University of waterloo Association of Caribbean Students'
Caribbean Guide to UWaterloo
THINGS
DO
TO
In Waterloo, there’s always something to do! There are always places to hang out and cool events to check out on or off campus!
One great way to find out about events happening on campus is to have a look at the FEDS event calendar here.
ACS Events
ACS hosts events throughout the school year where members and even non-members can get together and have a great time :D!
Parties
Every term ACS hosts a party in Bomber where we play Soca, Dancehall, Afrobeats and Hip-hop all night! Everyone is welcome! Parties are all ages with a 19+ section for anyone who wants to get they drank on!
Semi-formal
In the Fall term ACS hosts a semi-formal night where you can dress to the nines and show up feeling fine! The event is usually a dinner or cocktail party styled affair with a dance floor and party session at the end. A great event to come out and make friends at :)!
Cultural Events
ACS often hosts or participates in cultural events throughtout the school year where we share our culture with the wider university community. Such events include: our very own Caribbean Awareness Week, a ACS's Cultural Gala and FEDS's Cultural Caravan culture show.
Potlucks
ACS hosts a mouth-watering potluck at the end of the Winter term when we have our Exec Elections and Constitution Review! It’s a great time to get a plate-full of homemade goodness and have a say in the leadership of the club!
Other Trips and Events!
Every term we also get together and go on trips or do things as a club. We have sporting events including: kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, ice skating and bowling. We have more laid-back get-togethers like barbeque-picnics in the park or bonfires with smores and story-telling! There's also plenty informal lymes and get-togethers ;).
Some Other Student Associations
Of course ACS isn't the only culturally oriented Student Association in Waterloo, and Waterloo isn’t the only university town in Canada with a Caribbean community! There are Caribbean communities in Guelph and London as well!
Laurier's "The Islands" Association of Caribbean Students (LACS)
Our friends at Laurier have recently started their own Caribbean student association! It’s called the Laurier Association of Caribbean Students (LACS) or "The Islands". They also host a variety of fantastic events throughout the school year, keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates!
University of Waterloo Black Association for Student Expression (UW BASE)
UW BASE stands for University of Waterloo Black Association for Student Expression, and is a club which aims to provide Black students with an establishment that offers peer mentorship, community outreach initiatives, and the promotion of diversity and cultural enlightenment. BASE also serves as a medium for Black students to express themselves and interact with their peers outside of the classroom, and beyond their usual social cliques.
University of Waterloo Aftrican Students' Association (UWASA)
The Univeristy of Waterloo's African Students Association is a student-filled group with strong passions and interest, willing to raise awareness to other Africans and individuals about African Culture, and give back to our community. They host a few events throughout the school year and a grand showcase during winter that you should definitely look out for!
University of Waterloo Latin American Students' Association (UW LASA)
UW LASA is a UWaterloo club whose goal is to promote the Latin American culture and cultural unity within the university community. Though LASA has been inactive in the recent past it has been re-established and will be accepting new members and organizing exciting events throughout the coming school year.
University of Guelph's WISA
The University of Guelph’s Caribbean students’ association is called the West Indian Student’s Association (WISA). West Indians Students’ Association was the first club to be founded at the University of Guelph. They are an active and vibrant club on campus that hosts events to help introduce Caribbean students to UofG, bring their members together and share their culture and traditions with the UofG community as a whole! WISA serves as a home away from home and is always welcoming members. They are also known for their lively Island Vibes parties that are frequently patronized by students from all over Ontario.
University of Western Ontario's CSO
The University of Western Ontario has their Caribbean Students’ Organization (CSO). The Western CSO hosts a highly anticipated Culture Show Weekend, which, showcases the depths of their Caribbean diversity and vibrancy through song, dance, and theatre. You can keep up to date with the happenings in London through their website and social media!
Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
The CCAWR is a non-profit organization serving primarily Waterloo Region’s Caribbean and Black communities. Organized in 1975, they are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life of families and individuals by providing culturally sensitive programs, support, resources, education and training. They also host fun casual events like community barbeques!
Caribana
On the first weekend of August every year, (the same weekend as Drake’s OVO Fest), Toronto has its Caribbean festival, known as Caribana. It’s like the Canadian version of Carnival/Crop Over with parties all throughout the weekend and a fantastic parade on the Saturday, complete with beautiful costumes and music trucks! No drinking on the road though! (More on that in the Canadian Laws section).
Maxwell's Concerts and Events
Maxwell's is a local concert venue that often hosts concerts featuring Caribbean artists including Baby Cham, Serani, Tony Matterhorn and Bunji Garlin.
Local Clubs
If you're a lover of nightlife here are some venues you'll hear quite a bit about during your time in Waterloo!
The Bombshelter Pub (Bomber)
Music: Top-40s, Pop, Hip-hop
Area: Located in the UW SLC
Bomber is a bar run by Federation of Students (FEDS). Every Wednesday of the term is Bomber Wednesday! On Wednesdays the bar adopts a nightclub kind of feel and plays popular tunes through the night.
Sazon
Music: Various Genres (Dancehall and Soca on Thursdays!)
Area: University Plaza
A classy Latin-themed club located at the edge of the university plaza. Sazon hosts a weekly Caribbean night with Soca and Dancehall playing all night and free cover for ACS members on some nights! You can also get your Salsa fix on Saturday nights which are the club's Latin-themed nights.
Phil's Grandson's Place (Phil's)
Music: Various Genres (Hip-hop & Reggae on Wednesdays!)
Area: Near King & University
One of Waterloo's most popular nightclubs, Phil's caters to a variety of party-goers by playing different styles of music depending on the day of week. Known for it's fairly shabby interior, be sure not to wear your fancy shoes to this basement club!
Beta
Music: EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
Area: King Street, close to Uptown Waterloo
An up-beat EDM club with crazy lights and a banging sound system. Known for hosting some of the big-names in the EDM world including Dj Tiesto and Ruby Rose.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the region’s largest and most famous annual celebration! It is the largest Bavarian festival in North America and also includes a Thanksgiving parade! Come to enjoy Bavarian food, drink, and dress. Check out the Oktoberfest website for details on the week-long events that are nearest you!
Christmas in Waterloo
Around Christmas time there are some lovely events in Waterloo to help get you in the Christmas spirit!
Santa Claus Parade
Every year there is a Santa Claus parade that starts in Uptown Waterloo and ends in Kitchener. It starts early, and is usually when the weather is still comfortable. The parade offers floats, candy, and people of all ages spreading the Christmas cheer!
Note: You should expect bus delays and detours on the day of the parade!
Waterloo Park Wonders of Winter: A Festival of Lights
Every winter Waterloo Park transforms into a snowy light show where you can catch over eighty displays of Christmas lights. You might find Squidward, Santa Claus, or just a snowflake. There are also buggy rides, hot chocolate, and on the opening night there are fireworks! A great date spot for those who can bare the cold.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is held annually in Elmira, Ontario. It is the largest single day maple syrup festival in the world. It is a great place to try true Canadian maple syrup in various forms. There are other fun things to do at the festival too like exploring the sugar bush, antiquing, or try your hand at running the Pancake mile!