by Alex Kinsella | January 2023
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from exploring Waterloo Region – there’s fun to be had indoors and out!
This month, check out world-class comedy, insightful art exhibitions, and more.
Skate Night, Date Night | January 4, 11, 18, and 25
Spark up your date nights every Wednesday in Waterloo with Skate Night, Date Night. Each night features music from a different decade with DJ King Kadeem, from the doo-wop and rock of the 50s to the punk and pop of the 80s. Make it a night to remember with dinner and drink at one of Uptown Waterloo’s great eateries like Beertown Public House, Proof Kitchen + Lounge, or Sole.
Kitchener Rangers vs. Oshawa Generals | January 13
Catch the excitement of OHL hockey as the Kitchener Rangers take on the Oshawa Generals. It’s been an amazing season for the Rangers racking up sixth straight wins heading into the holiday break!
Voices at the Canadian Clay & Glass Museum | January 14
The Voices exhibition at the Canadian Clay & Glass Museum features the work of thirty-three artists sharing their voices on the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. On January 14, the museum will host an artist roundtable with Behnaz Fatemi, Heidi McKenzie, and Jonah Strub, moderated by Aaron Francis, creator and curator of Vintage Black Canada.
They’re Going Places – Comedy Tour | January 20
Toronto-based comedians Abbas Wahab, Moe Ismail, and Jesse Singh are bringing their action-packed comedy tour to Waterloo with a show at the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre in Uptown Waterloo. Grab a delicious cocktail or craft beer before the show at the White Rabbit Bar and Hop House (47 King St. N.)
Pinch Cabaret Improv Workshop & Jam | January 21
Comedian, director, and teaching artist Ben Gorodetsky brings artists and audiences together with amazing cabaret shows in Kitchener and Waterloo. On January 21, Pinch Cabaret has a 90-minute improv workshop to help you learn how to be a spontaneous storyteller. An immersive improv jam with short and long-form games follows the workshop.
Artist Talk with James Gardner | January 22
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery’s Artist Talk features Montreal-based artist James Gardner. Gardner’s work is currently featured in the gallery’s exhibition SOS: A Story of Survival, Part I – The Image. He’ll share how the themes of alchemy, astrological traditions, and the art of memory influence his work. After the talk, take a walk along King Street to discover some fantastic new cafes, like the Rose CafĂ© at 185 King St. E.
The Reklaws at Centre in the Square | January 26
If you spend time looking at #FYP on TikTok, you’ll know the music of Canadian country music duo (and siblings) The Reklaws. Their song “What the Truck” has become a viral sensation, and you can see them live when they return to their hometown in Waterloo Region with a show at the Centre in the Square.
The Brush Off @THEMUSEUM | January 28
Waterloo Region’s premiere live art making event returns with the 10th edition of The Brush Off at THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener. Enjoy a craft cocktail as artists compete live in a one-of-a-kind fast-paced art-making competition.
Winterloo | January 28
Grab a hot chocolate and head to Uptown Waterloo for the return of Winterloo. This annual event features a day of ice carving, snow sculptures, winter activities, and more! Unless it’s a really, really, really early spring, the Uptown Waterloo rink will open for skating too!
Leafcutter Ant Exhibit at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
This brilli-ANT exhibit is on now!
Visitors to Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory have the opportunity to see within a leafcutter ant nest, with interconnected chambers, filled with thousands of leafcutter ants with various skills and roles to play.
These ants (also known as Nature’s Farmers) work cooperatively in a complex society, behaving as a unit – we could learn a lot from these incredible creatures!
Head for the Hills!
Whether you’re a skier, snow boarder, or tuber, Waterloo Region has you covered!
At Chicopee Ski there are 12 runs to choose from that are perfect for beginners right up to advanced thrill seekers. And Chicopee Tube Park has 6 different tubing runs and a Magic Carpet that will take you back up the hill for your next ride!
For even more ways to #ExploreWR check out our Events Calendar!
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Alex Kinsella is a freelance writer and marketer based in Waterloo Region. He’s the guy behind TL;WR – Waterloo Region’s weekly events newsletter. He’s worked with some of Canada’s most well-known tech companies in roles including customer success, development, product management, PR, social media and marketing.
Alex has contributed to publications including BetaKit, Grand Magazine, Community Edition and more. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.