CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge is inviting residents to gather at City Hall on Feb. 7 for the 2026 Mayor’s Levee, a free community event designed to bring families together for winter-themed activities while offering an opportunity to connect directly with Mayor Jan Liggett, city council members, and municipal staff.
The annual event, titled “One City, One Team,” will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is being promoted as a family-friendly celebration that encourages community participation and civic engagement. This year’s edition adopts a winter Olympic theme, with organizers encouraging attendees of all ages to arrive in community-spirited or Olympic-inspired attire.
Mayor Liggett announced the event on Jan. 22, positioning the Mayor’s Levee as both a local tradition and a public-facing municipal gathering that blends recreation with community outreach.
“Hosted by Mayor Liggett, this free, family-friendly event aims to bring community together and encourage residents to connect with the Mayor, members of Council, and City staff during a fun filled day of Olympic-themed activities, live entertainment, face painting, crafts, photo booth and more,” the city said in its announcement.
Municipal events like the Mayor’s Levee have become a common feature in many Ontario communities, serving as accessible public gatherings that offer informal engagement with local leadership. While the event is primarily focused on community celebration, it also plays a role in strengthening the city’s relationship with residents and reinforcing a sense of shared identity, particularly during the winter months when public programming can help drive local participation.
The Olympic theme aligns with broader public interest in winter sports and seasonal recreation, while also creating a clear framework for activities and visual branding. City organizers say the dress-up element is intended to encourage participation across age groups and help create a festive atmosphere that reflects the event’s “One City, One Team” message.
According to the city, the Mayor’s Levee will include a range of activities designed to appeal to children and families, including face painting, crafts, a photo booth, and live entertainment. While specific performers or scheduled programming were not detailed in the announcement, the city described the event as a full afternoon of themed activities aimed at keeping visitors engaged throughout the three-hour window.
For Cambridge businesses and community organizations, civic events held at City Hall can also contribute to broader economic and social benefits. Public gatherings often increase local foot traffic, encourage residents to spend time in the downtown core, and help support a stronger sense of local connection—an important factor for communities seeking to retain residents, attract newcomers, and build participation in future city initiatives.
The Mayor’s Levee also serves as an early-year community event, taking place in February at a time when municipalities often promote winter programming and encourage residents to stay active locally. For city governments, these events can support broader objectives tied to community well-being, inclusion, and resident engagement.
Mayor Liggett said the event has become a valued tradition and an important chance to interact directly with residents and visitors.
“The Mayor’s Levee has become a Cambridge tradition, bringing people together and enjoying a bit of winter fun,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “It’s one of my favourite opportunities to connect with residents and visitors, and I’m excited once again to celebrate the spirit of our city while together we look forward to the year ahead.”
While the event is free to attend, the city is emphasizing its role as a welcoming and accessible gathering for families across Cambridge. The “One City, One Team” theme also reflects a broader municipal focus on building cohesion across neighbourhoods and reinforcing shared civic pride.
City officials have not indicated whether additional services or accommodations will be offered, but events held at City Hall are typically positioned to be accessible by public transit and central for residents across the municipality. The announcement did not specify parking details or whether any indoor and outdoor spaces will be used, though the winter setting suggests some activities may take place inside City Hall to accommodate weather conditions.
Residents looking for more information about programming and event details can visit the city’s website at cambridge.ca/MayorsLevee.
