Celebrate Oktoberfest in Ontario 2025
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest in Munich, this festival attracts the large German community in Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond, honouring their rich heritage with music, entertainment, food and drink. Over 50 non-profit organizations and thousands of volunteers bring this festive event to life, attracting throngs of visitors from the local region and around the world.
Step through the doors of the Oktoberfest’s festhalle, which means festival hall, and be whisked away to a world of festive cheer, lively music and delicious food and drinks.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a festival that celebrates Bavarian culture.
The first Oktoberfest was held in Bavaria, Germany, in 1810 to commemorate the wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Over 40,000 citizens of Munich attended this royal event, which featured a parade, horse races, performances and other celebrations.
Oktoberfest continued to be an annual tradition, adding multiple events like tree climbing, bowling alleys, carnival booths, agricultural shows and more. A feast of sausages, sauerkraut, beer and other staple German food were served.
Today, Oktoberfest celebrations are held worldwide. To celebrate German-Canadian heritage in Ontario, Oktoberfest has been held in Kitchener-Waterloo ever since its founding in 1969.
How to get to Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo is situated in the Grand River Valley of Southwestern Ontario, approximately an hour and a half’s drive west of Toronto.
If driving from Toronto, take the ON-401 West or ON-403 West. Alternatively, travel by public transit. GO Transit increases its train and bus services from Union Station in Downtown Toronto to the Kitchener GO Station during Oktoberfest.
How to buy tickets for Oktoberfest
Some Oktoberfest events, such as the Thanksgiving Day Parade, are free and open for public viewing. However, you’ll need to pay for tickets in advance to attend the various main festival activities and special events.
Ticket pricing varies by event.
What to wear to Oktoberfest
While not mandatory, many guests at Oktoberfest dress in traditional Bavarian clothing.
Men wear knee-length shorts or lederhosen, meaning “leather trousers.” They are often accompanied by long, thick socks, a checkered shirt and sturdy boot-like shoes called haferl.
The dirndl dress, worn by women, typically features a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron and is often paired with flats or loafers. A traditional dirndl can be costly as they’re tailored and made from hand-printed or silk fabrics. Both the lederhosen and dirndl come in a wide range of styles, patterns and colours.
Casual, modern attire is also perfectly acceptable for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest activities
Different venues offer unique family and cultural experiences during the multi-day festival.
Popular events at Oktoberfest include:
Willkommen Platz
Kick off Oktoberfest at the Willkommen Platz, meaning “Welcome Place.” Witness Downtown Kitchener transform into a bustling Bavarian village! Savour authentic German cuisine from one of the surrounding vendors, sing along during live performances or shop the local vendor market.
All events in the Willkommen Platz have free admission.
Where: Carl Zehr Square at 200 King Street West, Kitchener and along King Street from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall.
When: October 10–12, 2025
Official Keg Tapping
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest opens with the tapping of the first beer keg on October 10 in the Willkommen Platz.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
The main event of Oktoberfest is the annual parade of floats, inflatables and bands along Weber Street. The event is free to attend. However, limited parade bleacher seating is available for those seeking the best views of the parade. The Onkel Hans Food Drive will be on-site to collect monetary donations and non-perishable food items for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
This anticipated event is televised across Canada to millions of viewers.
Oktoberfest golf experience
On Monday, September 8, 2025, play a few rounds of tournament golf at the Galt Country Club, one of Ontario’s premier private golf clubs. The event opens with an Oktoberfest-themed lunch and keg tapping ceremony, followed by on-hole prizing.
Live music
Aside from live music at Willkommen Platz, celebrated artists also perform live at the Oktoberfest KOOLHAUS, a 19+ venue. Artists include Theory of a Deadman, I Mother Earth and Tim Hicks. Performers are accompanied by the Haus Band and The Golden Keys.
Check the event calendar for the dates and times. Purchase tickets in advance.
Comedy night
Presented by YukYuks, pair your pints with a few belly laughs at the Lederhosers Comedy Night, celebrating Canadian comedians and some hilarious Bavarian-themed humour. Tickets for the comedy show also include live performances by Tim Hicks and The Golden Keys.
Secure your tickets in advance. Must be 19+ to attend.
Where: 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
When: October 3, 2025
Kids’ activities
Families are welcomed to Oktoberfest with special kid-focused entertainment. Open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday, with free admission, KIDtoberfest features traditional music, dancing and arts. View the entertainment schedule before your visit.
Where: 200 King Street West, Kitchener(Kitchener City Hall Rotunda)
When: October 10–12, 2025
What to eat at Oktoberfest
If you love hearty German cuisine, you’re in for a treat at Oktoberfest. Thousands of sausages and countless litres of beer are consumed during the festival.
Here are some places to sample traditional food and drink:
- Indulge in traditional dishes at the Bingemans Bavarian Feast, including authentic German sausage, sauerkraut, spaetzle and craft beer. Tickets for this feast also provide access to the KoolHaus, an outdoor party with live entertainment.
- Sample schnitzel, cabbage rolls, pig tails, apple strudel and other traditional German foods at the Alpine Club. You’ll also be treated to performances by the Alpine Dancers and Transylvania Club Dancers. Purchase tickets in advance.
- The local German-Canadian hunting and fishing club, Hubertushaus, serves up rollbraten (pork tenderloin barbecue), homemade spaetzle, and sweet tortes. Purchase tickets in advance.
Places to stay during Oktoberfest
Find accommodations and amenities close to the Oktoberfest festivities. Be sure to book well in advance.
Some of the best places to stay in Kitchener-Waterloo include:
The Walper Hotel
Open since 1893, The Walper has been a staple hotel in Kitchener for decades. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in cozy heritage rooms with unique designs. It’s a short walk from some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Centre In The Square and THEMUSEUM.
Location: 20 Queen Street South, Kitchener
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo
Stay in spacious, comfortable rooms at the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo. This sleek, modern hotel is located in the heart of the city’s bustling technology hub. It offers a variety of recreational amenities, including bowling, mini-putt, an arcade, ping-pong and an indoor heated pool.
Location: 105 King Street East, Kitchener
Quality Inn in Kitchener-Waterloo
Located near Fairview Park Mall, the Quality Inn in Kitchener-Waterloo features bright, airy rooms, a fitness centre, on-site laundry facilities and a charging station for electric vehicles. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast before heading out for the day.
Location: 2899 King Street East, Kitchener
Courtyard by Marriott Kitchener
The Courtyard by Marriott Kitchener is conveniently located near the city’s top shops and restaurants. This large hotel offers spacious suites equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, TV and workspace. Enjoy breakfast with Starbucks coffee in the bistro, dine on fresh Italian pasta in Del’s Italian Kitchen or sip on crafted cocktails on the patio.
Location: 2960 King Street East, Kitchener
Raise a stein, don your lederhosen and join the cheer! Oktoberfest in Ontario is where Bavarian tradition meets unforgettable fun.
Last updated: September 2, 2025