Category: Community

15 Local Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow To Stay Up-To-Date on Kitchener-Waterloo Events, News & More

Post author By cindycody
Post date May 25, 2023

14 Local Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow To Stay Up-To-Date on Kitchener-Waterloo Events, News & More

Social media is a great way to stay connected with your community and to hear about local events. There are lots of account with dedicated creators sharing content unique to Kitchener-Waterloo. Whether you’re interested in local events, local businesses, great deals, fun activities, amazing people, and so much more, you’ll be able to find it! Here are some local Instagram accounts that are a great follow for anyone living in the KW area.

@curatedkw

“Waterloo Region’s top resource for food, deals & fun stuff”
31.1K followers

Curated KW posts local events (a rundown of weekly/ weekend events), updates about restaurant menus and places you should try, fun local activities and more.

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@kwfamous

“All things KW”
1171K followers

This accounts coins itself as a place to learn about events and community shenanigans… plus they have their own merch honouring local establishments.

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@kwkiddos

“Spotlighting events, deals, and activities for you and your kiddos around the KW area”
2,623 followers

This is a great resource if you find yourself constantly looking for family activity ideas. It highlights weekend events, parks & trails, camps and more.

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@thingstodosinkw

“Things to do in Kitchener-Waterloo. Arts & Culture | Festivals | Events | Food | Nature”
7,477 followers

It’s right there in the title – find things to do in KW.

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@kwkrising

“A bit of #KitchenerWaterloo (and world news) in your pocket”
2,623 followers

On this account’s feed, you’ll find curated local news headlines.

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@explorewaterlooregion

“Official tourism organization for Waterloo Region”
20.4K followers

Local buzz, events, things to do in the Region… what more could you want? Learn about local news, businesses, people, and see some amazing photos of Waterloo Region.

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@dtkitchener

“Highlighting the people, places and good stuff in #DowntownKitchener. This is our community: #DTKlove”
27.6K followers

This account shares all about the epicenter of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in Kitchener. Learn about events in downtown Kitchener, see highlighted downtown businesses, and discover unique features of the downtown core.

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@uptownwaterloo

“Come on up! 🛍 Diverse shopping 🍽 Critically-acclaimed dining 💅 Top-notch services 🎭 Spectacular arts & culture and so much more!”
22.1K followers

This is the Uptown Waterloo BIA’s account, showcasing the fantastic festival programming in the Waterloo Public Square, plus highlighting the businesses and views in Uptown Waterloo.

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@create_waterloo

“The City of Waterloo’s official Arts & Culture feed. Find out about public events, calls for artists & more!”
9,173 followers

This is a great account to follow if you’re interested in art, events, or are an artist.

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@regionofwaterloo

“The official account of the Region Municipality of Waterloo. News, services and more from your Regional government”
10.2K followers

Hear it from the source! This official account shares news and programming you may be interested in as a resident of Waterloo Region.

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Other official government & city accounts you can follow include:

Looking for more local accounts to follow? Here are some ideas to help you find accounts to follow.

Look up your favourite local events
Discover what your favourite organizations are posting about
Follow your favourite local businesses (Plus it’s a free way to support them. They’ll really appreciate it)
Follow local hashtags
Check out your Explore page

Follow Us on Instagram!

Follow @cindycodyteam for real estate tips, our latest listings, coming soon properties, market updates, events & more.

Community Events

2023 Spring Events in Kitchener-Waterloo

Post author By cindycody
Post date March 23, 2023

After a snowy Winter, it’s so refreshing to get outside to enjoy all that our community has to offer. There’s lots going on in Kitchener-Waterloo this Spring. Here are a few things you can add to your Spring to do list!

Click on the 🔗 to get more details about each event

Things to do in April in Kitchener-Waterloo

March 31- April 1 | The 2023 KW Wine & Food Show 🔗
April 1 | Elmira Maple Syrup Festival 🔗
April 8 | Easter Programming @ Kitchener Farmers’ Market 🔗
April 8 | Steckle Heritage Farm Easter Egg Hunt 🔗
April 11 | Harlem Globetrotters @ The Aud 🔗
April 15 | Kitchener Farmers’ Market 🔗
April 22 | Earth Day @ Kitchener Farmers’ Market 🔗
April 27-28 | Breithaupt Book Sale 🔗
April 27-29 | Zonta Film Festival 🔗
April 29 | Raffi in Concert at Centre in the square 🔗
April 29 | Kitchener Farmers’ Market 🔗
April 29 | Etsy Waterloo Region Spring Market 🔗

Things to do in May in Kitchener-Waterloo

May 3 | Neighbourhood Campfires in Waterloo 🔗
May 6 | Kitchener Farmers’ Market 🔗
May 6 | Wonderfully Made Spring Market 🔗
May 6 | Scrapfest 🔗
May 7 | Stars on Ice @ The Aud 🔗
May 10 | Art Market in Waterloo Public Square 🔗
May 13 | Mother’s Day Garden Party 🔗
May 13 | Girls Can Fly @ Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre 🔗
May 13 | KW Gem and Mineral Show 🔗
May 26 | Art Market in Waterloo Public Square 🔗
May 27 | Retreat into Art & Nature: An Expressive Art Experience 🔗

