What’s going on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 in Waterloo and beyond

Onkel Hans’ wife Tante Frieda appears at the K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade on Oct. 14, 2024. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News)

Here’s what’s going on in Waterloo Region for Thanksgiving Day long weekend.

Rockton’s World Fair

When: Thursday, Oct. 9 to Monday, Oct. 13

Where: Rockton Fairgrounds, 812 Old Highway 8

Farm animal show cases, agricultural demonstrations and antique rural machinery are just some of the festivities to enjoy at this family friendly fall festival.

Keg tapping at KW’s Oktoberfest

When: Friday, Oct. 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Willkommen Platz Biergarten, in front of Carl Zehr Square, 200 King St W, Kitchener

Kick off a weekend of Oktoberfest festivities with an official keg tapping ceremony by Canadian singer and songwriter Steven Page and Cambridge’s very own ChefD.

Lace Up to End Diabetes

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Waterloo Park, 50 Young St W, Waterloo

Dress up in glow-in-the-dark attire alongside others to help raise money towards Diabetes Canada, as blue flashlights light the night sky during this five kilometre walk.

Guelph and Guelph/Eramosa Fire open house

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.

Where: West End Community Centre/Fire Station #4, 21 Imperial Road South.

Tour a fire station, play in an inflatable fire house and even meet the station resident fire dog, Sparky, during this Fire Prevention Week open house.

Pumpkin Day in Fergus

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.

Where: Wellington County Museum and Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd. 18

This pumpkin-themed festival brings pumpkin carving competitions, reptile shows and African drumming performances all under one roof to embrace the fall season.

Brantford Bulldogs versus the Ottawa 67s

When: Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.

Where: TD Civic Centre, 69 Market St. South

The Bulldogs face off against the 67s in a home game at the TD Civic Centre.

Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade

When: Monday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Weber Street East and Frederick Street in Kitchener

Celebrate both Bavarian culture as well as Thanksgiving at this annual KW parade. Be sure to check CTV News Kitchener’s website Monday around 9:30 a.m. for a livestream of the event.