Want to be the next Oktoberfest Ambassador? Applications now open.
Posted Aug 24, 2026 11:42:50 AM.
Returning for another Oktoberfest season, applications are open and the search is on for the next young adult in the region to be the 2027 Oktoberfest Ambassador.
From Aug. 24 until Sept. 21, all individuals between the ages of 19 and 29 can apply to K-W Oktoberfest (KWO) to be the next Oktoberfest ambassador for the 2027 iteration of the festival. Ambassador candidates must also live within 40 kilometres of Waterloo Region, and there is no fee to apply. Unlike previous years, there is no limitation to gender or gender identity in order to be considered. There is no fee to apply.
KWO says multiple ambassadors may be selected “if there are several excellent candidates.”
Oktoberfest Ambassadors attend various festival events, will speak to Oktoberfest attendees, and will serve as one of the faces of the region’s largest Bavarian festival.
“The Oktoberfest Ambassador Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity within the Region focused on young professionals,” says Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director of K-W Oktoberfest. “The role is a unique blend of opportunities for self-growth, skill development and volunteerism, all while celebrating both Bavarian culture and our local, diverse community.”
Leading up to this year’s Oktoberfest festival, candidates will be taught the roles and responsibilities of the ambassador position, and will also attend donations during the parade for the Onkel Hans Food Drive. During this period, potential ambassadors will also undergo an interview process to help whittle down candidates to the eventual selection(s).
KWO says in their release for the role that a selection committee comprised of select community members will be put in place to choose the 2027 ambassador, and an announcement of the winner(s) will be made at the end of the 2026 festival season.
The K-W Oktoberfest ambassador program is the honourary successor to the previous “Miss Oktoberfest” program that existed prior to 2022.
Responsibilities
According to KWO’s website describing the ambassador’s position, the ambassador will participate in three major areas of Oktoberfest:
1. Public speaking engagements, community appearances, opportunities to volunteer within the festival and alongside community partners
2. Supporting/managing a social media platform
3. Appearances throughout Oktoberfest, such as Official Keg Tapping, Festhallen visits, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Oktoberfest Cares events
- KWO says in their official application that ambassador applicants must be available for the following dates:
- Mon. Sept. 21 – Welcome Night
- Wed. Sept. 23 – Media Night
- Tues. Sept. 29 – Dance Night
- Wed. Sept. 30 – Fun & Public Speaking
- Fri. Oct. 2 – Festing at Schwaben Club
- Mon. Oct. 5 – TBD
- Wed. Oct. 7 – TBD
- Thurs. Oct. 8 – Interview Night
- Oct. 9-12 – Willkommen Platz
- Mon. Oct. 12 – Oktoberfest Parade 8:30am
- Wed. Oct. 14 – So You Think You Can Tanz 6:00pm
- Sat. Oct. 17 – Announcement: Ambassador Fest 11:00am
Current Oktoberfest ambassador
The next KWO ambassador will succeed the 2025-2026 ambassador, Andre Killingbeck.
He was selected in 2025 and became the first male ambassador to be named in the role. He will participate in and help lead festival activities and activations throughout the 2026 festival. According to KWO, “Andre works as a Care Access Coordinator at CBI Home Health and is deeply committed to serving others.”
“By combining tradition with responsibility, Oktoberfest is a place where everyone can feel like they belong,” said Killingbeck. “I’m honoured to represent Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and contribute to its spirit of tradition, unity, and fun.”
Those who wish to succeed Killingbeck as the 2026-2027 K-W Oktoberfest ambassador can apply at the ambassador portal on the KWO website. Applications close September 21.
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