by Alex Kinsella | August 2025
October in Waterloo Region is packed with festivals, frights, and fall traditions you won’t want to miss. From the return of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade to spooky movie nights, haunted farms, and family-friendly Halloween fun, there’s something happening every weekend.
Whether you’re raising a stein, carving a pumpkin, or taking in live music and theatre, here are some of the best ways to celebrate the season across the region.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest | September 26 – October 18
The sights, sounds and flavours of Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival return September 26 to October 18, 2025, as Kitchener-Waterloo celebrates its 57th annual Oktoberfest. From lively polkas and steaming plates of schnitzel to steins of cold bier and family-friendly fun, the spirit of Gemütlichkeit fills the city’s German Clubs and partner venues. Onkel Hans and Tante Frieda can’t wait to raise a cheer—PROST!
Movie Night: ’90s Horror Revival | October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 30
Movie Night returns to Kitchener Public Library with a frightful line-up of 1990s horror films sure to scare your lederhosen off. Movies include “The People Under the Stairs”, “The Blair Witch Project”, and “Candyman”.
Bingemans Screampark | Multiple dates
Screampark brings your worst nightmares to life with a haunted house, 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.
Snyder’s Fear Farm | Multiple dates
Snyder’s Family Farm transforms into one of Waterloo Region’s most thrilling destinations: Fear Farm. What’s usually peaceful farmland becomes alive with haunted hayrides, twisted mazes, and spine-tingling surprises around every turn. With immersive storytelling, live actors, and a pulse-racing atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to dive into the Halloween spirit.
Frocktoberfest | October 3
It’s time to ziggy, zaggy, and stitch at Frocktobefest. Join the KW Garment Sewists Guild for a fall fashion show celebrating unique, handcrafted apparel. Guild members and local garment sewists will take the stage to showcase their creations in a fun, stylish evening at TWB Brewing.
Bingemans Lederhosers Comedy Night | October 3
What’s better than a night at Bingemans KoolHaus? How about some of Canada’s best comedians? Laugh your tracht off at the Lederhosers Comedy Night featuring Yuk Yuk’s comedians, then head into the KoolHaus for a night of Oktobfesting with Canadian country legend Tim Hicks and the Golden Keys.
Kitchener Rangers Hockey | October 3, 14, 17, 24, 26, and 31
You’ve got six chances to catch Kitchener Rangers hockey at The Aud in October! Looking for something even more exciting? Check out the Rangers Oktoberfest games against the Owen Sound Attack on October 3, Country Night with the Guelph Storm on October 14, and the annual Halloween game as they welcome the Sudbury (were)Wolves on October 31.
Wonderfully Made Fall Market | October 4
Discover one-of-a-kind gifts and meet the makers who bring them to life at Wonderfully Made Fall Market at Steckle Heritage Farm! It’s an unforgettable day filled with cozy vibes, local charm, and community spirit with over 60 talented local makers offering handmade goods, seasonal treats, home décor, fashion, art, and more.
KW Central Art Walk | October 4
Explore local artists and their work at the annual KW Central Art Walk in Midtown KW. It’s a unique opportunity to see artists in their own studios, displaying fine art, jewellery, paintings, food, photography, pottery, glass, collage and fibre arts.
Galleries and Gears: Art Bike Tour | October 4
Experience four of our amazing art galleries by bike at the Galleries and Gears: Art Bike Tour. You’ll start at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery and follow your guide to the The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, The Grebel Gallery, University of Waterloo Art Gallery along our celebrated bike lanes.
Spirit Market at Homer Watson House & Gallery | October 4
The spirits have something to tell you… and you’ll only hear it by coming to Spirit Market at Homer Watson House & Gallery! Come for candles, crystals, readings, thematic artworks and books, and more. Pre-register to make ceramic ghost tea light covers or develop your intuitive abilities, make spooky pop-up cards, and take in some local performing talent while you look for all the ghosts hiding on the house grounds.
Goat Fest | October 4
The legendary Concordia Club in Kitchener transforms into the spiciest spot in the country as Goat Fest returns for 2025! Part of the official KW Oktoberfest lineup, Goat Fest brings a full day of heat, hops, food, and music you won’t want to miss. Kick things off at the all-ages session from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where families and spice lovers alike can explore 30+ hot sauce makers (including Canada’s largest Hot Ones lineup), sample festival eats from wings to BBQ, and enjoy live music. Then, the party heats up at the 19+ evening session from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with 15+ breweries and craft drink vendors pouring, plus a stacked music lineup headlined by JUNO Award winner JJ Wilde and party band Eddy & The Dirty Boys.
Beetlejuice Double Feature at The Gaslight District | October 7
The Gaslight District kicks off the Halloween season a little early with a double feature of “Beetlejuice” and “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” on the region’s largest outdoor screen. Bring your own chairs or blankets and grab something to eat from Pizzeria Motola or the Foundry Tavern.
