Community raises a glass to Oktoberfest: Caps off CultureFest

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Bavarian bash to remember this past weekend as Oktoberfest closed out Caledon's 2025 CultureFest.

The Town of Caledon, in partnership with the Bolton Community Crew (BCC), hosted its annual Oktoberfest, featuring Bavarian music, dance performances, food trucks, and more.

The event was held both indoors at the Humber River Centre and outdoors, offering multiple spaces to soak in the atmosphere.

BCC chair Sarah Leslie shared that they've been hosting the event for many years now.

“We have a very diverse culture here and it's so nice to see everybody come out and experience this culture,” says Leslie. 

Events like this, she says, are crucial for keeping culture alive in the community.

“It's an important education piece for those who don't know about certain cultures. It's just important to celebrate everybody,” says Leslie.

The BCC sold 75 cases of strudels, and the funds raised allow them to bring more events back to the community.

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa shared that as part of the Downtown Bolton revitalization plan, they examined opportunities to host community events that would engage the area.

He says they begin the season with Cinco de Mayo, and end with Oktoberfest, which this year was connected to CultureFest.

“During the day, we celebrate cultures from around the world and in the evening we bring the Oktoberfest, which fits nicely with that theme of international festivities in the neighbourhood,” says Councillor Rosa.

He shares that the renovations done at the Humber River Center and the grants were intended to provide opportunities and events like this.

“We're now standing in a gathering space that is meant to gather the community, that's what our whole initiative is,” says Councillor Rosa.

That day, CultureFest took place, offering the community the opportunity to celebrate, experience, and learn about the diverse cultures that are part of the Caledon community.

Available to attendees were cultural food samplings, dance and musical performances, a kids' fun zone, a collection of cultural artifacts, and a photo booth.

Those in the community were encouraged to wear traditional cultural clothing and bring their favourite recipe for the Tastes of Caledon Digital Cookbook.

Running that night with Oktoberfest was a minigolf fundraiser in support of Meaghan's Music Room. 

This local charity offers support through music to individuals in the region who face physical and mental challenges.

Robert Ward, Chair of Meaghan's Music Room, said through fundraising events such as this, they can continue to “serve the individuals that need this type of music therapy, or as other organizations in Town do, help other activities and serve community-minded contributions that can give back to the community.”

Ward says that having these opportunities and events is greatly appreciated.

CultureFest is one of the many ways Caledon contributed to the Ontario-wide Culture Days month, and a variety of activities and events will continue through Sunday, October 12.