Kitchener’s Oktoberfest Celebrates Heritage with Vibrant Kickoff

The Oktoberfest celebration at the Concordia Club in Kitchener commenced on September 29, 2023, attracting a lively crowd of partygoers eager to embrace their German heritage. The opening night featured a bustling tent hall filled with vibrant music, traditional food, and a sense of community among attendees.

Festivities included lively polka music, games, and an array of authentic German cuisine and beverages. One attendee described the atmosphere, stating, “The best thing about this is that every year Kitchener comes out and we show our pride for our German heritage and this is where we should be,” according to CTV News.

As the night progressed, the crowd swelled, with some attendees noting a noticeable increase in participation this year. “Good food, lots of people, our friends are here,” one festival-goer remarked. Another added, “It started off a little dead earlier but now it’s incredible.”

For many, this was their first experience at the Bavarian festival in Kitchener-Waterloo. Others, like Stephen Webster from Center Line, Michigan, have made attending Oktoberfest a cherished tradition. “I’ve made a lot of friends over the years and [I] just [keep] coming back here and having fun with the family,” he shared. Webster has attended for 33 years, and while he noted that attendance was not as high as in pre-COVID years, he felt the energy returning.

“There was a lot more people pre-COVID than there are now, but it seems to be picking up the last couple of years,” he added. Another reveler echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ve been here [since] before COVID, and the years after that it was a little quieter, but since then, Kitchener’s come back, and we’re showing that we’re here and ready to party.”

The excitement extended beyond the Concordia Club to Wilkommen Platz at Kitchener City Hall, where attendees enjoyed the live performance of Steven Page. Despite some rain, the atmosphere remained upbeat. “It’s just a good vibe, honestly, it’s just kind of fun to see everyone out,” said Emily Switzer. She appreciated the improvements made each year, noting, “There’s more seating this year than last year, which is kind of neat.”

Other attendees also shared their positive experiences. “The energy is amazing, we’ve made a lot of new friends,” stated Shannon Christian. Conner Hart, who has visited Munich before, remarked, “Lovely. Lovely. I’ve been to Munich before, and it’s similar but different.”

As the festivities unfold over the next several days, the community continues to celebrate not only their heritage but also the joy of coming together after challenging times. With increased participation and enthusiasm, Kitchener’s Oktoberfest is poised for a successful run this year, reinforcing the importance of tradition and connection.