Kate's five fun things to do this Thanksgiving long weekend - Oct. 6 to 9
From Oktoberfest to hockey to enjoying the fall colours, there's plenty to do this long weekend
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! There is a beautiful weekend in store (the humidity could make it feel like 31 on Saturday!) and lots of sunshine.
When you're not filling your tummy with turkey, here are a few ideas for what you can do this holiday long weekend.
Fall Harvest at Doon Heritage Village
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9
Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener
Walk off your turkey dinner with a stroll around Door Heritage Village. The leaves are just turning colour and Monday should be a pretty mild fall day to enjoy being outside. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, music in the church and people in period costume to tell you about local heritage. There are also scheduled activities like story time and a talk on apple DNA extraction.
Craftoberfest
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7
Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E., Kitchener
Craftoberfest celebrates all things craft beer and this year the event has expanded into the Kitchener Market. The evening events are sold out but this year they've added daytime fun at the market. While doing your Thanksgiving shopping from vendors, you can also stop by the bierhalle to sample local craft beer and enjoy some polka music, too.
Kitchener Rangers vs. Owen Sound Attack
2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9
The Aud, 400 East Ave., Kitchener
It might not feel like winter out there, but hockey season is in full swing. Cheer on the Rangers as they take on first-place Owen Sound Attack. I think we all know who the better team is, right? Monday's game is also a fundraiser for the Foodbank of Waterloo Region. Bring food or funds to make a donation to support the Onkel Hans Food Drive.
Go Fly a Kite at Shade's Mills Park
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7
Shade's Mills Park, 450 Avenue Rd., Cambridge
There aren't many kite flying days left this year, so take advantage of the beautiful weekend weather to build and fly your own kite. This program is great for school-aged children right up to adults who just want to be outside. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The program is free with paid park admission.
K-W Oktoberfest
All weekend
Various locations
Of course, this list would not be complete without the biggest event in the region this weekend and next. I simply cannot list all the events this year – but here are a few highlights: Free music with bouncy castles for children and a biergarten for the adults will be in downtown Kitchener on King Street as part of Oktoberfest Rocks Friday and Saturday; the Great Oktoberfest Barrel Race in uptown Waterloo starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Pride-toberfest Saturday at TheMuseum – you can also make Kidtoberfest hats all day at TheMuseum — and of course there's the parade Monday morning. There are also so many events at local festhalls, restaurants are taking part in Oktoberlicious and visit local businesses, too.