What's open and closed on Thanksgiving Day 2026
Thanksgiving is Monday, October 12 and there are lots of activities to enjoy in Kitchener.
Some City of Kitchener facilities and programs may be impacted by the holiday, so check the facility hours below as you plan your long weekend.
Things to do
- Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade: 9:30 a.m. – noon along Weber Street from Frederick Street to Bridgeport Road
- Public swimming at Grand River Recreation Complex:
- Be U swim: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- Public swim: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
- Public swim: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Free skating at Activa Sportsplex: 3:15 – 4:35 p.m.
- Various events hosted by Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
- Other exciting events listed on the Community Calendar
What's open
- Kitchener City Hall: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (no in-person services available)
- Activa Sportsplex and walking track: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Grand River Arena: 4 – 10 p.m.
- Lions Arena: 4 – 10 p.m.
- Sportsworld Arena: 4 – 10 p.m.
What's closed
- All community centres
- All indoor pools except Grand River Recreation Complex
- Don McLaren Arena
- Kitchener Market (open Saturday, October 10)
- Kitchener Memorial Auditorium closed except for scheduled rentals
- Queensmount Arena
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.