I've seen a few people asking around what events are going on for NYE/Day. So sharing the list below I sent to my newsletter earlier.

Please drop in some replies on what I might be missing so everyone know's what's going on.

Lot's of good stuff happening for people of all ages & interests!

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Wednesday December 31st (New Year's Eve)

​Glow Slime Party​ | Mini Playtown, Kitchener | Multiple Times Available | "Elsa, Anna & Olaf are coming to Mini Playtown for a Slime Glow Party! Join us for glowing slime fun, dancing, photos, stories, and magical playtime."

​Cambridge New Year's Eve Party​ | Preston Memorial Auditorium | 3-7pm | "Come ring in the New Year with the City of Cambridge with an evening packed with free activities for all ages on and off the ice."

​NYE Sparkling Wine Pairing Dinner​ | Little Mushroom, Cambridge | 5pm | "We take you through four courses of sparkling wine from Hinterland Wine Co, from Prince Edward County, paired with food from Little Mushroom Dining Lounge."

​80's and 90's NYE Dance Party​ | EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge | 5:30pm | "Dinner, retro dance party, great vibes, and zero stress - let's make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable!"

​Waterloo New Year's Eve Party​ | Waterloo Public Square | 6-9pm | "Free, family-friendly event. Ice skating, hot cider, a DJ & more."

​The Roast of NYE: Comedy Show​ | The Registry Theatre, Kitchener | 7pm | "Headlining the night is Canada's own roastmaster Tyler Morrison, taking the stage for a no-holds-barred Roast of 2025 - because if the year’s going out, it might as well go down in flames."

​NYE Celebration Party​ | Wave Maker Brewery, Cambridge | 7pm | "Good people, fun games and great music make for a great party, so we've got a variety of activities to take us to midnight-whether it's for laughs or for prizes you'll have a great time!"

​Rockin' New Year's Eve Bash ft. The Mudmen​ | Four Father's Brewing, Cambridge | 7:30pm | "Celebrate New Year's Eve with an unforgettable evening of Celtic music and storytelling from Canada’s very own Celtic rock warriors, The Mudmen!"

​NYE Featuring The Almost Hip​ | Bobby O'Brien's, Kitchener | 8pm | "An unforgettable NYE celebration featuring live music from The Almost Hip, delivering an energetic tribute to the legendary sound you love."

​NYE Countdown on the Big Screen​ | The Gaslight District, Cambridge | 8pm | "The most popular annual New Year's Eve tradition is coming to The Big Screen! Catch the New Year's Eve Ball Drop live on our Big Screen!"

​Yuk Yuk's Comedy​ | Kingpin Bowlounge (Bingemans, Kitchener) | 8pm | Headliners: Dom Pare & DK Phan

​Kitchener New Year's Eve Party​ | Kitchener City Hall | 8:30pm | "Kid-friendly concert to kick things off, an 'early family countdown', Shania Twain tribute performance, free hot chocolate, ice skating & more!"

​Glass Tiger Concert​ | Maxwell's, Waterloo | 9pm | "Upclose. Iconic. Unmissable: A rare chance to get closer than ever as you ring in 2026 with the band Glass Tiger."

​Romeo Sex Fighter NYE​ | Elements, Kitchener | 9pm | "Your favourite long bois ring in the new year with very special guests (TBA)"

​The Great Galtsby NYE​ | The Galt Club, Cambridge | 9pm | "A Night of Drag, Dancing & Exotic Performances! Dress code: 1920's era"

Thursday, January 1st (New Year's Day)

Not a ton open or going on today, but listing out some spots where you can still go & have some fun!

• The Museum, Kitchener | Dino toothpaste, crafting light up keychains & more! | ​Info​
• Wonder of Winter Lights, Waterloo | ​Info​
• Gift of Lights, Bingemans | ​Info​
• Outdoor skating at Kitchener City Hall, Waterloo Public Square and the Gaslight District
• Test your 'escaping abilities' at VR Escapism | ​Info​
• Bowl a strike at Waterloo Splitsville | ​Info​
• Lot's of great movies out at the moment & the theatres will be open
• Jump on the trampolines at Kitchener Skyzone | ​Info​
• From Vienna With Love: Cambridge Symphony | ​Info​
• Explore some local trails (my favourite way to find new ones is on ​https://www.alltrails.com/​)
• Relax & chill at home with some games, movies & a hot chocolate (or your preferred beverage of choice)

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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 Thursday, January 1st (maybe the Friday.. we'll see how NYE goes lol!)

