Willkommen Platz
Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Downtown Kitchener
Willkommen Platz – “Welcome Place”
Join us Friday, October 9th, Saturday, October 10th & Sunday, October 11th as Downtown Kitchener transforms into a bustling Bavarian village outdoors along King Street from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall!
Raise your stein in the Biergarten, savour authentic German cuisine from one of our food vendors, shop our local vendor market or sing along in front of the Circle K Main Stage at one of our live performances! K-W Oktoberfest is bringing the spirit of Gemütlichkeit to DTK!
Dates: Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location: Carl Zehr Square (200 King Street West, Kitchener) & along King Street from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall
All events in the Willkommen Platz have FREE entry! Event is outdoors. Please dress accordingly.
Biergarten & Main Stage Stage Hours:
Friday, October 9 – 11am – 10pm (Official Keg Tapping Ceremony 12pm to 1pm, pre-show ceremony at 11:30am!)
Saturday, October 10 – 11am – 10pm
Sunday, October 11 – 11am – 10pm
*entry into the Willkommen Platz Biergarten is FREE Friday, Saturday & Sunday for ALL ages! Biergarten is Family & Dog Friendly!
King Street Outdoor Vendor Market Hours:
Friday, October 9 – 11am – 7pm
Saturday, October 10 – 11am – 7pm
Sunday, October 11 – 11am – 7pm
Kitchener City Hall Indoor Vendor Market Hours:
Friday, October 9 – 11am – 5pm
Saturday, October 10 – 11am – 5pm
Sunday, October 11 – 11am – 5pm
Explore more events at the Willkommen Platz!
Willkommen Platz Brochure & Map
COMING SOON! Pick up a copy of at the Information Booth, October 9 to 11 from 11am to 7pm!
Getting Around & Parking
Parking: Downtown Kitchener has free parking on weekdays after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday in municipal surface parking lots. Visit City of Kitchener parking for a full list of locations.
Public Transit: Take the Grand River Transit Bus or ION to Downtown Kitchener!
Vendor applications open February 2026
Artists and Entertainers
We’re searching for dynamic artists and entertainers to bring their energy and talent to our multiple stages throughout the Festival! Whether you’re a musician or performance artist or group, we’d love to hear from you.
And if you happen to have a polka tune in your back pocket… even better! 🎶😉
Mark your calendars and meet us at the Willkommen Platz where you can discover your inner Bavarian with amazing artists such as The Golden Keys, Weiss Blau, Rick Guzik and the one and only Polka King himself, Walter Ostanek. Stay tuned for more exciting details by following K-W Oktoberfest social channels and check back here regularly.
Circle K Main Stage (Carl Zehr Square)
*Please note: entertainment schedules are subject to change.
*FREE access to the Biergarten & Entertainment!
Food Basics Busker Stage (Carl Zehr Square)
DTK Wunderbar Stage (King Street at Ontario Street)
Presented by:
Sponsored by:
