Our staff photographer somehow managed to get this shot of his little one looking at the camera! NICK STANLEY PHOTO

Virtual Family Day Events For KW

COVID-19 has changed the ways we work, the ways we learn, and the ways we get together — especially on holidays. This weekend is the first long weekend of 2021 and also the first (and fingers crossed, the last) Family Day of the pandemic. 

When you think about it, Family Day is the perfect holiday to be locked inside with your loved ones. We’ve put together a few ways you can celebrate with your family while staying home, even if you are all in separate places and hanging out on Zoom together.

Celebrating African family, community and culture

Join Bring Bring On The Sunshine Festival. They’re going online for a two-day virtual festival celebrating the contributions of Black, Caribbean and African Canadians here in Waterloo Region and across Canada. Featuring a hopping stage with international and local artists, a marketplace, virtual networking, a fashion show, workshops, a new 3D art exhibition and more. The festival kicks off day one on Feb. 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and day two on Feb. 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hacking together

Put your creativity to the test with THEMUSEUM’s Virtual Family Day Hack Jam. It’s a two-day event on Feb. 14, and Feb. 15, from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Brought to you in partnership with The Underground Studio. Participants will receive their own Maker Challenge Kit filled with supplies and ideas to help put your creativity to the test. 

Finally, something good enough to go on the fridge

Take those family doodles to the next level with the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG). They’re hosting a free virtual Family Life Drawing Workshop on Feb. 15, at 1:00 p.m. You and your little Picassos, and Kahlos will learn some figure drawing techniques to capture movement, create form and achieve realistic proportions. That’s especially important in making sure everyone’s heads are the right size. 

Celebrating Family Day Oktoberfest style

The Schwaben Club has a special Family Day takeout menu available on Feb. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schnitzel, sausage, apple pie and more at affordable prices — all from their new location in Breslau.

Do you want to build a snow family?

The awesome people at Button Factory Arts have a special virtual DIY Snowmen Family Kit for you and your non-snow family to make together at home, using things easily found around the house or backyard. The workshop is suited for younger children, is only $5 and takes place on Feb. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Check out some local live music at home

While we’d all rather be on the floor with Good Co. Productions or at Maxwell’s, you and your family can still enjoy some live music at home. Our friends at Good Co. Productions have a YouTube channel full of live music from Hugo Alley, I, the Mountain, and more.

Celebrate Black History Month with the Black Girl Excellence Program

Idea Exchange and Rhythm & Blues present the Black Girl Excellence Program. This Black History Month event runs on Feb. 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Their live stream programming focuses on empowerment, self-discovery, and the journey through womanhood, in a supportive environment — led by Neva Ezzat, an advocate for feminism and diversity. 

Find your chosen LGBTQ2+ family

Are you 12 – 18 years old and wondering about your sexuality or gender identity? Find and celebrate your chosen family (people who fulfill the roles of support, teaching, comfort and kinship) with OK2BME’s free, safe, private and supportive Virtual LGBTQ2+ Youth Group Family Picnic on Feb.16, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m operated by KW Counselling Services.

Game on!

Waterloo Public Library (WPL) has more than 60 board games available to checkout. Grab an old classic or discover something new to bring the family together. Did you know they are great for your mental health? Find something you love at WPL? Shop local and pick up a game to keep in your collection from J&J Cards and Collectibles for the adults, Phoenix Games & Hobbies for teens and Play-A-Latte Cafe for the little ones. 

Whatever you do this weekend, it’s a good time to be thankful for the loved ones in your life. If you know someone who’s spending the weekend alone, it’s a great time to reach out and say hello.

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Alex Kinsella is a freelance content marketer and writer based in Waterloo Region, Ontario. He's behind the TL;WR newsletter–Waterloo Region's weekly events newsletter. He's worked with some of Canada's most well known tech companies in roles including customer success, development, product management, PR, social media and marketing. Alex has contributed to publications including BetaKit, Grand Magazine and more.