Events · 4 min read · September 29, 2026 · By Clayton Hartford
Oktoberfest at The Heimat Biergarten: why Ford City's beer hall is the place to be this fall
Heimat's Oktoberfest is back on Drouillard Road, and it's as loud, fun and packed as its reputation. We went this past weekend. If you haven't been yet, there are still six nights left to get there.
The short version
What: Oktoberfest at Heimat, Ford City's German beer hall.
When: Friday and Saturday nights from September 24 to October 17, 2026. The remaining dates are October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Seatings: 5 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are sold for each seating.
Where: Heimat, 1367 Drouillard Road, Windsor.
Tickets: heimat.ca. Book ahead.
We went last weekend. Go.
We've been telling guests about Heimat's summer patio for years, but Oktoberfest is when the place really comes alive. We went this past weekend and had a great night. It's one of the most fun nights out in Windsor, and it's a short ride from our houses in Walkerville.
If you're in town any Friday or Saturday between now and October 17, we recommend you check it out.
What to expect
- Litre steins of Paulaner. The beer is Paulaner's Oktoberfest bier, one of the official Munich Oktoberfest brews, served in one-litre steins.
- German food. A proper Bavarian menu to line your stomach, which you'll want before the second stein.
- Bavarian dancers. Traditional dance performances during the evening.
- Competitions and trivia. Games run all night. Bring a competitive table.
- Hype Man Steve. The legend himself runs the room and keeps the energy up from start to finish.
Tips before you go
- Buy tickets early. Each night has two seatings, and weekend seatings go fast.
- Pick your seating. The 5 p.m. seating is a bit calmer, which suits dinner and a stein. The 8:30 seating is the party.
- Dress the part. Lederhosen and dirndls are never out of place here.
- Leave the car at home. Walk, cab or rideshare. It's a litre of beer at a time.
- Make a night of Drouillard. Come early and walk the strip. Ford City's old main street is full of independent restaurants, bars and cafés. We wrote about its history in What drew Henry Ford to Walkerville.
Stay close by
Heimat is in Ford City, just east of Walkerville. Our restored heritage homes in the Distillery District put you a few minutes from Drouillard Road, which is easy on the way there and even easier on the way back. It's a good excuse for a weekend: Oktoberfest on Friday or Saturday night, and Walkerville's cafés and distillery the next morning.
Common questions
When is Oktoberfest at Heimat in 2026?
Heimat's Oktoberfest started September 24, 2026 and runs on Friday and Saturday nights through October 17. The remaining dates are October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Where is Heimat in Windsor?
Heimat is at 1367 Drouillard Road in Ford City, on Windsor's east side, a short ride from Walkerville.
Do you need tickets for Heimat Oktoberfest?
Yes. Tickets are sold for each seating, 5 to 8 p.m. or 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Buy them ahead on heimat.ca, because weekend seatings sell out.
What beer is served at Heimat Oktoberfest?
Paulaner Oktoberfest beer, served in one-litre steins.
Where can I stay near Heimat Oktoberfest?
Walkerville's Distillery District is the closest heritage neighbourhood to Ford City. Distillery Homes has restored homes there, a short ride from Drouillard Road.
Make it an Oktoberfest weekend
Stay in a restored heritage home in Walkerville, minutes from Heimat. See the houses or email hello@distilleryhomes.com.
Sources
- Heimat Oktoberfest, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
- Events, Heimat Windsor
Related: What drew Henry Ford to Walkerville · The Gordie Howe effect · A weekend in Windsor