Kate’s Weekend Adventure: 5 Exciting Activities in Waterloo Region (Jan. 10-12)

This weekend is expected to be less frigid than earlier in the week, making it a perfect opportunity to venture outside and partake in winter activities such as skiing at Chicopee, cross-country skiing in a nearby conservation zone, tobogganing down a community hill, taking a hike, or skating at an open-air rink.

City personnel in Kitchener have been preparing a segment of Victoria Park this week for a rink adjacent to the clock tower. If everything proceeds as intended, the rink is slated to open on Sunday.

The K-W Titans basketball group will not be playing this weekend. Their upcoming home match is on January 19.

The Kitchener Rangers are preoccupied with three games this weekend, two of which will take place at home. On Friday, they will welcome the Brampton Steelheads. Then, on Saturday, they will visit the Barrie Colts. On Sunday, they will return to The Aud to face the Saginaw Spirit.

The Guelph Storm is traveling this weekend, with matches in Flint, Michigan, on Friday and against the Soo Greyhounds on Saturday.

If you need to drive, here are the current local gas prices:

Music Weekends

Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.

Downtown Guelph

Music Weekends have returned. This initiative aims to encourage patrons to visit local businesses and support local artists during what is generally a quieter period.

This weekend, Scott Wicken and Les Armstrong will perform at NV Kitchen and Bar on Saturday afternoon, while Miranda Journey and Mikalyn Hay will be at Red Brick Cafe on Sunday.

Music Weekends will continue until mid-March.

Cambridge Memorial Hospital open house

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cambridge Memorial Hospital

The hospital will showcase portions of its newly remodeled area, including the updated diagnostic imaging division, laboratory, endoscopy suite, and two inpatient units.

The self-guided tours will require around one to ninety minutes, including spots along the route featuring videos and specialists. The tour will conclude in the cafeteria, where there will be an innovation exhibition alongside information booths.

Together We’re Boisterous comedy event

Saturday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

TWB Brewing, Kitchener

Join for an evening filled with improv, stand-up comedy, and even burlesque at this 19+ event. Tickets are necessary, and tiered pricing applies. The gathering is organized by Pinch Cabaret.

Local live music

A multitude of restaurants, bars, and breweries will feature live music this weekend. Here is a brief selection (tickets might be needed, so verify in advance):

• On Friday, it’s Indie Music Night at Maxwell’s in Waterloo. Performers include Maria Gabriella and Corduroy Blue, Amelia Maxwell, Ayesha Ahad, and The Peaks.
• Schooner Street Brewery in Waterloo will host Ewan Doig on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• A Glitz and Glam drag bingo will occur at Block Three Brewing in St. Jacobs on Saturday, and on Friday night, Leanne Mayer will perform at the brewery.
• Ryan Valentine is performing at The Boathouse in Kitchener’s Victoria Park on Friday night.
• Blue Rodeo will take the stage at Centre in the Square on Friday and Saturday night. As of Friday morning, only a few single-seat tickets are left.
• JoyRide will feature at The Jazz Room in Waterloo on Friday night, while the Brian O’Kane Group will perform there on Saturday night.

Engage in a library program

Winter presents an excellent opportunity to rediscover the offerings of your local library. Here are several events happening this weekend:

• Learn to crochet on Saturday afternoon at the main branch of the Waterloo Public Library.
• Snowman Story Time will take place at the Pioneer Park branch of Kitchener Public Library on Saturday at 10 a.m. Registration is not needed.
• Belonging is a juried community art display at the Cambridge Public Library/Idea Exchange. It is located at the Preston branch and features paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, and other forms of art.
• The Pokémon Fan Club will gather at the west end branch of the Guelph Public Library on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.