This newsletter is giving events.
TL;WR for December 13 through December 18 2023
What to do.
Tuesday, December 12
Make a lantern to get ready for the Winter Solstice at Waterloo Public Library’s McCormick Branch. 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead? The Apollo has a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13
KPL Central Branch has a Spanish Speakers Meetup at 6 p.m. Come join other Spanish speakers at this casual meetup. Enjoy conversation in Spanish and meet new friends.
The Local Advocate has a Holiday Paint Night at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your friends, family, or come solo to unleash your inner artist and create your own stunning holiday masterpiece! No prior painting experience necessary.
Come down to TWB Brewing for a jolly evening of competition and showcase your holiday expertise in this Very Merry Trivia Night hosted by Sean from the Seen on Screen Podcast! You'll be transported into the magical world of beloved holiday classics as you test your knowledge of iconic films, heartwarming television specials, and timeless yuletide tunes.
Thursday, December 14
KPL Forest Heights has Game On! Scrabble at 6:30 p.m.
Who let the dogs out? Whose bed have your boots been under? What's love got to do with it? What about us? What about love? What's going on? Check out “Great Question” music bingo with BeccaHosts at The Rabbid Fox at 8 p.m.
Wave Maker Craft Brewery also has a Music Bingo night starting at 7:30 p.m.
True History Brewing and Godspeed Brewery are taking over the taps at Arabella Park Beer Bar starting at 4 p.m.
Friday, December 15
Head to Elmira for a karaoke night at Rural Roots Brewing with BeccaHosts at 7:30 p.m.
Rusty Nail Comedy continues to brings the best comedians in Canada to Downtown Kitchener. This Friday, check out headliner Kevin Christopher at the Crazy Canuck DTK starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Yeti has A Little Leverage playing live!
Hops & High Notes: Christmas Carols at the Brewery brings the Grand River Opera to TWB Brewing! Show starts at 7 p.m.
The Kitchener Market has Apps, Taps and Charcuterie with Chef Rob at 6 p.m. Join Chef Rob for a holiday-themed cooking class! In this class, you will be making chutney dips, Spanish tapas and hummus, and working with local cured meats and cheeses to create an amazing presentation for your next holiday parties!
The Walper Hotel has a Bollywood Party starting at 9 p.m. It’s a night of fun and dancing with DJ Bharat!
Saturday, December 16
KW Artists Co-op has a Holiday Market at 142 Waterloo St. in Waterloo from 12 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a small, low-key arts and craft event that’s not overwhelming for all of us late shoppers.
KW’s oldest craft collective returns! Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch will be at CIGI (67 Erb St. W., Waterloo) with arts, crafts, clothing and more. 11 to 4 p.m.
KW Zinetopia is happening at Button Factory Arts from 12 to 4 p.m.
Check out a screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Princess at 2 p.m.
KPL Central has a Community Kwanzaa Celebration at 2 p.m. Children and families are invited to celebrate Kwanzaa with Kind Minds Family Wellness! Join them for drumming, storytime, crafts and dancing!
Kingston rockers The Glorious Sons return to Kitchener, this time taking their show to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The tour is in support of their new album Glory, described as “a compelling collection that showcases their musical versatility and ability to infuse reality into their songs” by Andy Thorley for Maximum Volume Music.
Emo Night is making its return Maxwell’s Concerts & Events with a Christmas Twist—An Emo Xmas! Come sing your favourite sad songs on Saturday, Dec. 16 featuring the music of bands like Fall Out Boy, The Used, Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Yellowcard and tons more!
Brownman's Holiday Madness is taking over Counterpoint Brewing Co. Internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet player Brownman Ali's annual Jazz Christmas show is a unique reading of classic holiday tunes by the Brownman Akoustic 4-tet, which features a hand-picked cast of some of Toronto's top-shelf jazz & studio musicians. Each year during the holidays Brownman specially arranges and re-orchestrates many of the quintessential archetypes of the season, with his own unique visions.
Sunday, December 17
The Apollo has a screening of Miracle on 34th Street at 1:45 p.m.
The Princess Original has a free screening of It’s a Wonderful Life with a donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region at 2 p.m.
Ways to support local.
Hello! Our friends at Counterpoint Brewing have a great post about supporting local businesses during the holidays. Here’s a few locally owned and operated places to do some holiday shopping:
AURA-LA Pastries + Provisions (324 Frederick St, Kitchener)
J & J Cards & Collectibles (230 Weber St N, Waterloo)
Gifted Waterloo (740 Belmont Ave W, Kitchener)
Harp & Fin (722 Belmont Ave W, Kitchener)
Runners' Choice Waterloo (55 Erb St E, Waterloo)
Loop Clothing (13 King St N, Waterloo)
Fog Off Clothing Co. (1363 King St N, St. Jacobs)
What to read.
Former comms director Kevin Crowley writes satire on academia (Joel Rubinoff in The Record)
My life in a tiny-home community (Nadine Green in Maclean’s, h/t to Beth Bowles and also CONGRATULATIONS!!)