FARMtoberfest | October 10
Head to Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener for FARMtoberfest, a brand-new exhibit from Farm Food Care Ontario’s popular Breakfast on the Farm series. This free, family-friendly event brings the sights, sounds and stories of Ontario farms to the Gaukel Block, with live animals, big farm machines, interactive displays, giveaways and more. It’s your chance to meet local farmers, explore how food gets from field to fork, and enjoy a taste of farm life right in the heart of downtown.
Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest Wilkommen Platz | October 10, 11, and 12
The heart of downtown Kitchener transforms into a Bavarian village, complete with a Biergarten, authentic German food vendors, a local market and live music on the Circle K Main Stage. From Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12, raise a stein, sing along, and soak in the Gemütlichkeit.
Silver Creek Nursery Fruit Tasting | October 10, 11
Eat, drink and be thankful! Silver Creek Nursery in Wellesley invites you to indulge in a vibrant array of fresh, juicy and hard to find fruits. Participate in interactive tasting stations and discover new fruits you may not have tried before, like the infamous Paw Paw. Attend hands-on cider-pressing demonstrations done the old-fashioned way. Enjoy fruit-infused beverages and a few fruit-inspired treats.
Long Weekend Band Crawl – Vol 14 | October 12
Gather around and give thanks with your punk rock family at for the 14th edition of the Long Weekend Band Crawl in Uptown Waterloo! Featuring the best of punk and alternative DIY ethos from Waterloo Region and abroad! Non-stop music featuring eighteen artists and bands across four venues.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade | October 13
It’s not Oktoberfest without the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year, the parade is back with new and old favourite floats, inflatables, and bands. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable or cash donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region!
Grand River Opera: Mozart’s Idomeneo | October 16
Experience the powerful opera Mozart’s Idomeneo that explores family, love, duty and community, and how we respond when disaster strikes. Performed in Italian with piano accompaniment and projected English translations, the production features stage direction by Bridget Ramzy, musical direction by Charmaine Fopoussi, and the voices of the Grand River Opera Chorus live on The Registry Theatre stage.
Oktoberfest in Berlin | October 18
Travel back in time to when Kitchener was known as Berlin to experience Oktoberfest of days long past. Hosted in Woodside National Historic Site, this all ages event includes Victorian-era games, food trucks, and beer from Four Fathers Brewing Company.
Buried History in Mount Hope Cemetery | October 18
Step into the shadows of Mount Hope Cemetery with Stroll Walking Tours at OUTRAGEOUS TO COURAGEOUS. Uncover the stories that linger among its stones, from outrageous mayors and daring pioneers to Black freedom seekers and local legends like J.M. Schneider, the tour reveals the city’s most unforgettable characters. With over 150 years of history, it’s a hauntingly fascinating walk through Kitchener’s past.
Hockey Helps the Homeless Waterloo Region Tournament | October 24
The 12th Annual Hockey Helps the Homeless Waterloo Region tournament hits the “ice” on October 24, giving local players the chance to skate alongside NHL alumni and female pros while raising funds to fight homelessness in our community. Proceeds from the tournament go directly to local partners including House of Friendship, oneROOF Youth Services, YW Kitchener-Waterloo, Starling Community Services, the Cambridge Shelter Corporation, and The Working Centre.
UW Gem & Mineral Show | October 24
Discover dazzling gems, fossils and jewellery at the University of Waterloo’s annual Gem and Mineral Show, October 24–25 in the EIT building. Admission is free, with door prizes and two floors of exhibits to explore. Don’t miss Saturday’s Kids Science Open House in EIT and STC, featuring free hands-on activities for the whole family.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo at Castle Kilbride! | October 25
Bring the kids to Castle Kilbride for a magical Halloween adventure with Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother! Young guests can explore the castle for enchanted supplies, paint their own pumpkin coach, and meet Cinderella herself, all while helping the Fairy Godmother prepare for the Halloween Ball. Advance tickets required, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
PUMPKINPALOOZA! | October 25
Celebrate Halloween in the Village of St. Jacobs with pumpkin carving and spooky fun from 3–6 p.m., followed by the King Street Pumpkin Parade and Trick-or-Treat from 6–8 p.m. Come in costume, enter the pumpkin and costume contests, and enjoy late-night shopping at select stores.
Treats in the Streets | October 25
Enjoy a fun Halloween experience while exploring Uptown Waterloo businesses! Participating locations will be handing out candy, and there will be live music and fun characters in costume. There will also be fun activities for all in Waterloo Public Square. The first 100 people to visit the Uptown Waterloo BIA tent at the Heart of Uptown (corner of King and William) will also get a free tote to help them trick or treat!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary | October 29
Celebrate 50 years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Centre In The Square with a special screening hosted by Patricia Quinn, the original Magenta. Enjoy a live shadow cast, audience participation with official prop bags, a memorabilia display and a costume contest. VIP Meet & Greet tickets are also available for a photo, autograph and exclusive time with Patricia Quinn.
Classic Albums Live presents Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ | October 31
Classic Albums Live brings together a powerhouse roster of A-list musicians from across the country to recreate legendary rock albums — note for note, cut for cut. Just in time for Halloween, they’re taking on one of the most iconic records in music history: Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
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