Weekend Fun Guide (Sept 6-8 2013)

I hope everyone had a smooth transition this week as the kiddies headed back to school and there were very few tears.  It certainly felt like Fall was in the air all week and our Weekend Fun Guide shows that as well.  This weekend there are tons of Fall Fairs, Fall and Food Festivals to attend.

Also, be sure to check out our list of local farms that offer Fall Fun and Festivals now through the end of October.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to enter to win Family Passes for a day of fun on some of these great farms!!

Around Town This Weekend…

Aberfoyle

Fall Fair – Packed full of fun as always you will be able o enjoy the midway, hall exhibits, live entertainment, tractor pull, heavy horse show, adult strong person competition and so much more!

Arthur

Agricultural Fair – the Arthur Fall Fair is an annual celebration of community and agriculture held every year on the weekend after Labour Day.  Come out and enjoy the Livestock , parade, food, tractor pull, midway, western horse show, blacksmith demo, shows, prizes, games and more.

Aurora

Ribfest – Not only will there be the tastiest ribs but also roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes for every appetite! We also will have great musical guests, a giant midway and activities for kids of all ages. A beer garden will be proudly run by the Aurora Rotary Club.

Aylmer

Clovermead Honey Festival – Come and see how honey is harvested from the hive, dip your own beeswax candle, safely see a live bee hive opened, and ask your questions. A Bee Beard demonstration at 2:30 pm. Don’t forget the wagon rides, bee barrel train rides, jumping pillow, pedal go carts, music, animals and buckets of fresh family fall fun on the Adventure Farm!

Barrie

Worm Rodeo @ Chappell Farms – This is a country fair with a difference! With games for the kiddies, food, refreshments, prizes for the champions and even neighbours you haven’t met yet.  Make friends with the animals already found at Chappell Farms.  There are small animals for the kids, big and little, to see and feed.  Sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, peacocks, and Tom the turkey.  Live entertainment, food, refreshments, and yes (did we mention that we are on a farm) there will even be corn and fresh produce.

Cambridge

Fall Fair – Festivities begin September 5th to September 8th, 2013 with amazing shows, rides, entertainment, food, crafts & vendors, and more!

Dundalk

Fall Fair – It all kicks off with twoonie rides, pizza and movie and the official opening of the fair on Friday night. The rest of the weekend is filled with tractor pulls, competitions, animals, agricultural demos, talent shows, antique car shows and so much more.

Georgetown

Fall Fair – Come out to the annual fall fair and enjoy the midway, Entertainment, Homecrafts, Concessions, 4X4 Truck Pulls, Demolition Derby, Agricultural Awareness Tent, Petting Zoo, 4-H Achievement Show, Horse Shows, Junior Dairy Show, Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, Children’s Pet Show and Children’s Activities.

Hamilton

Locke Street Festival – Locke Street Festival is an annual event with stalls, live entertainment, food and everything you need for a fun-filled family day out.

Kingston

Ribfest & Craft Beer Show – Barbequed ribs and chicken, great craft-brewed beer, live entertainment – all in the great atmosphere of Memorial Centre Park. Life doesn’t get much better! Bring your friends, family and co-workers and savour the flavour! Admission is free but please don’t forget a donation for the food bank.

Kitchener

Mighty Machines Showcase @ Bingeman Park – The Mighty Machines Showcase is a family oriented community event that brings Mighty Machines to life, providing adults and kids a chance to see construction and other service vehicles up close.

Milton

Alexander Family Farm Day @ Halton Region Museum – Create – Play – Explore – Dance your Sunday away with  a Geocache Challenge, Discovery Hunt, Farm Game challenges, Pioneer Chores, Farm crafts, Visit the Blacksmith Shop, Enjoy food and beverages provided by Rotary Club of Milton and more.

Niagara

Niagara Food Festival – The Festival features a diverse group of food vendors providing a taste of Niagara; live entertainment on the Festival Main Stage, celebrity chefs on the Festival’s Mobile Culinary Theatre; spectacular fireworks displays, contests and more

Oakville

Oak Park Fall Fair – Rain or Shine there will be fun activities for everyone including: YMCA Skateboard Park, Live Music and Entertainment, Wagon Rides and Inflatables, Huge Silent Auction Inside, Cotton Candy and Face Painting, Beer Garden & Barbeque, Crafts and Games and much more…!

