Things to Do During Thanksgiving Weekend in Kitchener-Waterloo Region

Thanksgiving Long Weekend Events & Activities in Kitchener-Waterloo Region and beyond: Friday, October 11- Monday, October 14, 2019

A list of What’s On in Kitchener-Waterloo region this Thanksgiving long weekend including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports and exhibitions.

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I. Family & Kids Activities

Oktoberfest

October 11 – 19, 2019

Enjoy floats, performers and bands in Canada’s largest Thanksgiving Day Parade
Monday, October 14, 2019 | 8:30 AM @ Weber & Fredrick Street, Kitchener

Various Venues

Varies

Train rides

Rail N Ale (19+): Ride the train to St. Jacobs Village. Detrain and take a short walk to Block 3 Brewery for a flight of craft beers (included in ticket price). Catch any train at the St. Jacobs Village Station to resume your ride.

Farmer’s Market Train: Bring your cameras and capture the beauty of Southern Ontario’s fall colours! Join Waterloo Central Railway and Elmira Wagon Rides for a tour through some of the most beautiful country in Woolwich Township. A packed lunch of authentic Mennonite food will be provided for you to enjoy on the tour.

Fall Train & Mennonite Wagon Tour: Join WCR for a leisurely train ride through historic Mennonite country and remember to visit ‘The Train Store’ at 25 Benjamin Rd. E. Waterloo; in the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall!

Thanksgiving Steam Train: Celebrate Thanksgiving with a historic train ride pulled by our 96-year-old #9 Steam Engine. Non-stop, round trip ride with a run past photo opportunity. Details

Rail N Ale (19+): Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Farmer’s Market Train: Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:10 AM, 12:10 PM & 2:10 PM
Fall Train & Mennonite Wagon Tour: Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:10 AM
Thanksgiving Steam Train: Monday, October 14, 2019 | 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM

Rail N Ale (19+)/Farmer’s Market Train/Fall Train & Mennonite Wagon Tour: Farmer’s Market, Waterloo
Thanksgiving Steam Train: Village Station, St. Jacobs

Rail N Ale (19+): $29.99
Thanksgiving Steam Train: All ages Pass: $24.99
Fall Train & Mennonite Wagon Tour: Child $37.99, Adult $42.99
Farmer’s Market Train: Child $14.99, Adult $19.99

Woolly Bear Weekends

They’re everywhere! Woolly bear caterpillars become more visible in late fall and this beloved creature is the focus of weekends in October. Come meet our woolly bears up close! We will reveal the truth about the woolly bear’s stripes and you’ll discover how they survive through the winter. Details

Saturday – Monday, October 12 – 14, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge

General Admission Day Pass (age 13-64) $15; Senior Day Pass (age 65+) $12.50; Child Day Pass (age 3-12) $7.50; Children (2 & under) Free

Autumn Splendour

There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the fall colours than with us. To celebrate autumn, join us in the Museum for fun activities all about pumpkins, trees, and leaves.

In combination with our Birds of Prey exhibit, The Ontario Hawking Club will be onsite to showcase their hawks and falcons and explore some interesting facts about these creatures. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener

Included with regular admission: $11 Adults, $8 Seniors/Students, $5 Children, Children four and under free, Families $25, all admissions plus HST

Korean Culture Day

Come and celebrate Korean culture through fashion, games, music, and crafts. Members of the Waterloo Wellington Korean Cultural Association will share the traditions of their country. Details

Sunday, October 13, 2019 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener

Included with regular admission: $11 Adults, $8 Seniors/Students, $5 Children, Children four and under free, Families $25, all admissions plus HST

Erntefest (Harvest Festival)

Join us in celebrating the harvest throughout Oktoberfest with a flurry of activity. We’ll be preparing and baking traditional German recipes. Details

October 11 – 14, 16 – 17, 2019

Joseph Schneider’s House, 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener

Regular admission

Harvest Celebration

Bring your family for an afternoon of fun activities and enjoy the magnificent colours of fall at one of the prettiest places in Waterloo Region. Our villagers and farmers celebrate the end of another growing season with horse-drawn wagon rides, musical entertainment, seasonal activities, and samples of delicious heritage apples. Details

Monday, October 14, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener

Included with regular admission: $11 Adults, $8 Seniors/Students, $5 Children, Children four and under free, Families $25, all admissions plus HST

