From Oktoberfest to the Christkindl Market, discover the best events and festivals happening in Waterloo Region throughout the year.
Written by
Famelee Waterloo
Published: Monday, December 22, 2025
Updated: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Waterloo Region knows how to celebrate. With its German heritage and diverse community, the region hosts festivals year-round. Here's your complete guide.
Signature Events
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (October)
North America's largest Bavarian festival! Nine days of festhallen, live music, food, and of course, beer. The Thanksgiving Day parade is legendary.
When: Second week of October
Don't miss: The Miss Oktoberfest Pageant, Onkel Hans Festhalle, the parade
Christkindl Market (December)
Authentic German Christmas market in downtown Kitchener. Handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and holiday atmosphere.
When: December weekends leading to Christmas
Location: Kitchener City Hall
Spring Events
K-W Multicultural Festival (June)
Celebrating the region's diversity with food, performances, and cultural displays in Victoria Park.
Doors Open Waterloo Region (April)
Free access to architecturally and historically significant buildings.
TD Kitchener Blues Festival (April)
Blues performances across downtown venues.
Summer Events
Open Streets Waterloo (Multiple dates)
King Street closes to cars and opens for bikes, pedestrians, and community activities.
Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival (July)
Free outdoor jazz performances in Waterloo Public Square.
Kitchener-Waterloo Pride (June)
Week-long celebration culminating in the Pride parade and festival.
Busker Carnival (August)
Street performers take over downtown Kitchener.
Cambridge Scottish Festival (July)
Highland games, Celtic music, and Scottish culture.
Elora Festival (July)
World-class choral and classical music in the beautiful setting of Elora.
Fall Events
Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival (September)
Traditional Mennonite crafts, apple butter making, and quilt auction.
St. Jacobs Quilt & Fibre Art Festival (May)
Celebration of textile arts in a charming village setting.
New Hamburg Fall Fair (September)
Traditional country fair with 4H competitions, midway, and demolition derby.
Kitchener Craft Beer Festival (September)
Local and regional craft breweries showcase their best.
Winter Events
Symphony in the Barn (Various)
Classical music performances in a historic barn setting.
First Night KW (New Year's Eve)
Family-friendly New Year's celebration across downtown venues.
Winterloo Festival (February)
Ice skating, snow activities, and winter fun.
Recurring Events
St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
Thursdays (7am-3pm) and Saturdays (7am-3:30pm) year-round.
Kitchener Market
Saturdays (7am-2pm) year-round.
Friday Night Live (Summer)
Free outdoor concerts at Waterloo Public Square.
Arts & Culture
Centre In The Square
Year-round performances including Broadway touring shows, symphony, and comedy.
THEMUSEUM
Rotating exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
Drayton Entertainment
Professional theatre productions across multiple venues.
Tips for Festival-Goers
Waterloo Region's event calendar proves there's always something worth celebrating here.
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