Did you know that our province hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the world?! Because of the large population of residents with German heritage, our festivities have grown in scope and popularity since its inception in 1969 into one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside of Germany. Feel the gemütlichkeit (warm feelings) with our Guide to the Best Oktoberfest Family Events in Southern Ontario… dance to the polka, eat a huge pretzel and raise your glass. Prost!
Toronto Oktoberfest
When: October 6-7, 2023
Toronto’s largest and most authentic Oktoberfest celebration takes place at a new venue at Garrison Common at Fort York. Both evening sessions (Friday Tapping of the Keg and Saturday Ein Prosit Closing Party) are 19+ but the Saturday afternoon Wiesen Bash session is all ages.
Canada’s Wonderland: Oktoberfest
When: September 8-10 & 15-17, 2023
Get the party started at Canada’s Wonderland in September with authentic German-themed food and beverage specials, plus traditional festival bands.
Friday Harbour: Harbourfest
When: September 29-October 1, 2023
Celebrate Harbourfest at Friday Harbour on the shores of Lake Simcoe, surrounded by the beautiful colours of Fall with the tastes and sounds of Germany.
Oktoberfest Muskoka
When: October 20-22, 2023
Immerse yourself in the tastes and sounds of the Oktoberfest Muskoka festival with music, food and beer at local breweries and restaurants.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
When: September 22-October 14, 2023
K.W. is the grand poobah of Oktoberfest parties, second only to Munich! Their website has an event calendar chock-full of family events sure to bring the merriment, including such family-friendly options as:
- Willkommen Platz – October 5-8
- DOGtoberfest – October 7-8
- Thanksgiving Parade – October 9
Bingeman’s Kinderfest
When: September 30-October 1, 2023
The outdoor Bavarian-themed Fall festival Kinderfest is back for its second year with inflatables, games, children’s entertainment, and some oom-pah-pa surprises! Bingeman’s also hosts a Bavarian feast on Saturday evenings during the Oktoberfest season.
Schwaben Club Family Day Sundays
When: October 1 & 8, 2023
Children 10 and under are free at this daytime family party, with kids crafts, special guests and plenty of Chicken Dances!
KIDtoberfest at THEMUSEUM
When: October 6-8, 2023
KIDtoberfest combines traditional music and dancing with curriculum-based learning stations and activities, created by local arts organizations.
Oktoberfest Family Days at Concordia Club
When: October 8-9, 2023
Party in your lederhosen at this classic beer hall, where minors 16 years of age or younger are admitted free of charge when occupied by parents/guardians with tickets.
Family Day at Hubertushaus
When: October 8, 2023
Kids can get involved in the spirit by tapping a root beer keg! There’s also great food, games and polka music for the whole family.
Family Day at Habsburg Haus
When: October 9, 2023
Spend Thanksgiving Monday enjoying some fun and food, and treating the kids to balloon animals and face-painting.
Oktoberfest with the Kings
When: October 14, 2023
Located at the Woodside National Historic Site, this is an Oktoberfest celebration for the history books! Travel back in time to when Kitchener was known as Berlin, with Victorian-era games, drinks from Block 3 Brewing and delicious German fare from the Berlin 95 food truck.
Looking for more ideas for Thanksgiving Weekend in the GTA? Find them here!