Bingemans Scream Park

Gone are the days where you get to have breaks and compose yourself in between haunts…now you’ll have ONE CHANCE to gather your courage before entering one terrifying trek through NINE horrifying “testing sites”. Details

September 27 – 28 & October 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, 23-27, 2019

Bingemans 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener

Admission: $30 (online), Gate $34.95

Movies

• Family Favourites Cineplex: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. | Saturdays at 11:00 AM

Harvest Festivals, and Farm Festivals in Toronto and GTA

Details

• Harvest Festival at Springridge Farm on Every weekend (including Thanksgiving Monday) from Saturday, September 21 – Sunday, October 27, 2019
• Pumpkinfest on September 21-October 31, 2019 | 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM @ Downey’s Farm, Brampton
• October Harvest Festival – daily in October; Festival Weekends: Thanksgiving to End of October @ Forsythe Family Farms
• Pumpkinfest Toronto on October 12 to 14, 2019 @ Downsview Park
• Pumpkinfest Richmond Hill on October 12 to 14, 2019 @ Richmond Green Sports Centre
• Terracotta Fall Festival on October 6, 2019 @ 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills

Fall Fairs

Fall Fairs in and around Greater Toronto Area

This Weekend:

• Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show on October 8 – 14, 2019 @ 172 South Drive Simcoe
• Elmvale Fairon October 10 – 12, 2019@ 14 George Street, Elmvale
• Erin Fair on October 10 – 14, 2019@ 190 Main St, Erin
• Woodbridge Fair on October 12 – 14, 2019 @ Woodbridge Fairgrounds
• Norwood Fair on October 12 – 14, 2019 @ Norwood Fairgrounds
• Ball’ss Falls Thanksgiving Festival on October 11 – 14, 2019 @ Ball’s Falls Conservation area

II. Live Music

You might like:

• Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest Music on Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Kitchener Market

Old World, New World

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Friday, October 11, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 8:00 PM

Wednesday, October 9 @ First United Church, 16 William Street W, Waterloo
Friday, October 11 @ Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph
Saturday, October 12 @ Central Presbyterian Church, 7 Queen’s Square, Cambridge

Child $13, Student $16, Senior $36, Adult $38

Venuti String Quartet & Dialectica Saxophone Quartet

The Venuti String Quartet is made up of some of the most sought after freelance musicians in Toronto. They are a highly versatile group comfortable performing not only the great classical repertoire but also jazz, contemporary and many other musical genres such as K-pop, hip hop, tango and disco.

Dialectica is an all-female saxophone quartet from Toronto. With both jazz and classical saxophonists, Dialectica explores a new musical identity through the fusion of these two genres. Dialectica plays a unique repertoire of all-original, Canadian music by saxophonist/composer Shannon Graham and Mexican-Canadian composer Javier Vazquez, in a style that combines jazz, classical, and Latin music. Details

Friday, October 11, 2019
Venuti String Quartet | 8:30 PM
Dialectica Saxophone Quartet | 10:00 PM

The Jazz Room, 59 King St N, Waterloo

$20

Oktoberfest with DORFROCKER

Get ready for the biggest and most explosive Oktoberfest ever! This year, for the first time EVER in Canada, Kool Haus is bringing you Germany’s biggest oom-pah/rock band ever: DORFROCKER! Everyone’s favourite night of retro music is back for Retroberfest! 19+. Details

October 11 – 12, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener

$19

Norman Marshall Villeneuve’s Art Blakey Centennial Celebration

Félix Award winner, band leader, recording artist and jazz master, hard driving bebop drummer NORMAN MARSHALL VILLENEUVE is an iconic and much beloved figure in Canadian jazz history. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

The Jazz Room, 59 King St N, Waterloo

$25

Rocktoberfest Featuring The Trews

19+ event. Details

Sunday, October 13, 2019 | 8:00 PM

Elements Nightclub, 90 King St. West, Kitchener

$45

Portrait of a Collaboration

Alan Menken, celebrated composer of Little Shop of Horrors and such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, and company member Marion Adler talk about their long-time partnership and their musical collaboration Little Pinks, based on the Damon Runyon short story of the same name.

