We have also secured a 10% discount for any out-of-town guests at Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites facility. When making your booking simply use the staff discount promo code “SOCIAL”.
Beginning on Saturday, October 18th, we will have a market fair open to the public (free admission) in the Kursa hall running from 12 noon till 5:00 pm to enjoy Latvian and Estonian merchandise from both community vendors and organizations. The kitchen in the main hall will also be open to sell Oktoberfest fare to the public. Please contact Maimu Mölder at maimu@molder.ca to reserve your 6-foot table ASAP. Cost per vendor table is $40.00.
The Oktoberfest celebration begins at 5 pm in the main hall. An Oktoberfest meal (including potato salad, sauerkraut, sausage and rye bread) will be available for purchase. Tickets for Oktoberfest can be purchased in advance through lettsshop.org. Adult presale ticket price before October 10th is $30.00. Door ticket price is $35.00. All student’s tickets (18 and under) are $20.00. Children under 6 years of age are free.
The Entertainment schedule is as follows:
4:30 Doors open
5:00 Estlager
5:45 Music DJ
6:00 Testostertones
6:45 Daugavina children folkdancers
7:00 Now in Service
7:45 Kungla folkdancers
8:00 Estlager
8:45 Daugavina adult folkdancers
9:00 Now in Service
9:45 Kungla Folkdancers
10.00 Testostertones
10:45 DJ Music
11:00 Now in Service
11:45 DJ Music
12:00 Estlager
12:45 DJ Music to 1:00 am
Entertainment for Oktoberfest will be provided by the Estonian Folk dancers “Kungla” (Kungla TERR, founded in February 1949 by Ants Saar, has performed in Toronto, at Montreal’s Expo 1967, in the USA, throughout Europe, in Australia and Estonia. After a short hiatus, the group reformed and began practicing again in January 2010. Currently Kungla TERR is directed by Taimi Hooper.) and the Latvian Folk dancers “Daugavina”. (Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, Daugaviņa is a Latvian Folk Dance Group for children, youth and masters. As the most active and largest dance group in the Latvian diaspora, Daugavina regularly participates in song and dance festivals around the world. Joined by their collective love of Latvian culture, dancing and friendships, a feature-length documentary film was made about the group that played to audiences in Canada, the USA, the UK and Egypt. It played in movie theatres across Latvia and was shown on Latvian television. Mazā Daugaviņa is a Latvian folk dance group now entering its third season. Based in the GTA, we proudly celebrate Latvian culture through traditional dance and song. Our young dancers, aged 3-12, bring enthusiasm and spirit to every rehearsal and performance – no prior dance experience required! Our group performed at Toronto's Song and Dance Festival and continues to take part in events across the Greater Toronto Area. Mazā Daugaviņa is more than a dance group – it’s a growing community where children connect with their heritage, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way!)
Dance music will be provided by DJ Robert Vessmann and three live bands, including Estlager travelling here from Estonia, Now in Service band and the Testostertones. The Testostertones have been playing in the Latvian community for well over 30 years. The line-up of musicians on October 18 will be: Linda Maruta – vocals and keys, Andris Starasts – drums, Mark Sepic – guitar, John Yelland – bass, Ivars Starasts – vocals and guitar.
The Oktoberfest party runs to 1:00 am.
Angie Crossman will be our caterer for the event, providing delicious Oktoberfest meals using secret recipes. Kringel and strudel will be available with coffee and tea. We will also have opportunities to purchase take-home containers of potato salad and sauerkraut. The bar will be open to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Also on Saturday, October 18th, starting at 12 noon, an Oktoberfest Open 5 round Swiss Active Chess Tournament will be held at the lower level, sponsored by the Estonian Foundation of Canada in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Toronto Estonian Chess Club. Entry fee is $20.00 with cash prizes and trophies for the three top finishers. Top Junior (under 16 years of age) will also win $100. To register for this tournament please contact Jaak Järve at jaakjarve@aol.com to receive your registration form before October 10th, 2025.
If you would like to make a donation to help support this event, please send an e-transfer to email OktoberfestTES@gmail.com or deposit to account number #559460094102 at Northern Birch Credit Union. (Any donation of $100 or more will receive one free pass for Saturday night and will be acknowledged in the program).
Both the Toronto Estonian Society and the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre enthusiastically invite you and your friends to participate in this end of summer festivity and celebration of a good harvest season. Proceeds will benefit the schools in both Estonian and Latvian communities.
