by Cora Kuehl | September 2026
Who says Oktoberfest is just for grown-ups? There are plenty of WUNDERBAR ways for the whole family to join the fun.
From kid-focused festivals and outdoor markets to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Waterloo Region offers plenty of family-friendly ways to experience Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.
So grab the family, put on your Oktoberfest best and get ready to experience a different side of Waterloo Region’s biggest and best-known festival!
KIDtoberfest: Oktoberfest Made for Kids
If you’re looking for an Oktoberfest event specifically designed for children, start with KIDtoberfest. Taking place October 9–11 at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, the free event features features traditional music and dancing, Bavarian activities and performances by family favourites. There are also hands-on activities and learning stations created with local arts organizations. It’s a fun way for kids to experience some of the traditions and culture behind Oktoberfest in a setting made just for them.
(Pro Tip: Have extra time? Pair KIDtoberfest with a visit to THEMUSEUM. It’s just a quick walk down King Street, and features lots of fun, immersive and digital exhibits the entire family will love!)
Kinderfest at Bingemans
Oktoberfest fun for little ones continues at Kinderfest at Bingemans on October 3. Kinderfest is a great choice for families looking to introduce younger children to the sights, sounds and traditions of Oktoberfest in a kid-friendly environment. It’s also a good way to kick off your Oktoberfest season before Thanksgiving weekend arrives.
Experience Willkommen Platz in Downtown Kitchener
One of the easiest ways to experience Oktoberfest as a family is to head downtown to Willkommen Platz. From October 9–11, King Street and Carl Zehr Square will transform into a Bavarian village with live entertainment, food vendors, a local vendor market and plenty of Oktoberfest atmosphere. And here’s the important part for families: admission is free, and the Biergarten is open to all ages and is family and dog-friendly. That means you can bring the kids, grab something delicious to eat, listen to some live music and enjoy the atmosphere without committing to a ticketed festhallen event.
Make the Thanksgiving Day Parade a Family Tradition
For generations, families have gathered along the streets of Kitchener-Waterloo to watch the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, the parade takes place on Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m., travelling from Weber Street East and Frederick Street through Kitchener toward Waterloo. Expect colourful floats, marching bands, performers and plenty of festive energy. It’s the kind of event where kids can wave at the parade participants, look for their favourite floats and soak up the excitement of Oktoberfest. And because the parade is a Thanksgiving tradition for so many local families, it can be a wonderful way to create your own annual family tradition.
(Pro tip: Arrive early to find a good viewing spot, and dress for the weather! The parade runs rain or shine.)
Head to Cambridge for a Family Movie Night at Prostgarten
Oktoberfest isn’t just happening in Kitchener and Waterloo. Prostgarten, the newest Oktoberfest community festhalle, is bringing the celebration to Cambridge’s Gaslight District. Prostgarten runs September 25–October 4, and admission is free, no tickets are necessary. And on September 30, families can enjoy a movie night on the big screen featuring everyone’s favourite ogre: Shrek. It’s a pretty fun combination: Oktoberfest atmosphere for the grown-ups, Shrek for the kids.
Bring the Whole Family to DOGtoberfest
And by the whole family, we mean the four-legged members, too! DOGtoberfest returns October 11–12, giving local pups a chance to get in on the Oktoberfest fun. If your dog is convinced they should be included in every family outing, this is their moment to shine. Just remember that not every Oktoberfest event is pet-friendly. For example, pets are asked to stay home during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, so check the individual event details before bringing your furry friend along.
Look for Family Days at the Festhallen
While some Oktoberfest festhallen are definitely geared toward adults, don’t write them all off when you’re planning a family weekend. Many offer special daytime or family-focused programming around Thanksgiving weekend.
- Concordia Club: October 11th and 12th.
- Alpine Club: October 12th
- Hubertushaus: October 11th
- Schwaben Club: October 4th
Schedules can vary from venue to venue, so check individual festhallen listings before heading out. A daytime family event can be a great way to experience traditional Oktoberfest music, dancing and food together.
Don’t Forget the Oktoberfest Food!
Of course, no family Oktoberfest adventure is complete without something tasty to eat. You don’t have to spend the evening in a festhallen to enjoy Bavarian-inspired food. Across Waterloo Region, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try favourites such as sausages, schnitzel, pretzels and other German-inspired dishes. Make a meal part of your Oktoberfest adventure, perhaps after the parade, before the movie at Prostgarten or while exploring Willkommen Platz.
Looking for ideas? We’ve put together a guide to where to find Oktoberfest food in Waterloo Region for some tasty inspiration.
Prost to family fun!
Oktoberfest may have started with Bavarian beer and traditional celebrations, but here in Waterloo Region the festival has grown into something much bigger.
It’s music. It’s food. It’s community. It’s traditions that have been passed down through generations. And it’s about making sure everyone, including kids and 4-legged family members, have a way to be part of the fun.
So bring the kids, put on your Oktoberfest best and raise a glass to family fun!