If winter usually kills your motivation to leave the house, Winterloo is the exception.
This Saturday, January 24, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m., Uptown Waterloo turns winter into an advantage. Not something to survive, but something to enjoy. And yes, it’s free, family-friendly, and genuinely well-run.
Here’s what matters and why this isn’t just another cold-weather festival.
The Heart of Winterloo: Waterloo Public Square
This is where the energy lives.
Live Ice Carving
Three award-winning ice carvers, Philippe Saraiva, Danny Marchiori, and Tyler Hayes, will carve Winter Olympic inspired sculptures live. This is not decorative ice melting on a table. It is real-time artistry you can watch take shape.
It is visual, impressive, and gives people a reason to stop and stay.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Bring your own skates and enjoy the Uptown rink.
No booking. No barriers. Just skating with friends and family in the middle of the city.
Need skates?
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Rentals are a short walk away at McPhail’s Cycle & Sports
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Borrow ice skates from Waterloo Public Library at the Eastside and McCormick branches
This removes the most common excuse people use.
Live Music and Hot Drinks
DJ $ensi Bø¥ keeps the atmosphere upbeat throughout the afternoon, while Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters serves hot drinks and sweet treats.
The first 100 visitors receive a complimentary hot drink, so showing up early pays off.
Visitor Information Centre: Where Families Win
If you have kids, this is your zone.
Giant Games and Snow Activities
These are hands-on experiences, not passive entertainment:
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Life-sized Connect Four, Jenga, Tetris, and Cornhole
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Snow Painting Zone for creative winter fun
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Block Build Zone with more than 500 pieces for building and engineering
This is smart programming that keeps kids engaged without screens.
Live Music by DJ Megan Arnold
A second music area with its own energy, keeping the festival lively and balanced.
Comfort Food That Delivers
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BeaverTails
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Berlin 95 serving warm and satisfying favourites
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Maple Taffy Station with complimentary fresh maple taffy
Simple, classic, and exactly what winter food should be.
Snow Dogs, Fashion, and Photos
Snow Dog Sled Rides (Noon to 4 p.m.)
Hosted by the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports and Rajenn Sled Dogs.
Children under 100 pounds can experience a real sled dog ride, making this one of the most memorable parts of the festival.
If you are bringing your own pet, please keep animals at a distance from the working sled dogs.
Winterloo Dog Fashion Show
The debut Winterloo Dog Fashion Show celebrates creativity and companionship.
Registration is open from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the check-in tent. Expect winter wear, creative costumes, and great photo opportunities.
Winterloo Art Display
Local artist Agnes Niewiadomski has created a custom Winterloo art display designed as the perfect backdrop for family photos and lasting memories.
Comfort Food Crawl for Adults
Running alongside Winterloo is the Uptown Waterloo BIA Comfort Food Crawl.
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Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance
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Sample comforting dishes from Uptown restaurants
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All proceeds support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
You eat well, support local businesses, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
The Bottom Line
Winterloo works because it:
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Keeps things simple
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Appeals to families and adults
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Treats winter as a feature, not a problem
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Is completely free to attend
If you live in Waterloo Region and complain there is nothing to do in winter, skipping this would be hard to justify.
Winterloo 2026
Uptown Waterloo
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Noon to 5 p.m.
Free and open to all ages
Show up, skate, eat, take photos, and leave feeling better about winter.
