K-W Oktoberfest’s Willkommen Platz opens with official keg tapping

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K-W Oktoberfest officially kicks off

K-W Oktoberfest’s Willkommen Platz opens with official keg tapping

An annual celebration of the spirit of gemütlichkeit has returned to Waterloo Region.

The area in front of Kitchener City Hall has temporarily been transformed into Willkommen Platz for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

A ceremonial keg tapping was held Friday around noon to help kick off the festivities. Steven Page and Chef D were this year’s official keg tappers.

A pre-show ceremony prior to the tap included live polka music by the Golden Keys and a performance by last year’s winners of the 2024 “So You Think You Tanz” dance competition — the Transylvania Club Dancers.

Katie Kneisel, the 2024-2025 community ambassador for Oktoberfest also had the chance to address the hundreds of people in the crowd.

“This festival is more than just celebration of Bavarian culture,” she said. “It’s celebration of community, connection and of gemütlichkeit — a word that means warmth, friendship, belonging and good cheer."

Kitchener–Conestoga MPP Mike Harris also graced the stage and presented Canadian accordion player Walter Ostanek with the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for his contributions to Oktoberfest.

“I’m honoured,” Ostanek told the audience. “Thank you very much for this. I cherish everything I’ve done in my life and I try and make people happy and that’s what my life has always been.”

Soon after, the keg was tapped. With beer flowing and glasses clinking, the festival weekend had finally commenced.

The opening ceremony was sung to a close by Steven Page’s Oktoberfest rendition of “If I Had $1,000,000.”

The upcoming festivities includes a wide range of events for all ages, including a variety of festhallen offerings, Kidtoberfest and the traditional K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade on Weber Street East on Monday at 9:30 a.m.

This year’s main stage performers at Willkommen Platz include the Steven Page Trio from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, The Watchmen from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, and Jess T & Friends on Sunday from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Walter Ostanek will also make several appearances throughout the weekend.