Toronto’s Oktoberfest has been cancelled for the second consecutive year, as has the original Oktoberfest that happens in Munich, Germany every year. But that doesn’t mean there’s nowhere to go if you want to take part in the boozy festivities in Ontario. Whether you know why you’re celebrating or not (we believe the origins of the festival have something to do with crown prince of Bavaria’s marriage back in the 1800s, but who’s keeping track anyway), you can plan a beer-filled daytripper through these five Oktoberfest events in Ontario.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
This is the big one! Kitchener-Waterloo has been home to the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world for over 40 years. The festivities this year, held from Sept. 24 to Oct. 11, have been altered slightly to adhere to COVID safety requirements, but there’s still so much fun to be had! Visit the region for a look at the 14-foot ‘Wunderwagon’ mobile stage that will be cruising around Waterloo featuring local performers. Plus, a whole host of local restaurants will be offering Oktoberfest features throughout the weeks along with special weekend activities as part of the organization’s Micro-Festhallen celebrations. You’ll find plenty of outdoor Biergartens and traditional food to partake in the celebrations in a pandemic-safe setting!
Blue Mountain’s Oktoberfest
For those 21 and over, Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood is hosting a one-day Oktoberfest event on Sunday, Sept. 26. The event is free and will feature live music from Polkadelphia, traditional Bavarian-style food, keg tapping and even a Biergarten. Make a full Oktoberfest roadtrip of it and detour to Waterloo on your way back from this lively event – just make sure you have a designated driver!
1000 Islands Oktoberfest
Brockville is also joining in on the fun with the 1,000 Islands Oktoberfest at BUSL Cider this Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eco-conscious craft brewer Arbru will be launching their new Oktoberfest beer at the weekend-long event. You’ll also find German pretzels, wood-fired pizzas, BUSL ciders, seltzers and $50 helicopter tours for a bit of extra fun.
OG-toberfest
This event marks Cambridge’s first ever Oktoberfest on Friday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 8! Hosted at the Old Galt Bottle Shop in the evening, the organizers promise an “authentic festhallen atmosphere,” complete with German-inspired beer, traditional food and the promise of a stein full of beer that you’ll be able to take home with you. This ticketed event comes in at $25 a person and groups are encouraged, so grab your beer-loving friends and book your tickets now!
Club Loreley’s Oktoberfest
Club Loreley is Durham Region’s German-Canadian club, so it’s no surprise they host an Oktoberfest every year! The club’s outdoor Biergarten will be open from 12:30 p.m. until close this Saturday, Sept. 25 with a $7 admission price for non-members. There will be food and bar service and live music from Bier Fest Musik, so though regular patrons of this event will be missing out on the usual indoor dinner and dance, it’s still going to be as lively as ever!
