Each year, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (K-W Oktoberfest), Canada’s largest Bavarian festival, attracts upwards of 700,000 visitors annually to their family and cultural events. The festival is vital to the region, helping to boost the local economy and support local businesses, while highlighting the area’s German heritage.

“With its exciting events and world-renowned reputation, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest plays a vital role in boosting the local economy by attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Government of Canada understands the value of supporting unique tourism experiences that showcase all that southern Ontario has to offer.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Tourism helps Canada showcase its beauty and diverse cultural heritage on the world stage. By supporting festivals like Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, we fuel local economies, help create jobs and empower communities. I’m proud to champion local tourism, as it also fosters a sense of belonging in communities all across our nation.”
- The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism 

“For Kitchener-Waterloo, Oktoberfest is a chance to celebrate our region’s history and cultural diversity. With support from our government’s Tourism Growth Program, the festival is expanding and offering new events that will appeal to all backgrounds and ages, giving a boost to our local economies and small businesses.”
- Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Cambridge

“KW Oktoberfest is a pillar in the Waterloo Region which celebrates German heritage and culture. It continues to be a major attraction for supporters, both domestically and internationally, supporting small businesses for over 50 years. This investment, by the Government of Canada, will support and applaud the efforts of pioneers by making this festival more accessible while developing additional events that appeal to and promote the diversity of people who live, work, and enjoy our community.”
- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo 

“Today’s announcement is a testament to our federal government’s dedication to bolstering tourism attractions here in Waterloo Region and across Canada. The introduction of the LederGOsen Line and next year’s road hockey tournament are exciting new initiatives that will attract even more visitors to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, strengthening our community’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy.” 
- Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga 

“Oktoberfest is a great time of year to come together and give thanks for all the wonderful things we have to celebrate in our community including our German heritage. It’s fantastic to see the federal Tourism Growth Program continue to recognize Oktoberfest as an organization that continues to grow, innovate, and strive to increase its reach.”  
- Valerie Bradford, MP Kitchener South – Hespeler

“We are grateful for support from the Tourism Growth Program and its commitment to supporting Canadian tourism attractions, like our Festival, that drive economic development in their communities. Because of this funding, we are able to revitalize our tourism strategies and programming, helping our Festival grow and thrive for the future.”
- Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

• Since 1969, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has welcomed visitors to the Waterloo Region to celebrate Bavarian culture. This year’s events, taking place from September 27 to October 19, 2024, include the Willkommen Platz in downtown Kitchener from October 11-13, the annual Thanksgiving Parade on October 14, Festhallen experiences across the region celebrating Bavarian food and entertainment, and community, family and charitable events. 

• The festival has become internationally recognized as the second largest Oktoberfest festival in the world next to the annual festival held in Munich, Germany.     

• Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
• Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Inc.

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

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