Bella Buddha Beads Upcoming Events in Feb

Want to shop with Bella Buddha beads in-person? Check out the upcoming markets below:

February 8th Handmade Love Affair Henry of Pelham Estate Winery St. Catharine's 1469 Pelham Rd St. Catharines 12 - 4pm

February 9th A Heart Day Makers Market Dillon's Distillery 4833 Telford Rd Beamsville 11 - 4 pm

February 15th Family Day Market Niagara Fresh Market 760 Foss Road Fenwick 10am - 4 pm

Paint the Perfect Pair

A cozy and creative evening at Exchange Brewery! We’re hosting a Glass Painting Valentine’s Workshop where you’ll paint 2 glasses (1 pint + 1 wine) like the design above OR have fun with it and design your own! — The perfect Valentine’s date night activity or girls night out!

Create for yourself or gift to your loved ones, you’ll want these on display every February 14th! 💖

• Workshop Theme Options:
  Design as pictured OR get creative with it!

• 📅 Thursday, February 12th 2026
  ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
  📍 The Exchange Brewery, 7 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• ✨ What’s Included:
  ✔️ All painting supplies (templates, different colours, misc. painting supplies)
  ✔️ TWO glasses: 1 Stemless Wine Glass & 1 Pint Glass

• 👩‍🎨 Hosted by: Corina Baron @artexperiencesbycorina
  🎟 Tickets: $42 + HST

 Grab a drink, get creative, and enjoy a fun night out with loved ones in a relaxed brewery setting located in one of the most romantic cities in Ontario! Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!

- 8+ Beers On Tap
- Featured Cocktail
- Cider
- Wine
- Hot Drinks (alc/non-alc)
- Non-Alc Beer & Cider

Valentine’s Day DJ Skate

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Grab your skates and bundle up with your loved one(s) and celebrate Valentine’s Day in true Canadian fashion, on the Wayne Gretzky Estates backyard ice rink. From 3pm – 7pm on Saturday, February 14th there will be a DJ spinning from the Club Lounge Balcony overlooking the backyard skating rink.

Indulge in a special Valentine’s Day menu with delicious food from Executive Chef Maurice Desharnais and handcrafted cocktails from the Estate Mixologist, Alex Archer. You won’t want to miss the feature cocktail!

Don’t worry, if the weather doesn't look good the party will continue indoors in the Tasting Hall where you can still enjoy the DJ and special menu.

Master Gardeners of Niagara Seedy Saturday

Come join us Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Meridian Centre in Fonthill from 10AM to 3PM for our next Seedy Saturday event!

Click here to RSVP for Seedy Saturday 2026: click here

• The Master Gardeners of Niagara Seedy Saturday Facebook group is a dedicated space to:

• 🌱 Learn how to harvest, save, and store seeds from your own backyard.

• 🌱 Access educational resources and materials about seeds from our dedicated members.

• 🌱 Stay up to date on our annual Seedy Saturday Seed Sale & Swap event.

• 🌱 And so much more!

Family Fun in Pelham

Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: Meridian Community Centre 

FREE Family Day Activities:

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Cure the winter blues with some Drop-in Family Gym Time!

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Join the Pelham Raiders in the gym for an Introduction to Lacrosse!

• 11:00am-12:30pm - Bring your skates and helmets and enjoy a Free Family Skate sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fonthill! Rotary Club is accepting donations on behalf of Food 4 Kids.

• 11:00am-3:00pm – Virtual Reality Simulator where you can ride a rollercoaster or visit other countries brought to you by VR Voyages

• 11:00am-1pm - The Fabric of Our Being Drop-In Workshop This hands on workshop will encourage reflection on identity, heritage, and the personal stories that shape who we are.

• 11:00am-3:00pm - The Community Expo in the lobby will provide information on opportunities available to families in Pelham including sports, service clubs, local organizations and more!

• Link to sign up for the Community Expo: https://form.pelham.ca/Family-Day/Family-Day-2026 

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Face painting fun will be available for all ages!

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Enjoy some family fun with Laser Tag available in the Accursi Room sponsored by MYAC!

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Halaloo will be twisting some wild Balloon Creations for families to take home! 

