This weekend is the last long weekend before the Christmas season.

Forecasts are calling for temperatures well above seasonal averages, although occasional periods of rain are possible.

It’s also the first weekend of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, bringing an influx of crowds and tourists to Waterloo Region.

Being a holiday weekend, it also means a series of closures, cancellations and modified hours for some businesses and services.

Here’s a look at what you can expect to see this weekend:

Oktoberfest

  • The Oktoberfest opening ceremony takes place Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener
  • The Oktoberfest parade takes place Monday, starting at 8:45 a.m. at Weber and Frederick Streets. It runs along a new route this year, taking Weber to Bridgeport Road

Closures

  • Many municipal buildings (but not Kitchener City Hall) will be closed for the weekend
  • All pools in Kitchener are closed Sunday and Monday, while community centres are not offering programming on Monday
  • All library branches will be closed Sunday and Monday
  • The only public building open Monday in Cambridge is the John Dolson, which has leisure swim hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • In Waterloo, the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and Albert McCormick Community Centre will be closed all day Monday, with RIM Park only opening at 4 p.m.
  • Bank branches are closed Monday
  • Many supermarkets, stores and pharmacies are either closed or running modified hours on Monday
  • Fairview Park Mall, Conestoga Mall and Cambridge Centre are closed Monday

Other information

  • Curbside waste collection will occur as normal on Monday
  • Grand River Transit will utilize a Sunday schedule on Monday
  • Canada Post will not deliver mail on Monday