Orillia

Fall Fair – This year there will be lots of new displays, vendors, competitions, and educational booths.  In addition, we are honoured to be able to display the talents and creations of students, farmers, gardeners, photographers, artists, crafters, culinary experts and livestock owners and handlers. There will be  over 400 judged events at this fair so indeed, there will be something for everyone.

Orno

Fall Fair – The fair annually features exquisite displays and competitions involving paintings, photographs, agriculture (fruits, vegetables and crops), livestock (sheep, cattle, poultry and rabbits), flowers, knitting, woodworking, sewing, crafts, school displays, culinary creations and many other artistic works. As well as one of the largest midways throughout the area.

Owen Sound

Fall Fair – With activities for all ages, this well-loved family event hosts a midway, miniature horse show, 4-H regional show, truck & tractor pull, lawn mower races, demolition derby, music in the entertainment tent nightly, food, displays, quilt show, great camaraderie and so much more.

Picton

Fall Fair – Fun for the whole family with livestock, demonstrations, contests, entertainment, midway and more.

Renfrew

Renfrew Fair – It’s a weekend packed full with agricultural, animal and art shows and not miss  entertainment, food and midway and smash up derby!

Russell 

Fall Fair – Harvest the Excitement! Come discover our agricultural heritage and enjoy fantastic entertainment all weekend long along with the midway, displays, food and fun!

St. Catherines

Greek Festival – Come visit the Niagara Greek Festival for authentic Greek food, pastries, drinks, dancing, entertainment, music and more! See our entertainment schedule for more details and be sure to visit the Children’s Area for plenty of family fun while at the festival!

Toronto

Taste of the Kingsway Festival – Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in this year’s event along with the ever popular Scotiabank Dog Show, Rock Climbing Walls and Street Performers, Midway Rides, Clowns & Face Painters, Charity Pancake Breakfast . …and so much more

Uxbridge

Fall Fair – Everyone’s favourite events are returning to the Fair like the Demolition Derby and Tractor Pull and new ones like the Cowboy’s Obstacle Challenge are planned. The Midway will be back with some new attractions and all the animals, agriculture and crafts will be here for your enjoyment. Bring the whole family and join our celebration of agriculture and community.

Family activities for you to enjoy this Turkey Weekend!

We all know this weekend will be filled with a lot of turkey eating but there are also so many great places you can take the family for some fresh air and family fun!

Ball’s Falls

38th Annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival – This is Niagara’s classic Thanksgiving celebration tradition that just can’t be missed!  It features over 125 juried artisans and exhibitors; gourmet food tent; live family entertainment, children’s activities and so much more.

Buckhorn

Harvest Craft Show at the Buckhorn Community Centre – More than 120 artisans from across Canada offer jewellery, designer clothing, soaps, woven goods, handmade furniture, home accessories and even local gastronomical delights including candy, honey, jams and jellies. You’ll find something for everyone on your list at the Harvest Craft Show. Show hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday.

Clarksburg /Thornbury/The Blue Mountains

Studio Tour of the Arts – In its 17th year, the studios and galleries on this year’s tour, open their doors to the public. This is a chance to see the artists where they work, discover what inspires them and support the arts in our community. Visit our website for details, maps and links to local restaurants and businesses that support our artists and enjoy the wonderful fall colours in the Beaver Valley.

Thanksgiving Apple Harvest Festival – There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving Weekend and Fall Colours. Free activities, live music, Apple Pie Trail, pumpkin carving, buskers, hiking, biking & fall driving tours.

Elmvale

Elmvale Fall Fair – Farm animals, Midway, Water festival, Pony show, Tractor Pull, Demonstrations and entertainment, Parade, Video Dance and more

Erin

Erin Fall Fair – Tractor pull, animals and livestock, Kid’s area, Entertainment, vendors, animal shows, Demolition derby, Fireworks, Midway and much more.