This intimate concert features songs from Little Pinks and a discussion with the creators on the joys and challenges of writing new musicals. Details

Sunday, October 13, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Stratford Festival Theatre, 55 Queen St, Stratford

III. Theatre/ Performing Arts

ART

A Serious Comedy About Friendship. Winner of countless awards and touted as one of the most successful plays ever on Broadway and London’s West End, this cleverly crafted dramedy asks the pivotal question – what is art? Details

October 2 – 20, 2019

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E., Waterloo

Youth $29.00, Adult $48.00

Annie

Leapin’ Lizards! It’s the world’s favourite family musical!

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young orphan Annie is forced to live in a miserable orphanage run by the wicked Miss Hannigan. Her hard knock life takes an unexpected turn when the plucky redhead is chosen to spend a fairy tale holiday with famous billionaire industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. Details

October 2 – 27, 2019

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, 46 Grand Ave. S., Cambridge

Youth $29.00, Adult $48.00

Good Ol’ Country Gospel

Let your spirit soar as some of the most memorable melodies ever written come alive on stage in this inspirational musical tribute to the best of Gospel … with a country twist. From soul-stirring ballads to high-energy songs of praise, you won’t want to miss this heartfelt tribute to the beloved canon of Gospel hits. Details

September 11 – December 22, 2019

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 11 Albert St., St. Jacobs

Youth $29.00, Adult $48.00

Problem Child and Criminal Genius

The reformed drug addict and her ex-con husband. The self-righteous social worker. The non-violent father and son crime duo. The kind-hearted ballbuster. The rebellious, spiteful daughter of a domineering father. And the drunken motel manager. What do they have in common? Are they the scum of the earth? The stupid? The unfortunate? The sad? The poor? How will you judge them? Details

September 26-28, October 3-5, & 10-12, 2019 | 8:00 PM

Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, 9 Princess Street East, Waterloo

$25 for non-members, $20 for members, groups, and youth. Door $25 – $30

IV. Sports

Kitchener Rangers

Details

vs Windsor Spitfires on Friday, October 11, 2019 | 7:30 PM
vs Sudbury Wolves on Monday, October 14, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
400 East Avenue, Kitchener

Adult $23.50; Child $19.50

K-W Oktoberfest Molson Bavarian Slo-pitch Classic

Teams from across Ontario, in all divisions (Mens, Ladies, and Co-ed) to compete in qualifying for the 2019 Provincial Championship in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Details

October 12 – 13, 2019

KingPin Bowlounge / Boston Pizza, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener

Free to spectators

Bogenschuetzenfest

Bogenscheutzenfest is a family friendly event & is the longest continuous running Family & Cultural Event with multiple generations of families taking part. Anyone with a barebow and special blunt-tipped arrows (flu flu) may participate in Bogenschuetzenfest or the Running Boar Tournament. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hubertushaus – Archery Field 1605 Bleams Road, Mannheim

Spectators – FREE

Gymtoberfest

Attendees will enjoy games, BBQ, raffles, children’s entertainment, face painting, dunk tank and gymnastics demonstrations. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

KW Gymnastics Club 805 Victoria Street S., Kitchener

$10/family – includes all games. All proceeds to KW Gymnastics

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 5K Fun Run

Monday, October 14, 2019 | 7:25 AM

Start line: Weber St. between Queen St. and Ontario St. Kitchener
Finish line: Moses Springer Avenue, 150 Lincoln Road, Waterloo

Youth (under 18) $25 – $30; Adult (19+) $40 – $50

V. Exhibitions & Other Events

Oktoberfest Family Breakfast

Enjoy FREE Aunt Jemima pancakes and Pillers sausages, Wellesley Apple Cider and Tim Hortons coffee! Pancakes ans sausages prepared by Conestoga College Culinary Arts Students. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 7:30 PM

425 Bingeman Centre Drive, Kitchener

Free – Donations for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region gratefully accepted

Waterloo Mayor’s Oktoberfest Luncheon

Join our hosts, Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky and the City of Waterloo Council as they kick-off the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest celebrations with a mouth-watering free lunch courtesy of Pillers. Onkel Hans, Miss Oktoberfest and live music will be on-hand to entertain and greet you at this annual event. Details

Thursday, October 10, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Waterloo Public Square 75 King Street South, Waterloo

Free

Communal Bake Days

Community bake ovens were the information hubs of the past. Prepare your bread at home and bring it to us to bake in our wood-fired bake oven. Meet up with other bakers, share stories, and recipes, or visit the Museum and gardens while your bread bakes. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 200 PM

Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 466 Queen St S, Kitchener

Regular admission applies for Haus visits. Call 519-742-7752 to reserve your spot as space is limited.

Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year Exhibit Opens

Join us for the opening of this exciting new exhibit. This travelling exhibition features award-winning wildlife photographs promoting the beauty, diversity, value, and vulnerability of wildlife by highlighting the most striking and unique photography depicting natural subjects.

The exhibition features beautiful photographs from the following categories: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, wildlife in the water, and young photographers. This exhibit was created by the Canadian Museum of Nature. Details

Friday, October 11, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 466 Queen St S, Kitchener

Regular admission

PRIDEtoberfest

On October 11 tri-Pride will rock the region with…Pride-toberfest! Come out and dance the night away with the LGBTQ+ Community at The Museum in Downtown Kitchener. Featuring amazing Drag Entertainers, the incredible DJ Jayson Spank, delicious food and drink, as well as access to the inspiring exhibits offered by The Museum. Details

Friday, October 11, 2019 | 8:00 PM

THEMUSEUM, 10 King Street West, Kitchener

Eary burd $20, Standard $25, Door $30
Proceeds go to support tri-Pride 2020.

Ghost Walks

Put on your comfy walking shoes and join McDougall staffer Joleen Taylor as she takes you on a spooky nighttime adventure that explores the history and hauntings of Galt. Light refreshments to follow back at the Cottage. Ages 14+. Details

Friday, October 11, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Ave S, Cambridge

$10 plus HST. Advance registration required.

The Ultimate Bavarian Feast

Enjoy the very best in traditional Oktoberfest food at Bingemans Bavarian Feast as you indulge in some of the most delicious German food from our chefs! Also, enjoy exclusive entertainment and express access to the main festivities in the Oktoberfest Kool Haus and Paulaner Haus. Details

October 11 – 12, 18 – 19, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener

$35

Exhibitions/Other Events

• Community Oktoberfest Luncheon on Wednesday October 9, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM @ Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St
• Play with Clay – Explore the world of clay in this fun and engaging beginner pottery session! October 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 26 – 27, November 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24, 30, December 1, 7 – 8, 2019 | $15/participant for one session.

VI. Thanksgiving Day Events/Dinner

Victorian Thanksgiving at Woodside

Woodside National Historic Site presents a traditional Thanksgiving in the Victorian Era. The boyhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King is decorated for the harvest season. Assorted autumn fruits, vegetables, and grains are beautifully arranged to make colourful centrepieces. What better place to prepare for your Thanksgiving meal than by stepping back into 1891.

The estate will be ablaze with fall colours, perfect for a picnic, an afternoon stroll, or picture taking. Explore the site at your leisure and enjoy crafts and special activities. Details

October 11 – 13, 17 – 19, 2019 | Noon – 4:00 PM

Woodside National HIstoric Site, 528 Wellington Street N.
(off Spring Valley Road), Kitchener

Adults: $3.90; Senior: $3.40; Youth 16 and under are free

Thanksgiving PhotoBooth

Have some Turkey Day fun with the family, our green screen, and Thanksgiving Day-themed props. Details

Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Old Post Office, 12 Water Street South, Cambridge

Free

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade

Decorated for the harvest season, assorted autumn fruits, berries, and grains are tastefully arranged to make colourful centrepieces! What better place to prepare you and your family for your Thanksgiving meal than stepping back into 1891. Explore the site at your leisure, enjoy crafts and special activities. Details

Monday, October 14, 2019 | 8:30 AM

Starting at Weber Street & Fredrick Streets in Kitchener to Weber Street & Bridgeport Road in Waterloo

Thanksgiving Weekend Dinner

• Cambridge Hotel – The Bruce Craft House Thanksgiving Brunch on October 13, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Adult $36.95, Seniors $26.95, Children $18.95
• Thanksgiving Turkey to go on October 12 – 14, 2019 @ Cambridge Hotel – The Bruce Craft House
• Pre-Order your Thanksgiving Meal. Pick-up on October 13, 2019 @ Binegmans
• OpenTable Listings

We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there might be oversight errors /Events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials.

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