Kitchener 
The City of Waterloo’s annual winter festival, Winterloo, returns on Saturday, January 24, 2026, offering an array of family-friendly activities to help residents and visitors embrace the cold season.
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The festival promises both indoor and outdoor experiences in uptown Waterloo from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What’s New and What to See and Do
This year’s Winterloo features a diverse lineup of activities at its two main locations. At Waterloo Public Square, visitors can witness three award-winning ice carvers creating intricate sculptures, skate outdoors (bring your own skates), and dance to live music from DJ $ensi Bø¥. Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters’ food truck will serve hot drinks and sweet treats. Be among the first 100 visitors to receive a complimentary hot drink!
At the Visitor Information Centre, guests can meet snow dogs from the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports and Rajenn Sled Dogs. This activity will run from noon to 4 pm. Small children, under 100 pounds, can even enjoy a sled ride with the dogs.
Visitors can snap photos with the stunning art display by local artist Agnes Niewiadomski, or express your creative spirit at the Snow Painting Zone. If you are going with friends and family, challenge them to giant games available on site, such as Connect Four, Jenga, Tetris, and Cornhole, or be an engineer at the Block Build Zone.
Register your four-legged companion for the first Winterloo Dog Fashion Show. Register for the show at 2 p.m. at the check-in tent beside the stage, and the show will kick off at 3:30 p.m.
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Live music by DJ Megab Arnod will keep the atmosphere lively and upbeat. Sweet treats include maple taffy, while BeaverTails and the Berlin 95 food truck will offer savoury options.
Other attractions include the Uptown Waterloo Comfort Food Crawl (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), where attendees can purchase tickets to explore various culinary delights. For $15, ticket holders can sample all the comfort food dishes from all participating restaurants, with all proceeds supporting The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Attendees can visit venues in any order, vote for their top three dishes for People’s Choice, and be entered to win Uptown Dollars prizes ($25, $50, or $100). Celebrity judges will also select a Judge’s Choice.
Enjoy free, all-ages skating at the Uptown rink with family and friends. You may bring your own skates or rent at McPhail’s Cycle & Sports Ltd, or borrow a pair from the Waterloo Public Library.
Where Is the Event?
The festival takes place across multiple locations in uptown Waterloo, with primary events at Waterloo Public Square and the Visitor Information Centre.
The best way to reach Waterloo Public Square is by taking the ION light rail, with routes and schedules available through Grand River Transit. Free parking is available in uptown parking lots. Please note that the Visitor Information Centre parking lot will be closed.
Festival-goers can navigate the various activities using the online Winterloo 2026 Google Map.
When Is the Event?
Winterloo takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the festival will be cancelled. Attendees are encouraged to check weather updates and plan accordingly for a day of winter fun.
What Is the Cost?
Winterloo is free of charge and open to the public, making it an accessible event for all ages. Some activities, such as the Comfort Food Crawl, require advance ticket purchases.