Grand Bend

Thanksgiving Market & Sidewalk Sale – Grand Bend’s Thanksgiving Market & Sidewalk Sale offers the bargain hunter a cornucopia of unique items.The Eilber Street parking lot plays host location to up to 30 craft and product vendors. The criteria for vendor participation includes the needs to have grown, raised or made the item themselves. Products range from vegetables, fruits and organic meats to roasted coffee beans, fresh-baked pies, muffins and baked treats to hand-crafted quilts, jewellery, clothing and home decor.

Haliburton

Haliburton County Studio Tour – Discover the work of over 28 artists and artisans featuring original and unique fine arts and crafts – new work, new colours, new item. Have the opportunity to meet artists in their studios and experience the creative process through discussion and demonstration of new works.  All of this while enjoying the breathtaking fall beauty of the Haliburton Highlands

Halton

Fall into Nature – Two full weekends of activities for visitors to all Conservation Halton Parks – Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso, Mount Nemo, Mountsberg and Rattlesnake Point.  Fall into Nature celebrates the natural beauty and colours of the Escarpment Parks. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, visitors will enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences including chairlift rides, guided hikes and wagon rides, a great way to experience the fall colours, plus live entertainment featuring First Nations dancers and kids activities too.

Horseshoe Valley/Barrie/Lake Simcoe/Orillia 

Thanksgiving Images Tour – This artist-run event is one of Ontario’s finest and longest running studio tours.  There are over thirty outstanding artist and crafts people that will exhibit their work at 16 different studios.  Discover exceptional art and enjoy the beautiful fall colours of Simcoe County.  Meet painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, wood turners and jewellery and clothing makers.  Something for everyone!

Kawartha Lakes

Victoria County Studio Tour – 27th Annual Studio tour will introduce you to Twenty-two (22) artists in fourteen (14) Studios as they showcase their creative work.

Kinmount

Harvest Homecoming Studio Tour – Celebrate the season and get into the spirit!  The tour features various artist and artisans studios in the Kinmount area that open their homes for demonstrations and displays of the unique art or craft.

Kitchener Waterloo

Oktoberfest – Parades, Beer tents, Fashion show, Car show, Fun run, Harvest Festival….  So much to do in KW!

Lanark County

Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour – Lanark County invites you to come and experience this year’s Crown & Pumpkin Studio Tour to discover the quality craftsmanship and skill of local artists amidst the vibrant Fall colours.

London

Thanksgiving at the Village at Fanshawe Pioneer Village – Villagers gather in thanks for a bountiful harvest. Join us for this celebration!!  Watch as farm families prepare for the coming winter with field harvest, textiles arts and wood stove cooking. Enjoy a beautiful day around the Village then reserve your seating for an authentic Thanksgiving feast in our beautiful village cafe.

Midland

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons.  Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale is a fun family event, with lots of on-site activities and over 40 outstanding artisans and crafters.The event is a regional favourite and typically includes both new and returning artisans.

Norfolk

Norfolk Country Fair and Horse Show – The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is in its 172nd year, and is the fifth largest fair in Ontario, with over 100,000 visitors each year. This fair features agricultural displays, craft exhibits, food vendors, art demonstrations, talent competitions, midway rides, free grandstand entertainment, and many added special attractions.

Norwood 

The Norwood Fall Fair – Plenty of live music every day, Xtreme Cowboy Competition, Antique Car Show and Tractor Pull, Horse Shows and Competitions, Crops and Home Arts Competitions, Lawn Tractor Races, Flyball, Midway, Parade and Kids’ Talent Contest, Emily Flack and the Great Canadian Music Party!

Ottawa

Harvesting Energy  at the Canada Agriculture Museum.  Come to the Canada Agriculture Museum this Thanksgiving weekend and explore how energy is harvested. Participate in special demonstrations and activities, and make a unique craft! See renewable energy in action at the Museum’s newest exhibition, Energy Park: Nature at Work

Rockton

Rockton’s World Fair – A Thanksgiving tradition for 160 years! Midway, Derby, BMX demos, vendors, Poultry, Pigeon & Rabbit Show, Rural & Urban Competitions, Craft Show and Sale, Ray McLaughlin Clydesdales, Helicopter Rides, Home Craft Displays, School Fair and Junior Displays, Photography Display, Fire Safety House, Little Ray’s Reptiles and the list goes on and on!