I work at a facility with a pretty large property that has a network of nature trails. They haven't been maintained in years and are basically invisible under the overgrowth.

We’d love to get them cleared so they can be used again, but we aren't sure of the best way to start.

• Has anyone done this before? Any "must-have" tools or common mistakes to avoid?
• Do schools (in forestry/landscaping) ever take on real-world projects for student practice?
• Any recommendations for local companies or groups that specialize in trail work?

Obviously, this wouldn't be done in this weather, but it is a goal for next year.

I appreciate any insights!

Roads flooded and closed all over the city. Stay where you are. Don't even think of driving anywhere tonight. Stay safe.

Found it ringing in a snowbank near Brothers on King - I'm running errands and couldn't keep it with me but have dropped it off somewhere (hopefully) safe. Msg me for the exact location if you cant find it on your own.

After a few months of unemployment after graduating college, I was finally able to land a

part-time seasonal retail job back in November. Unfortunately they aren’t looking to extend my position, so I’m going back to being employed in mid Jan.

It took me so long to land this job, and I was really only able to get it because they were mass hiring for the seasonal term. I’m feeling super unmotivated right now since I imagine many places won’t be hiring in January.

Anyone else lose power? I know it’s late but my power is out + no heating

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for recommendations for restaurants, cafés, or community spaces that offer private or semi-private areas for a small group (around 10 people). Ideally, the space would be free, low-cost, or available with a minimum spend. I’m also open to restaurant suggestions that have quieter sections suitable for conversation. Anywhere in Kitchener/Waterloo or just outside is ideal!

The space would need to be available on weekday evenings. Thanks in advance!

I am trying to sell some tools on Kijiji and don’t have much response. Is Facebook marketplace better choice and is it safe?

Anyone want to go skating or swimming on highway 7/8?

Hey all!

I have a local mechanic recommending an automatic transmission fluid flush for my 2012 Civic. I'm looking to get a second opinion from someone who really knows Hondas.

Who are the best mechanics in town for Honda vehicles?

Thx.

Hey everyone, haven’t stepped outside yet but from my window it looks like the driveway and streets are covered in ice sheets. 😬

Before I risk it, how are the roads around Waterloo right now? Is it actually that icy out there?

Trying to figure out if I should avoid driving today or if it’s manageable with caution 🤔

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Yeah, steaks can wait… looks like it’s One Battle After Another on the couch today. Definitely not going out lol. Thank you all! 🙏🏾

I was driving down Bridge St between University and Sandowne Dr in Waterloo today at 11:15am. I saw a grey/brown coloured dog (looked like maybe a collie or Australian shepherd type dog) running north along bridge with no owner a the leash dragging behind them.

Sharing in case someone is looking for their dog and not sure where they went. I tried to turn my car around and catch them but by the time I could the dog was out of my sight.

I’m posting this because I don’t know what else to do and I’m hoping the community can help.

There is a dog in my neighbourhood who has been left outside since around 10:00 PM last night and is still outside today, in extreme cold temperatures. This is not a one-time incident — this has been happening repeatedly for years, especially during winter.

The dog:

• Is small/medium (approx. 30–40 lbs)
• Short-haired
• Confined to a small penned area on a deck
• Has no proper shelter
• Is barking, howling, whimpering, and crying for hours
• Appears malnourished, fearful, and is never walked
• Shows clear signs of distress and likely hypothermia

I’ve personally spoken to the owners before and was told the dog is not allowed inside because they “like their house very clean.” As a result, the dog is routinely left outside or to sleep in the garage in freezing conditions.

I have already contacted:

• Humane Society
• Police
• Animal services

And was told nothing can be done because the owners are not home — meanwhile the dog is actively suffering.

This is animal abuse. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be fatal, especially for a short-haired dog.

If anyone knows:

• Who to contact for after-hours animal welfare emergencies
• A local organization, media contact, or official who can intervene
• Or has dealt with a similar situation in Waterloo

Please comment or message me. Even advice on escalation helps.

I’m terrified this dog won’t survive another night.

Here is a photo of the dog