• 1:30m-3:00pm - If you missed the skate in the morning, bring your skates and helmets and enjoy another Free Family Skate.

Looking for some Family Fun after the Family Day Activities? Come on out to the Meridian Community Centre for the Pelham Panthers Junior B hockey game as they take on the Hamilton Kilty B's at 1:30pm! 

This game is sponsored by Tim Hortons, allowing families and spectators to attend for free! 

FREE Family Day Activities: click here

Be Mine Snack & Cocktail Bar

Niagara Pen Centre, St. Catharines - Multiple Dates

Celebrate the season of love at the retro immersive pop-up cocktail and snack bar ♥️

From January 29th to March 1st, we will be serving up craft cocktails, local wine and beer, and delicious treats by Chef Kristen Eppich in our Valentine's Day themed space. The Be Mine Bar is the perfect spot for a date, a yap session with the besties, or a family outing. Walk-ins are accepted, but we encourage you to pre-book your experience to make your time with us a piece of cake!

Pre-Bookings 🥂💌

Reserve your spot at the Be Mine Cocktail & Snack Bar. Enjoy our interactive space (including a Betty Loo Photobooth after January 31!), support local, and celebrate anyone you love.

Packages are designed for groups of 2-6 guests, and include:

• One drink per guest

• Choice of 1 shareable food item per 2 guests

• 1 dessert

Note: Additional items can be purchased à la carte.

Starting at $48 + gratuities & HST

For groups of 6+, please contact our team at info@feteevents.ca.

CityServe Evening of Impact

White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON -  Thursday, Feb 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm EST

The very first vision night as we share the journey of CityServe and how we are continuing to bring change in 2026!

CityServe’s Evening of Impact, an intimate fundraising dinner where generosity comes to life. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and thoughtful giveaways while hearing powerful stories that show how CityServe is helping to restore dignity and meeting real needs across our region. The evening will also include a brief vision moment, sharing where CityServe is headed next and how, together, we can deepen our impact in the communities we serve.

6:00pm - Cocktails & Refreshments
6:30-8:00pm - Dinner & Impact Highlights
Attire - Semi-Formal
Parking - Free On Site Parking
Entrance - Main Lobby

Niagara Falls Rotary Trivia Night

Club Italia Event Centre, Niagara Falls, ON - Wednesday, Feb 18 from 7 pm to 10 pm EST

Niagara Falls Rotary Club Trivia Night. To avoid the processing fees, go to ‘how do I get tickets’ in the FAQ area below! Get ready to put your brain to the test at our super fun in-person Rotary Trivia Night! Teams of 10 enjoy friendly competition whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for laughs. Don’t miss out on a high quality event with great questions and delicious food while supporting our Niagara community. See you there!

2026 Greater Niagara Fishing Expo Single Day Pass

Niagara Falls Convention Center, Niagara Falls, NEW YORK

Feb 19 at 11 am to Feb 22 at 3 pm EST

Held in Niagara Falls, NY, this pure fishing show is designed by anglers for anglers with the simple goals of promoting & teaching fishing.

With hundreds of hours of fishing education and a variety of fishing-related exhibitors, the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo is the largest fishing show in New York State and among the largest in the Great Lakes.

This annual event, now in it's 10th year, attracts thousands of anglers to the Niagara Falls Convention Center in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. This year, the Expo runs Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.

With a wide range of offerings for all angling interests and skill levels, the Expo welcomes anglers of all ages and experience to attend.

In an effort to introduce and inspire a future generation of anglers, children aged 12 and under receive free admission with a paying adult*. (*Limited to two children per paying adult.)

Tickets can be purchased online, or in-person on event dates at the Expo.

Valid for any single day of the Expo:

• Thursday February 19: 11am - 6pm

• Friday, February 20: 11am - 7pm

• Saturday, February 21: 9am - 6pm

• Sunday, February 22: 9am - 3pm

CHARM BAR WORKSHOP

FEBRUARY 21:from $35.00

Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11:00AM–1:00PM
Tickets: $40 necklaces | $35 bracelets

Join Sadie from Sadies Own for a playful and creative Charm Bar Workshop at SPROUT, where you get to design a piece that feels entirely your own. This hands-on workshop is all about slowing down, getting a little crafty, and creating something meaningful in a cozy, plant-filled space.

