For those of us who were disappointed to hear about this year’s cancellation of Toronto Oktoberfest, not all is lost; later this month, you can still embrace the holiday with an even bigger celebration, which also happens to be the biggest Oktoberfest in all of Canada!
From September 26 to October 18, 2025, Kitchener-Waterloo will transform into a festive Bavarian village filled with food, music, and culture, with the return of their 57th annual Oktoberfest. Located just a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, it will feature citywide events over the span of the three week period.
This includes a performance by Theory of a Deadman on September 26, Oktoberfest Family Treasure Hunt, Sticks & Steins ball hockey tournament, and KIDtoberfest presented by Tim Hortons. For the full calendar of events, visit their website here.
If you can’t decide when to visit, consider making the road trip over the weekend of October 10 – 12 for Willkommen Platz, when downtown Kitchener will come alive with a free outdoor celebration along King Street, stretching from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall.
Visitors will get to see the official Keg Tapping Ceremony at noon on October 10, indulge in authentic German cuisine from outdoor food vendors like fresh schnitzel and gigantic hot pretzels, shop at local markets, raise a glass at the Biergarten, and sing along with live performances at the Circle K Main Stage.
The outdoor festival hours run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, with the Biergarten and main stage closing at 10 p.m., outdoor vendor markets at 7 p.m., and the indoor vendor market wrapping up at 5 p.m. Best of all, this portion of the festival is completely free to attend.
From dancing to lively polka music to toasting to new friends in the Biergarten, Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest has something for everyone. See you there, Toronto!