Toronto

Home for the Harvest at Gibson House (12-5pm) – Thanksgiving weekend enjoy a celebration of the harvest! Spend some time in the busy historic kitchen of the Gibson family farm home and see the harvest foods being prepared for tasting. Children can help lend a hand in the kitchen, dress-up in the Discovery Gallery and enjoy hands-on activities. Regular Admission.

HarbourKIDS Folk at Harbourfront Centre – A feel-good family festival! This Thanksgiving weekend, explore a world of good at HarbourKIDS: Folk. We’re celebrating the positivity of communities, families and friends through folk music, folk tales, folk art, folk theatre and more over three folk-filled days.

Penguin Awareness Day at the Toronto Zoo (monday only) – Stop by and visit Zoo Keepers at the African penguin exhibit to learn all about what it takes to care for our colony! Enjoy extra Keeper talks and learn about conservationists who are out in the wild saving these birds from a variety of threats. Find out how you can support penguins through the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and the ongoing efforts to save the only penguin species that exists in Africa.

Westport 

Westport and Area Fall Colours Studio Tour is being held again on the Thanksgiving long weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Our unique artists welcome you to their studios where you will discover an exciting and eclectic range of juried high quality original work including magical Photographic art, eclectic sculptures, primitive rughooking, felted items, gorgeous comfortable clothing for adults and children, stained, fused and mosaic glass, garden art and furniture made from recycled and salvaged items; unique pottery, folk art carvings, uniquely painted items, silken woodturned bowls, whimsical dolls, multimedia assemblages and whimisical art, handmade soaps and lotions, luxurious woven items, garden sculptures, wrought iron, acrylics and watercolours, sculpture in clay and iron and cast stone, fine jewellery, custom drums and much more.

Weekend Fun (September 28-30, 2012)

The weekend is right around the corner and there are so many wonderful things going on in a town near you.  Get out and get some fresh air with the family and enjoy your weekend… you deserve it!

Ajax – Doors Open Ajax – Take a glimpse inside our diverse and historical buildings and discover our rich and unique heritage.

Ayr – Family Fall Festival at Snyder’s Farm – There’s something for everyone, puppet shows, petting zoo, hayride, corn maze, and so much more. Fall treats to tempt anyone, freshly made caramel apples, deep fried mars bars and pumpkin pie. Over 16 activities to enjoy, come out to Snyder’s Family Farm and create memories to last a lifetime.

Barrie

Carnegie Days Festival 2012 – Carnegie Days offers visitors of all ages great events that explore the role language plays in contemporary art. Exhibitions, public art projects, performances, author readings, artist talks, film and video screenings, guided tours and hands-on workshops take place at the MacLaren and across the city of Barrie

Chappell Farm’s Fall Festival – Now until October 31st!  Farmyard animals, Hay Maze, Corn Maze, The Boo Barn, Trike Track, Sand Diggers, Play Area, Pick  your own Pumpkin, Magic Shows, Live Entertainment, Jumping Castle (weather permitting), The Haunted Barn “theme changes yearly”

Bobcaygeon – Fall Fair – Horse show, Tractor pull, Parade, Exhibits, Midway, Live stock shows, Entertainment, Derby and more.

The Blue Mountains – Fall Colours Weekend – Local wine and cider tasting, guided hiking, Meaford Scarecrow Invasion and Craft Show, Apple Pie Trail adventures and country road and river touring.  Follow the apple pie trail from Collingwood past Meaford

Burlington –  Applefest Fall Fair  (Sunday only) – An old-fashioned fair right in the city! The day kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast from 9am-11am. The fall harvest celebration, from 11am-4pm is held at Ireland House at Oakridge Farm and features a wide variety of apple themed things to see do and eat along with all the traditional country harvest fair activities, artisans, music and live entertainment all day.

Brampton – Downey’s Farm Pumpkinfest (until October 31st) Unlimited Wagon Rides, Live Entertainment, Super-Cat-Super-Curve, Dump Truck Slide, Balloon Typhoon, Trike Track, Face Painting, Straw Jump, Farm Animals, Super Corn Maze, The Black Hole

Brighton Applefest – Most Applefest activities are centred around the main street and nearby King Edward Park. Events include BBQs, a dog show, children’s village, dances, a street fair, car show, arts and crafts show, dinners and a mammoth Saturday afternoon parade.