You’ll choose from a curated selection of charms and chains to design either a necklace or bracelet that suits your style. Whether you love something bold and layered or simple and sentimental, this workshop is beginner-friendly and guided every step of the way. No experience needed, just come ready to create.

All materials are included, and our full food and drink menu will be available for purchase throughout the workshop. Sip on coffee, mocktails, or cocktails while you design at your own pace.

Come with a pal or treat yourself to a solo creative moment. Expect easy conversations, lots of charm combinations, and that signature SPROUT vibe.

Spots are limited, so snag yours early and join us for a feel-good afternoon of creativity and connection ✨🌿

Art & Aperitivo

Il Barretto Caffe - 15 Welland Ave, St. Catharines, ON - Thursday Feb 26th from 6pm - 8pm EST

Il Barretto invites you to an evening where art, aperitivo, and Italian indulgence come together.

Guests will enjoy a guided paint-by-numbers experience featuring iconic Italian-inspired imagery. Think Amalfi coastlines, Tuscan villas, vespa moments, and timeless European charm. No painting experience required! Come ready to relax, sip and create.

Ticket includes:

• Mini paint by numbers Italian canvas (yours to take home)

• An individual curated charcuterie plate featuring Italian-inspired bites

• One spritz or Local Hernder Estate wine of your choice included with your experience

• Assorted Italian Pastries

Space is limited to 18 people to keep the experience intimate.

Residential home sales activity recorded through the MLS® for the Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) totaled 318 units in January 2026, compared to 355 in January 2025. In January, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 977 residential properties compared to 1,224 in January 2025. The average days it took to sell a home in January 2026 was 67 days, a 13.6 % increase from January 2025. January’s market activity reflects a cautious start to the year, partially influenced by some winter weather that kept many across the Niagara Region less engaged with the buying and selling real estate. While sales and listings are lower than last year, we are undeterred by this seasonal dip. With the Bank of Canada recently holding interest rates steady, we are seeing a return to stability in the lending landscape. We believe this consistency will provide buyers with the confidence they need to move forward as we head into the spring market. As always, obtaining the guidance and support of a local Niagara REALTOR® is the best solution to navigating our ever-changing and sometimes complicated real estate market. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures. The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for the Niagara Region was $573,900 in January 2026. This was a 8.3 % decrease from January 2025. The characteristics of the HPI composite benchmark is a home between the ages of 51 to 99 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A full list can be found in the accompanying chart.

2025 was a year of reflection and growth and it also marked four years in real estate for me.

Throughout my real estate journey, I’ve had the privilege of helping buyers and sellers navigate a wide range of transactions, from investment properties and rural homes to pre-construction, estate sales, mobile homes, condominiums, leases, and everything in between. Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed the market shift from record-high sales to periods of adjustment and recalibration. Through every change, one thing has remained constant: my commitment to guiding my clients with honesty, knowledge, and care.

In 2025, I also leaned into community connection more than ever. I launched a new series sharing local news and developments across the Region, with the goal of keeping my videos informative, relevant, and engaging, something I’ll continue throughout 2026. One of the biggest highlights of the year was the incredible response to my Have You Met Your Neighbour? series, which shines a light on the amazing local businesses that make Niagara such a special place to live and work.

As I look ahead to 2026, I’m grateful for the trust my clients place in me and excited for what’s to come. If you’re considering making a move in the new year,  or simply need guidance or advice.  I’m always here to help.

The Great One's Backyard Rink - Gretzky Estates

Join Gretzky Estates this winter in their backyard, rink side, for an authentic Canadiana experience. Relax at the heated Whisky Bar Patio as they serve up wine, hot and sturdy cocktails paired with warm winter-inspired menu created by Chef Maurice.

