Kitchener 
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on October 13th, adding a festive highlight to Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations and inviting the community to share in the joy and tradition.
Credit: KW Oktoberfest/Jann Van Photography
Rooted in the 1810 royal wedding celebration in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has evolved into a global tradition, spreading Bavarian culture and camaraderie across cities worldwide for more than two centuries.
First held in 1969, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest was established to celebrate the region’s German heritage and strengthen community bonds through music, food, and festivity. Today, it is recognized as one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside Germany, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to local Festhallen, restaurants, and cultural events.
The highlight of the festivities—the Thanksgiving Day Parade—will be bigger than ever in 2025, featuring new floats, inflatables, and marching bands. Spectators can expect local musicians, cultural groups, and creative community entries, continuing the parade’s focus on local talent and holiday spirit.
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The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street, proceeding along Weber Street and concluding at the Bridgeport Road around noon.
Reserved bleacher tickets are available for $10 per person at the intersection of Queen Street and Weber Street, with limited seating. Those unable to attend in person can watch the livestream and broadcast on CTV Kitchener, presented in partnership with Piller’s Fine Foods and Sherwood Systems.
To accommodate parade activities, Frederick Street will be closed from Duke to Edna between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and Weber Street will be closed between Scott and Noecker starting at 9:20 a.m., reopening as the parade passes.
Spectators are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the parade runs rain or shine. The Onkel Hans Food Drive will take place ahead of the parade, collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Donations can be made digitally by texting “PARADE” to 30333 or online.
Beyond entertainment, the festival emphasizes giving back through initiatives such as Oktoberfest Cares and the Onkel Hans Food Drive, which support local charities and provide meals to those in need. The event also generates millions in economic benefits for the Waterloo Region each year.
Trip Planning: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade
Credit: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
When:
Monday, October 13, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where:
The parade route will start at the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street. The parade travels up Weber Street and finishes at the Bridgeport Road at the corner of Weber and Bridgeport around noon.
How Much: Free; Bleacher seats: $10
Parking lots near Kitchener City Hall offer parking near the start of the parade route.
City of Kitchener
