Five things to do in the Leeds and Grenville area this January

8 January 2025 Sarah Burtch

With the holiday season wrapped up, we often find ourselves facing a long stretch of chilly, dark days, which for many, can lead to a lack of motivation to venture out until spring arrives!

To help brighten up January and get motivate you to get out and about, we’ve compiled a list of easy and budget-friendly activities in the Leeds & Grenville area. We hope these ideas inspire you to call your friends, try something new, and engage with your community during this often lonely and long month.

Here are some fun activities to consider in January 2025:

Public Skating

For those looking to have fun with the family and get some exercise this month, Brockville offers public skating options at both their outdoor Rotary Park rink and the Brockville Memorial Centre.

The Brockville Memorial Centre at 1000 Magedoma Blvd hosts Adult Skating Sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1:00 pm to 2:20 pm. Public Skating Sessions taking place every Sunday 1:00 pm to 2:20pm with the exception of Sunday January 19 and January 26, 2025. Skating fees are $2.50 per person.

The outdoor Rotary Rink at 185 George Street is free for public use and is currently open seven days a week. Daily activities include:

Public skating from 9 a.m. to noon
Hockey from noon to 4 p.m.
Public skating from 4 to 6 p.m.
Hockey from 6 to 10 p.m.

It Takes Two: A Series of Iconic Duets – Brockville Arts Hub

If you’re in need of some entertainment this month to break up the routine of endless Netflix marathons on the couch, The Brockville Arts Hub is introducing ‘It Takes Two: A Series of Iconic Duets”, showcasing some of the most iconic duets from several genres of music.

The shows will take place on Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door for all attendees for $15 per student and $20 per adult. Children 12 and under can attend for free.

Photo of the stage from Brockville Arts Hub Facebook page

BAC to the Movies

The Brockville community may be feeling the loss of the Cineplex theatre a little more deeply now that the long winter months are upon us. However, the Brockville Arts Centre’s new initiative ‘BAC to the Movies’ is bringing some blockbusters and niche indie films right here to Brockville. This is a great idea for a first date, a cozy night out alone, or an easy outing for the entire family.

Some of the movies playing at the Brockville Arts Centre throughout January are Blitz, Moana 2, A Real Pain, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Line Dancing in Kemptville

There is never a better time to step out of your comfort zone and pick up a new hobby than the first month of a new year! The Kemptville Snowmobile Klub at 1505 O’Neil Road will be hosting Country Line Dancing lessons every Friday throughout January to help raise funds for the Oxford Mills Guiding Trip Unit.

So grab your cowboy boots and get your boogie on for a good cause every week for just $10 a session. To learn more and RSVP, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/18VYrA7RCm/

1000 Islands House Concerts

A little bit of live music close to home is sure to get you out of your winter funk! From 7 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 11, the 1000 Islands House Concerts will be hosting David James Allan and The Growing Machine with special guest The Family Name for an evening of intimate music performances.

Created by a local group of music lovers, the 1000 Islands House Concerts is a grassroots initiative with the aim of bringing live music back to Brockville.

In an effort to be accessible to all, admission for the 1000 Islands House Concerts is by donation at the door, with a suggested donation of $25. Reservations can be made via email to: 1000islandshouseconcerts@gmail.com