Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival was founded in 1969 after observing the successes of the Bavarian tradition previously celebrated at the Concordia Club. Identifying the opportunity to share and celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo’s unique German-Canadian heritage, a handful of dedicated volunteers launched the first official Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest on October 14, 1969. With $200, and a vote of confidence from the Chamber of Commerce, the small group of volunteers attracted just under 75,000 visitors, brewed 57,000 gallons of beer, and consumed 50,000 pounds of sausages, pigtails, and sauerkraut. Since then, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has evolved into a much larger festival. In fact, it is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich, Germany. The community-owned festival takes pride in maintaining its traditions, while welcoming and representing the interests of the newest generations of “festers”. Celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and take in the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit! Between events at the various German clubs and Festhallen partners, the Willkommen Platz and KIDtoberfest in Downtown Kitchener, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade – there is truly something for everyone at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest!