KITCHENER WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST CANADA

The second largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world takes place for nine days in the twin cities of Kitchener Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Though the festival has Bavarian roots stemming from the marriage between King Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1812, yet the spirit of Oktoberfest has come to be celebrated by people around the world, none more so than the Canadians.

Starting from the Friday before Canadian Thanksgiving, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest lasts till the Saturday of the third week of October. Despite the foreign beginnings, Canadians have made Oktoberfest their own with Festhallen serving beer and traditional food around the city.

OKTOBERFEST FESTIVAL KITCHENER WATERLOO

The K-W Oktoberfest begins with the tapping of the first keg, traditionally by the leader of the Oktoberfest event. With 700,000 visitors each year, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the second largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world generating an estimated $21 million in economic activity. Over 50 non-profit organizations along with 1,780 volunteers take part to make the event possible, where a whopping 51,750 sausages and countless gallons of beer are consumed. In 2018, an incredible $1.5 million was ultimately collected by non-profit organizations!

The Festhallen are the prime sites for the gatherings since they provide visitors with multiple cultural events and experiences, not to mention plenty of beer and delicious traditional food. The events take place day after day all over the cities where visitors can partake in fun-filled games and activities.

However, the most anticipated event comes just a few days after the initiation of K-W Oktoberfest in the form of the Thanksgiving Parade. The Thanksgiving Parade is televised across Canada to almost 1.8 million viewers where beloved characters such as Onkel Hans and Tante Frieda can be seen walking the streets of Kitchener and Waterloo.

There’s never a dull moment during Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest. If you’re not at one of the dozen tents enjoying a stein of German beer, you can head over to participate in any of the many exciting activities. There’s so much to do and see in one day that you won’t even notice the nine day festival fly by.

With so many places to visit and so many things to do, you’re sure to feel a little overwhelmed. That’s why we have prepared this brief travel guide so that you always know where to go to find the most fun places. The festhallen (literally translated to ‘feast hall’) are located around the city and each one offers a unique experience.

1. Alpine Club: Located at 464 Maple Avenue Kitchener, ON N2H 4X5, the Alpine Club is one of the best known German-Canadian Clubs famous for its ethnic German environment and delicious traditional meals.
2. Altes Muenchen Haus: Located at Queensmount Arena 1260 Queens Blvd. Kitchener, ON N2C 1J3, the Altes Muenchen Haus has usually been the go to spot for many of the visiting Germans. It is also known as the Lions Club of Kitchener; however it will not be operated at this year’s Oktoberfest.
3. Bayerisches Haus: Located at Elements Night Club, 90 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A6, this festhalle is best known for the lively music options it offers including a live DJ mixing popular hits with German Style for a one of a kind experience.
4. Chicopee Haus: Located at Chicopee 396 Morrison Road, Kitchener, ON N2A 2Z6, this club offers a wide range of entertainment options from indoor haus band to relaxing Muskoka chairs in the outdoors.
5. Concordia Club: Located at 429 Ottawa Street South Kitchener, ON N2M 3P6, the Concordia Club is the largest and oldest ethnic German club in Canada. It can accommodate up to 4,000 guests in its huge tent.
6.  Das Bierhaus: Located at Western Fair District Carousel Room, 900 King St. London ON, N5W 6G6, Das Bierhaus is renowned for reflecting the true spirit of Bavaria with its sights, sounds and flavors.
7.  Hubertushaus: Located at 1605 Bleams Rd. Mannheim, ON, Hubertushaus is an award winning festhalle, offering something for everyone from the youth to the aged in a traditional Oktoberfest theme.
8.  Koenigstrasse Garten: Located at Bobby O’Briens, 125 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1A7, this festhalle offers a relaxing environment during the week and a great place to party on the weekends. It also has the largest patio in the tri-state area.
9.  Oberkrainer Haus: Located at Slovenian Association, 50 Scheifele Place Breslau ON N0B 2M0, Oberkrainer Haus is a multi award winning festhalle that is newly renovated. It’s an ideal place for extroverts who love, happy, friendly and high energy places.
10.  Oktoberfesthaus: Located at 41 Ardelt Pl, Kitchener, ON N2C 2C8, this festhalle has a capacity to seat 5,000 people which makes it one of the largest at the event. The Oktoberfesthaus is also the only cashless festhalle with wristband payment method.
11.  Schwaben Club: Located at 1668 King Street East Kitchener, ON N2G 2P1, this festhalle is best known for sticking to tradition and preparing mouth watering, award winning meals.
12.   Transylvania Haus: Located at ot42 41 Ardelt Pl, Kitchener, ON, the Transylvania Haus is a trusted partner of Oktoberfesthaus to give visitors an incredible environment celebration and festivity.