Things to do in June in Kitchener-Waterloo

June 6 | PAW Patrol live! “Heroes Unite”@ The Aud🔗
June 10 | Open Streets in Uptown Waterloo🔗
June 15 | Movies in the Park in Waterloo Park 🔗
June 16 | Cambridge Celebration of the Arts 🔗
June 21 | National Indigenous Peoples Day @ Waterloo Public Square 🔗
June 29 | Movies in the Park in Waterloo Park 🔗

Community Local Events

How To Stay Busy During March Break in Kitchener-Waterloo

Post author By cindycody
Post date February 14, 2023

With March Break coming up, there’s no better time to start planning some activities to keep your family busy. There are many fun March Break camps in KW, plus lots of fun day activities you can find. Or, if you’d prefer to stay at home, we’ve got you covered as well.

March Break Camps in Kitchener-Waterloo

Click a camp on this list to learn more.

Airborne Trampoline March Break Camp (Ages 5-14)
Bandology March Break Music Camp (Ages 7-10)
Button Factory Arts (Ages 5-12)
Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery March Break Art Camp (Ages 7-13)
City of Kitchener March Break Programming (Ages 4-11 and 12-18)
Code Ninjas Camps – 3D Design and Print, LEGO Robotics, Become a YouTuber and more! (Ages 8+)
Conestogo River Horseback Adventures (Ages 6-12)
Five Rings Taekwondo March Break Camp (Ages 4-12)
Go Bananas! March Break Camp (Ages 4-10)
Great Big Theatre Company March Break Theatre Arts Camp (Ages 6-14)
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth March Break Camp (Ages 6-12)
The Kitchener Academy of Music March Break Camp (Ages 7+)
Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre March Break Camp
Kitchener Market Kids in the Kitchen Camp (Ages 8-12)
Kitchener Soccer Club March Break Camp (Ages 7-13)
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Break for Art: March Break Camp (Ages 7-9 and 10-13)
Play Grounds March Break Camp (Ages 6-13)
Recharge & Play Wellness Cafe S.T.E.A.M. March Break Camp
RARE March Break ECO Camp (Ages 6-12)
Revolution Gymnastics & Sports Centre March Break Camp (Ages 4.5-6 and 7+)
Schneider Haus March Break Camp (Ages 5-10)
THEMUSEUM March Break Camps – Around the World in 5 Days, & Smart Brellas (Ages 5-12 and 9-14)
Waterloo Minor Soccer Club March Break Camp (Ages U6-U9 and U10-U13)
Waterloo Region Museum March Break Camp (Ages 7-12)

Activities in the Region

Over the years, we’ve compiled many lists of family activities in Waterloo Region. If you’re looking for some ideas to keep the family busy during March break, check out these blogs for some inspiration!

Activities at Home

If your family would prefer to stay at home, there are lots of new activities you can try. Check out these resources!

Community Local Events

2023 Family Activities in Kitchener-Waterloo

Post author By cindycody
Post date January 19, 2023

There’s nothing like spending quality family time together. We absolutely love finding fun activities to do with our families, and we’re sure you do too! Getting out of the house and spending time in the community is a great way to take advantage of all the events and activities KW has to offer. We all have our favourites, but sometimes it’s exciting to switch it up and try something new. Here are family activities in Kitchener-Waterloo that you can try out this year.

→Try an Adventure or Escape Room
Put your family to the test and see if you can work together to escape. Try Adventure Rooms, KW Escape or Escapeworx.
→Visit a new park
There’s no shortage of amazing parks in the region. Take a look at a list of parks, start visiting them and check them off the list. See how many you can visit this year!
→Explore a local museum
Plan a visit to THE MUSEUM, The Waterloo Region Museum, Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and more.
→Find a new treat at a local business
It’s easy to get into a routine and consistently visit your favourite local business (which is amazing!). Try making the effort to visit some new businesses or shops you’ve never been in.
→Mini Putt
Get out on the (mini) green at Bingemans, Max’s Golf Center, Wedges ‘N Woods Golf Academy, or iBowl.
→Stay cool at a splash pad
When the summer heat hits, visit the splash pads in Kitchener (see the list here) and Waterloo (see the list here)
→Shop at a market
Get your grocery list and visit the St. Jacob’s farmers market or Kitchener Farmers Market. You’ll be able to find great food, treats, gifts and more
→Hit the slopes
Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, you can do it all at Chicopee! Or find a local hill and bring your own toboggan!
→Go see the butterflies
Visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and discover 1000s of free-flying butterflies.
→See a live show
Plan a special family outing to see a live performance at the Saint Jacob’s Playhouse (or any of the Drayton Entertainment theatres), or Center in the Square. Go listen to the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, or find live music at pubs and local events across the region.
→Cheer on the Kitchener Rangers
Get some seats at the Aud and cheer on the local team!
→Find a Local Event to attend
Take a look at this Explore Waterloo Region calendar to find all sorts of upcoming events.

