K-W Oktoberfest was started in 1969 by a small group of interested citizens and the four German clubs, under the auspices of the Visitors and Convention Bureau of the combined Kitchener-Waterloo Chambers of Commerce, with the object of promoting tourism in the area. It was incorporated with a provincial charter as K-W Oktoberfest Incorporated in 1971 on a no-share capital basis. Except for a small professional staff, Oktoberfest is run by volunteers. A Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and committees oversee all aspects of the festival, which is held annually in October. K-W Oktoberfest's function is to plan, co-ordinate and promote the festival. The Corporation's financial support is derived from the sale of souvenirs, accreditation fees, sponsorships and donations.
Originally a beer festival patterned after the famous Munich Oktoberfest, the festival shifted emphasis in the early 1970's to promoting Oktoberfest as a cultural heritage event. Originally five days long, the festival now spans nine days; it is the world's second-largest Bavarian festival and features Canada's only Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Miss Oktoberfest Beauty Pageant, among many other events.