Welcome to the first weekend of 2026, where the local area is set for a relatively quiet few days with not many events on the calendar.
The Kitchener Rangers are gearing up for a home game on Friday night against the Barrie Colts, hoping for uninterrupted play after a power outage disrupted Monday night’s game. Meanwhile, the Guelph Storm will face off against the Brantford Bulldogs, followed by a match against the Peterborough Petes on Sunday.
In basketball action, the K-W Titans will take on the Montreal Toundra on Sunday afternoon at The Aud.
The Curling Ontario Men’s and Women’s Championships for 2026 are taking place at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira. This prestigious event will showcase top curlers from across the province competing for the championship title. Tickets are available for single-day or full tournament access until January 11.
Looking for family-friendly activities? Kitchener’s New Year’s levee at city hall on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. offers music, skating, entertainment, and a chance to engage with local officials about neighborhood issues.
For those who enjoy skating, a free community skate will be held on Saturday afternoon at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre, hosted by various community associations.
In Guelph, the Civic Museum is hosting a holiday toys and games drop-in event on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing a chance for visitors to explore puzzles, crafts, toys, and games from the museum’s collection.
Additionally, the Winter Math Olympics will take place on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Waterloo Public Library’s John M. Harper branch, offering math-themed games and challenges for all ages without the need for registration.
For those in their 20s and 30s, the Bucket List 2026 event at the Waterloo Public Library’s McCormick branch on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. invites attendees to create vision boards for the year ahead, with registration required.
With a variety of activities lined up, the weekend presents opportunities for sports enthusiasts, families, and individuals looking to engage in fun and educational experiences across the region.

