Kate's 5 fun things to do this weekend (Jan. 24 to 26)
From Winterloo to Chinese New Year, there are many events to keep you busy
Snow is in the forecast for this weekend and there are many events that will encourage you to brave the cold.
It's the Lunar New Year on Saturday and the Kitchener Market is hosting an event that involves dishes and drinks and crafts on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. On Sunday, there will be a traditional Chinese lion dance at TheMuseum in downtown Kitchener which is included with general admission.
It's also Robbie Burns Day, and you can learn more about this Scottish bard, watch some highland dancing and maybe even try some haggis at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.
It's also Don Cameron Potato Night on Friday at the Kitchener Rangers game. Bring a cash donation or potatoes in support of the House of Friendship, then cheer the Rangers on as they face off against the Sarnia Sting.
Winterloo
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26
Various locations, uptown Waterloo
Check out several activity zones set up to make the most of winter in Waterloo.
There's outdoor skating, a screening of Abominable, an indoor playground on a bus, short films with hot chocolate, fireside stories with Michele Branif, and an ice and snow slide. Matt Morris will be there doing giant snow sculptures and there are ice sculptures, too.
To warm up, you can take a fat bike for a test ride, try your hand at the winter obstacle course or winter golfing and, on Saturday, take part in the Uptown Comfort Food Crawl so you can fill up your tummy and head out to try more of the fun.
ArtsEverywhere Festival
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24
9:30 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Jan. 25
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26
Various locations, Guelph
This festival offers lectures and music, artistic performances and literary readings and even a community dance party.
The Guelph Lecture is set for Friday night. It includes a conversation with painter and sculptor Eric Fischl, as well as a reading by spoken word poet Taqralik Partridge and a performance by Marianne Trudel with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, the Gryphon Singers and others.
Check the schedule to see what you want to attend. Most of the events are free but there is a fee for the Guelph Lecture and a performance Saturday evening by Patricia Cano.
If you're in Guelph, why not stick around to see a musical performance as part of Music Weekends in downtown Guelph. The idea is to get people out of their homes and into local establishments during the cold winter months. This Sunday, The Lifers and Annie Sumi are at Brother's Brewing and Lily Frost is at eBar. Both concerts begin at 3 p.m.
Family Literacy Day
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25
Idea Exchange, Queen's Square location
Family Literacy Day is Monday, but you can get prepared with this event with various activities for families. There will be games that explore and celebrate literacy, plus it is fun to spend some time curled up with a new book together as a family.
On Sunday, the Waterloo Public Library is hosting a literacy day event at Conestoga Mall. There will be interactive activities, storytelling and live music.
Butterfly Yoga
8:30 a.m. registration, Sunday, Jan. 26
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Rd., Cambridge
As it snows or rains this weekend, one of the warmest and most relaxing spots to be in the region might just be the butterfly conservatory. On Sunday morning, there's a special yoga session amongst the butterflies.
The class runs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. before the conservatory opens to the public. Bring your own mat and a water bottle. Space is limited and tickets are $40.
East Coast Kitchen Party
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26
Malt and Barley Public House, 1187 Fischer-Hallman Rd., Kitchener
You've likely heard of a kitchen party, but if you've never had the chance to experience one — here's your chance.
The final Sunday of each month, local musicians gather to jam at this pub. Come to take part or just to enjoy the music. There are Maritime food and drink features and it's a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.