It can be hard to admit that summer has ended and that fall is officially here, but there is one exceptionally great way to ease the pain, and that’s celebrating in style. Nothing says fall better than Oktoberfest, the annual Bavarian tradition that dates back over 200 years. While the true celebration has to be experienced in Munich, there are actually some great Canadian events that try to duplicate the festivities without having to travel abroad.
Kitchener Oktoberfest
Believe it or not, this is the largest Oktoberfest in North America and has been running strong for well over 40 years! This is literally as close as you’ll get to the real experience in Canada and runs for an entire week. Runs October 7-15
Toronto’s Oktoberfest
Join 5,000 others dressed in dirndls and lederhosen at Toronto’s largest Oktoberfest, celebrating Bavarian heritage with food, beer, music, and a fun fair modelled after the original Munich event. This two day festival takes place in a massive Festhalle tent and outdoor Bavarian Village. Runs September 30- October 1
Vancouver’s Harvest Haus
Harvest Haus is only a few years old, but the Vancouver event has already made a strong impression. An immersive food and drink festival based around the European festivals of old takes over the Queen Elizabeth plaza transforming the square into a mini-Munich Harvest Haus Halle and Marktplatz for two weeks of traditional bavarian splendour and copious amounts of liquid gold bier. Runs September 29- October 9.
Calgary’s Oktoberfest
Probably one of the earliest Oktoberfest’s on this list, Calgary Oktoberfest runs Sept 23 & 24th and features a fun and social sampling event with many local craft and authentic Bavarian breweries, and delicious foods from Calgary’s top restaurants. There are also authentic Oktoberfest music, dancers, games, and more in the Upper Big Four Building at Stampede Park.
Ottawa Oktoberfest
With over 21,000 square feet of space, this Oktoberfest hall at Clarke Fields Park in Barrhaven Ontario transforms into a full Bavarian celebration. There are scheduled games and contests, live hall music and even human Foosball! Runs September 30- October 1.
Original post: Huffington Post Canada
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