Want More Family Activity Ideas?

Here are some more great resources to check out for family activities in Kitchener-Waterloo.

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Community Local Business

The Best Desserts To Pick Up From Kitchener-Waterloo Businesses

Post author By cindycody
Post date October 19, 2022

If you have a sweet tooth, then chance are you know some great local spot to stop by for a delicious treat (or two). From cool, creamy cones, to doughnuts and beyond, there are lots of local Kitchener-Waterloo businesses baking up goodies.

We’re sure you have your go-to places when you get a craving for something sweet, and we do as well! We put our heads together to make a list of our favourite desserts in town.

Not really craving something sweet? That’s okay. These businesses are great to keep in mind when you want to drop off a gift to friends, family or neighbours. Think holidays, housewarming, birthdays, or just because!

Sweet Caroline’s Ice Cream & Treats

Website: sweetcarolinesicecreamandtreats.com

Location: 2057 Unit 1 Victoria St, N. Breslau

If you’re craving some ice cream and cinnamon buns, the only place I go is Sweet Caroline’s! With over 50 flavours of ice cream, fresh baked cinnamon buns, and a million other treats, there’s something for everyone!
Krista MacKay

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Sweet & Savoury Pie Company

Website: justlovepie.ca

Locations:
263 Northfield Dr. East, Waterloo
94 King Street South, Waterloo

Whenever I’m in charge of dessert (or have a craving for something sweet), I always grab butter tarts from Sweet & Savoury Pie Co. They have the BEST pie crust.”
Debbie Stefan

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Gluten Free By Suzie

Website: glutenfreebysuzie.ca

Location: 5 The Boardwalk #235, Kitchener

It’s a small place in The Boardwalk plaza and they have fantastic desserts that are ready, plus cookies and breads. But you can also order special pies and cakes, breads, etc. They do have specials for Thanksgiving including gluten free stuffing that you can order to pick up. Everything I have gotten from there was fantastic and guests are always pleased!
Linda Cooper

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Seven Shores

Website: sevenshores.ca

Location: 10 Regina St N, Waterloo

I would recommend Seven Shores in Waterloo. It’s a cooperatively owned Bakery Cafe with local breakfast, lunch, a patio and wifi!
Renee Martin

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More Local Businesses Serving Great Desserts

There’s definitely no shortage of delicious desserts to serve your family. Here are some other local businesses to check out for your next craving.

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Community Local News We Love Waterloo Region

Experience Downtown Kitchener’s Art Walk

Post author By cindycody
Post date August 26, 2022

Downtown Kitchener is bursting with creativity! You can see it as you walk around the vibrant downtown core. Through a collaboration between the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Association (DTK BIA) and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) the Downtown Kitchener Art Walk was born.

In March 2020, everything changed with the rise of COVID-19. In the midst of uncertain times, the Downtown Kitchener BIA wanted to give the community something beautiful and long-lasting, that would reignite a passion for the Downtown we all love. – A Field Guide to DTK’s Art Walk

Local artists have brought their craft to the walls of local businesses and throughout the downtown core, resulting in over 90 outdoor oversized installments of local art for everyone to enjoy.

Many of the pieces in the art walk have been a part of the downtown fabric for years – some as far back as the early 1900s. The recent launch aims to reintroduce these pieces to the public. You may be surprised at how many you’ve passed by on your daily route. The Downtown Kitchener Art Walk gives the opportunity to get to know the artist and the story behind each sculpture, statue, and mural. – Explorewaterloo.ca

Cindy Cody Team - downtown kitchener art walk (2)

Ways To Enjoy Downtown Kitchener’s Art Walk

You may think you know the city, but this is a way to experience Downtown Kitchener from a new perspective! There are lots of ways to work an Art Walk into your life. Here are just a few ideas:

Take a solo tour
Make a date of it
Explore art with the family
Coffee and art with friends
Office team outing

“But how do I know where to walk?” you may be asking yourself.

A Field Guide To DTK’s Art Walk. The free Field Guide document is the perfect way to take yourself on a self-guided tour of the Art Walk. It showcases all the art installations and murals and will give you the history and intent of each piece.
A Stroll Walking Tour. Stroll offers private guided walking tours by local guides who know the neighbourhood.

Both of these options are a great way to discover new areas and art in the downtown core (even if you think you’ve already been everywhere).

A Field Guide To DTK’s Art Walk

The DTK Art Walk Field Guide will give you an overview map of all the installations included on the Art Walk. It also includes an in-depth visual guide as you make your way through the city. For each art piece, you’ll find an image of the completed piece, the name of the artist, the location, type of medium, the year it was created as well as an informative description including information about the artist, process, intent and more.