…plus inspiration for a spine-tingling Halloween road trip to Waterloo Region – if you dare!
by Alex Kinsella | October 2024
Waterloo Region is the place to be in October! From the Bavarian sights, sounds, and aromas of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest to the thrilling chills of Bingemans Screampark, we’ve got something for everyone.
Read on for our list of things to do in Waterloo Region this October!
Farmtoberfest | October 4 and 5
Ziggy zaggy your way to Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery in Ayr for Farmtoberfest! The two-day festival features authentic German food paired with Willibald’s delicious craft beer, cocktails, and live music. Tickets are $25 and include a ceramic Farmtoberfest stein to take home.
Kitchener Rangers Hockey | October 4, 6, 18, 20, 25, and 29
Your Kitchener Rangers return to the Aud for six exciting home games in October. Check out the Oktoberfest game vs. the Flint Firebirds on October 4, the Star Wars game against the Guelph Storm on October 20, Country Night with the Erie Otters on October 25, and the Sarnia Sting will be in town on October 29 for the Rangers’ Halloween game.
Mean Girls Drag Night | October 4
If anyone can make “fetch” happen, it’s the team at THEMUSEUM. Join them on October 4 for Mean Girls Drag Night, featuring an evening of drag performances from Doll Haus Events.
The Jim Cuddy Band – All The World Fades Way Tour | October 4
Get ready for an unforgettable night as The Jim Cuddy Band brings their “All The World Fades Away Tour” to Waterloo Region! Known for his signature voice and heartfelt lyrics, Jim Cuddy will take the stage with his band for an evening of iconic tunes and new favourites. Don’t miss out on this one-night-only performance!
Free Fashion Fridays at the Fashion History Museum | October 4 and 11
In honour of Culture Days, the Fashion History Museum is excited to announce “Free Fashion Fridays.” Admission to the Fashion History Museum is free on October 4 and 11. Come out and explore its exhibits, shop at the Encore Vintage boutique, and celebrate the rich tapestry of fashion history.
Oktoberfest Bierhaus by Counterpoint Brewing | October 5
Celebrate Oktoberfest in style at the Oktoberfest Bierhaus at Counterpoint Brewing Co. in Kitchener. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious craft beer and lively music that’ll have you doing the chicken dance all night long. Satisfy your food cravings with tacos from Lord of the Tacos and pretzels from Grain Harvest Bakery.
KW Central Art Walk | October 5
Looking for a new piece to brighten up your home? Check out the KW Central Art Walk on October 5. This self-guided tour features local artists showcasing their work in home studios and community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to explore unique creations, meet talented artists, and find that special piece to take home.
Underlay: Nap Tour | October 5
Feeling tired after a busy September? Kitchener-based multidisciplinary artist Brenda Mabel Reid invites you to a community nap with their modular quilt, “Underlay.” Over the summer, the quilt was featured at the Third Shift festival in New Brunswick and the Hold Fast festival in Newfoundland, and this is your chance to share in a unique contemporary art experience.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Keg Tapping | October 11 – 13
Get ready to experience the heart of Oktoberfest as downtown Kitchener transforms into a lively Bavarian village from October 11 to 13! Stroll along King Street, from Ontario Street to Kitchener City Hall, and soak up the festive atmosphere with steins raised high in the Willkommen Platz biergarten. Indulge in delicious German cuisine and sample authentic German and local craft beers and cocktails while enjoying live music that’ll have you singing and dancing in the Platz!
The weekend starts with the official Keg Tapping at 12 p.m. on October 11. Get there early to grab a spot as Onkle Hans, Tante Frieda, and their guests “spank that spigot.” The Circle K Stage at Carl Zehr Square features three days of awesome live music and entertainment, including My Son The Hurricane on October 12 at 8:30 p.m. This is one Oktoberfest celebration you won’t want to miss!
We all know FOMO—Fear of Missing Oktoberfest—is real. This year, your Toronto friends don’t have to miss out on the fun, thanks to Go Transit’s Special LederGOsen Line from Union Station to downtown Kitchener. After a warm Bavarian welcome at the Kitchener GO station, they’ll be guided to the Willkommen Platz and get access to a VIP area. Round-trip tickets are $24.99 each.
The festivities continue on Sunday, October 13, at Carl Zehr Square. Off the Ropes Studio is bringing live pro wrestling to Carl Zehr Square. With thrilling matches and interactive activities, it’s an action-packed event that’s fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re here for the beer, the schnitzel, or the Gemütlichkeit, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a weekend full of excitement, culture, and unforgettable memories!
KIDtoberfest | October 11 – 13
Bring the whole family to Kidtoberfest, a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment for little ones! Enjoy crafts, games, and interactive performances designed just for kids, all while celebrating the spirit of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. It’s the perfect chance to introduce the next generation to this festive tradition in a safe and welcoming environment.
DOGtoberfest | October 12 and 13
Grab your furry friend and head to Dogtoberfest, the paw-fect Oktoberfest celebration for dog lovers! This fun-filled event features dog-friendly activities, costume contests, and treats that’ll have tails wagging. It’s a great opportunity to socialize with other pet owners and enjoy the festive spirit with your canine companion.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade | October 14
It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the annual KW Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year’s Grand Marshall is the voice for the Toronto Raptors himself, Jack Armstrong. The Onkel Hans Food Drive will collect monetary donations and non-perishable food items to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The parade starts at 9:30 am at the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street and ends at the corner of Weber and Bridgeport around noon.
