With 55% of the population being of German heritage it seems natural that this area is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebration in North America. Held during the second week of October this festival draws close to 750,000 people.

There are 15 festhallen (halls to party in.) Each festhallen offers a different atmosphere, ranging from the traditional to the unique. Despite the individual differences, excellent food, entertainment, music and dancing are standard at all the Festhallen celebrations. Kitchener's Oktoberfest celebration is an annual eight-day event.

Based on the original German Oktoberfest, it is billed as Canada's Great Bavarian Festival. It is held every October, starting on the Friday before Canadian Thanksgiving and running until the Saturday after.

While its best-known draws are the beer-based celebrations, other cultural and entertainment attractions also fill the week. The best-known is the parade held on Thanksgiving Day; as the only major parade on Canadian Thanksgiving, it is televised nationally. Another icon of the festival is Miss Oktoberfest.

The position is selected by a closed committee of judges from a panel of local applicants; community involvement and personal character form the main criteria under the new system.