January 5 to 31, 2026:

• Monday & Thursday | 12:00 - 6:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday | 12:00 - 8:00 PM

• Sunday | 12:00 - 6:00 PM

• Community Skate Day, January 12 | 12:00 - 6:00 PM *Event

Admission:

• $5 per guest | $2.50 for Wine Club members

• Children 12 and under Free Skating and Rentals

• Rentals

• A limited amount of hockey skates are available to rent
  for $10 or $5 for Wine Club members.
  
  We strongly encourage guests to bring their own skates. 
  All skates are sanitized before and after guest use.
  Rental skates are gender neutral hockey skates ranging from
  youth size 12 to adult size 13.

Niagara Icewine Festival 

This January, escape to Niagara to experience wine country in a new way.

With thousands of acres of snow-covered vines to set the scene, the annual Niagara lcewine Festival offers three weekends of incredible wine and culinary events.

From the opulent Niagara lcewine Gala to street festivals and winery events, there is something for every taste and style.

Website link: Click here

Niagara Icedogs Hockey Games

Schedule Link:click here

Home games in January: 

• Jan 15th - 7PM

• Jan 18th - 2PM

• Jan 22nd - 7PM

• Jan 25th - 2PM

• Jan 29th - 7PM

Residential home sales activity recorded through the MLS® for the Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) totaled 332 units in December 2025, compared to 446 in November 2025. In December, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 482 residential properties compared to 1050 in November 2025. The average days it took to sell a home in December 2025 was 61 days, a 22 % increase from November 2025. December’s market activity reflects an anticipated, seasonal transition as we head into what we anticipate will be a dynamic 2026 for the Niagara Region. While we saw the typical year-end dip in new listings, the steady HPI benchmark price of $575,200 demonstrates the underlying strength and lasting value of homeownership in our communities. As we enter the new year, the increase in days on market provides a window of opportunity for buyers to move with confidence, supported by the localized expertise that only a Niagara REALTOR® can provide. As always, obtaining the guidance and support of a local Niagara REALTOR® is the best solution to navigating our ever-changing and sometimes complicated real estate market. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures. The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for the Niagara Region was $575,200 in December 2025. This was a 1.3% decrease from November 2025. The characteristics of the HPI composite benchmark is a home between the ages of 51 to 99 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A full list can be found in the accompanying chart.

Disclaimer: Days on Market (DOM) reflects the number of days a property has been actively listed on the MLS® in its current listing period. It does not include Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM), which account for prior listings of the same property that may have been cancelled, expired, or re-listed. As such, DOM may not represent the total time a property has been publicly available for sale. Please also note that HPI data have been revised historically back to January 2005 as a result of the Annual Review.

Will 2026 be a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

I believe the answer depends far more on strategy than on headlines. In my opinion, 2026 won’t be a “good” or “bad” market, it will be a strategic market. It will reward those who are informed, prepared, and intentional, and it will be unforgiving for those who rely on guesswork.Some buyers will win quietly because they are prepared, decisive, and guided by the right information. At the same time, some sellers will remain frustrated by pricing based on emotion rather than data.

This market rewards buyers and sellers who are positioned correctly. That’s why the better question isn’t “Should I buy or sell in 2026?”, it’s “Am I positioned properly for the market I’m in?” Those who succeed in 2026 will be the ones who understand the landscape early and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Interest Rate Announcements - 2026

The Bank of Canada interest rate schedule for 2026 has been released, and it’s important to understand what these changes could mean for homeowners, buyers, and anyone managing debt.

2026 Dates:

• January 20, 2026

• March 3, 2026

• April 13, 2026

• June 2, 2026

• July 13, 2026

• September 8, 2026

• October 27, 2026

• December 8, 2026

What Does This Mean?:

• For homeowners, now is a great time to review your mortgage strategy and consider locking in fixed rates if rates are expected to rise.

• For buyers, pre-approval at current rates can give you leverage and certainty as you search for a home.

• For anyone with high-interest debt, rate changes can affect repayments—this could be a good time to explore consolidation or refinancing options.

Key Takeaways:

• Impact on Borrowing Costs: Mortgage rates, lines of credit, and other variable-rate products are directly influenced by these moves. This could affect monthly payments, refinancing options, and new home purchases.

• Opportunities to Act: Understanding the rate environment early can help you secure the best terms before rates adjust further.