Giving thanks for these events.
Giving thanks for these events.
TL;WR for October 3 through October 9 2023
What to do.
Tuesday, October 3
Have a two to five year-old at home and looking for something to do? Check out bilingual story time at Kitchener Public Library’s central branch from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
The Duke of Wellington has BeccaHost and Taylor Swift trivia at 7 p.m.
The Hub has Agent Orange with Spice Pistols, Bad Egg & Cerebral Scrub at 8 p.m.
AOK Craft Beer + Arcade has Drag Bingo with the always amazing Sasha Tease from 8 to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, October 4
The Latin American Film Festival presents Tremors at 6:30 p.m. In this deeply personal follow-up to his landmark debut Ixcanul, Jayro Bustamante shifts his focus from rural Guatemala to the denizens of Guatemala City, but once again sets his sights on an individual caught between two seemingly irreconcilable worlds.
EVO Kitchen and Bar has trivia starting at 7 p.m.
Check out the cinematic premiere of “Operation Lights Out: The Story of CANAIRELIEF” at the Princess Twin Cinema at 7 p.m.
· Wednesday Oct 4th - 7:00pm
Get ready to test your knowledge on all things related to drinking movies, party anthems, famous drinks, and a few surprises along the way at TWB Brewing’s Trivia Night: BEERFEST starting at 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 5
Kitchener Public Library’s 85 Queen presents An Evening with David McPherson at 6:30 p.m. McPherson will discus his new book, 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts, and there’s a special surprise musical guest too! Music lovers and trivia buffs alike will love this collection of stories, discovering fun facts and hilarious tale's from Canada's music industry.
Wave Maker Brewing has a trivia night starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Rabbid Fox has drinking songs music bingo with BeccaHosts starting at 8 p.m.
Feral Minks are playing Farm League Brewing starting at 8 p.m.
Death Party Playground plays Emmanuel United Church at 7 p.m.
The Willkommen Platz has a new location this year at 44 Gaukel St.—but that’s not all that’s new. Kick off your KW Oktoberfest with a rockin’ Block Party from 4 to 11 p.m. Rockers the Road Hammers will be on stage along with Dorfrocker, authentic Bavarian entertainment straight from Germany! Local favourites The Golden Keys and The Western Swing Authority will also be on stage, bringing their high-energy shows to make this a party you don’t want to miss!
Friday, October 6
It’s a PD day, so Kitchener Public Library has you covered with events throughout the day, including a free screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru at 2 p.m.
Eins, zwei, drei—tap that keg! Join hundreds of festival goers at the official keg tapping for KW Oktoberfest 2023. The festivities start at noon at the new Willkommen Platz at 44 Gaukel St. The new Platz features a Craft Biergarten with selections from Farm League Brewing, Stock Yards Brewing, Wellington Brewery, and more. It’s open from noon til 10 p.m. on Friday and then daily through Sunday, October 8.
Criminal Inhibitions, Constrain, and Aftershock are playing The Yeti starting late.
Midtown Radio presents the book launch for This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better in Kitchener by Shain Shapiro. Join Shain as he launches his book to discuss how music can improve the city's economic and social development.
Rusty Nail Comedy Fridays Nights has headliner Moe Ismail at the Crazy Canuck DTK at 7:30 p.m.
TWB Brewing is launching Hops & Highs Notes: Opera at the Brewery, in collaborations with Grand River Opera, a new arts organization based right here in Waterloo Region. Come out and support local talent while enjoying a pint!
Bingemans Scream Park is ready to terrorize you with six horrifying attractions. It’s open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 to 10 p.m. through to Halloween.
Saturday, October 7
You don’t have to have a German shepherd to celebrate Oktoberfest! Bring your furry friends to Dogtobefest at Kitchener City Hall from 10 to 7 p.m. Brought to you in partnership with Dog Friendly K-W, Dogtoberfest features pack walks, Sniffscape courses, contests, and more.
Explore the history of local faith communities and their leaders, congregations, building architecture, conflicts and accomplishments with Stroll Walking Tours’ Beyond the Pews at 3 p.m.
O:se Kenhionhata:tie’s new Willow River Centre will offer drop-in hours, workshops, a community garden, live music, art markets, and community events from 9 to 2 p.m. at their Open House.
UP Dance Party Co. presents Dancing Queen: ABBA x Queen Dance Party at The Hub starting at 10 p.m.
Rusty Nail Comedy Saturday night has Nick Beaton & Hunter Collins starting at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 8
Thunder is going to shake the Gaslight District on October 8 as AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck takes the stage for the first-ever Crafty Elk Fest! This free festival brings you craft cocktail stations and delicious treats including street tacos! Joining Thunderstruck on stage are very special guests the Almost Hip and Roy’s Garage.
Midtown Radio is recording three original radio dramas LIVE on-stage at the Apollo Cinema. Come see voice actors tackle multiple roles, while sound effects are produced with everyday household items by our talented Foley artist. These live recordings will be broadcast this fall on Midtown Radio. As an audience member, you have a role to play! Your laughter, gasps, applause, and horrified screams will all be part of the show.
Monday, October 9
It’s not Oktoberfest without the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year, the parade returns with new floats, inflatables, and bands. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable or cash donation to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region!
The Apollo has a screening of The Witches (1990) at 2 p.m.
Ways to give back.
The Reep Green Solutions’ Zero Waste Challenge is back! Champion a sustainable lifestyle starting on Oct. 1, 2023. Choose a 7, 14, or 30 days challenge and commit to minimizing waste and learning more about your consumption habits.
Follow these friends.
There is a plethora of awesome people around the region working to show you all the great things happening, new restaurants to try, and ways to give back. Give these folks a follow or add a bookmark:
Looking for concerts, check out KW Concerts.
Want to discover a new favourite place, check out CuratedKW.
Looking for some road trip ideas, read the blogs on Explore Waterloo Region.
Get the latest updates rom the street as they happen with Bar Rescue KW.
Find family-friendly events and things to do with Unboring KW.
Find a new event to meet people with The Local Advocate.
Discover a new culinary experience from Andrew Coppolino, Jasmine Mangalaseril, and Alex Bielak.
Are there others you follow? Let us know in the comments.
What to read.
Things to Do in Waterloo Region in October (me for Explore Waterloo Region)
The Zero-Waste Challenge gets you thinking about your garbage (Susan Koswan in The Record)
Lovely lemon-ricotta Berliner is a winner at casual Kitchener canteen (Andrew Coppolino in the Waterloo Chronicle)