The opening ceremonies for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest will be held in a new location this year, organizers announced Thursday.

Instead of being in front of Kitchener's city hall, the stage for the keg tapping will near the corner of King Street and Frederick Street.

The area will be called Willkommen Platz and will feature two days of concerts on Friday and Saturday, as well as the opening ceremonies, and a beer garden.

There will be German bands and dance groups, children's entertainment, a midway, Bavarian food and a vendor village.

Tim Beckett, president of K-W Oktoberfest, said the change is a response to "those who want to see more activity in the downtown core."

Opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.