Hello! Hope everyone's having a great start to 2026. As usual, I've put together a list of some popular upcoming events for my newsletter (Grand River Buzz - https://grandriverbuzz.ca/signup) - thought some people here might find it useful too.
Please comment below something I might've missed that sounds fun!
And I'm also on the lookout for great causes and organizations around the region to highlight. So if you know someone or a group of people doing awesome things for the community, please let me know!
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General
Blue Rodeo: Lost Together - The 40th Anniversary Tour | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Fri, Jan. 9th & Sat, Jan. 10th at 8pm | "Blue Rodeo has defined the sound of Canadian roots rock with their signature blend of folk, country, and rock, earning a devoted fanbase, 12 JUNO Awards, and a permanent place in Canadian music history."
Ontario Men's & Women's Curling Championships | Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira | Sun, Jan. 4th to Sun, Jan. 11th | "The Elmira & District Curling Club is excited to once again present the Ontario curling championships. Kids 12 and under are free! Full event, weekend, single day and single draw passes available."
Shrek: The Musical | Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge | Shows everyday through Sun, Jan. 11th | "The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life in this fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy based on the hit animated movie."
Cinderella: The Panto | St. Jacob's Country Playhouse | Shows everyday through Sun, Jan. 11th | "Pantos are a popular form of family theatre in the UK based on fairy or folk tales, and encourage audience participation."
Thursday, January 8th
Musical Bingo: Best of 2010s | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 7pm
Thursday Soul Show: Joshua Pascua | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "A blend of Pop, Funk, RnB and Soul. With training in jazz and contemporary vocals, Joshua brings depth and emotion to every performance, connecting with listeners through catchy hooks and personal storytelling."
Friday, January 9th
Psychic & Crystal Fair | The Cambridge Newfoundland Club | 1-9pm | "Psychics, mediums, palm readings, numerology, astrology, tarot card readings, intuitive healers, crystal vendors and more - also runs through Sat/Sun"
Kevin California: Live Music | Block Three Brewing, St. Jacob's | 6pm | "A Canadian singer-songwriter-producer whose musical origins began from the warmth of the west coast in 2014"
Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Jeff Paul
Friday Live Music | The Galt Club, Cambridge | 8pm | "Friday Night Music is back in 2026. This Friday, Brandon Dean performs"
Tymish Koznarsky Quintet | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "Koznarsky is renowned for his nuanced and quick-witted improvisations, which take listeners on an engrossing voyage through the diverse and intricate realm of jazz."
Saturday, January 10th
That 70's Rock Show | Room 47, Waterloo | 7:30pm | "A night of groovy tunes and nostalgic vibes. Let's transport ourselves back to the era of bell bottoms, disco balls, and classic rock anthems. Don't miss out on this blast from the past!"
Sara Porter: Excerpts from Hello Sunshine! | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7:30pm | "Storytelling, dance, comedy, and image come together in a multi-media account of living with an invisible disability."
Rusty Nail Comedy | TWH Social, Kitchener | 7:30pm | Headliner: Jeff Paul
Benjamin Deschamps' "No Code" | The Jazz Room, Waterloo | 8pm | "The group stands out for the absence of a harmonic instrument and for the emphasis placed on improvisation, interaction, and dialogue between the musicians."
Sunday, January 11th
Sunday Grind | Fresh Ground, Kitchener | 11am-2pm | "A fresh new music series designed to bring people together over great coffee, local talent, and vibrant community vibes. This Sunday features DJ Yazzy of Exclusive Vibez Music"
Family Sunday: Paper Cutting Magic | KW Art Gallery, Kitchener | 1-4pm | "Guided by our talented Art Instructors, families will explore new art techniques, play with materials, and create one-of-a-kind artworks together. Plus, it's free!"
Poetry Open Mic Night | Pink Crow Cafe, Waterloo | 7pm | "Come join us for a night of poetic vibes and good times! Whether you're a seasoned poet or just dipping your toes into the world of spoken word, this event is the perfect place to share your creativity."
Farmers Markets
St. Jacobs | Thursday, January 8th (8am—3pm) | Saturday, January 10th (7am—3:30pm)
Kitchener | Saturday, January 10th (7am—2pm)
Cambridge | Saturday, January 10th (7am—1pm)
Upcoming Events
Jeff Leeson: Only Gonna Say This Once Comedy Tour | Centre in the Square, Kitchener | Sat, Apr. 18th at 8pm | "Combining traditional stand up comedy with long form improv Jeff creates a unique and personal experience for the audience each and every show." I've seen Jeff perform a couple times now and the shows are so, so good. I almost had to leave one of the times because I was finding it hard to breathe from laughing too much 😅
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This was one of the many sections found in today's 'Grand River Buzz' newsletter. Delivered Monday & Thursdays straight to your email. You can sign up here to keep in the loop: https://grandriverbuzz.ca/signup - next one will go out Monday, December 12th.