Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest originated in 1969 and has become one of North America's largest Bavarian festivals. While several of the events are centered around music, food and beer-tasting, plenty of daily events provide entertainment for families and children. There really is something for everyone, from the Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Oktoberfest Family Breakfast. Families can enjoy entertainment at little to no cost.
K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Thanksgiving Day Parade is held on the Monday of Thanksgiving weekend, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The largest Thanksgiving Parade in Canada makes its way from downtown Waterloo to downtown Kitchener, in total, a five-kilometer route. The parade features several floats and bands from various areas of North America. Approximately 150,000 people line the streets to watch this free event.
Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day and Family Fun Fest
Held at the Civic Centre Park at Centre in The Square in downtown Kitchener, the K-W Oktoberfest Family Fun Fest begins at 9 a.m. on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. The great thing about this event is that it not only provides children's entertainment and firefighting demonstrations, but there is also a Memorial Parade with antique and new firetrucks, bands, emergency vehicles and much more. This event also pays tribute to fallen firefighters and emergency services personnel at a memorial service held at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Erntefest-Harvest Festival
The Joseph Schneider Haus Museum celebrates the fall harvest over the duration of the nine-day Oktoberfest festival. Demonstrations of Mennonite farming family tasks from the 1850s will be on display for the public. People can observe pickling and preserving techniques, and the running of the bakehouse and drying house. There is a small charge for children and adults. The charge per family is approximately $5.
Annual Oktoberfest Family Breakfast
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Family Breakfast is free to the public. The breakfast is held Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, at Waterloo Public Square, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Pancakes and sausage are prepared by Conestoga College culinary students. Famous personalities from 96.7 CHYM FM, KIX 106.7 FM and 570 News are on hand to serve people their breakfast. Enjoy free entertainment. Although the event is free of charge, a donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region would be appreciated.
Kitchener Toys and Collectibles Show
This show is ideal for families with children. Held at Bingemans Ballroom on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there are over 100 vendors selling a wide range of toys and collectibles. View and purchase such items as Beanie Babies, Hot Wheels, NASCAR collectibles, dolls, coins, cards, comics and more. Tickets are approximately $3 per person, while children 12 and under are free with an adult.
K-W Oktoberfest Car Show and Pancake Breakfast
The Oktoberfest Car Show and Pancake Breakfast is a family event that takes place the second Saturday of Oktoberfest celebrations, also the final day of the festival. The event begins with a free pancake breakfast on King Street at 9 a.m. Enjoy seeing classic cars of several makes and models on the streets of downtown Kitchener until 4 p.m.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Midway
The midway at Oktoberfest operates on King Street in downtown Kitchener, and runs from Friday to Monday of Thanksgiving weekend. There is plenty of family entertainment, with games, midway rides and music. Advance tickets for the midway are available at Hans Haus - save money by purchasing ahead of time.
For more information on any of these events or additional events at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, contact 1-888-294-HANS, or visit the official Oktoberfest website.
Family Entertainment at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
While many Oktoberfest events are centered around hall celebrations, there is plenty of family entertainment available, and at an affordable cost or no cost at all. From the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade to various shows and the midway, the entire family can have fun!
Mary Margaret Peralta - Mary Margaret is a mom to three children, with a passion for reading, writing and cooking.
