Winterloo
Break away from the winter blues at the city's annual cold weather festival.
- → Saturday, January 24
- → noon to 5 p.m.
- → Uptown Waterloo
- → Free and family-friendly
Explore this years festival with the Winterloo 2026 Google Map.
Getting here and parking
Best ways to get here:
- take public transit – check Grand River Transit for routes and schedules
- park in nearby lots – check the parking map
Get directions to Waterloo Public Square
Check the weather before you go
Winterloo is weather dependent. If there is rain or severe weather, the event will be cancelled.
For updates, check this page or follow Create Waterloo on Instagram or Facebook.
Ice carving showcase
Experience the artistry of winter as award-winning ice carvers transform crystal-clear blocks of ice into stunning Winter Olympic inspired sculptures.
Featured artists: Philippe Saraiva, Danny Marchiori, and Tyler Hayes
Ice skating
Bring your own skates and enjoy a memorable outing with family and friends at the uptown outdoor skating rink.
Live local DJs
Keep the energy high and the atmosphere vibrant while jamming out to live sets by our on-site DJs, spinning upbeat tracks throughout the festivities.
- Waterloo Public Square: DJ $ensi Bø¥
- Visitor Information Centre: DJ Megan Arnold
Food trucks
Warm up with hot drinks and comforting favourites from local food trucks.
- Waterloo Public Square: Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters
- Visitor Information Centre: BeaverTails and Berlin 95
Maple taffy station
Indulge in a taste of Canadian tradition with a complimentary serving of fresh maple taffy at the Visitor Information Centre — a sweet winter treat for all ages.
Giant games
Play a variety of life-sized outdoor games provided by the Broken Ice Company — perfect for all ages.
Crafts and exhibits at the Gallery
Warm up in the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery to create your own clay sculpture while exploring their new winter art exhibits.
Winterloo display
Step into the magic of Winterloo with a stunning art display created by local artist, Agnes Niewiadomski. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo to always remember your Winterloo 2026 adventure!
noon to 4 p.m.
Snow dogs and sled rides
Meet the incredible snow dogs from the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports and Rajenn Sled Dogs. Children under 100 lbs can experience a snow dog sled ride — an unforgettable winter adventure.
Bringing your own pet to Winterloo? We kindly ask that you keep your animals at a safe distance from the working sled dogs.
Begins at 3:30 p.m.
Fur-friends fashion show
From cozy winter wears to creative costumes, show off your dog’s unique style and personality at the Winterloo Fur-Friends Fashion Show!
Registration opens at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Information Centre check-in tent. The show begins at 3:30 p.m.
Comfort food crawl
Tickets for this event are now sold out.
The Uptown Waterloo Comfort Food Crawl features a curated selection of comforting dishes crafted by restaurants throughout Uptown. From savoury classics to sweet indulgences, each stop offers a taste designed to delight and satisfy.
Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Your ticket grants access to sample a variety of dishes across multiple venues with all proceeds going to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
What to bring
Pack these items to enjoy the event:
- hats, gloves, snow pants
- ice skates
Need ice skates?
McPhail’s Cycle and Sport (98 King St N) offers rentals and is located just a short walk away at 95 King St N.
Find a washroom
Find nearby washrooms:
- Uptown Loo accessible washroom near the corner of Kuntz Lane and King Street South
- accessible washroom at City Hall - use the outside entrance on Regina Street South
Both washrooms:
How to get involved
Applications for food trucks and volunteers are now closed. Watch for opportunities to be a part of next year's event.
Learn more on the Artist and maker resources page.
Sponsorship
We value sponsors and their support of the arts and vibrancy of our city. Thank you to this year's Winterloo sponsors, Farm Boy and Uptown Waterloo BIA.
For additional information on event sponsorship opportunities, contact festivals@waterloo.ca
Get the latest arts and culture news
Follow Create Waterloo on Instagram, Facebook and X, or subscribe to the What's Happening Waterloo newsletter.
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