What to do.

Tuesday, October 8

Bird Daniels presents Sorry Snowman, Book Buddies, Animal Boy, Avro Arrows at the Yeti Cafe at 8 pm. $15 or PWYC.

The Apollo has a screening of The Substance at 9:30 pm.

Wednesday, October 9

It’s Rusty Nail Comedy’s Pro Am Night at TWH Social. Check out a roster of amateur, semi-pro, and professional comedians in the heart of DTK. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

SHORE Centre is hosting its first ever Cinema for Choice Film Fest. They’ll be screening three incredible films at Apollo Cinema in Downtown Kitchener, and first up is Juno on October 9 at 6 pm. All proceeds from this event will benefit SHORE Centre, allowing us to continue providing exceptional and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services in our community that uphold the dignity of everyone.

Waterloo Public Library has a Star Watching Porch Party with the KW Royal Astronomical Society at 6:30 pm.

Dark energy makes up 70% of our Universe, and causes the Universe to expand at an ever-increasing rate, accelerating galaxies away from one another. However, there's a problem: we still have no idea what this "dark energy" is. How can we hope to understand something that dominates our Universe, and yet is still a complete mystery? Find out at Astronomy on Tap: Kitchener-Waterloo at The Crazy Canuck DTK at 8 pm.

Thursday, October 10

It’s Indie Music Night at Maxwell’s Concerts and Events starting at 7 pm.

KW Creators is hosting an Anime Market at the Apollo Cinema with a special screening of Weathering With You. Doors open at 6 PM with a Fandom Art Market, animation activities, and a Cosplay Red Carpet. At 8 PM, enjoy a highlight reel of local animators followed by the screening of Weathering With You.

TWB Brewing is hosting Lavender Fizz, a 2SLGBTQIA+, Women and Non-binary Comedy Open Mic hosted by local stand-up comic Sarah Thompson! 7-9 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. No tickets, pay what you can.

Friday, October 11

Start off your Thanksgiving weekend with the official Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Keg Tapping starting at 11:30. Get there early to grab a spot as Onkle Hans, Tante Frieda, and their guests “spank that spigot.” The Circle K Stage at Carl Zehr Square features three days of awesome live music and entertainment.

Bring the whole family to Kidtoberfest from October 11 to 13, a fun-filled weekend of activities and entertainment for little ones! Enjoy crafts, games, and interactive performances designed just for kids, all while celebrating the spirit of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. It’s the perfect chance to introduce the next generation to this festive tradition in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Rusty Nail Comedy has headliner Jeff Paul at TWH Social at 7:30 pm and Mortys on Saturday night.

Block Three Brewing has the Jim Young Experience from 6 to 9 pm.

Saturday, October 12

Grab your furry friend and head to Dogtoberfest, the paw-fect Oktoberfest celebration for dog lovers! This fun-filled event features dog-friendly activities, costume contests, and treats that’ll have tails wagging. It’s a great opportunity to socialize with other pet owners and enjoy the festive spirit with your canine companion.

The Ultimate Pokemon & TCG Show Waterloo is happening at the Waterloo Memorial Rec Centre from 10 to 3 pm. This show will feature some of your favourite TCG games Such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Lorcana and Specializing in Pokemon.

Some of our region's best murals can be found in Historic Galt, Downtown Cambridge. Murals add vibrancy and personality to any city. Go explore with Stroll Walking Tours to learn what this mural collection has to say in Downtown Cambridge!

Head to St. Jacobs Market for its first annual Polka and Play. The Oktoberfest WunderWagen, Hans, and Frieda will all be here to celebrate! 8 to 3:30 pm.

My Son The Hurricane play the KW Oktoberfest Circle K Stage in Carl Zehr Square at 8:30 p.m.

Get ready to laugh your socks off at the TriCity Improv Comedy night at the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre starting at 8 pm. Whether you're a seasoned improv fan or a first-timer, this event is sure to leave you wanting more.

The Princess Cinema has Carrie at 9:15 pm.

The Rabbid Fox has Anat Taylor live at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, October 13

The Mayor’s Oktoberfest Market is coming to Uptown Waterloo from 12 to 4 pm. It’s a fun-filled day of local shopping and live entertainment. Explore over 50 local vendors, enjoy performances, and dance to the tunes of the K-W Oktoberfest WunderWagen!

The 50th Anniversary 4K Restoration of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre slices its way into the Apollo Cinema at 9:30 pm.

Monday, October 14

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the annual KW Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year’s Grand Marshall is the voice for the Toronto Raptors himself, Jack Armstrong. The Onkel Hans Food Drive will collect monetary donations and non-perishable food items to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The parade starts at 9:30 am at the corner of Weber Street East and Frederick Street and ends at the corner of Weber and Bridgeport around noon. 

The Apollo has a screening of The Curse of the Were-Rabbit at 1 pm.

Ways to get involved.

Voices Empower: Walk to Break the Silence is happening on Saturday, November 30 at 1:00 pm. This 6 km walk is a time to reflect on and bring awareness to the increase of femicide while raising funds for Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

Community members are encouraged to get a team together, wear their best purple outfit, and join WCSWR in Waterloo Town Square to show your support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Proceeds from the event will help provide safe shelter, prevention, education and outreach services to women and children moving beyond violence in Waterloo Region.

What to read.

Chef’s Blog: A Smash Burger takeover! (Nick “Smash Burger” Benninger, Explore Waterloo)

Schmeckt Gut! Where to find a taste of Oktoberfest in Waterloo Region (Andrew Coppolino, Explore Waterloo)

Waterloo’s New Bright Side: Skateboard Supply Store Opens in Uptown (me, Community Edition)

Kitchener Cats Put on the Ritz (Safina Jennah, Community Edition)

Canadians grew up with his artwork and read his books. At 82, Michael Martchenko keeps on illustrating (Robert Williams, The Record)

KW’s Elvis lived his life in full colour (Valerie Hill, The Record)