Skip to main content

Here's what's happening for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest this year

Share

Waterloo Region’s big Bavarian festival returns! In addition to merry-making at local German clubs around town, here’s some of what’s going on this year at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest:

WILLKOMMEN PLATZ

  • Thursday, Oct. 5 to Sunday, Oct. 8
  • Downtown Kitchener

Downtown Kitchener transforms in to a bustling Bavarian village. Raise a stein in the craft biergarten, savour authentic German cuisine, shop at the local vendor market or sing and dance along to live performances at the Schneider’s Stage. Full schedule here.

OKTOBERFEST BLOCK PARTY

  • Thursday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Downtown Kitchener, 44 Gaukel St.

Country-rock band The Road Hammers, German pop rock trio Dorfrocker and local fan favourites the Golden Keys and The Western Swing Authority headline this party.

OFFICIAL KEG TAPPING

  • Friday, Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The official keg tapping will take place on stage at the Willkommen Platz Craft Biergarten at 44 Gaukel Street.

KIDTOBERFEST

  • Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • THEMUSEUM

Perfect for families with kids aged three to 10 (or a kid at heart!), KIDtoberfest features traditional music and dancing, curriculum-based learning stations, and guided activities created in partnership with various local arts organizations.

PRIDETOBERFEST

  • Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Ken Seiling Museum, Kitchener

Tri-Pride’s annual fall pride party returns. Hosted by MC Sassy Ray, organizers promise the night will feature some top local and national talent. Dance the night away and enjoy some drinks and fall-themed activities.

DOGTOBERFEST

  • Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener

Bring your four-legged friend and enjoy pack walks, Sniffscape courses, contents, training advice and other furry shenanigans. The full schedule for this free event is here.

OKTOBERFEST THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

  • Monday, Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Weber Street

The annual Thanksgiving Day parade returns. This year it’s being produced by Sherwood Productions. You’ll be able to watch a live stream on CTV Kitchener’s website. Parade route and additional information here.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion

opinion Why the new U.S. administration won't have much time for us

In a column for CTVNews.ca, former Conservative Party political advisor and strategist Rudy Husny says that when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes to the G-20 summit next week, it will look more like his goodbye tour.

U.S. Congress hosts second round of UFO hearings

The U.S. government held another UFO hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the second such hearing in 16 months. This hearing was billed as an attempt by congress to provide a better understanding of what is known about previous sightings of UFOs, also known as UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena).

Stay Connected