Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and if you’re in town for the weekend, you may be left wondering what events are going on if you aren’t originally from the area. Some students have mixed feelings on whether or not Thanksgiving should be celebrated, which is certainly fair, given the history of how the holiday came to be. Regardless of whether or not you acknowledge this holiday, you could certainly still incorporate some of the following events into your weekend fun. In the spirit of giving, I’ve compiled a list of my five favourite local events to enjoy this upcoming weekend:
Grillefest
On Friday, October 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kitchener City Hall indulge in a sausage fest for the cost of a five dollar donation. Traditional Oktoberfest sausages will be grilled to perfection and served alongside a cookie and refreshing drink. You certainly won’t want to miss out on these tasty eats!
The 36th Annual Free Oktoberfest Family Breakfast
Calling all foodies! Bingemans is set to host their 36th annual Oktoberfest Family breakfast this Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast featuring Aunt Jemima pancakes, with your choice of fresh Wellesley apple cider, Piller’s sausage or Tim Hortons coffee. All donations from this event go towards the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
Photo: thefoodbank.ca
Oktoberfest around the Region:
Photo: KWOktoberfest.ca
If you grew up as a local in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you’ll be no stranger to the phrase “Oktoberfest is WUNDERBAR”. If you translate from German, this expression means, Oktoberfest is WONDERFUL — and that it is!
Did you know Kitchener-Waterloo is home to the second biggest Bavarian festival next to the country of Germany? That’s right! In fact, Kitchener was known as Berlin, but when World War I started, tension quickly rose in the community. A name change was eventually deemed the appropriate choice, and that is how Waterloo’s twin city came to be known as Kitchener. Luckily, despite the name change, the tradition of Canada’s largest Bavarian festival still remains.
Photo: Maydwell Mascots Inc.
The festival begins with the annual keg tapping. This took place on Thursday, but fear not Warriors, the fun is just beginning! Being a Waterloo student, you are in the perfect location to toss on a pair of lederhosen, shine up your polka shoes, and grab a alpine hat. Reading week is on the horizon, and what better time to take a study break and indulge in the many festivities. There will be “Festhallen” or festival halls open across the region until the 14th for all Collegiettes who are of legal age.
Don’t miss your chance for some cute Insta pics with Ziggy unt Zaggy Steiner, the long lost nephews of Onkel Hans himself, and self-proclaimed “Masters of the Chicken Dance”.
Photo: KWOktoberfest.ca
Oktoberfest Rocks – Love live music? Enjoy two days of non-stop music at the Oktoberfest Rocks! For a full line-up of artists, and additional information, click here.
The Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade – Growing up in Kitchener, it’s been a family tradition of mine to wake up super early on Monday morning, and watch the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade together. Why not grab a cozy sweater, your favourite hot bevvy and a group of friends and feast your eyes on some funky floats. This is an especially fun event if you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving. Additionally, the Onkel Hans Food Drive collects donations every year during the parade, so if you have extra non-perishable food please feel free to give back.
Photo: thefoodbank.ca
The Kitchener Rangers Food Bank Game Day
If the good ‘ol hockey game is the best game you can name, then why not come out and support your local Kitchener Rangers as they take on the Owen Sound Attack! Grab a few classmates and head to the Kitchener Auditorium Complex. Not only is it a fun way to show your thanks for the sport Canada takes a great deal of pride in, but this game provides another opportunity to give back to your local Food Bank (you never know when you might need them). Puck drops at 2:00 p.m. For further ticket information please click here.
Photo: kitchenerrangers.com
Experience a Victorian Thanksgiving at Woodside National Historic Site
Photo: pc.gc.ca
Experience a tradition Victorian Thanksgiving at Woodside National Historic Site. Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo, Woodside is the childhood home of Canada’s 10th prime minister – William Lyon Mackenzie King. Beginning October and running until Christmas, Woodside is open from Wednesday to Friday, throughout every week. There are several engaging activities to enjoy, perhaps on a date or with your girlfriends, during both holiday seasons. You won’t want to miss this!
Whether you will be celebrating Thanksgiving or not, have an exciting and safe long weekend, Collegiettes!