Oktoberfest is an annual Bavarian-inspired event that takes place in Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere filled with traditional music, dancing, and food. At Oktoberfest, attendees can don authentic German attire, raise a stein of cold beer and enjoy the many delicious culinary offerings from both German clubs and local restaurants. The festival provides a unique opportunity for friends and families to come together and celebrate the traditions of Bavaria. This year’s event promises exciting events and festivities that are sure to make for an unforgettable experience. Prost!
KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST OFFICIAL KEG TAPPING
The Official Keg Tapping will take place on Friday, October 6, 2023 in the Willkommen Platz Biergarten located in the Gaukel Block (44 Gaukel St, Kitchener)!
KIDtoberfest
Join us Friday, October 6, Saturday, October 7 & Sunday, October 8, 2023 at THEMUSEUM (10 King Street West) in Downtown Kitchener!
Perfect for families with kids aged 3-10 (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.
KIDtoberfest VIP Experience: Onkel Hans and Friends
Looking for a more intimate Oktoberfest experience for the family? Learn to do the chicken dance with Onkel Hans, enjoy special character encounters with local mascots, princesses & superheroes, plus other fun surprises only available at the VIP event!
Event Hours:
Friday, October 6 & Saturday, October 7 – 10a-7p, Sunday, October 8 – 10a-4pm
DOGtoberfest presented by Nutram Pet Products
Dates/Times: Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Where: Carl Zehr Square (Kitchener City Hall)
Willkommen Platz and King Street Vendor Market
Join us Thursday, October 5th to Sunday, October 8th as Downtown Kitchener transforms into a bustling Bavarian village like you’ve never seen it before – along King Street from Queen Street to City Hall, and down Gaukel Street to the Willkommen Platz Craft Biergarten in the Gaukel Block at 44 Gaukel Street!
Thanksgiving Day Parade – 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 9th
Your Thanksgiving weekend just got a whole lot more exciting! The annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade returned in 2022 and will be even bigger for 2023! With even more new floats, inflatables & bands! We’re so excited that we want to SHOUT THIS FROM THE ROOFTOPS!
Where: starts at the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street in Kitchener and will travel up Weber Street to finish at Bridgeport Plaza in Waterloo.
Oktoberfest 2023 Festhallens
| Alpine Club 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener | Schwaben Club 50 Scheifele Place, Breslau |
| Transylvania Club 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener | Hubertushaus 1605 Bleams Road, Mannheim |
| Concordia Club 429 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener | Bingemans 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener |
Trina Stewart is the Editor of HOMES+ Locale Magazine. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Trina loves exploring the area and embracing the activities, events, and local businesses.