Caledonia – 140th Caledonia Fair – Entertainment, Pet show, Baby show, Demolition derby, Crafts, Midway, Food and more…

Chatam-Kent – Doors Open

Coldwater – Fall Fair – Entertainments, craft, competitions, midway, vendors, food, Animals, Tractor pull, Derby, Parade and much more

Egmondville – Ciderfest -Flea market, rope making, weaving, rug braiding, carving, heritage demos, tea cup reading, hot and cold cider, apple fritter, beef on a bun, hot dogs, etc. House open for tours.

Elmvale – Pumpkin Mania at Rounds Ranch (running until October 28th) Participate in here’s Pumpkin Seed Spitting for the older men, Pumpkin Hockey for the sportier types, Pumpkin Bowling for the ladies, Pumpkin Pie Eating contest for those with a big appetite and Oooey Gooey pumpkin for kids who like to play in guck.They also offer a petting zoo to pet and feed animals, pedal cart racetrack, western playground with ziplines & slides & a buckin’ bronco, barrel train boxcar rides, Moo Maze, huge cornfield maze, Ghost Town, pony rides, wagon rides to pick your own FREE pumpkin and more fun for all ages!For more information: 705-322-6293 or visit http://www.roundsranch.com

Fonthill –  Pumpkin Festival at Howell’s Farm – Straw barn, Forest Walk, Play area, Animals, Pumpkin slingshot, Ducky races, Lots of funny shows and so much more that you’ll want to go see in person!

Gananoque 

Cultural Days (Saturday only) – Artisan demonstrations, family fun and costume dress-up

Doors Open – The Town of Gananoque invites you to experience some of the most intriguing and charming heritage sites in eastern Ontario.

Guelph – Graffiti Fest (Saturday only) – Cork Street will be closed to traffic, but bustling with activity as we showcase Guelph’s creative and artistic talents. There will be food and drink and music too

Halton Hills – Doors Open Halton Hills – Join in the excitement of the first Door Open in Halton Hills

Hamilton –  Touch a Tractor Charity Event  (Sunday only) – Taking place at Robar Centre the festivities include  The Hamilton Tiger Cat Players and Cheerleaders, Many Might Machines, Face painting, BBQ and much, much, more!!!

Hampton – Fun Farm Fall Weekends at Pingles Farm – Play areas, Straw Maze, Trike Track, Farm Animals, Bunnyville, Face Painting, Bugsy Balloon, Pumpkin Balloon, and Pedal Cart Track with more new carts! Don’t forget to check our newest addition to the Fun Farm, Pingle’s Barn Bouncer.

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Farmfest is Sept 29! A great 1-day self guided driving tour of farms and rural attractions!

Kitchener – Bingeman’s Scream Park – Bingemans will open the haunted gates of Screampark for the 7th year on September 28th to mark the start of the screaming season. Last year our park was filled with the shrieks and curdling screams of petrified guests that left them wanting more! Our chicken count has never been higher which left a total of 817 guests who couldn’t bear the thought of what might lie around the next corner.  Think you can you handle it?

Lambton County – Door Open Lambton County – Visit historic homes, performing arts venues, national historic sites, innovative businesses, green industries and more!

London – Doors Open London – 2012 is the 11th year that Doors Open London (DOL) has participated in the provincewide Doors Open Ontario program. This year, DOL will commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. DOL will feature sites that have architectural, historical, social and cultural significance to this commemoration. Doors Open London is proud to be a part of Doors Open Ontario!

Markham

Fall Fair – Monster trucks, vendors, competitions, midway, Interactive agri-food tent, Demolition derby, horse show, Petting zoo, children’s entertainers and lots of yummy food

Whittamore’s Farm Pumpkinland – Thousands of pumpkins, hay rides, animals, spooky forest, farm maze, lots of play areas and climbers and much much more

Metcalfe –  Fall Fair – Entertainment, Midway, Derby, Animals, Agricultural displays, Tractor Pull, Classic car show and much more.

Middlesex –Doors Open Middlesex – Step back in time and experience our area’s history as we Defending a nation –celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812, a significant and defining event in Canadian history.

