Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: Thanksgiving long weekend

The K-W Oktoberfest Parade will get underway at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. (Kate Bueckert/CBC - image credit)
The K-W Oktoberfest Parade will get underway at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. (Kate Bueckert/CBC - image credit)

It's the Thanksgiving long weekend and in Waterloo region, that really means it's the biggest weekend for K-W Oktoberfest.

As well, many pumpkin patches and apple orchards are open around the region this weekend for people to do some pumpkin and apple picking.

If you're driving this weekend, here are some local gas prices:

K-W Oktoberfest

All weekend

Various locations

The official keg tapping is at noon Friday and that will kick off the biggest weekend for this annual Bavarian festival.

There will be live music, a beer garden and vendor booths in downtown Kitchener's Willkommen Platz. Dogtoberfest takes place Saturday and Sunday on Gaukel Block. KIDtoberfest runs all weekend inside Kitchener's city hall. All the festhalls are open, too.

There's a Mayor's Oktoberfest Market in Waterloo on Sunday.

The parade is on Monday and will begin at 9:30 a.m. this year (an hour later than in previous years). It will follow the same route as before: start at the corner of Weber Street E. and Frederick Street, move up Weber Street and finish at Bridgeport Road in Waterloo around noon.

An Evening with the Paranormal Seekers

Saturday at 7 p.m.

McDougall Cottage, Cambridge

The Paranormal Seekers are paranormal investigators and in this talk, will explain some of the tools and techniques they use in their work. Whether you believe or you're a skeptic, everyone is invited to ask questions. Tickets are required.

The Coven Halloween Market

Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Button Factory Arts, Waterloo

There will be more than 25 local vendors and live music at this event. Plus, a Rocky Horror Picture Show drag show will run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tom Cochrane Duo

Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

River Run Centre, Guelph

Check out Canadian legend Tom Cochrane in this concert where he'll perform songs spanning his 21 albums.

Guelph Storm vs. Peterborough Petes

Friday, 7 p.m.

Sleeman Centre, Guelph

The Guelph Storm are home Friday night to face the Peterborough Petes, then head on the road for a Saturday afternoon game against the London Knights.

Note: It's a road weekend for the Kitchener Rangers. They'll take on the Soo Greyhounds Friday night, then the Saginaw Spirit Saturday night.

Bonus: Fall fairs

There are some fall fairs taking place this weekend that are a short drive from Waterloo region.

They include: