‘Just incredible’: Organizers say KW Oktoberfest 2025 was one of the best

The steins have been washed and put away, the tents are coming down but the job is far from done for the folks at KW Oktoberfest.

In fact, organizing the region’s signature event is a year-round process for Executive Director, Tracy Van Kalsbeek and her team.

But, before they put all their efforts into 2026, Van Kalsbeek took a few minutes to look back at this year’s Oktoberfest. She told 570 NewsRadio she’s over the moon with the reception this year.

“It was just incredible. Our Kid-toberfest, our Dog-toberfest, our Farm-toberfest. We had our Sticks and Steins hockey tournament too. There was just so much energy and I love to be a part of it and it really energized me. It was just so great this year.”

Van Kalsbeek said there was a noticeable celebratory feel.

“I just got this really cool, fun vibe when I was out visiting. It seems like people are back out and they want to be a part of things and so whether it was being at Bingemans or being at one of our fest halls, people were out to just celebrate and celebrate our community.”

She said there were so many great memories made over the past four weeks.

Van Kalsbeek mentioned singing Barenaked Ladies classic, “If I Had A Million Dollars” on stage with Steven Page at the Official Keg Tapping as one. But, she said there is a particular surprise she won’t soon forget.

“Definitely the prime minister was a welcome surprise, for sure. It was really great to be able to host him for his first visit to Waterloo Region.”

Mark Carney dropped by the Schawben Club in Breslau, last Friday for a ceremonial keg tapping.

Van Kalsbeek said the PM looked like a seasoned pro.

“He was pretty excited about tapping that keg. I think he might have even practiced a little bit because he got that spigot in in one whack.”

After taking a few days to decompress, the KW Oktoberfest team will begin debriefing and going over the numbers. Then the hard work begins, planning for KW Oktoberfest 2026.