Milton – Springridge Harvest Festival – Running on weekends until the end of October.  Families will enjoy: A Professional Puppet Show “The Great Pumpkin Mix-Up” (Show Times: 11, 12, 1, 2:30 & 4), Wagon ride to the 5-acre Corn Trail, Spooky Boo Barn, Spiderweb Climber, Farm Yard Pipe Slide,Access to the Fun Farm Yard: Farm Animal Barn, Escarpment Educational Lookout, Giant Sandbox, Plywood Milking Cow, Witches Mouth Corn Trail, Tricky Trails Corn Maze, Straw Bale Jumping & Pyramids

Mississauga

Doors Open Mississauga – The 9^th annual Doors Open Mississauga event will highlight unique architectural, heritage and cultural buildings, with a special focus on the Mississauga Civic Centre’s 25^th anniversary. A selection of sites will also support the national Culture Days celebrations by offering performance and/or exhibiting venues to our local arts and arts groups.

Culture Days – Over 70 free things to do in Mississauga this weekend

Oakville

Doors Open Oakville – Join us for our 5th year of Doors Open Oakville

Culture Days – Culture Days is a free, interactive celebration of arts and culture from coast to coast. Culture Days was conceived in response to the growing recognition that a vibrant arts and cultural sector contributes directly to a healthy and stable society.  Queen Elizabeth Community and Cultural Centre will be the hub for Culture Days 2012 in Oakville

Orillia – Downton Orillia Harvest Festival (Saturday only) – Food, Merchandise and Entertainers will be on-hand. There will be activities for all ages: Free Hay Rides, Restaurant Chili Cook-off, Farm Equipment Displays, Live entertainment, Food Drive supporting the Sharing Place Food Bank, and Lots More!!

Ottawa 

Oktoberfest – WUNDERBAR!!! Oktoberfest Ottawa 2012 is Ottawa’s premier Oktoberfest celebration and music festival. With many local performers such as The Bushpilots, Good 2 Go and Canadian chart toppers The Julian Taylor Band, Oktoberfest Ottawa 2012 is a party you won’t want to miss!

Ottawa home and design show – Meet the professional designer, staging experts, and local suppliers that will point you in the right direction this design season.  Every portion of the home can be explored, from information on home building and renovations, to construction, and home materials.  Professionals will be on hand to share their valuable information to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.

Parry Sound – Doors Open Parry Sound – Enjoy the beautiful colours of Georgian Bay country as you enjoy Doors Open

Picton – TASTE Community Grown (Saturday Only) – Prince Edward County’s annual one-day epicurean experience featuring regional chefs, gifted growers, wonderful winemakers and the best beers, cider and cuisine.

Port Elgin – Pumpkinfest – Entertainment, Pet show, Baking contest, Science fun, Car show, Agricultural tent, Helicopter rides, food vendors, Pony rides, Petting zoo and much much more

Port Stanley/Sparta – Doors Open Port Stanley – Sparta – Our Doors Open event is a joint program of Port Stanley and Sparta in Elgin County. Port Stanley is a lakeside village of 2,200 residents on the shore of Lake Erie. The historic village of Sparta is located just north of Port Stanley, in rolling wine country. Sparta began as a Quaker community in the early 1830s and has preserved much of its local history and architecture.  We have been part of Doors Open Ontario for eight years, adding new venues and revisiting favourites each year.

Port Sydney – Annual Turkey Dinner and Fireworks at the Port Sydney Community Hall and Port Sydney beach (Saturday only, 3:30-7:30)  For more details, contact 705-385-2722.

Ripley – Ripley-Huron Fall Fair  (Friday and Saturday only) – Parade, Tractor pull, Texting Competition, Contests, Karaoke, Animals, Clowns, Car & Truck show, Dance and much more

Ruthven – Apple Festival – Bring the entire family and enjoy two spectacular fun filled days that will include weekend long musical entertainment, a host of rides and games for children, the Apple Festival Car Show, over 100 craft and food vendors and the popular Farmers Market filled with all the bounty of Essex County.

St. Thomas – Doors Open St. Thomas – Join us in 2012 when we rediscover the St. Thomas Street Railway. This railway began operating in 1879 as a horse-drawn service. It facilitated train connections between the stations of the Michigan Central, London and Port Stanley, Grand Trunk and Père Marquette railways, as well as commuting to work and shopping. The line was electrified in 1898.

