Winter Fest 2026
Oh, January! A time of resolutions and renewed commitments to locking in earlier and getting those grades up. If you’re dreading the return to campus in the dead of winter, don't fret, we got you!
To make things more welcoming and to ease back into full-time university life after a long break, we’re hosting Winter Fest all January long (almost)!
To kick off the winter semester, we hold a bunch of fun events and activities that get you excited to be back on campus, and shake off the winter doldrums.
This year, we have a good mix of both chilled out and upbeat vibes so that there's a little something for everyone.
Hang out between classes at a retro arcade, find an interesting club to join at the student clubs fair, or have a laugh with your friends while ice skating . There's a pizza party, the Carriage Cup hockey game, you can get artsy at the games and crafts lounge, and more! And to top it all off, we’re heading back to Lakeridge for an evening of snow tubbing! Check out all the events below.
And what would back-to-school be without a giveaway? If you’re looking for some stylish new winter gear, we're giving away a $250 North Face gift card to one lucky winner in January! Contest is open to all Ontario Tech students.
Looking forward to seeing you all out there, and to another great semester at Ontario Tech! Welcome back!
💙Your OTSU
WINTER FEST EVENTS
Pizza Party (North)
Date: January 13 | Time: 11:30AM–12:30PM | Location: SHA Atrium What better way to kick off Winter Fest than with free pizza! Swing by Shawenjigewining Hall for a slice, hang out with friends, and celebrate the start of a new semester. One serving per student. Please bring your student card. First come first served, while supplies last.
Pizza Party (Downtown)
Date: January 14 | Time: 11:30AM–12:30PM | Location: Charles Hall Is there any better way to start the school year and get a mood boost than with free food? Join us in the common area on the first floor of Charles Hall to grab a slice, reconnect with classmates, and ease into the new semester! One serving per student. Please bring your student card. First come first served, while supplies last.
Carriage Cup 2026
Date: January 15 | Time: 7PM | Location: Tribute Communities Centre Cheer on your Ridgebacks men's hockey team as they face off against the RMC Paladins in the annual Carriage Cup! PLUS! We're giving away a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey to one lucky attendee! To enter, all you have to do is come to the game, find our table and fill out a ballet. Now in its third year, and one of the most exciting traditions of the year, the Carriage Cup is electrifying, high-energy, high-intensity action that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat the whole game! All proceeds from the third annual Carriage Cup will go towards supporting the Ontario Tech Adopt-a-Ridgeback program. If you've never experienced the thrill of a live hockey match, make sure to check this one out. You won't regret it! Expect tones of school spirit and plenty of giveaways. On Campus Ticket Pricing is just $5! 🎟️ For more details, visit goridgebacks.com
OTSU Lounge: Games & Crafts (North)
Settle into cozy winter vibes at the OTSU Lounge: Games & Crafts, a relaxed, drop-in space designed for students to unwind between classes. Over two days at both campuses, you’ll find a warm, welcoming lounge filled with winter décor and plenty to do at your own pace. Enjoy: 🎮 Gaming consoles hosted by OTSU Esports ♟️ Board games perfect for solo or group play 💕 Vision board making with Wellness Services to help you set intentions for the new year ☕ Hot chocolate, while supplies last This daytime pop-up is all about taking a break, getting creative, and kicking back in a cozy space made just for you. Drop in, warm up, and relax with us! North Campus January 19: SHA 020 & Mitch Frazer Foyer, 12-4PM Downtown Campus: Charles Hall January 20: CHA 105, 12-4PM
OTSU Lounge: Games & Crafts (Downtown)
Settle into cozy winter vibes at the OTSU Lounge: Games & Crafts, a relaxed, drop-in space designed for students to unwind between classes. Over two days at both campuses, you’ll find a warm, welcoming lounge filled with winter décor and plenty to do at your own pace. Enjoy: 🎮 Gaming consoles hosted by OTSU Esports ♟️ Board games perfect for solo or group play 💕 Vision board making with Wellness Services to help you set intentions for the new year ☕ Hot chocolate, while supplies last This daytime pop-up is all about taking a break, getting creative, and kicking back in a cozy space made just for you. Drop in, warm up, and relax with us! North Campus January 19: SHA 020 & Mitch Frazer Foyer, 12-4PM Downtown Campus: Charles Hall January 20: CHA 105, 12-4PM
Arcade Lane
We’re turning Shawenjigewining Hall into a classic, retro arcade for three full days! Arcade Lane is back at north campus for three days of non-stop, free-to-play classics! We’re bringing in all the favourites you grew up with so you can press pause on the stress of starting a new semester, and step into something a little more nostalgic. Challenge your friends to high-score battles, spark some friendly competition with classmates, or meet new people who love the same games you do. It’s the perfect spot to take a study break, reset your brain, and relive the joy of hanging out in an arcade—no tokens, no passes, just pure fun. Swing by anytime throughout the day and stay for as long as you’d like! They're all free to play! GAMES Arcade Lane will include the following games: NBA Jam Space Invaders Mario Bros Fast and Furious Ms. Pac Man Also returning from OTSU Fest, the Vintage Photo Booth will be available across all days!
Campus Connections
If you only make it to one event this semester, make it this one! Campus Connections is where you can link up with other students who share the same passion as you. Whether you’re into racing electric cars, learning about cultures, searching for a party to table top RPG with, or excelling in your professional field, we’ve got a club for pretty much everything. One of the most anticipated events of the year, your campus journey starts here! Campus Connections is your one-stop fair to explore clubs, societies, and ways to get involved. Meet student leaders, discover volunteer opportunities, and find your community on campus.
Warrior Weekly: Wheel of Fighters
Fighting game gamers unite!
2200 Skate & Snack
In partnership with the DCSA, we’re taking over the Campus Ice Centre from 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. for some casual ice skating. Open to all skill levels, so it doesn't matter if you’ve never been on the ice before, it’s fun for everyone! Before the rink opens, swing by the pre-party at 2200 North, where we’ll have the place to ourselves starting from 9 p.m., with student specials and snacks. Free snack coupons will also be available while supplies last—perfect for warming up before your time slot or while you’re waiting for your turn on the ice. At 9:30 there will be a hot chocolate bar for students (while supplies last). At 10:30 there will be poutine and fries available (while supplies last). Skate rentals are free, but sizes are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you have skates definitely bring your own! There will be two time slots for skating, 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., and capacity restrictions mean that getting there early is a smart play. Bundle up, grab your friends, enjoy some snacks, and glide (or wobble!) your way into winter. It’s all happening at the Campus Ice Centre on Simcoe Street, just a short walk north of Conlin Road, with 2200 North on the upper floor overlooking the rink. Can't wait to see you there! 💙
Esports Battle of the Belt 2026
Epic esports action! The Belt is on the line.
Hills & Thrills Snow Tubing
Snow tubing at Lakeridge Ski Resort
