Celebrate Oktoberfest in Ontario 2024
Oktoberfest | Waterloo Region
Inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest in Munich, this festival brings the large German community in Kitchener-Waterloo together, honouring their rich heritage with music, entertainment, food and drink. Over 50 non-profit organizations and thousands of volunteers help out to 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 foods 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.
When is Oktoberfest?
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 2024 starts on September 27 and ends on October 19, 2024.
How to get to Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo is located in the Grand River Valley in Southwestern Ontario, about an hour and a half 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.
Special GO Train Service on October 12
Take the LederGOsen line from Union Station to the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. The service leaves Union Station at 12:38 p.m. (with stops in between). The return trip departs Kitchener at 10:05 p.m. This round-trip costs $24.99 per adult and includes return GO Train service to Oktoberfest, where you will be greeted by an Oktoberfest Ambassador and escorted to Willkommen Platz to enjoy the food, beverages and entertainment.
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 main festival activities and special events.
Ticket pricing depends on the event but typically ranges between $10 and $75.
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 includes a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron, and it is often worn 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:
Official Keg Tapping
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest opens with the tapping of the first beer keg.
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 paid seating is available if you want 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. This anticipated event is televised across Canada to millions of viewers.
Oktoberfest golf experience
Play a few rounds of tournament golf at the Galt Country Club, one of Ontario’s premiere private golf clubs. The event opens with an Oktoberfest-themed lunch and keg tapping ceremony, followed by on-hole prizing.
Live music
Celebrated artists including Matthew Good and his Band, Simple Plan, The Sheepdogs and The Reklaws will be performing live during Oktoberfest. Check the event calendar for the dates and times.
Comedy night
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 Simple Plan and The Golden Keys.
Kids’ activities
Families are welcomed to Oktoberfest with special kid-focused entertainment. KIDtoberfest features traditional music, dancing and arts.
Oktoberfest family breakfast
Enjoy free delicious pancakes and face-painting for the kids at the 40th annual family breakfast in support of the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
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 is a sample of food and drink to try:
- 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 “Kool Haus Biergarten”, an outdoor party with live entertainment.
- Sit in the outdoor piazza and enjoy delicious food, local beer and entertainment at the Oktoberfest Market Festival. During the day, look out for signs detailing special Oktoberfest menu items from pop-up food vendors like Chef D and Meatatian.
- 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.
- Local German-Canadian hunting and fishing club called Hubertushaus serves up rollbraten pork tenderloin barbecue, homemade spaetzle and sweet tortes.
Places to stay during Oktoberfest
Find great 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 like 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 like 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
Courtyard by Marriott Kitchener is close to the city’s top shops and restaurants. This large hotel offers roomy suites 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
Last updated: November 12, 2024