Sturgeon Falls –  Cranberry Festival –  The Sturgeon River House Museum will be hosting the 13^th Annual Cranberry Festival on Saturday  and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Local artisans craft sale, live entertainment, cranberry pancake breakfast, kids activities and so much more. For more information, please call 705-753-4716 or e-mail info@srhm.com

Temagami – Dream Catcher Autumnfest – Art classes, house boat tours, food, scavenger hunt, Community market, games and more

Toronto – The King East Design District Exhibition – This weekend long event will combine various aspects of design found in the city of Toronto. The event takes place on King Street East and in the Distillery District. The exhibition will allow the opportunity to explore all things decadent from furniture, accessories, cars, food, wine and dining. Attendees will have the opportunity to obtain a passport by making a $10 donation to Habitat for Humanity Toronto which can lead to fabulous prizes. This passport will record your journey to the various showrooms that will feature unique interactive and educational experiences.

Vaughan – Doors Open Vaughan–  Eleven Sites Each one specially selected because of its historical, architectural, cultural and/or environmental significance – will open their doors to the public free-of- charge for this two-day event.

Waterdown – Fall Artisan & Craft  Show (Saturday only) – Featuring local handcrafted and handmade items

Windsor

Fall Home Show & Healthy Living Expo – Check out all of the latest products and services being offered to you!  It’s a great way to spend a family weekend outing together.  There will be something for everyone!

Doors Open Windsor – Windsor’s Sandwich Town saw a number of skirmishes during the war – two private homes and one church that are featured on our tour were standing at that time. We also feature sites that tell the story of prohibition and the Underground Railroad, and churches that paint a picture of Windsor’s wide ethnic diversity. Our event takes place over two days and is set up in clusters so that our guests can easily move from place to place.

Family Fun this Weekend (Sept. 21-23, 2012)

Check out all the cool stuff you and your family can do this weekend … September 21-23, 2012

Ajax (Saturday only)

Courtyard Country Fall Fair– Old fashion country fun!  Food competitions, Kid’s cupcake competition, free food samples, games, crafts, activities and fortune telling.  Charity cut for the Cure & Hair extensions for Alzheimer Society

All events are free although donations to the Alzheimer Society are appreciated. Festivities take place at Pickering Village

Ancaster 

Fall Fair at the Ancaster Fair Grounds. Craft exhibits, Quilt draw, Farm equipment, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Black Smith display and demo, Entertainment and Midway

Barrie 

3rd Annual Great Canadian Beaver Race & Festival  held  at Heritage Park. The Great Canadian Beaver Race & Festival is a celebration of all things Canadian with a focus on the iconic beaver. All proceeds from this event are donated to deserving groups and charities.  Check the Schedule of Events. Download the Colouring Contest.

Haliburton

Hike Haliburton – Over 40 guided and themed hikes, Almost 200 km of hiking trails, Four days of hiking including Night Hikes, Awesome autumn colours, Great places to stay and eat, Evening concerts and art shows

Keswick

Harvest Festival – Celebrate the arrival of autumn with vintage farm equipment, food, crafts, music and more. Please visit

Lindsay

157th Lindsay Central Exhibition – Bull riding rodeo, RCMP Musical ride, Tractor pull, Derby, Children’s events, food vendors and much more

Midhurst

Midhurst Arts & Crafts Tour – Find everything from one of a kind paintings, to pottery, jewellery, soap, candles, home decor, sweet treats and even recycled art!

Milton

159th Milton Fall Fair held at the Milton Fair Grounds.  Entertainment, Demolition Derby, Pet Show, Kids craft zone, Midway, Cattle show, Tractor pull, Art displays, food vendors and much much more maps

Oakville (Saturday September 22, 2012)

AutumnFest –  Enjoy the magnificent fall colours in our picturesque Bronte Harbour Village by the Lake.  Shop, taste, smell, learn, and laugh with our friendly merchants and service providers. Look for end of summer bargains, fall or pre-Christmas treasures. Lot of fun demonstrations and entertainment for all.

