Did you know that our province hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the world?! Because of the large population of residents with German heritage, our festivities have grown in scope and popularity since its inception in 1969 into one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside of Germany. Feel the gemütlichkeit (warm feelings) with our Guide to the Best Oktoberfest Family Events in Southern Ontario… dance to the polka, eat a huge pretzel and raise your glass. Prost!
Toronto Oktoberfest
When: September 27-28, 2024
Toronto’s largest and most authentic Oktoberfest celebration takes place at a new larger venue at Downsview Airport Lands. Both evening sessions are 19+, but the Saturday afternoon Volksfest Carnival is all ages, plus kids 16 and under are free!
Canada’s Wonderland: Oktoberfest
When: September 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
Get the party started at Canada’s Wonderland in September with authentic German-themed food and beverage specials, plus traditional festival bands.
Friday Harbour: Harbourfest
When: September 28-29, 2024
Celebrate Harbourfest at Friday Harbour on the shores of Lake Simcoe, surrounded by the beautiful colours of Fall with the tastes and sounds of Germany.
Oktoberfest Muskoka
When: October 25-26, 2024
Immerse yourself in the tastes and sounds of the Oktoberfest Muskoka festival with music, food and beer at local breweries and restaurants.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
When: September 27 — October 19, 2024
K.W. is the grand poobah of Oktoberfest parties, second only to Munich! Their website has an event calendar chock-full of family events sure to bring the merriment, including such family-friendly options as:
- Willkommen Platz
When: October 11-13, 2024
Get the party started at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener, with free entry for all ages to the biergarten, where you can savour authentic German cuisine from food vendors, shop at the local vendor market and or sing along with live performances. - KIDtoberfest
When: October 11-13, 2024
Held at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda this year, KIDtoberfest combines traditional music and dancing with Bavarian activities and performances by family favourites! - DOGtoberfest
When: October 12-13, 2024
Free to attend, walk your four-legged besties to DOGtoberfest, where pup and their people can take part in trick training, pack walks, Sniffscape courses, contests and more furry fun. - Thanksgiving Parade
When: October 14, 2024
On Thanksgiving Monday, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade promises even more new floats, inflatables and bands than ever! Be sure to dress for the weather.
Bingeman’s Kinderfest
When: October 5, 2024
The outdoor Bavarian-themed Fall festival Kinderfest is back for a one-day party with inflatables, games, children’s entertainment, and some oom-pah-pa surprises! Bingeman’s also hosts an Oktoberfest Family Breakfast that morning, in support of the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
Schwaben Club Family Day Sundays
When: October 6 & 13, 2024
Bring the kids to this daytime family party, with kids crafts, special guests and plenty of Chicken Dances!
Oktoberfest Family Days at Concordia Club
When: October 13-14, 2024
Party in your lederhosen at this classic beer hall, where minors 16 years of age or younger are admitted free of charge when occupied by parents/guardians with tickets.
Family Day at Hubertushaus
When: October 13, 2024
Kids can get involved in the spirit by tapping a root beer keg! There’s also great food, games and polka music for the whole family.
Family Day at Habsburg Haus
When: October 13, 2024
Spend Thanksgiving Monday enjoying some fun and food, and treating the kids to balloon animals and face-painting.
Oktoberfest in Berlin
When: October 19, 2024
Located at the Woodside National Historic Site, this is an Oktoberfest celebration for the history books! Travel back in time to when Kitchener was known as Berlin, with Victorian-era games and plenty of delicious German food and drink.
Gobble up more Thanksgiving Weekend events in Toronto and the GTA here!
