Do you want to celebrate Octoberfest – stop the Germans?
Aside from our hockey-loving, Igloo-obsessed friends, Kitchener and Waterloo are located up north in Ontario. These twin, German-Canadian cities are just a two-hour VIA train ride west of Toronto.
After Munich, K-W is the world's second-largest “Wiessen” (that's how trendy Teutons hashtag their week-long party on the Tok), attracting around 700,000 hopheads annually. This year will be its 56th running.
The event begins on September 27th and runs until October 17th – a week and a half long Germania event with a Canadian twist.
Expect polka dancing with accordions, beergardens, food trucks, market vendors, and even the sound of a giant, computerized 23-bell glockenspiel played with animatronics.
Here are some fun and unique ways to do this Prost Leave with a stein of Molson and, God willing, a belly full of poutine bratwurst.
Arf Wiedersehen
If you're one of those who travels with your dog, head to the Gaukel Block pedestrian artery in downtown Kitchener, where “Dogtoberfest” is on from October 12 to 13. Professional dog trainers will try to teach them – even old dogs – new tricks. FREE! Your dog can join a pack walk or enjoy a Sniffscape pop-up experience. Just one rule: no leash, no service.
P.S. If you brought your two-legged pet along, there's also “Kidtoberfest” at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda from Oct. 11-13, where little ones can learn about traditional music, dance and other “Bavarian activities” (i.e. fun). Admission? Free.
Goat-n Tag!
Fans of Sean Evens and his YouTube “Hot Ones” series will be in mouth-burning heaven at K-W goat festival 2024It's a hot sauce and craft beer party taking place on Sept. 28 at the Concordia Club on Ottawa Street South.
Carefully sample from the tiny bottles of lava featured in the show – there will be more than 30 options from Canada and beyond – then douse the fire with local wine. Alternatively, enjoy sensible options like food truck tacos and pizza.
Canadian party band The 99s will be joining in the madness. It all starts at 11am and, if you haven't satisfied yourself with chili and beer by then, ends at 10pm. GA tickets cost around $13.
Danksgiving
In case you forgot, Canada has its own celebration of Thanksgiving. But it falls on the second Monday of October, which is the 14th this year, and in its honour there is a festive parade running from 9:30am to noon, from the corner of Frederick Street to Weber Street to Bridgeport Road (see on Google Maps).
Do they also go out like us Americans with huge, weird inflatable cars that have no connection to real history? You have to believe it!
Frau-er power
Do you think three weeks of drinking is just for men? Well, the organizers of the Damonfest Breakfast beg to differ. It's a networking event for women featuring speakers and local luminaries from the business and arts communities.
Bring out your favourite dirndl at the Walper Hotel in downtown Kitchener on Friday, October 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets will go on sale soon.
For more information on any of these events, visit here oktoberfest.ca,