Owen Sound

Sweetwater Music Festival – For our 9th season we offer audience favourites Adrian Butterfield, Phil Dwyer and Kenneth Slowik and many others. Also the young Canadian super star Phillippe Sly, winner of last year’s Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

St. Catherines

Niagara Wine Festival – Canada’s largest annual celebration of Ontario’s award-winning wineries and vineyards.  Join us for two incredible weekends of programming as we present the 61^stannual Niagara Wine Festival.  See our Program of Events for more information as to what is happening each night of the festival.

Ottawa

Ottawa International Animation Festival – Every September, the Ottawa International Animation Festival presents the world’s most cutting-edge, quirky and important animation. The nation’s capital will once again become the center of the animation universe. The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is the largest event of its kind in North America, a major film event attracting attendees from around the world. Film buffs, art lovers and cartoon fans won’t want to miss this year’s great line up of screenings taking place at ByTowne Cinema, National Gallery of Canada, Empire Theatres Rideau Centre and Arts Court Theatre.

Port Hope

All Canadian Jazz Festival – Three fabulous days of great all-Canadian jazz music, food, drink, and an art show. Performers include Brass Transit, The Imprints, Heavyweights Brass Band, Ori Dagan, The Jensen Sisters Sextet with Joel Miller, Heather Bambrick, TD Canada Trust Young Jazz Showcase, All-Canadian Legends, Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale, Heavy Weather, Diana Panton, and Swing Shift Big Band. The “Blow Your Own Horn” Jazz Parade starts at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, and travels down Walton Street through Port Hope’s famous downtown heritage district, features a wide variety of floats and performers, in addition to a walking jam session open to all comers.

For more information and tickets, visit www.allcanadianjazz.ca or call 1-855-731-9310.

Stratford

Savour Stratford Culinary Festival – Ontario’s foremost celebration of authentic local cuisine with 12 award winning chefs, 30 illuminating tutored tastings, cooking shows and skills workshops led by renowned culinary authors, artisans and innovators and exclusive sampling events.

Our local food heritage spans over 150 years and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Culinary Roots”.

Stratford’s culinary festival is set in one of Ontario’s loveliest heritage towns. Freely roam the outdoor farmers and artisan markets, sampling local fare accompanied by music concerts in our picturesque historic Market Square and our heritage garden district.

Toronto (Sunnyside Beach)

 Juried Art show & sale – The fifth annual Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale returns to the historic Sunnyside Pavilion fromSeptember 21st-23rd, 2012. Join us as we bring together over 70 emerging and established painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers and installation artists.

During the three-day art event, we will also host children’s art workshops on a drop-in basis, create a large-scale painting with the help of our visitors, inspired by iconic Sunnyside Beach, and hold a silent art auction in support of Canadian charity Freeing the Human Spirit. We are looking forward to seeing what will evolve when art brings us all together.

Fall Home Show – Design, Renovate and Style your Life.  Toronto’s largest fall home has finally arrived.  Four days only to design, style and renovate your life all under one roof.  Find innovative products & great deals with over 300 retailers and industry experts!  Takes place at the Better Living Centre Toronto

Science Centre Community Day – Celebrate Community Day with FREE general admission* to the Science Centre and a special price for IMAX® films!

Presented by TELUS, Community Day is the Science Centre’s way of celebrating science with the whole community. In addition to FREE admission and special programming in the Centre throughout the day, we invite all adults to become children again! For this day only, adult visitors will be able to turn back the clock to see the popular IMAX film Under the Sea at the children’s price.

Fall is in the air

School is back in full swing and that means fall is upon us. Summer goes too quick doesn’t it? After i’m done doing my happy dance that the kids are back in school I start to think of all the fun things that comes with fall. My favourite jacket can come out of hiding, we do our annual trip to the apple farm, attend a fall fair or 2 and yep I start my Christmas shopping.

Before the snow begins to fly though there are so many awesome activities you can do with your family. So throw on your favourite sweater gather up the family and head for a day of fun at one of the following orchards, fairs or fall festivals. Please add any additional ones we may have missed.

Apple Orchards in Ontario (compliments of our friends at Orange Pippin)

http://www.orangepippin.com/orchards/canada/ontario

Harvest Festivals

http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/main.cfm?id=B7BB64E0-B6A7-8AA0-6B368708EE7D3D06

Fall Fairs

Click to access 2012_OAAS_Fair_dates.pdf