The Vampire Circus | October 16
Step into the mysterious world of The Vampire Circus at Centre in the Square! This thrilling, high-energy show combines the excitement of circus acts with a dark, vampire-inspired twist. From acrobatics to captivating performances, it’s an unforgettable night that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for those looking for a mix of chills and thrills this season!
Cambridgelicious | October 18-27
Cambridgelicious is a 10-day event that invites you to explore the diverse flavours of Cambridge. Participating restaurants are offering specially curated, prix-fixed menus featuring delicious, local flavours. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cuisine or eager to try something new, Cambridgelicious promises a unique dining experience that celebrates the city’s local food scene.
Halloween Market at Federation Hall | October 19
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Halloween Market at Federation Hall! Featuring local vendors, spooky treats, and unique finds, it’s the perfect spot to shop for handmade crafts, delicious goodies, and Halloween-inspired treasures. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect costume accessory or just want to enjoy the festive vibes, this market has something for everyone.
Centre in the Square presents Mariza | October 22
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music with internationally renowned singer Mariza with very special guest Pavlo. Mariza’s soulful voice will transport you with the rich and emotional sounds of Portuguese fado, while Pavlo adds his own flair with Mediterranean-inspired guitar melodies. This is a rare opportunity to experience world-class talent in Waterloo Region.
University of Waterloo Gem & Mineral Show | October 25 and 26
The University of Waterloo’s Earth Sciences Museum leaves no stone unturned during its two-day Gem and Mineral Show. On Saturday, check out the Kids Science Open House featuring free hands-on science activities. Admission is free.
PUMPKINPALOOZA! | October 26
Celebrate the fall season at Pumpkinpalooza in St. Jacobs Village! This family-friendly event is packed with autumn fun, from pumpkin displays and decorating to seasonal treats and live entertainment. Wander through the village, enjoy festive activities, and get into the harvest spirit. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a crisp fall day with family and friends!
Cambridge Food Tour | October 26
Discover the flavours of Cambridge with Stroll Walking Tours’ Cambridge Food Tour. Their expert guide will take you on a culinary journey through the city’s vibrant food scene, with stops at local eateries, hidden gems, and popular spots. Enjoy tastings, meet the chefs, and learn about the history behind each dish.
The Paris Prowler | October 26
Grab your magnifying glass and detective hat to catch the Paris Prowler at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Step into its suspiciously empty gallery space as they unveil the work of a world-renowned artist. But watch out! The Paris Prowler has been active in Waterloo Region. Will the gallery unveil a new artwork or be the victim of one of the Prowler’s famous calling cards?
Halloween Mini Maker Market | October 27
THEMUSEUM is hosting a Halloween-themed Mini Maker Market from 10 to 4 p.m. Young vendors between the ages of 10 and 17 will sell their handmade creations just in time for Halloween!
Masters Of Illusion | October 29
Get ready to be amazed as Masters of Illusion brings a night of magic and wonder to Centre In The Square! Featuring some of the world’s greatest award-winning magicians, this magic show is filled with modern illusions and arts of deception performed live!
Experience Halloween in Waterloo Region
Scare up some good times in Waterloo Region during Halloween with these spook-tacular road trip ideas!
From September 27 to October 27, the usually tranquil Snyder’s Farm transforms into one of the most thrilling experiences around known as Fear Farm! One of Waterloo Region’s top haunted attractions, Fear Farm offers an unforgettable mix of 7 legendary haunted outdoor attractions, haunted hayrides, terrifying mazes, and spine-chilling surprises around every corner. With plenty of scares and immersive storytelling, it’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Pro Tip: Book a VIP Campfire Experiences for your group – it’s a private pod where everyone can gather around the flames and warm up after the chills you’ve experienced at Fear Farm!
That’s not the only frightful fun you can find in Waterloo Region. Bingemans Screampark brings your worst nightmares to life with 6 horrifying attractions, eerie trails, and spine-tingling scares that keep you on the edge of your seat. With live actors and heart-pounding thrills around every turn, it’s the ultimate destination for a night of fright!
Pro Tip: Stay the night with Bingemans’ special Screampark Camping Package. It includes 1 night of camping, 2 tickets to Screampark and $10 reservation fee.
Explore the magical and mysterious at The Coven Halloween Market, presented by Riot Queer Events at Button Factory Art in Uptown Waterloo. With a focus on queer artists and makers, it’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to celebrate the spooky season.
After the market, stick around for a Rocky Horror Picture Show Drag Show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Want to learn the dark and disturbing history of Kitchener? Join the Schneider Haus National Historic Site for the Blood Berlin Walking Tour. It’s an evening walk through downtown Kitchener’s back alleys and side streets as we talk about some of the scary, sexy, or just plain weird characters who have called our town home—murders, executions, grave robbing, shootouts, villainous doctors, and even pandemics of the past. The event happens multiple days in October!
One of Halloween’s best traditions is throwing toast at the screen during the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This Halloween, do the time warp again at Maxwell’s Concerts and Events with a live theatrical performance of the 1975 classic comedy meets horror film on October 25 and 26.
Get ready for a spine-chilling night at A Nightmare on King Street 9 on October 26. This Halloween party and showcase hosted by Brass Butterflies features thrilling pole, aerial, chair, heel, and burlesque performances by their students, staff, and some very special guests. Whether you want to show off your best costume or just enjoy the entertainment, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween.
Road Trip Pro Tip: Looking for more Halloween road trip inspiration? Check out the new Frights and Flights and Haunted Harvest Experience Packages that make planning your fall road trip to Waterloo Region frightfully easy!