Every autumn, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest takes place in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario. Kitchener, formerly known as Berlin, has a rich German heritage with many residents who speak German and uphold traditional customs. Since its inception in 1969, this festival has grown to become the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world, following the original in Germany. It draws over 700,000 attendees annually.
Festival Highlights
This year celebrates the 56th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Attendees can look forward to seeing traditional national costumes, enjoying lively polka dances, and savoring delicious Bavarian cuisine from German Clubs and local restaurants.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade is a major highlight of the festivities. As the Oktoberfest typically takes place during the Canadian Thanksgiving period, the parade draws over 150,000 attendees. This year, the parade will kick off on Monday, October 14 at 8:30 am from the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street, proceed along Weber Street, and conclude around 10:00 am at the Bridgeport Plaza at the corner of Weber and Bridgeport.
Willkommen Platz
From October 11 to October 13, downtown Kitchener will transform into a lively Bavarian village along King Street from Ontario Street to Kitchener City Hall. Visitors can raise their steins in the Biergarten, savor authentic German cuisine from various food vendors, shop at the local vendor market, and enjoy live performances on stage. Oktoberfest brings the best of Bavarian culture, and entry to the Willkommen Platz Biergarten is free for all ages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Official Keg Tapping
On Friday, October 11, visitors can head to the Schneiders Stage in the Willkommen Platz Biergarten for the Official Keg Tapping ceremony, scheduled from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
KIDtoberfest
KIDtoberfest features a wide range of activities for children, including traditional music, dancing, and curriculum-based learning stations. The event, created in partnership with various local arts organizations, runs from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13, at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda in Downtown Kitchener. The festivities take place daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with free admission for everyone.
Festhallen
The main festivities occur in Festhallen, where beer and traditional German foods are enjoyed alongside polka dancing and music. Various organizations operate the Festhallen, including The Concordia Club of Kitchener, the largest German club in Canada, The Alpine Club of Kitchener, Hubertushaus, KoolHaus, The Schwaben Club of Kitchener, and The Transylvania Club of Kitchener. Tickets for different events vary in price, starting from around CAD$20 per day, with most events being 19+.
