Oktoberfest near Toronto: Where, When and How to Celebrate
Published: October 8, 2025
Nothing says welcome to Fall like Oktoberfest in Southern Ontario! As autumn arrives, it’s time to dive into this festive celebration that originated in Munich in 1810. Kitchener/Waterloo proudly hosts the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travellers alike.
In this blog, we’ll explore the festival’s history, local traditions, and the exciting events that make this celebration unforgettable, whether you are celebrating here in Ontario or hopping on the UP Express and jetting off to Munich for the real thing. Join us for a taste of Germany filled with delicious food, lively music, and, of course, fantastic beer. Prost!
Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest
Not to brag or anything, but the Kitchener/Waterloo region boasts the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich, and it’s no wonder why!
With a rich German heritage and a substantial population of German descent, this vibrant community knows how to throw an unforgettable festival. The Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest has been a beloved tradition since 1969, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to revel in a spirited atmosphere filled with authentic food, music, and, of course, an impressive selection of beer.
In 2025, the festival is set to take place from October 6 to October 14, promising a week-long extravaganza filled with events that showcase the unique German culture that has strongly influenced this region. Expect lively parades, traditional dance performances, and, for beer enthusiasts, the opportunity to sample a wide array of local and international brews.The Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest is a must-visit event that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Oktoberfest in a way that can only be experienced in Ontario. And the timing is perfect for those who want to celebrate after the Toronto festival
Get there with GO Transit and UP Express
Getting to the festival has never been easier! GO Transit is excited to announce special additional services during the Oktoberfest period, offering convenient connections to and from the festival. With UP Express connections at Union, Bloor, and Weston, you can hop on GO Transit to reach Kitchener/Waterloo easily! It’s a great way to start your celebration without the hassle of driving, allowing you to focus on what matters most: enjoying the festivities!
On Saturday, October 11, GO Transit added special train service on the Kitchener line from Toronto to Kitchener, to take you and your freundinnen to the Willkommen Platz event, providing convenient and safe transportation right to the heart of the celebration. Buy your LederGOsen Line ticket for round-trip service to Kitchener GO station and access to the K-W Oktoberfest’s Wilkommen Platz event VIP experience, all for $13.99.
Oktoberfest in Munich
Munich is the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and where the magic of this grand celebration truly comes alive. Originally established in 1810 to celebrate the royal marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, this festival has grown into one of the world’s largest and most recognized events, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year.
In 2025, prepare to enjoy this iconic festival from September 20 to October 5. The atmosphere is electric as the beer tents fill with laughter, cheers, and the lively melodies of traditional Bavarian music. Each tent offers a unique experience, with a selection of local brews, authentic German dishes like pretzels and schnitzel, and spirited entertainment that lasts well into the evening.
While finding a seat at the beer hall might be tricky, getting to Munich doesn’t have to be a hassle! UP Express is the perfect connection for your journey from Toronto to Munich. After taking the train from Downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport, you can board your flight knowing that you're just a few hours away from joining in the exuberance of this world-famous festival.
Prost!
As we celebrate Oktoberfest, it's clear that this vibrant festival is more than just a celebration of beer; it's a gathering of culture, community, and camaraderie. From the lively music and traditional dances to the tantalizing aromas of German cuisine, the spirit of Oktoberfest brings people together in a joyful atmosphere.
As you sip on a stein of beer or savour the delectable flavours of bratwurst and pretzels, UP Express proudly captures the spirit of this festival through shared experiences and connections formed over laughter and good cheer, both in Ontario and Munich.
So, let’s raise our glasses to this cherished tradition - prost to another fantastic Oktoberfest!