Oktoberfest hits full swing and Thanksgiving weekend’s on deck! Here are the things to do in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph this week.
Free events
Kiwanis Winter Coat Sale! – Gently used coats starting at $5 fill Waterloo Public Square, Waterloo, ON on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 12–4 PM, free to attend, supporting the KW Kiwanis Music Festival.
Kitchener-Waterloo KW Run Club (5km) – This casual running group meets at a new spot every week, gathering at Catalyst137, Kitchener, ON this Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7 PM, free to join.
Improv Workshops at The Hive – First-timers and seasoned performers alike are welcome at this weekly improv session at The Hive, Guelph, ON this Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 7–9 PM, free admission.
LEGO® Build It. Blast It. Save the Day! at Staples Store 81 – Problem-solving and creative play come together at this free LEGO building session at Staples Guelph Store 81, Guelph, ON on October 7, 2026 from 5–7 PM, take-home set included.
Pickled Pop-Up 2 – Pickle vendors, recipe exchanges, and wonderfully weird fashion fill St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church, Guelph, ON on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 6–8 PM, free to attend.
Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest – Willkommen Platz – Downtown Kitchener transforms into a Bavarian village along King Street, Kitchener, ON this week on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026, free entry throughout.
Fun for the family
Family Sunday: Construct a Fairy House – Families create one-of-a-kind artworks together at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON on October 4, 2026 from 1–4 PM, no cost to attend, guided by art instructors.
Kitchener-Waterloo Toys and Collectibles Show – Up to 200 vendor tables of comics, Pokémon cards, and vintage toys fill Bingemans, Kitchener, ON on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 9:30 AM–2 PM, priced CA$3-10 depending on arrival time.
Pumpkin Painting Workshop – All Ages – Paint a pumpkin and craft a fall leaf ornament at Strawberry Sunshine Candles & Beyond, Guelph, ON on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 6–7 PM, priced at CA$16.95.
Children’s Scarecrow Workshop – Kids can build their own scarecrow at WMRC Community Pavilion, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 6–7 PM, priced at CA$23.
Walk & Talk With Baby & Me – This weekly walk and chat welcomes local parents at Victoria Park Pavilion, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 10–11 AM, free admission, first-timers especially welcome.
Kidtoberfest – A fun-filled afternoon of Bavarian activities takes over Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 12:30–6 PM, free entry for the whole family.
Halloween 3D Print Paint Party – Bring your creativity and leave with a Halloween keepsake at Paper Marché, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1–4 PM, priced at CA$33.28, aprons provided.
Guelph Pet Exp 2026 – A festive family outing for pet lovers takes over Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre, Guelph, ON this Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10 AM–3 PM, priced at CA$5, early registration recommended.
Vamps + Venom Market
Thrifty Witch Collective brings vendors, entertainment, and good food to Kitchener this October. Get all the Friday and Saturday details here.
Exciting and new
Glasstime – Colour and texture come together in a one-of-a-kind glass piece at Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON this Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 2–4 PM, priced at CA$41.22, no experience necessary.
Silver Screamers Movie Premiere – Proof that horror filmmaking has no age limit: this documentary follows older adults tackling every part of the craft, premiering at Princess Twin Cinema, Waterloo, ON on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 1–4 PM, free with donations welcome.
Your Late-Night Study Spot in Guelph – Skip the crowded cafés and settle in at Williams Fresh Cafe, Guelph, ON on October 5, 2026 from 7–10 PM, where $8.99 gets you dessert and coffee after 7 PM.
Showgirl Bootcamp – Confidence-building meets creative skill development at Rogue Studios, Guelph, ON on October 6, 2026 from 6–7 PM, priced from CA$31.59, opening with a session on personal branding.
World Cuisine – Mexican – Culinary students serve up posole, tamales, and arrachera at Conestoga College, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 6–8 PM, priced at CA$49.64.
Magic: The Gathering Casual Commander – Drop in anytime for easygoing Commander games at 55 Wyndham St. North, Guelph, ON on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 5–9 PM, pay what you can, promo card included.
Bloody Berlin Walking Tour – Villainous doctors and long-forgotten shootouts come alive on this after-dark walk from Schneider Haus, Kitchener, ON this Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7–8:30 PM, CA$33.85, advance tickets required.
Needle Felted Ghost Workshop – Stab some wool into something adorable at The Paint Riot, Cambridge, ON this Friday, October 9, 2026 from 6–9 PM, priced at CA$44.99, ages 12+ recommended.
“The Dark Side of Galt” Evening Walking Tours at McDougall Cottage – This 90-minute tour uncovers Galt’s shadowy past departing McDougall Cottage, Cambridge, ON on October 9, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 PM, for CA$31.45.
Thanksgiving Weekend, Powered by Steam – Steam Locomotive No. 9 runs three special excursions at Waterloo Central Railway, Waterloo, ON from October 10, 2026, tickets starting at CA$37.44.
Fill the Stein – Ten downtown Kitchener businesses offer souvenir steins and $10 Downtown Dollars with every purchase throughout DTK, Kitchener, ON this week October 9 and 10, 2026, while supplies last.
