Things to Do in Kitchener-Waterloo (Oct 9 – Oct 16, 2025)

Weekly Events
Written By Stephanie Catcher

Looking for weekend plans (or mid‑week fun) around KW? Here’s your local event map for October 9–16. From festival vibes to artsy afternoons—you won’t be bored.

Featured Event: K-W Oktoberfest (Runs through Oct 18)

  • The legendary Bavarian festival is still in full swing. 🥨🎶

  • One highlight this week: Oktoberfest at Wilkommen Platz in downtown Kitchener on Oct 10–12, featuring food vendors, live music, a German vendor market, and family-friendly fun.

Arts & Culture Picks

  • Artist Talk with Yan Wen Chang
    Oct 9, 7:00 pm – Join a talk at KWAG on Chang’s work and influences.

  • Family Sunday: Spooky Silly Art – Exquisite Corpse
    Oct 12, 1:00 pm – A fun, creative art event for families at KWAG.

  • Exhibits & Galleries
    Even when there’s no headline event, galleries like KWAG will have rotating exhibits. Check their calendar.

Outdoor & Nature

  • Iron Horse Trail
    The iconic trail between Waterloo and Kitchener is great for crisp autumn walks or bike rides. Expect stunning fall colours.

  • Victoria Park, Kitchener
    Always a classic — wander paths, enjoy the lake views, and soak up that golden-hour light.

  • Woodside National Historic Site grounds
    While the house is open only on select dates, the grounds remain accessible. It’s a good spot for a quiet walk or history-inspired photo session.

Museums & Historic Sites

  • Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum / Doon Heritage Village
    The museum remains open year-round; while the heritage village may have limited weekend activity this time of year, it still offers a historical escape.

Local Vibe & Nightlife

  • Oktoberfest festhalls and partner venues will have nightly events tied to the festival’s schedule.

  • Downtown Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square and King Street area will be lively with street performances, markets, and beer gardens as part of Wilkommen Platz.

Tips for the Week

  • Plan ahead for Oktoberfest events — tickets and seating can sell out, especially for headline concerts or biergarten evenings.

  • Dress in layers — October weather in KW can shift fast.

  • Check event pages the day-of for last-minute changes (weather, scheduling, etc.)

  • Use public transit or plan parking early for downtown events.

Stephanie Catcher
Next

What’s Happening in KW | October 3–10, 2025