CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO — Residents of Cambridge are being invited to celebrate one of the region’s most anticipated fall traditions with the return of the annual Oktoberfest Lunch at City Hall.
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Civic Square, will feature free food, live Bavarian music, and a ceremonial keg tapping, all in keeping with the festivities that have made the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside of Germany.
Organizers are encouraging residents to “bring your oom-pah and appetite” and join Mayor Jan Liggett, members of Cambridge City Council, and special guests for an afternoon of community spirit.
A Celebration of Tradition
“Oktoberfest is a long tradition in our community that brings people together in the spirit of community, culture and celebration,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We’re proud to host this annual lunch and are honoured this year to have Matthias Lüttenberg, the German ambassador to Canada attend. I look forward to hearing from him about how the Cambridge experience compares to a traditional German Oktoberfest.”
The ambassador’s attendance is expected to provide an international dimension to this year’s celebration, underscoring the cultural links between southwestern Ontario and Germany. The mayor added that the event offers not just food and entertainment but also an opportunity for residents to connect with local traditions while engaging in a global cultural exchange.
Food, Music and Festivities
As part of the festivities, guests will be treated to free sausages served with sauerkraut, available while supplies last. Attendees will also enjoy Bavarian music, a visit from the festival’s iconic mascots — Onkel Hans and Tante Frieda — and the highlight of the afternoon: the ceremonial tapping of the keg.
The keg tapping has long been a symbolic gesture of goodwill and festivity at Oktoberfest celebrations around the world. This year, the tradition will be marked by a special contribution from Farm League Brewing, which is providing the keg for the ceremony.
Part of a Larger Festival
The Cambridge event is one component of the broader Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, a festival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Known as the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany, the KW Oktoberfest is recognized for its mix of cultural programming, parades, music, and local food events.
Cambridge’s lunch has grown into a popular tradition within this larger festival framework, serving as a reminder of the city’s role in supporting regional tourism and community celebrations. For businesses in the area, the influx of visitors for Oktoberfest represents both economic opportunity and cultural engagement.
Community and Corporate Support
The success of the Cambridge Oktoberfest lunch is made possible through a combination of municipal leadership and local business sponsorships. The 2025 event is being supported by the Cambridge Farmers Market, M&M Food Market, and Sobeys, with additional thanks extended to Farm League Brewing for its contribution to the keg tapping.
The involvement of these sponsors underscores the collaborative nature of community events in Cambridge. By backing the lunch, these organizations are not only helping deliver a free public celebration but also reinforcing their role in local cultural life.
Economic and Cultural Impact
While the Cambridge Oktoberfest lunch is a free public event, its impact reaches beyond the Civic Square. The KW Oktoberfest festival as a whole generates significant tourism revenue for the Waterloo Region, drawing domestic and international visitors. Local restaurants, retailers and hotels benefit from the seasonal influx, while residents gain opportunities to celebrate cultural traditions that have been part of the community for decades.
With Oktoberfest’s Bavarian roots dating back to the early 19th century in Munich, its Canadian presence reflects the strong ties of German-Canadian communities in southern Ontario. Cambridge’s participation in the festivities represents both a nod to heritage and a celebration of modern community spirit.
Looking Ahead
This year’s lunch, featuring free sausages, music, mascots and dignitaries, is designed to provide a lively midday gathering for residents and visitors alike. With the presence of the German ambassador and the support of local businesses, organizers are aiming to make the 2025 edition one of the most memorable yet.
For those planning to attend, no registration is required. The event is open to all, though food will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional details can be found at cambridge.ca/Oktoberfest.
