or want to see more/less of - please let me know! My goal is to make sure you're getting value from these emails, and the important info you need. Hit 'reply' to let me know!

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