Date nights
Ryan Visser “Tall Dark & Autistic” Comedy Tour – Winner of Yuk Yuks Big 6 2025, Ryan Visser brings his darkest material to Silence Sounds, Guelph, ON on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 8–10 PM, priced CA$14.64-27.96.
Drag Bingo at AOK – This monthly bingo night doubles as a drag show at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade, Kitchener, ON on October 6, 2026 from 8–10:30 PM, no cost to join, a great way to connect with the local queer community.
Dog Mic: Stand Up Comedy – Amateur comedians take the stage every Tuesday at Revive Karaoke, Waterloo, ON at 8 PM, with open sign-ups for anyone wanting to try stand-up. No cost involved, 19+ only.
Euchre Night – Randomly assigned partners and friendly competition fill TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON this Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, priced CA$10-12.
Dirty Drag Bingo – Cheeky prizes and electrifying performances fill Atmosphere Cafe + Etc., Guelph, ON on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 7–10 PM, free to attend, 19+ only.
Musical Bingo – Best of 2010s – Game-changing hits from the streaming era fill EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, seating starts at 6 PM, reservations recommended.
Lavender Fizz Comedy Open Mic – A safe space for comedians of all experience levels, this open mic hosted by Sarah Thompson takes place at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on October 8, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM. Admission is pay what you can.
Rellbellious RnB Night Vol. 1 – Smooth beats and unapologetic attitude fill KWFamous Creative Café, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced at CA$11.98.
Rusty Nail Comedy Club Fridays: Todd Graham – Three decades of comedy credentials headline this show as Todd Graham takes the stage at TWH Social, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 from 7:30–10 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
Ariana Grande Night at the Albion Hotel in Guelph – A night of drag, DJs, and Ariana-inspired energy takes over The Albion, Guelph, ON this Friday, October 9, 2026, priced CA$16.95-33.90, limited VIP seating available.
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone Trivia! – Don your robes for this magical trivia night at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 9, 2026 from 7–10 PM, the first in a series exploring the wizarding world.
Cats Under the Moon: Guided Paint & Sip – An instructor walks guests through a feline-themed canvas at Williams Fresh Cafe, Guelph, ON this Friday, October 9, 2026 from 7–10 PM, priced at CA$25, one drink included.
Oktoberfest 2026 at Habsburg Haus – A night not to miss takes over Alpine Club, Kitchener, ON this Friday, October 9, 2026 from 6 PM–1 AM, priced CA$17.31-22.63.
Wicked Moon – Halloween Belly Dance Showcase 2026 – Haunting belly dance and burlesque performances fill Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, Waterloo, ON on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, priced CA$38.61-43.93.
Together We’re Boisterous Comedy Show – Laughter takes centre stage at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON this Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 7–9 PM, priced at CA$11.98, perfect for Thanksgiving weekend outings.
Friendly Feud – Anyone can play and win at this free game night at EVO Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge, ON on October 10, 2026 from 7–9:30 PM, teams of 2 to 10 welcome.
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Live music
Something’s Always Flying Live – A legendary local spot hosts a lively night of music at Edelweiss Tavern, Kitchener, ON on October 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM.
Anthony D’Alessandro Gershwin Tribute – A Toronto-based composer and entertainment journalist takes the stage at 59 King Street North, Waterloo, ON on October 4, 2026 from 4–6:30 PM, tickets CA$20-32.
Jazz Lokal: New Vibes Jazz Quintet – Sophisticated sounds fill The Walper Hotel’s Lokal Lounge, Kitchener, ON this Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 5–7 PM, priced at CA$25.
Something To Talk About: The Songs of Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones – Beloved bluesy folk rock anthems fill The Registry Theatre, Kitchener, ON on October 7, 2026 from 7:30–9:30 PM, for CA$55.66, from the acclaimed Classic Troubadours series.
Open Stage – Musicians can hop up solo or join The Icebreakers at 32 Gordon St, Guelph, ON on October 8, 2026 at 7 PM, admission by donation.
Indie Music Night – Four emerging artists including Alyssa DVM and Softcase take the stage at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, Waterloo, ON on Thursday, October 8, 2026, doors at 7 PM, priced at CA$10.
Silence Presents: Shapeshifter – Influences from New York’s improvised music scene shape this genre-bending set at Silence, Guelph, ON this Friday, October 9, 2026 from 8–11 PM, priced at CA$22.63.
Hops & High Notes: Opera at the Brewery – Local talent performs opera and musical theatre favourites at TWB Co-operative Brewing, Kitchener, ON on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 7–9 PM, pay what you can.
SHEAL ‘home-going’ EP Release Show – This East Coast-raised, Toronto-based singer-songwriter celebrates her new EP at La Poche, Guelph, ON on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 8–10 PM, priced at CA$15.
Other notable events
lululemon X BackRoads Sunday Run Series – Trade intensity for comfort at this Toronto Taper edition of the Sunday Run Series at BackRoads Brews + Shoes, Kitchener, ON on October 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM, no cost to join.
CIBC Run for the Cure – Every stride counts at this community-powered fundraiser at University of Guelph, Guelph, ON on October 4, 2026 from 8 AM–12 PM, free admission.
Quiet Reading Night – No assigned readings, just books and good company at Midnight Run Cafe, Waterloo, ON on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 6–8 PM, free to attend, tickets required.